Multi-Band Dipole Antenna Assembly for Compact WLAN Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna assemblies for wireless local area networks (WLAN) struggle to provide efficient, compact, and omnidirectional coverage across multiple frequency bands, such as 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, with high gain and low ripple, while maintaining a compact size and low voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR).
Innovation Solution
The development of multi-band antenna assemblies featuring an array of radiating dipoles on opposite sides of a network board, with a microstrip feed network and ground plane, allowing co-location of RF currents for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, and utilizing interconnect boards to distribute RF energy symmetrically, resulting in a compact design with high gain and low ripple.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional separate antenna designs are used for different frequency bands, then each band can be optimized independently, but the overall device size increases and multiple antennas are required
Solution Approach 1:
The dipole radiating elements are designed to operate across multiple frequency bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) simultaneously. The same physical dipole structure supports both low-band and high-band RF currents, eliminating the need for separate antennas for each band and achieving multi-functionality from a single radiating element
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple frequency band operations into a single integrated antenna assembly. The feed network merges low-band and high-band RF signals, and the dipole elements co-locate both frequency bands in the same physical space, reducing the overall volume required for antenna deployment
2Volume of moving object
If compact antenna designs are used, then device size is reduced, but achieving high gain and low ripple across multiple bands becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna assembly is segmented into multiple dipole elements arranged in specific geometric configurations. This segmentation allows each dipole to contribute to the overall radiation pattern, achieving high gain through constructive interference while maintaining a compact form factor. The segmented approach enables precise control over radiation characteristics across both frequency bands
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement of dipole elements and feed network components to achieve compact design. By optimizing the vertical and horizontal positioning of dipoles and using stacked configurations, the antenna achieves high gain and low ripple performance in a reduced volume compared to traditional planar designs
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple radiating elements are used for different bands, then frequency coverage is improved, but the complexity of the feed network and current distribution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feed network is designed with universal coupling capability to both low-band and high-band dipole elements. The same feed structure and coupling mechanism serve dual purposes across frequency bands, simplifying the overall network architecture compared to having separate dedicated feed networks for each band
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna assembly employs composite structural design combining dipole elements, ground planes, and feed networks in an integrated configuration. This composite approach allows the system to handle multiple frequency bands through a unified structure rather than separate components, reducing overall system complexity
4Area of stationary object
If omnidirectional radiation is achieved across multiple bands, then coverage area is improved, but maintaining low VSWR and high gain becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna assembly employs asymmetric ground plane configurations and non-uniform dipole element spacing to optimize radiation patterns. This asymmetric design allows better control over impedance matching and VSWR across both frequency bands while maintaining omnidirectional coverage, compared to symmetric configurations that are more difficult to optimize for multi-band performance
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 achieves high gain (between 8 dBi and 10 dBi) with low omnidirectional radiation ripple and VSWR < 2:1 across both frequency bands, maintaining a compact size (less than 15 inches) and efficient RF energy distribution.
Implementation Method 1
radiating dipoles or dipole radiating elements are along or on opposite sides of the feed network and the ground plane. The radiating dipoles or dipole radiating elements may be operable simultaneously and may co-locate radio frequency currents for a first frequency band and a second frequency band
Data Source
AI summary
According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of antenna assemblies. In an exemplary embodiment, an antenna assembly generally includes a feed network and a ground plane. Radiating dipoles or dipole radiating elements are along or on opposite sides of the feed network and the ground plane. The radiating dipoles or dipole radiating elements may be operable simultaneously and may co-locate radio frequency currents for a first frequency band and a second frequency band.