MIMO Antenna Miniaturization via Spatial Stacking and Ground Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional single-input single-output antenna systems fail to meet the requirements of high capacity, high rate, and high reliability for new generation wireless communications due to limited spectrum resources, and MIMO antenna systems face challenges in miniaturization and multi-band operation for terminal devices with limited space.

Innovation Solution

The design of MIMO antennas with a ground plate and antenna modules that include a clearance area and support structures, where branches are positioned to resonate in different bands and centralize surface currents, reducing the size and increasing the efficiency of the antenna modules for multi-band operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If multiple antenna modules are centralized in small space for terminal miniaturization, then the terminal size is reduced, but the isolation between antenna modules deteriorates and correlation coefficient increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal sizeVSAvoidantenna isolation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from planar antenna layout to three-dimensional spatial arrangement. The first antenna module is positioned at the top surface while the second antenna module is positioned at the bottom surface of the terminal, utilizing the thickness dimension to achieve spatial separation. This vertical stacking approach maintains adequate isolation between antenna modules while minimizing the terminal's footprint area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent embeds antenna modules within the terminal's internal structure, nesting them between different functional layers. The antenna modules are integrated into the terminal housing with the ground plate forming part of the structural assembly, allowing compact arrangement without compromising performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If antenna modules are placed close together to reduce terminal size, then miniaturization is achieved, but current coupling between modules increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna module sizeVSAvoidcurrent coupling
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a ground plate as an intermediary structure between the two antenna modules. This ground plate serves as an electromagnetic shield that isolates the current paths of adjacent antenna modules, preventing harmful current coupling while allowing the modules to be positioned in close proximity for compact terminal design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the terminal's internal space into distinct electromagnetic zones separated by ground planes and structural elements. By segmenting the current paths and electromagnetic fields into isolated regions, the design prevents interference between antenna modules while maintaining compact overall dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional antenna designs are used, then manufacturing is simple, but multi-band operation capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidmulti-band operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs antenna modules with multi-functional capabilities to operate across multiple frequency bands (first communication band and second communication band). The antenna structure incorporates elements that can resonate at different frequencies, allowing a single module to serve multiple communication standards and bands, thereby reducing the need for separate antennas for each band.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in the antenna structure, such as varying lengths of conductive elements and adjusting impedance characteristics, to enable operation at different frequency bands. By modifying structural parameters like element length and configuration, the antenna can be tuned to resonate at multiple frequencies while maintaining a compact form factor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach allows for the miniaturization of MIMO antennas, enhancing their performance by reducing current coupling and enabling operation across multiple frequency bands, thus meeting the requirements for next-generation wireless communications in compact terminal devices.

Implementation Method 1

the at least two branches can resonate in different bands, so that the antenna module can operate in a plurality of bands

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

a projection of a tail end on the horizontal plane is inside the clearance area, where the tail end is disposed inside the clearance area, to complete resonance, so that surface currents on the branch are centralized on an edge of the clearance area as many as possible

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3379649B1Antenna unit, MIMO antenna, and terminal
Publication Date: 2023.01.11 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3379649B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3379649B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3379649B1 patent drawingFigure 7~10

AI summary

This application relates to the field of communications technologies, and in particular, to an antenna module, a MIMO antenna, and a terminal. The antenna module can operate in a plurality of bands, and miniaturization of the antenna module can be implemented. When the antenna module is applied to the MIMO antenna, a size of the MIMO antenna can be reduced. When the MIMO antenna is applied to the terminal, a design requirement for miniaturization of the terminal can be met. An embodiment of this application provides an antenna module. The antenna module includes a clearance area, a support, and at least two branches; each branch is disposed on the support; a partial projection of the support on a horizontal plane falls within the clearance area; and a projection, on the horizontal plane, of one end that is of each branch and that is configured to connect to a feed point is outside the clearance area, and a projection of a tail end on the horizontal plane is inside the clearance area.