Multi-Band MIMO Antenna Array for Compact 5G Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern electronic devices face space constraints and interference issues when integrating additional 5G antennas with existing 2G-4G antennas, necessitating innovative antenna solutions that support multiple radio access technologies (RATs) without increasing device size.

Innovation Solution

A MIMO antenna array with multiple antennas, including configurations that support 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G RATs, is designed to occupy minimal space by leveraging existing hardware arrangements and minimizing interference, with specific antennas placed on the top and bottom portions of the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional 5G antennas are added to support 5G technologies, then 5G functionality is improved, but device space is consumed and placement is limited by existing 2G-4G antenna arrangements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve5G functionalityVSAvoiddevice space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a multi-band antenna that can operate across multiple frequency ranges (700MHz-900MHz, 1700MHz-2100MHz, and 3GHz-5GHz) to support both legacy 2G-4G networks and 5G networks simultaneously. This single antenna structure replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate antennas, thereby maintaining 5G functionality while reducing the total area occupied in the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple antenna functions into a unified antenna structure that integrates support for multiple radio access technologies (2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G) and multiple frequency bands. By merging these functions into one antenna element, the design eliminates the need for separate antenna placements and reduces the overall space required in the electronic device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Area of stationary object

If 5G antennas are placed close to existing 2G-4G antennas, then space is saved, but signal interference increases and performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidsignal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs electromagnetic shielding structures and ground plane configurations that are locally optimized around the antenna elements. These local modifications create electromagnetic isolation zones that prevent interference between adjacent antenna elements while maintaining compact overall dimensions, thus achieving both space efficiency and signal quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If multiple separate antennas are used to support multiple RATs, then each RAT can be optimized, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRAT optimizationVSAvoidantenna arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a multi-band antenna that can operate across multiple frequency ranges (700MHz-900MHz, 1700MHz-2100MHz, and 3GHz-5GHz) to support both legacy 2G-4G networks and 5G networks simultaneously. This single antenna structure replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate antennas, thereby maintaining 5G functionality while reducing the total area occupied in the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple antenna functions into a unified antenna structure that integrates support for multiple radio access technologies (2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G) and multiple frequency bands. By merging these functions into one antenna element, the design eliminates the need for separate antenna placements and reduces the overall space required in the electronic device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3688842B1Multi-band antennas and MIMO antenna arrays for electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3688842B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3688842B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3688842B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Antennas and MIMO antenna arrays in a housing of an electronic device are described. The MIMO antenna array includes a plurality of antennas. At least one of the antennas has operating frequency ranges of 700 M Hz-900 MHz, 1700MHz-2100 MHz, and 3GHz-5GHz. The MIMO antenna array may include 8 or 10 antennas.