Integrated NFC and MST Antenna Module for Slim Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for wireless communication terminals with multiple antennas, such as NFC and MST, leads to thicker devices, contradicting the trend of slimming wireless communication terminals for improved portability.
Innovation Solution
An antenna module is developed using a first antenna formed by the Molded Interconnect Device (MID) method on an injection-molded product and a second antenna on a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), with a shielding layer to reduce size and enhance performance, allowing both NFC and MST functions to be performed with a single module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas (NFC, MST) are provided in the wireless communication terminal, then communication functions are enhanced, but the device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna functions (NFC and MST) into a single integrated antenna module. The first antenna for NFC and the second antenna for MST are integrated into one module that can be installed in a thin profile, thereby maintaining enhanced communication functionality while reducing the overall device thickness compared to separate antenna implementations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar antenna designs to three-dimensional立体 antenna structures. The first antenna uses a folded meander line configuration and the second antenna uses a spiral configuration, both utilizing vertical space and three-dimensional routing to achieve multiple communication functions within a compact thickness, effectively moving the solution into another dimension.
2Reliability
If external antennas are used, then antenna performance is improved, but the external appearance deteriorates and user convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the antenna system into the internal structure of the wireless communication terminal. The antenna module is integrated into the device housing or internal components, eliminating the need for external protruding antennas. This internal integration maintains antenna performance through proper electromagnetic design while preserving the device's external appearance and user convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna structures are nested within the device housing or internal components. The first antenna with its folded meander line configuration and the second antenna with spiral configuration are embedded within the available internal space, allowing high-performance antenna design to be nested within the compact device form factor without external protrusions.
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 solution effectively reduces the size of wireless communication terminals by integrating multiple antennas, enhancing radiation efficiency and enabling simultaneous NFC and MST functions without increasing thickness.
Implementation Method 1
a shielding layer configured to at least partially overlap the first antenna formed on the injection-molded product to shield electromagnetic waves
Implementation Method 2
The shielding layer may include ferrite
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure enables the size of a wireless communication terminal to be reduced by the implementation, as a first antenna formed by an MID method and a second antenna formed on an FPCB, of the antenna module used in the wireless communication terminal. The antenna module is capable of performing a plurality of communication functions through a single antenna module by enabling the first antenna to function as a near-field communication (NFC) antenna and the second antenna to function as a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna.