Modular EBG Antenna Assembly for Millimeter-Wave Yield
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Solution Overview
Problem
Antenna arrays at millimeter wave frequencies face challenges in manufacturing tolerances due to the increasing number of radiation elements and operational frequency, leading to low yields and high losses in electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structures.
Innovation Solution
A stacked layered antenna arrangement with a distribution layer comprising multiple modules and a positioning structure, including a frame, which securely holds the modules in position, and EBG structures that form waveguides to prevent electromagnetic propagation, allowing for efficient assembly and low loss transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the number of radiation elements and operational frequency increase, then the control of radiation pattern improves, but manufacturing tolerances for EBG structures become challenging leading to low yields
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution layer is divided into multiple distribution modules, each handling a subset of radiation elements. This segmentation reduces the number of EBG elements that need to be manufactured together in a single structure, thereby improving manufacturing yield while maintaining the required precision for each module.
2Manufacturing precision
If the number of radiation elements and operational frequency increase, then the radiation pattern control improves, but the number of EBG elements increases leading to worse manufacturing yield
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution layer is divided into multiple distribution modules, each handling a subset of radiation elements. This segmentation reduces the number of EBG elements that need to be manufactured together in a single structure, thereby improving manufacturing yield while maintaining the required precision for each module.
3Loss of energy
If EBG structures are used for distribution, then compact design and low loss are achieved, but manufacturing tolerances become challenging at high frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution layer is divided into multiple distribution modules, each handling a subset of radiation elements. This segmentation reduces the number of EBG elements that need to be manufactured together in a single structure, thereby improving manufacturing yield while maintaining the required precision for each module.
4Device complexity
If a single distribution layer is used, then the structure is simple, but assembly precision requirements are high and electrical contact verification is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution layer is divided into multiple distribution modules that can be assembled independently. Each module is positioned using a positioning structure with a frame, which simplifies assembly by reducing precision requirements and eliminating the need for electrical contact verification between modules.
Solution Approach 2:
A positioning structure with a frame is introduced as an intermediary component to hold the distribution modules in their correct positions. This mediator eliminates the need for high-precision direct assembly between distribution layers and radiation elements, and removes the requirement for electrical contact verification.
5Manufacturing precision
If the number of EBG elements increases, then the radiation pattern control improves, but the yield decreases due to smaller EBG element sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution layer is divided into multiple distribution modules, each handling a subset of radiation elements. This segmentation reduces the number of EBG elements that need to be manufactured together in a single structure, thereby improving manufacturing yield while maintaining the required precision for each module.
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 solution improves manufacturing yields and reduces losses by securely positioning distribution modules and using EBG structures to control electromagnetic propagation, facilitating high-performance antenna arrays with reduced assembly complexity and precision requirements.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electromagnetic bandgap, EBG, structure arranged to form at least one waveguide intermediate the distribution layer and the radiation layer. The EBG structure is also arranged to prevent electromagnetic propagation (i.e. electromagnetic radiation) in a frequency band of operation from propagating from the at least one wave guide
Implementation Method 2
at least one electromagnetic bandgap, EBG, structure arranged to form at least one waveguide intermediate the distribution layer and the radiation layer. The distribution layer is arranged to distribute a radio frequency signal to the one or more radiation elements
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna arrangement having a stacked layered structure. The antenna arrangement includes a radiation layer including one or more radiation elements, and a distribution layer facing the radiation layer. The distribution layer is arranged to distribute a radio frequency signal to the one or more radiation elements. The distribution layer includes at least one distribution layer feed and a first electromagnetic bandgap, EBG, structure arranged to form at least one first waveguide intermediate the distribution layer and the radiation layer. The first EBG structure is also arranged to prevent electromagnetic propagation in a frequency band of operation from propagating from the at least one first waveguide in directions other than through the at least one distribution layer feed and the one or more radiation elements. The distribution layer includes a plurality of distribution modules and a positioning structure, the positioning structure is arranged to fix the distribution modules in position.