Multi-Layer Antenna Device for Wide-Angle Millimeter Wave Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna devices have limited beam radiation directions, restricting communication to a narrow angle, especially when using higher frequency bands like millimeter waves that require directionality.
Innovation Solution
The antenna device incorporates a substrate with multiple wiring layers, including patch and slot antennas, and a flexible substrate to radiate beams in multiple directions, allowing for wider angular communication by including first and second antenna elements that radiate beams perpendicular and parallel to the substrate, respectively, with phase control and additional patch antennas for enhanced coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If one or more patch antennas are formed on the substrate in a simple manner, then the device complexity is reduced, but the communicable angular range is limited to a narrow angle centered around the direction perpendicular to the substrate
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into multiple independent antenna elements (first patch antenna, second patch antenna, and slot antenna) that can be independently controlled. Each antenna element radiates in a specific direction, and by selectively activating different segments, the system can adapt to different communication angles without increasing overall structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-plane antenna configuration to a multi-dimensional arrangement by forming antenna elements on different layers (first and second wiring layers) and in different orientations (perpendicular and parallel to substrate). This dimensional expansion enables wide-angle communication while maintaining compact device complexity
2Length of stationary object
If the IC chip and first antenna element are mounted on the same substrate in an overlapping manner, then the wiring length is reduced, but the area of the substrate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The IC chip and antenna elements are positioned in different wiring layers (first and second wiring layers) of the substrate, utilizing the vertical dimension rather than expanding horizontal area. This layered configuration reduces wiring length while maintaining compact substrate footprint
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna elements are nested within the substrate structure by forming them in wiring layers that overlap with the IC chip mounting area. The antenna conductors are embedded within the substrate's multi-layer construction, effectively utilizing the substrate's internal volume rather than occupying additional surface area
3Adaptability or versatility
If slot antennas are provided within ground clearance regions, then beams can be radiated in a direction parallel to the substrate, but the substrate thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slot antennas are formed within the planar ground clearance regions of the wiring layers rather than extending in the thickness direction. This in-plane configuration enables parallel beam radiation while maintaining thin substrate profile
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 enables communication over a wider angle even with frequency bands requiring directionality, such as millimeter waves, without increasing the substrate thickness or size, and improves gain through strategic placement of ground patterns and slits.
Implementation Method 1
a first antenna element including a plurality of patch antenna conductors that is supplied with power from the IC chip and that radiates a beam in a direction substantially perpendicular to the substrate
Implementation Method 2
the second antenna element be configured of a plurality of slot antennas respectively provided within a plurality of ground clearance regions that are cutouts of the ground pattern
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an antenna device that includes a substrate, an IC chip mounted on the substrate, a first antenna element including a plurality of patch antenna conductors that is supplied with power from the IC chip and that radiates a beam in a direction substantially perpendicular to the substrate, and a second antenna element that is supplied with power from the IC chip and that radiates a beam in a first horizontal direction substantially parallel to the substrate.