Millimeter-Wave Antenna Module Reuse for Non-Millimeter-Wave Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for 5G multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) communications and the need for more frequency bands lead to challenges in compactly integrating millimeter-wave and non-millimeter-wave antennas, resulting in larger device sizes and reduced product competitiveness due to insufficient antenna design and increased space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional integration module system where millimeter-wave antennas and radio frequency chips are arranged on one module carrier with conductive regions, allowing the millimeter-wave antenna module to function as non-millimeter-wave antennas through feeding lines and matching networks, and incorporating thermally conductive materials for heat dissipation, enabling reuse of the millimeter-wave antenna module to cover both frequency bands without additional space or cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate antennas are used for millimeter-wave and non-millimeter-wave bands, then communication coverage is improved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional antenna module where the same physical structure serves dual purposes: millimeter-wave antennas for high-frequency communication and non-millimeter-wave antennas for lower-frequency communication. The module carrier integrates both antenna types, allowing a single component to perform multiple communication functions across different frequency bands, thereby reducing the overall number of separate antenna components needed in the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where non-millimeter-wave antennas are integrated within or alongside millimeter-wave antenna structures on the module carrier. This nesting approach allows compact co-location of different antenna types, enabling space-efficient integration of multiple communication functions without significantly increasing device volume.
2Volume of moving object
If more antennas are integrated into a single module, then device volume is reduced, but heat dissipation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the integrated antenna module into distinct functional regions: millimeter-wave antenna areas, non-millimeter-wave antenna areas, and dedicated heat dissipation zones. This segmentation allows thermal management components to be strategically positioned within the compact module structure, enabling effective heat dissipation pathways without compromising the integrated antenna functionality or increasing overall device volume.
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 solution allows for a more compact and spatially efficient design that covers millimeter wave and non-millimeter wave bands of 5G without increasing device volume, improving product competitiveness and heat dissipation, while reducing development difficulties and costs.
Implementation Method 1
the side surface of the module carrier is provided thereon with a conductive region electrically connected to a conductive ground in the millimeter-wave antenna module, the feeding source for non-millimeter-wave antenna(s) is electrically connected to the conductive region on the third side face via the feeding line(s) for the non-millimeter-wave antenna(s)
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2(a)~3(a)
Figure 3(b)~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to an integration module system of millimeter-wave and non-millimeter-wave antennas and an electronic apparatus, the system comprising a millimeter-wave antenna module and a non-millimeter-wave environment, the millimeter-wave antenna module forming a communication connection with the non-millimeter-wave environment for realizing reusing of the millimeter-wave antenna module to achieve a function of non-millimeter-wave antenna(s). The present invention proposes directly reusing a millimeter-wave antenna module, which is designed so that this module also has an antenna function of a non-millimeter-wave module, while an individual module's own volume does not need to be increased, and the module itself does not need to have additionally-added antenna traces, that is, with the same volume, a function of non-millimeter-wave antenna(s) may be further added. Therefore, it obviously helps to avoid an increase of the device's volume and improve compactness of the system and system design.