Multiband Antenna Element with Integrated Multiplexer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multiband antennas face challenges in compactness due to the need for multiple arrays and the presence of multiplexers/demultiplexers, which degrade antenna characteristics and limit the number of frequency bands that can be supported within physical constraints.
Innovation Solution
Embedding a multiplexer/demultiplexer for multiple frequency bands within the feeding and impedance matching circuit of each radiating/receiving element allows for direct connections to monoband feeding lines, eliminating the need for cumbersome external multiplexers/demultiplexers and enhancing antenna compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple arrays of monoband radiating/receiving modules are added to support more frequency bands, then the number of supported frequency bands increases, but the antenna dimensions and weight increase, violating physical constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple monoband radiating/receiving modules into a single multiband module by integrating multiple feeding networks and multiplexers/demultiplexers for different frequency bands into one unified structure. This allows the antenna to support multiple frequency bands without requiring separate arrays for each band, thereby reducing overall antenna weight and dimensions while maintaining adaptability across frequency bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiband radiating/receiving module is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it can operate across multiple frequency bands (e.g., 700 MHz, 2.6 GHz, 3.5 GHz) and support both transmission and reception. The single module replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate monoband modules, achieving universality that reduces weight while maintaining broad frequency support.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple arrays of monoband radiating/receiving modules are added to support more frequency bands, then the number of supported frequency bands increases, but the antenna width increases, limiting the number of arrays that can be placed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple frequency band handling capabilities into a single multiband module, eliminating the need for multiple separate arrays arranged side-by-side. By integrating multiple feeding networks and multiplexers/demultiplexers for different frequency bands into one unified module, the antenna achieves multi-frequency support without increasing width, as all frequency band functionality is consolidated within the same spatial footprint.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiplexers/demultiplexers are placed on the radiating/receiving face of the metal plate, then frequency band multiplexing is achieved, but the free space for supporting the array is reduced and antenna characteristics are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the multiplexers/demultiplexers and feeding networks within the multiband radiating/receiving module itself, rather than placing them separately on the radiating/receiving face of the metal plate. The multiplexers are integrated into the module's internal structure, allowing frequency band multiplexing functionality to be contained within the module's footprint. This nesting approach preserves the free space on the radiating/receiving face while maintaining full frequency band multiplexing capability.
4Area of stationary object
If a single array of multiband radiating/receiving modules is used, then antenna compactness is improved, but complex feeding networks and multiplexers/demultiplexers are required for each module
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple feeding networks for different frequency bands into a single integrated feeding system within each multiband module. Instead of requiring separate feeding networks for each frequency band, the design combines them into one unified feeding structure that handles multiple bands simultaneously. This merging reduces the overall complexity of the feeding network while maintaining the ability to support multiple frequency bands in a compact single-array configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiband radiating/receiving module is designed as a universal unit that can handle multiple frequency bands through integrated multiplexers/demultiplexers and feeding networks. Each module performs multiple functions - supporting different frequency bands, handling both transmission and reception, and providing impedance matching - all within a single standardized unit. This universality simplifies the overall system architecture compared to having separate specialized modules for each frequency band.
Data Source
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AI summary
The radiating/receiving element (E1a') comprises a dipole (P1a, P2a) and a feeding and impedance matching circuit (C12a) coupled to the dipole. A multiplexer/demultiplexer (MD2a), for a plurality of frequency bands (F1a, F2a, F3a), is embedded into said feeding and impedance matching (C2A) coupled to the dipole.