Notched Ground Plane Antenna for Multi-Band WWAN
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Solution Overview
Problem
The design of multi-band WWAN antennas in mobile communication devices is challenging due to limited antenna space and electromagnetic compatibility issues, particularly because incomplete system ground planes affect the excitation of resonant modes at lower frequency bands, requiring time-consuming adjustments for different device sizes.
Innovation Solution
A communication device with a ground plane featuring a notch at its edge, where a capacitive coupling portion between a conductive portion and the ground plane, along with a shorting terminal, forms an equivalent loop resonant structure to excite both lower and higher frequency bands, reducing the antenna's overall size and enhancing radiation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complete ground plane is used, then lower band resonant modes can be effectively excited and wider operating bandwidth is achieved, but antenna space is increased and device size is enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The ground plane is segmented by introducing a notch at its edge, dividing the continuous ground plane into distinct regions. This segmentation allows the antenna element to be positioned within the notch, creating a compact configuration that maintains the necessary ground plane area for lower band resonance while reducing the overall footprint required in the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna element is nested within the notch of the ground plane, with the capacitive coupling portion positioned inside the notched region. This nesting arrangement allows the antenna structure to be embedded within the ground plane's recessed area, effectively utilizing the ground plane's space while maintaining compact overall dimensions.
2Area of stationary object
If antenna space is reduced to fit mobile devices, then device integration is improved, but excitation of lower frequency bands becomes difficult and impedance bandwidth is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The local quality of the ground plane is modified by creating a notched region with specific geometric properties. The notch dimensions and shape are optimized to provide the necessary electrical characteristics for lower band resonance while maintaining compact overall size. The capacitive coupling portion within the notch creates localized electric field concentration that enhances lower frequency operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical parameters of the antenna system are optimized by adjusting the notch geometry and capacitive coupling dimensions. By changing the physical parameters of these structures, the resonant frequencies and impedance characteristics are tuned to achieve multi-band operation including lower frequency bands within a compact space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ground plane size varies across different devices, then device customization is achieved, but antenna design requires time-consuming adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna element with its capacitive coupling portion and notch configuration is designed as a universal structure that can function across multiple ground plane sizes. The notched ground plane design provides a standardized interface that maintains consistent electrical characteristics regardless of the overall ground plane dimensions, allowing the same antenna design to be adapted to different device configurations without extensive redesign.
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 design enables multi-band operations while reducing the antenna's size and mitigating the effects of varying ground plane shapes, achieving efficient impedance matching and radiation performance across different frequency bands.
Implementation Method 1
A capacitive coupling portion is formed between an end terminal of the first conductive portion and the ground plane
Implementation Method 2
forms an equivalent loop resonant structure to excite both lower and higher frequency bands
Implementation Method 3
The second conductive portion has a shorting terminal electrically coupled or connected to the second edge of the notch
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device including a ground plane and an antenna element is provided. An edge of the ground plane is embedded with a notch, which has at least a first edge and a second edge. The antenna element, disposed at the notch, has at least a first operating frequency band and a second operating frequency band. The antenna element includes a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion. The first conductive portion has a starting terminal, electrically coupled to the first edge of the notch through a signal source, as a feeding terminal of the antenna element. A capacitive coupling portion is formed between an end terminal of the first conductive portion and the ground plane. The second conductive portion has a shorting terminal electrically coupled or connected to the second edge of the notch.