Multilayer Antenna Assembly for Low-Interference PCB Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
In antenna assemblies, the mechanical complexity and interference between different antennas, particularly between smaller and larger antennas, lead to reduced radiation performance due to their close proximity on printed circuit boards, which is a challenge in space-constrained telecommunication applications.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer antenna assembly is designed with an insulating support and two antennas, where a transmission line extending across one antenna's layer allows the second antenna to be positioned away from the first antenna's feed and short connections, utilizing the first antenna's radiating portion as a common ground return path to prevent interference, while maintaining the radiation performance of the first antenna.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple antennas are integrated closely on a printed circuit board to save space, then the space constraint is addressed, but the mechanical complexity increases and radiation performance deteriorates due to interference between antennas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar arrangement to three-dimensional stacking by placing antennas on opposite sides of a support structure. The first antenna is arranged on a first side of the support and the second antenna on a second side, utilizing the third dimension (vertical stacking) to achieve spatial separation while maintaining compact footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds transmission lines within the layers of the support structure itself. The transmission line is arranged at least partly on the first side across the first layer, integrating the interconnection path into the antenna assembly's core structure rather than adding separate external connections.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple antennas are arranged close to each other on a printed circuit board, then space is saved, but the radiation performance of smaller antennas is strongly reduced by larger antennas
Solution Approach 1:
By stacking antennas on opposite sides of the support structure separated by multiple layers (first layer, second layer, third layer), the patent creates sufficient electromagnetic isolation between antennas of different sizes, preventing the larger antenna from degrading the radiation performance of the smaller antenna.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure with its multiple insulating layers acts as an intermediary between the first and second antennas. This intermediate structure provides electromagnetic isolation and prevents direct interference between the antennas while maintaining their integrated assembly.
3Reliability
If a transmission line extends across the first layer to connect the second antenna, then the second antenna can be positioned away from feed connections improving its radiation performance, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transmission line with the antenna layers by arranging the transmission line on the first side across the first layer. This integration allows the transmission line to share the same physical space as the antenna structure without requiring separate mounting areas or additional external interconnection components.
Solution Approach 2:
The first layer serves multiple functions: it acts as part of the first antenna structure and simultaneously provides a path for the transmission line to extend across it. This multi-functionality allows the transmission line to route through the antenna assembly without adding separate structural elements.
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
This configuration reduces mechanical complexity and enhances the radiation performance of the second antenna while maintaining the performance of the first antenna, by using the first antenna's radiating portion as a ground return path for the second antenna, thus minimizing interference between them.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission line arranged at least partly on said first side across said first layer for connecting said second feed connection of said second antenna to a second signal source
Implementation Method 2
the radiating portion of the first antenna comprised between the feed connection and the short connection acts as a ground return path for a current injected in the transmission line and the second antenna
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an antenna assembly (1) comprising: - an insulating support (10) comprising a first side (11) and a second side (12) facing away from said first side; - a first antenna (20) comprising a first layer (21) arranged on said first side and a second layer (22) arranged on said second side, at least one of said first layer and said second layer comprising a first feed connection (60) connecting said first antenna to a first signal source, at least one of said first layer and said second layer comprising a short connection (61) connecting said first antenna to a reference potential, said first layer and said second layer being conductively connected to each other; - a second antenna (30) comprising a second feed connection (65); and - a transmission line (40) arranged at least partly on said first side across said first layer and connecting said second feed connection of said second antenna to a second signal source.