Multiband Antenna Assembly PCB Matching Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiband antenna assemblies for vehicular and machine-to-machine applications face challenges such as low efficiency, narrow bandwidths, and non-omnidirectional radiation patterns, often requiring manual tuning and lump components that lead to inconsistent results and increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a multiband antenna assembly with matching elements printed on printed circuit boards, eliminating the need for lump components like leaded capacitors or air wound inductors, and utilizes parasitic PCBs and stub matching to broaden bandwidth and improve RF performance, allowing for consistent and efficient operation across multiple frequency ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If matching lump components (leaded capacitors, air wound inductors) are used in multiband antenna assemblies, then manual tuning can be performed, but production costs increase and manufacturing consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes matching lump components (capacitors and inductors) from the antenna assembly by integrating their matching function directly into the PCB trace design. This extraction eliminates manual tuning requirements and reduces production complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision through standardized PCB fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical assembly of separate lump components with an integrated PCB-based matching network. The electrical matching function previously performed by discrete capacitors and inductors is now achieved through printed circuit board traces and ground plane configurations, eliminating manual assembly and tuning steps.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional multiband antenna designs are used, then multiple frequency ranges can be covered, but bandwidth remains narrow and radiation patterns are non-omnidirectional
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna elements and matching networks into a single integrated PCB structure. This merging of functions allows the antenna to cover multiple frequency ranges (AM, FM, GPS, cellular bands) while achieving omnidirectional radiation patterns and broader bandwidth through the collaborative operation of integrated radiating elements and ground plane structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal antenna assembly that performs multiple functions: AM broadcasting, FM broadcasting, GPS reception, and cellular communication. The integrated PCB structure with configurable ground planes and radiating elements provides multi-band operation and omnidirectional coverage across all these frequency ranges simultaneously.
3Manufacturing precision
If antenna assemblies require manual tuning, then performance can be optimized, but production time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the matching network design and optimization in advance during the PCB layout phase. The matching traces and ground plane configurations are pre-calculated and integrated into the PCB design, eliminating the need for post-assembly tuning. This preliminary action ensures optimal performance is achieved through standard PCB fabrication without additional manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary embodiment of an multiband antenna assembly includes a printed circuit board having a plurality of elements thereon. The plurality of elements may include a radiating element, a matching element, a feed element configured to be operable as a feeding point for the multiband antenna assembly, and a shorting element configured to be operable for electrically shorting the radiating element to ground. The antenna assembly may be operable within at least a first frequency range and a second frequency range different than the first frequency range without requiring any matching lump components coupled to the printed circuit board.