Multi-band Millimeter Wave Antenna Arrays with Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face challenges in supporting reliable wireless communications at millimeter wave frequencies due to significant attenuation and line-of-sight requirements, which limits bandwidth and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a phased antenna array with beam steering circuitry and multiple sets of antennas on a dielectric substrate, allowing for uniform gain and direction control across frequencies from 10 GHz to 300 GHz, including the use of parasitic antenna resonating elements to broaden bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If millimeter wave communications are used to support high bandwidths, then communication capacity is improved, but signal attenuation increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna sets operating at different frequency bands (first set for first band, second set for second band, third set for third band) into a single phased array structure. This merging allows the system to utilize both high-frequency bands for high bandwidth and lower-frequency bands for better propagation, thereby resolving the contradiction between communication capacity and signal attenuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The phased array antenna system is designed to operate universally across multiple frequency bands simultaneously. Each antenna set can transmit and receive signals in its designated band, allowing the single antenna structure to perform multiple functions across different frequency ranges, thus achieving high bandwidth while mitigating attenuation through band selection.
2Device complexity
If a single antenna structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but bandwidth coverage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into multiple antenna sets (first set, second set, third set), each designed to operate in specific frequency bands. This segmentation allows each subset to be optimized for its designated band while collectively covering a broad spectrum, thus achieving wide bandwidth coverage without requiring entirely separate antenna structures for each band.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the frequency dimension by incorporating multiple antenna sets operating at different frequency bands within a single spatial structure. This dimensional expansion from single-frequency to multi-frequency operation enables broad bandwidth coverage while maintaining a unified antenna architecture, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and frequency versatility.
3Reliability
If beam steering is implemented to control signal direction, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beam steering circuitry is merged with each antenna set, allowing centralized control of phase and amplitude across all antenna elements. This integration enables coordinated beam forming and steering across multiple frequency bands using unified control logic, improving communication reliability through directional signal control while avoiding the complexity of separate beam steering systems for each band.
4Area of stationary object
If concentric ring antenna arrangements are used, then spatial efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structural approach by arranging different antenna sets in concentric rings on a substrate. This composite layout optimizes spatial utilization and allows systematic positioning of antenna elements at predetermined locations, thereby reducing the overall footprint while managing manufacturing precision through structured geometric patterns.
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
Enables efficient and uniform wireless communications across multiple frequency bands with improved signal steering and reduced interference, maintaining performance regardless of beam direction.
Implementation Method 1
The phased antenna array may transmit and receive a beam of wireless signals in frequency bands between 10 GHz and 300 GHz
Implementation Method 2
A set of parasitic antenna resonating elements may be formed over the first set of antennas in the array and may serve to broaden a bandwidth of the first set of antennas
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may be provided with wireless circuitry that includes a phased antenna array. The array may include first, second, and third rings of antennas on a dielectric substrate that cover respective first, second, and third communications bands greater than 10 GHz. The second ring of antennas may surround the first ring of antennas. The third ring of antennas may be formed over the second ring of antennas. Parasitic elements may be formed over the first ring of antennas to broaden the bandwidth of the first ring of antennas. Beam steering circuitry may be coupled to the rings of antennas. Control circuitry may control the beam steering circuitry to steer a beam of wireless signals in one or more of the first, second, and third communications bands. The array may exhibit relatively uniform antenna gain regardless of the direction in which the beam is steered.