Multi-Plane Antenna Arrangement for Semiconductor Chip Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing antenna arrangements for semiconductor chips are limited in versatility and efficiency due to integral design constraints, increased component size, and interference between chip and antenna radiation characteristics.

Innovation Solution

An antenna arrangement featuring multiple sub-arrays with different types of antennas (patch, Vivaldi, loop, or cavity-backed) oriented differently between planes, allowing for improved directional characteristics, increased coverage, and reduced energy consumption by enabling flexible alignment and interconnection of antennas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If antennas are arranged on the upper side of the semiconductor chip in the same position as the chip, then the antenna arrangement can be used with different chips, but the area required on the circuit board increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different chipsVSAvoidarea on circuit board
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a single-plane antenna arrangement to a multi-plane configuration, stacking antenna elements vertically above the chip. This three-dimensional arrangement allows the antenna system to maintain compatibility with different chips while minimizing the horizontal area occupied on the circuit board, as the additional antenna elements are positioned in the vertical dimension rather than expanding the footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple antennas are arranged in the same plane at the same position as the chip, then chip independence is achieved, but the radiation characteristics of the antennas are affected by the chip

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechip independenceVSAvoidinterference with radiation characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By arranging antenna elements in multiple planes at different heights above the chip surface, the patent reduces the interaction between the chip and the antenna radiation patterns. The vertical separation minimizes the harmful electromagnetic interference while maintaining the chip-independent design, as the antennas are positioned in the vertical dimension away from the chip plane.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If identical antenna types are used in the antenna arrangement, then manufacturing is simplified, but directional characteristic and antenna gain are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoiddirectional characteristic and antenna gain
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs different antenna types (such as patch antennas, Vivaldi antennas, or loop antennas) at different positions and planes above the chip. Each antenna type is strategically selected to provide specific radiation patterns and gain characteristics in particular directions. This local differentiation of antenna qualities enables the overall system to achieve superior directional characteristics and antenna gain while maintaining reasonable manufacturing complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 enhances directional gain, reduces energy requirements, and achieves a compact, robust design with increased coverage without negatively impacting individual antenna performance, allowing for flexible use across various semiconductor chips.

Implementation Method 1

an antenna arranged on the transmitter side, this technical arrangement converts line-bound electromagnetic waves into so-called free-space waves, which propagate from the antenna into space as electromagnetic waves. On the receiver side, the antenna converts the electromagnetic waves arriving as free space waves back into conducted electromagnetic waves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave conversion:

Implementation Method 2

Antennas are required to emit and receive electromagnetic waves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP2494655B1Antenna arrangement for signal transmission
Publication Date: 2018.07.18 TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAT DRESDEN
  • EP2494655B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2494655B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2494655B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention, which relates to an antenna arrangement for transmitting signals, aims to provide an antenna arrangement which has improved directional characteristics, a greater antenna gain, is simple to produce and is robust and cost-effective. The aim of the invention is achieved in that the antenna arrangement (1) has a plurality of planes and a plurality of individual antennas are arranged on each plane.