Monolithic Reconfigurable Antenna Array for Compact Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing millimeter and sub-THz frequency radio communication systems face limitations due to energy absorption by oxygen molecules and high free-space path losses, requiring high-gain antennas that are not compact and reconfigurable.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic integration of active components and planar antennas on semiconductor wafers to form a reconfigurable transmitter network with phase shift control, enabling compact and adaptable antenna designs suitable for frequencies above 30 GHz.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-gain antennas are used to overcome free-space path losses and oxygen absorption at millimeter and sub-THz frequencies, then communication reliability is improved, but device compactness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into multiple elementary cells arranged in a matrix, where each cell contains a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high gain through coherent combining of signals from multiple elements while maintaining a compact form factor, as each individual cell remains small but collectively they provide the required gain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the transmitting and receiving antennas are integrated within the same elementary cell footprint. The transmitting antenna and receiving antenna share the same spatial location in different time slots or frequency channels, effectively nesting two functional elements within one physical space, thereby reducing overall antenna volume while maintaining high gain capability.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional separate integration of transceiver and transmitter network is used, then manufacturing ease is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transceiver module and the transmitter network into a single integrated circuit using monolithic integration technology. The active components (transmitting antennas, receiving antennas, phase shifters, amplifiers) are fabricated together on the same semiconductor substrate, eliminating the need for separate integration of these components. This merging maintains manufacturing simplicity while enabling full reconfigurability through integrated control of phase shifters and signal routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit incorporates controllable phase shifters and switching elements that allow dynamic reconfiguration of the antenna array characteristics. The system can adaptively adjust beam direction, beam width, and frequency response by electronically controlling the phase and amplitude of signals from each elementary cell, providing high adaptability while maintaining a fixed manufactured structure.
3Volume of moving object
If monolithic integration of active components and planar antennas is implemented, then compactness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex integrated circuit is divided into multiple identical or similar elementary cells, each containing a standardized set of components (transmitting antenna, receiving antenna, phase shifter, amplifier). This modular segmentation simplifies the design and manufacturing process by repeating a proven unit cell design, reducing overall system complexity despite the high level of integration. Each cell can be independently optimized and tested before full array integration.
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 provides a compact, reconfigurable antenna system that effectively manages phase shifts and beam formation, overcoming the limitations of existing systems by enabling efficient operation at high frequencies with improved compactness and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
each first active component being electrically connected to a corresponding first planar antenna and configured to introduce a phase shift by modifying an electrical length of the first planar antenna
Implementation Method 2
a first interconnection structure, formed on a second surface of the first wafer, and electrically connected to the first active components
Implementation Method 3
The elementary cells make it possible to generate the phase law in the radiation aperture in order to form the desired radiation for the antenna
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
Structure (1) comprising: - a first wafer (W1), including first active components (C1) configured to introduce a phase shift; - a first metallic layer, formed on a first surface (W10) of the first wafer (W1); - a first interconnection structure (3), formed on a second surface (W11) of the first wafer (W1), including first polarization lines (30); - an assembly of first planar antennas (A1), formed on the first interconnection structure (3); - a second wafer (W2); - a second metallic layer, formed on a first surface (W20) of the second wafer (W2); - an assembly of second planar antennas (A2), formed on a second surface (W21) of the second wafer (W2);the first and second plates (W1, W2) being assembled via the first and second metallic layers so that the first and second planar antennas (A1, A2) are aligned, the first and second metallic layers forming a ground plane (PM).;