Overlapped Antenna Arrays for Compact 60 GHz Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless devices face challenges in minimizing space occupied by antenna arrays, reducing lossy power transmission, and achieving effective transmission in devices implementing WiGig specifications, particularly at the 60 GHz frequency spectrum.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of overlapped and staggered transmit and receive antenna arrays on a dielectric material, with separate chains to minimize power loss, combined with conformal shielding and a shaped lens to enhance antenna performance and reduce space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If antenna arrays are made smaller to minimize space, then space occupation is reduced, but power loss increases and transmission effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar antenna arrays to three-dimensional volumetric antenna structures. By stacking multiple antenna elements in the vertical dimension and using dielectric resonators with specific geometric configurations, the system achieves enhanced radiation performance and reduced power loss within a compact footprint, effectively utilizing the third dimension to overcome the trade-off between size and efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite dielectric materials with specific permittivity values (e.g., εr = 9.8) and loss tangents to optimize antenna performance. These engineered dielectric substrates enable compact antenna designs with reduced power loss by controlling electromagnetic field distribution and reducing unwanted radiation, thus resolving the contradiction between miniaturization and efficiency
2Area of stationary object
If antenna elements are closely spaced to reduce area, then space is minimized, but element isolation deteriorates causing interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses vertical stacking of antenna elements separated by dielectric layers, creating spatial isolation in the vertical dimension. This three-dimensional arrangement allows closely spaced elements in the horizontal plane while maintaining isolation through vertical separation, thus reducing mutual coupling and interference while minimizing overall footprint
Solution Approach 2:
Dielectric substrates and shielding structures serve as intermediary elements between closely spaced antenna elements. These intermediate dielectric layers with controlled permittivity values manage electromagnetic field interactions, reducing mutual coupling and interference between adjacent elements while enabling compact array configurations
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional planar antenna arrays are used, then manufacturing is simple, but spatial coverage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends traditional planar antenna designs into three-dimensional volumetric structures by stacking multiple antenna layers with different orientations and positions. This vertical integration maintains compatibility with standard PCB manufacturing processes while achieving superior spatial coverage and beamforming capabilities compared to conventional planar arrays
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system is divided into multiple discrete elements or sub-arrays that can be independently designed, manufactured, and assembled. Each segment contributes to different spatial directions, and their combined operation provides omnidirectional or multi-directional coverage while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular construction
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 power loss and sensitivity issues, allows for smaller antenna arrays, and improves spatial coverage and transmission efficiency, particularly in devices operating at the 60 GHz frequency, while maintaining effective antenna performance.
Implementation Method 1
Antenna arrays may be designed to radiate or transmit radio waves perpendicular to array orientation... or radiate or transmit radio waves in the same directions as the array orientation
Implementation Method 2
a device uses a casing as a shaped lens to increase antenna aperture size and enhance antenna performance
Implementation Method 3
In certain implementations, conformal shielding is applied and removed to create antenna structures
Data Source
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AI summary
An antenna structure includes a dielectric material in which antenna array elements are placed on either side. Elements on either side of the dielectric material overlap or are staggered opposing elements. The dielectric material may also include co-located, antenna arrays or array elements radiating in different directions. Antenna array elements may be formed using conformal shielding which applied and selectively removed to create antenna structures. Devices that include the antenna structure can include a casing that is a shaped lens to increase antenna aperture size and enhance antenna performance.