Parasitically Coupled Patch Antenna for Low-Profile Dual-Band GNSS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stacked patch antennas are bulky, costly, and have limited bandwidth, particularly in applications requiring simultaneous operation across multiple frequency ranges, such as satellite signal reception for 3D positioning.
Innovation Solution
A parasitically-coupled dual-band patch antenna design featuring a high-frequency inner conductor and a low-frequency outer conductor, with feeds that extend through the inner conductor and connect to the outer conductor, utilizing parasitic coupling to enhance performance and efficiency across separate frequency bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional stacked patch antennas are used to operate in multiple frequency ranges, then the antenna can cover multiple separate frequency ranges simultaneously, but the height increases and the bandwidth becomes lower than desired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the high-frequency patch antenna inside the low-frequency patch antenna structure. The inner conductor forms the high-frequency patch while the outer conductor forms the low-frequency patch, allowing both antennas to occupy the same spatial envelope rather than stacking them vertically. This nested configuration enables multi-frequency operation while maintaining a low-profile structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from vertical stacking (one dimension) to radial nesting (another dimension). Instead of placing antennas at different vertical levels, the design uses concentric radial arrangements where the high-frequency patch is nested within the low-frequency patch in the horizontal plane. This dimensional change allows both frequency ranges to operate simultaneously without increasing height.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional stacked patch antennas are used with separate feeds and independent operation, then each antenna can operate independently in its frequency range, but the assembly becomes complicated and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the feed structures by using a single common feed that serves both the low-frequency and high-frequency patches. The feed is positioned at the center and connects to both patches through shared transmission paths, eliminating the need for separate feed assemblies. This combining approach reduces assembly complexity while maintaining independent operation capability in different frequency ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The common feed structure is designed to be universal, serving multiple functions by providing excitation to both the low-frequency patch and the high-frequency patch. This single feed mechanism handles both frequency ranges simultaneously, reducing the number of components and simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining versatility in multi-frequency operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional stacked patch antennas are used, then separate antennas can be stacked on top of each other, but the amount of high-quality conductive and dielectric materials increases leading to higher cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple antenna functions into a single integrated structure where the inner conductor and outer conductor form both low-frequency and high-frequency patches simultaneously. This combining eliminates the need for separate antenna structures, reducing the total quantity of conductive and dielectric materials required while maintaining multi-frequency coverage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested configuration allows the high-frequency patch to be contained within the low-frequency patch structure, sharing common dielectric substrates and support structures. This nesting reduces material duplication that would occur in stacked configurations, as both frequency ranges utilize the same spatial volume and share common structural materials.
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 design achieves compact, cost-effective operation with improved bandwidth and efficiency, enabling simultaneous reception and transmission across high and low frequency bands, suitable for GNSS applications.
Implementation Method 1
parasitically-coupled dual-band patch antennas with high-frequency and low-frequency patches that are (quasi) co-planar, allowing the patches to utilize all the available vertical space instead of only a smaller portion thereof, thereby improving performance
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 2D~2E
AI summary
A parasitically-coupled dual-band patch antenna is described. The antenna includes an inner conductor having one or more feed holes. The antenna also includes an outer conductor surrounding the inner conductor in a radial direction. The antenna further includes one or more feeds each having a vertical portion that passes through the feed holes and a horizontal portion that extends in an outward direction from the feed holes toward the outer conductor. The feeds are conductively connected to the outer conductor. The horizontal portion of each of the feeds is separated from and is conductively disconnected from a top surface of the inner conductor.