Side-by-Side Passive Loop Antenna Assembly for Multi-Band Gain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication devices face challenges in designing compact antennas that provide multi-band frequency operation with increased gain while maintaining a small size, as traditional antennas are often larger than desired due to limitations in size reduction and bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communications device with an antenna assembly featuring a substrate carrying multiple passive loop antennas and an active loop antenna, arranged in a side-by-side configuration with tuning elements like capacitors to achieve reduced size and increased gain, utilizing a hexagonal shape for efficient space usage and Chebyshev polynomial tuning for enhanced bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If antenna size is reduced to fit portable devices, then device portability is improved, but antenna gain and bandwidth deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is divided into multiple discrete loop elements (first loop, second loop, third loop, fourth loop) arranged in a specific geometric pattern. Each loop contributes to the overall radiation pattern, allowing the antenna to achieve higher gain in specific directions while maintaining a compact overall size that fits portable devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar loop arrangements to a three-dimensional configuration where loops are positioned at different heights and orientations. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions enables the antenna to achieve broader bandwidth and improved gain characteristics without increasing the footprint area, thus maintaining portability.
2Volume of moving object
If antenna size is reduced to fit portable devices, then device portability is improved, but radiation bandwidth deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system uses multiple independent loop elements that can be tuned to different frequencies. By adjusting the tuning elements (capacitors or inductors) on each loop, the antenna can operate across multiple frequency bands including HF, VHF, and UHF, achieving broad bandwidth coverage while maintaining a compact size suitable for portable devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna design provides multi-functional capability by supporting operation across multiple frequency ranges (HF, VHF, UHF) and different polarization modes through the geometric arrangement of loops. This universal design allows a single compact antenna structure to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate antennas, thereby expanding bandwidth adaptability without increasing device size.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional single-loop antenna design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but multi-band frequency operation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is segmented into multiple loop elements that can be manufactured using standard PCB techniques or wire-winding methods. Each loop includes tuning elements (capacitors or inductors) that can be added during the manufacturing process. This segmented approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while enabling multi-band operation, as each loop can be independently tuned to different frequency ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple loop structures with different geometric configurations (square loops, rectangular loops) into a single integrated antenna assembly. By merging these different loop types and arranging them in specific spatial relationships, the antenna achieves multi-band frequency operation capability while still using conventional manufacturing techniques for each individual loop element.
4Power
If antenna elements are arranged to increase gain, then directional radiation is improved, but omnidirectional radiation pattern deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna employs asymmetric loop configurations where loops of different sizes and orientations are positioned to create enhanced radiation in specific directions (azimuth and elevation) while maintaining overall omnidirectional coverage. The asymmetric arrangement of tuning elements and loop geometries allows directional gain enhancement without completely sacrificing the omnidirectional radiation pattern, achieving a balanced compromise between the two requirements.
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 antenna assembly achieves multi-band frequency operation with increased gain and reduced size, exceeding the Chu-Harrington limit by providing a broader bandwidth and improved radiation efficiency, suitable for portable devices like mobile phones and GPS receivers.
Implementation Method 1
The antenna assembly includes a plurality of passive loop antennas carried by the substrate and arranged in side-by-side relation. Each of the plurality of passive loop antennas includes a passive loop conductor and a tuning element coupled thereto. The antenna assembly also includes an active loop antenna carried by the substrate and arranged to be at least partially coextensive with each of the plurality of passive loop antennas.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
A wireless communications device may include a housing, and wireless communications circuitry carried by the housing. The wireless communications device may also include an antenna assembly carried by the housing and coupled to the wireless communications circuitry. The antenna assembly may include a substrate and a plurality of passive loop antennas carried by the substrate and arranged in side-by-side relation. Each of the plurality of spaced apart passive loop antennas may include a passive loop conductor and a tuning element coupled thereto. The antenna assembly may also include an active loop antenna carried by the substrate and arranged to be at least partially coextensive with each of the plurality of passive loop antennas. The active loop antenna may include an active loop conductor and a pair of feedpoints defined therein.