Multi-Band Patch Antenna Arrays for Display-Integrated mmWave Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of mmWave antennas with high gain and narrow beam width into small-sized user equipment (UE) is challenging due to limited interior space, and existing antennas are difficult to integrate into display structures, necessitating a solution that supports multiple frequency bands and omnidirectional coverage with separated feeding.
Innovation Solution
A patch antenna design featuring multiple arrays of conductive patches with distinct inter-patch spacings and separated feeding, allowing operation in different frequency bands, and enabling integration into UE displays through an 'antenna-on-display' design with optically transparent substrates and mesh structures to avoid moire effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mmWave antennas with high gain are implemented, then communication coverage is improved, but beam width becomes narrow requiring beam steering
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into multiple independent antenna elements arranged in arrays. Each element can be independently controlled to form multiple beams simultaneously, eliminating the need for mechanical beam steering while maintaining high gain coverage. The conductive patches are divided into multiple groups that can be activated independently to create omnidirectional coverage patterns.
2Reliability
If antenna module is integrated into main circuit board, then communication performance is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna elements are merged directly into the display structure rather than being separate modules on the circuit board. The conductive patches are integrated into the display housing or back cover, combining the display function with antenna function. This eliminates the need for separate antenna modules and reduces overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system transitions from a planar circuit board layout to a three-dimensional integration within the display structure. Multiple antenna elements are arranged in vertical and horizontal dimensions within the display thickness, enabling omnidirectional coverage without increasing the device's footprint area.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple frequency bands are supported, then communication versatility is improved, but antenna design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The same antenna array structure supports multiple frequency bands through electronic beamforming and frequency-selective surface designs. The conductive patches are designed with dimensions and spacing that resonate at multiple frequency bands simultaneously, allowing a single antenna structure to perform multiple frequency functions without requiring separate antenna elements for each band.
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 design achieves omnidirectional coverage and supports multiple frequency bands with improved beam coverage and user experience by integrating antennas into UE displays, enhancing communication stability and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
Each conductive patch of the first array of conductive patches has a first inter-patch spacing that corresponds to a first frequency band... Each conductive patch of the second array of conductive patches has a second inter-patch spacing that corresponds to a second frequency band
Implementation Method 2
The gap defines a bandwidth of the second frequency band... by implementing the gap between the first and second sub-patches of each conductive patch of the second array of conductive patches, it is possible to obtain two frequency resonances around an operating frequency
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to patch antennas and devices utilizing patch antennas. Some embodiments comprise at least two different arrays of conductive patches arranged on one side of a dielectric substrate. Each of the at least two arrays of conductive patches supports a different frequency band. Moreover, each of the at least two arrays of conductive patches is provided with separated feeding. Additionally, each conductive patch of one or more of the at least two arrays of conductive patches is implemented as a combination two conductive sub-patches separated by a gap. In some embodiments, the patch antenna is suitable for integration into a display structure of a UE or other device.