Millimeter-Wave Antenna Array Layout for Wider Beamforming Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current millimeter wave antenna systems have limited beamforming coverage, which restricts their effectiveness in high-frequency communication systems like WiGig and 5G networks due to inadequate substrate materials, PCB stackup, and physical layout designs.
Innovation Solution
The proposed antenna array system features a multi-layer PCB with curved arms and ground planes, varying substrate materials, and controlled impedance feeding lines, allowing for enhanced beamforming coverage by optimizing the alignment and configuration of antenna elements and ground planes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional antenna designs are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but beamforming coverage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved arms with semi-circular geometry instead of traditional straight or planar antenna elements. This curvature enables the antenna to achieve broader beamforming coverage by radiating electromagnetic waves in multiple directions simultaneously, effectively increasing the coverage area without proportionally increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional planar antenna layouts to three-dimensional spatial configurations with curved arms extending in multiple dimensions. This dimensional change allows the antenna to form beams in various directions, significantly expanding coverage area while maintaining manageable structural complexity through systematic design
2Reliability
If substrate materials and PCB stackup are not optimized, then manufacturing is easier, but beamforming coverage and signal stability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise parameter changes in substrate materials (dielectric constant, loss tangent) and PCB stackup configurations (layer thickness, material composition) to optimize millimeter wave signal transmission. These parameter adjustments improve signal stability and beamforming coverage while maintaining PCB fabrication within reasonable complexity limits through standardized manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite material structures in the PCB stackup, combining different substrate materials with specific electromagnetic properties to achieve optimal signal transmission at millimeter wave frequencies. This composite approach enhances signal stability and coverage while leveraging established multi-layer PCB manufacturing techniques
3Area of stationary object
If physical layout is not optimized, then design is simpler, but beamforming coverage and impedance matching are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The curved arm layout with semi-circular geometry is strategically designed to achieve broad beamforming coverage. The curvature radius and arc length are carefully optimized to radiate signals effectively in multiple directions, expanding coverage area while maintaining a systematic physical layout that can be manufactured with standard PCB processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different physical layout characteristics to different regions of the antenna structure. The curved arms have specific trace widths, spacing, and curvature radii optimized for their local electromagnetic field distribution, while the overall layout maintains symmetry and regularity to facilitate manufacturing. This local optimization enhances coverage without requiring entirely complex design rules
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna array system and a method for making the antenna system. The system includes at least two antenna elements serving as transmitter elements, and at least two antenna elements serving as receiver elements. Each of the transmitter antenna and receiver antenna elements include a pair of curved arms, wherein a first arm in the pair of curved arms is configured to be connected from a signal trace of the antenna system. The second arm in the pair of curved arms is configured to be connected to a ground plane.