Dual-Band Reconfigurable mmWave Patch Antenna Without Power Dividers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing millimeter wave antennas for 5G and 6G communication networks face challenges with high path loss and reliance on active devices like PIN diodes and reconfigurable power dividers, leading to high power consumption and performance limitations, especially in array configurations.
Innovation Solution
A dual band pattern reconfigurable millimeter wave antenna design featuring a substrate, patch antenna, and U-shaped trace assembly with PIN diodes biased through vias, allowing for beam steering and dual resonance, enabling simultaneous communication and sensing without complex biasing traces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If PIN diodes and reconfigurable power dividers are used for pattern reconfiguration, then antenna radiation pattern can be reconfigured, but power consumption increases and parasitic elements limit performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the reconfigurable power divider from the antenna system, retaining only the PIN diodes for pattern reconfiguration. This eliminates the parasitic elements and power consumption associated with the power divider while maintaining the ability to reconfigure the radiation pattern through PIN diode-controlled parasitic elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple PIN diodes as disposable, low-cost switching elements来控制 parasitic elements, replacing complex reconfigurable power dividers. The PIN diodes provide sufficient functionality for pattern reconfiguration without the overhead of more complex active devices.
2Ease of manufacture
If printed biasing traces are used for PIN diode biasing, then biasing is achieved, but antenna performance deteriorates at higher frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the biasing approach from a two-dimensional printed trace on the antenna substrate to a three-dimensional coaxial cable connection. This dimensional change allows the biasing signal to be delivered through a separate path that does not interfere with the antenna's electromagnetic fields, thereby maintaining antenna performance at millimeter-wave frequencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coaxial cable as an intermediary element to deliver the biasing signal to the PIN diodes. This intermediary provides a shielded, controlled-impedance path for the biasing signal that is electrically isolated from the antenna radiating structures, preventing performance degradation.
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
The antenna achieves efficient beam steering and dual resonance, supporting communication and sensing functions with reduced power consumption and improved performance, suitable for mm-wave frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
A first PIN diode may be connected between the first trace and the third trace. The second PIN diode may be connected between the second trace and the third trace
Data Source
AI summary
Dual resonance pattern reconfigurable antennas for sensing and communication are disclosed. A dual resonance pattern reconfigurable antenna includes a substrate, a patch antenna, a trace assembly that extends around a perimeter of the patch antenna, and a PIN diode. The trace assembly includes a first trace and a second trace. The first trace extends along a first trace length of the first side perimeter and is separated from the first side perimeter. The second trace includes a second trace top side segment that extends along the top side perimeter. A first gap separates the second trace from the first trace. The PIN diode is connected between the first trace and the second trace. The antenna is reconfigurable between a first biasing state and a second biasing state. The PIN diode is in an ON-state in the first biasing state. The PIN diode is an OFF-state in the second biasing state.