Wideband mmWave Antenna Array Design for 5G Bandwidth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mmWave phased array antennas operating at 28 GHz frequency bands have limited impedance bandwidth, failing to cover the allocated 5G frequency band from 24.3 to 29.6 GHz, necessitating a wideband polarized patch antenna and antenna array design.
Innovation Solution
A dual-polarized helical-shaped L-probe fed patch antenna (HLF-PA) with a specific feeding structure and antenna array configuration, utilizing a high-density interconnected FR-4 printed circuit board substrate and coaxial-like feeding lines, achieves a wide impedance bandwidth of 20% (5.3 GHz: 24.3-29.6 GHz) and excellent isolation between ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional patch antenna structures are used at 28 GHz, then the antenna can be integrated in compact AiP form, but the impedance bandwidth is limited and cannot cover the full 5G frequency band
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is divided into multiple patches arranged in a specific configuration, with each patch contributing to different frequency ranges. The segmentation of the radiating elements allows the overall antenna to achieve broader bandwidth coverage while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple antenna patches are nested or stacked in a compact arrangement within the AiP structure, allowing different frequency responses to be combined in a limited space. This nesting approach enables wideband operation without proportionally increasing the overall antenna footprint or structural complexity
2Volume of moving object
If the antenna height is reduced for compact AiP integration, then compactness and fabrication reliability improve, but the impedance bandwidth and radiation performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna design transitions from a single-layer planar structure to a multi-layer stacked configuration, utilizing the vertical dimension to achieve broad bandwidth. By arranging patches in multiple layers with specific spacing and feeding arrangements, the antenna achieves wide impedance bandwidth without increasing the lateral footprint, effectively trading vertical space for bandwidth performance
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna employs composite substrate structures with different dielectric properties in various layers, optimizing the electromagnetic field distribution to enhance bandwidth performance within compact dimensions. The use of different material characteristics in the stacked configuration allows for improved impedance matching and broader frequency coverage without proportionally increasing volume
3Adaptability or versatility
If discrete antennas are used instead of AiP, then bandwidth and performance can be optimized, but compactness, fabrication reliability, and cost-effectiveness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna elements, feeding networks, and substrate are merged into a single integrated AiP module, with all components fabricated together using compatible processes. This integration maintains broadband performance through carefully designed coupled resonator structures while significantly improving fabrication reliability and reducing assembly complexity compared to discrete antenna approaches
Solution Approach 2:
The AiP antenna structure is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides broadband impedance matching, supports compact integration, and enables fabrication using standard semiconductor-compatible processes. The universal design approach allows the same structure to achieve wideband operation without requiring separate optimization for each performance criterion
Data Source
AI summary
Described and disclosed herein is a wideband polarized patch antenna and the antenna array that can cover mmWave frequency band from 24.3 to 29.6 GHz for 5G applications, and a feeding structure for such an antenna comprising a single element of a polarized helical-shaped L-probe fed patch antenna (HLF-PA) package.