Multiband Antenna with L and U Shapes for WWAN Embedding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiband antennas for WLAN operation are unsuitable for WWAN due to their large size, making it difficult to embed them in mobile communication devices for multiband functionality.
Innovation Solution
A multiband antenna design featuring a ground plane, dielectric substrate, and radiating metal portions with specific L and U shapes, coupled via gaps less than 2 mm, allowing for reduced size and efficient operation across WWAN bands by exciting half-wavelength and full-wavelength resonant modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If prior-art inverted-F antennas are used for WLAN operation, then WLAN functionality is achieved, but the antenna size becomes too large for WWAN operation in mobile devices
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is divided into multiple distinct metal portions (first metal portion, second metal portion, third metal portion) that can be independently designed and optimized. Each portion contributes to different frequency bands, allowing the overall antenna to achieve multiband operation while keeping individual segments compact and suitable for mobile device integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna structure utilizes three-dimensional space by extending metal portions in multiple directions and layers. The first metal portion extends in a first direction, the second metal portion extends in a second direction, and the third metal portion is positioned at a different height level, effectively using vertical and horizontal dimensions to achieve compact multiband operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dual-band inverted-F antenna is used, then dual-band operation is achieved, but the antenna cannot be embedded inside mobile communication devices due to large size
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna structure is designed to be nested within the mobile device housing, with the ground plane formed by the supporting metal frame of the LCD panel. The metal portions are strategically positioned to fit within available spaces, and the dielectric substrate is integrated into the existing device structure, allowing the antenna to be embedded without adding significant bulk.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna structure serves multiple functions: the ground plane provides both structural support and electrical grounding, the dielectric substrate provides both mechanical support and electrical insulation, and the metal portions provide both radiation elements and structural integration points. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and enables compact embedding.
3Volume of moving object
If antenna size is reduced for mobile device embedding, then embeddability is improved, but multiband operation coverage may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the antenna are optimized for different frequency bands. The first metal portion, second metal portion, and third metal portion have different geometries, positions, and dimensions that are specifically tailored to resonate at different frequencies. This local optimization allows each segment to contribute to specific bands while maintaining overall compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna combines multiple materials with different electromagnetic properties: conductive metal portions for radiation, dielectric substrate for insulation and mechanical support, and conductive adhesive for electrical connection. This composite structure enables compact design while maintaining multiband performance through the synergistic interaction of different material properties.
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 reduced size and effective multiband operation covering GSM850/900, 1800/1900, and UMTS bands with a bandwidth of 155 MHz and 695 MHz respectively, suitable for embedding in thin-profile laptop computers.
Implementation Method 1
exciting half-wavelength and full-wavelength resonant modes
Data Source
AI summary
A multiband antenna includes a ground plane, a dielectric substrate and a radiating metal portion. The dielectric substrate is located at one side edge of the ground plane. The radiating metal portion is disposed on one surface of the dielectric substrate and includes a first metal portion and a second metal portion. The first metal portion is substantially of an L-shape. One end of the first metal portion is adjacent to the side edge of the ground plane and is the antenna's feeding point connected to a signal source, and the other end of the first metal portion is an open end. The second metal portion comprises a U-shape portion. The second metal portion includes a first open end and a second open end, which are respectively located on two opposite sides of the open end of the first metal portion. The first open end has a first coupling gap between the first open end and the open end of the first metal portion, and the second open end has a second coupling gap between the second open end and the open end of the first metal portion. The second metal portion is further short-circuited to the ground plane by a shorting metal line.