Patch Antenna Array Element for Wideband Dual Polarization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna designs face challenges in achieving compact size, wide bandwidth, and dual-polarization broadside radiation while accommodating the increased frequency demands of 5G mmWave communication, particularly in devices with limited space.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a patch antenna with a conductive structure featuring feed lines, vias, and dielectric gaps to facilitate dual-polarization and broadside radiation, allowing for multiple resonance frequencies and efficient use of space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional antenna elements are used in a dense array configuration, then the antenna array can achieve high data transmission rates through MIMO technology, but mutual coupling between adjacent antenna elements degrades signal quality and reduces system performance
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna element is segmented into a radiating element and a feeding element that are spatially separated. The radiating element comprises conductive parts arranged in specific patterns (e.g., U-shape, C-shape, or inverted L-shape) that are electrically connected to the feeding element via a feed network. This segmentation allows the feeding element to be positioned away from adjacent antenna elements, reducing mutual coupling while maintaining efficient signal transmission and enabling high data rates through MIMO technology.
Solution Approach 2:
A feed network acts as an intermediary between the feeding element and the radiating element. This feed network includes conductive parts that guide electromagnetic signals from the feeding element to the radiating element through controlled impedance paths. The intermediary structure isolates the feeding element from direct exposure to strong fields from adjacent antennas, thereby reducing mutual coupling effects while maintaining signal integrity for high-rate data transmission.
2Area of stationary object
If antenna elements are placed close together to reduce device size, then the overall device footprint is reduced, but mutual coupling between elements increases and degrades antenna performance
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna element design transitions from a planar two-dimensional structure to a three-dimensional configuration by vertically stacking the feeding element and radiating element at different heights above the substrate. This dimensional change allows compact horizontal spacing (reducing device footprint) while maintaining adequate electromagnetic isolation through vertical separation, thus preserving antenna performance in dense array configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the antenna element are assigned different functional properties: the feeding element region is optimized for signal reception with specific geometric shapes (e.g., inverted L-shape, C-shape) that control impedance characteristics, while the radiating element region is optimized for efficient radiation with patterns (e.g., U-shape, meander line) that enhance current distribution. This local optimization allows compact sizing without compromising performance by tailoring each region's geometry to its specific function.
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 enables a compact antenna design that supports wide bandwidth and dual-polarization, enhancing performance and gain without increasing device size.
Implementation Method 1
a feed network, including a first feed line and a second feed line, electrically connects the first and second conductive parts to the feeding element
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Antenna element (1) comprising a patch antenna (2) extending in a main plane (P1), a conductive structure (3), a first feed line (6a), and a second feed line (6b). The conductive structure (2) comprises a bottom element (7) and at least one wall element (4), said wall element (4) at least partially enclosing an aperture (5), said patch antenna (2) being superposed over said aperture (5). First feed line (6a) and said second feed line (6b) extend from said bottom element (7) across said aperture (5) and are coupled to said patch antenna (2). Aperture (5) may be configured to generate a first resonance frequency (F1) and a fourth resonance frequency (F4), and said patch antenna (2) is configured to generate a second resonance frequency (F2) and a third resonance frequency (F3), (F1)>(F2)>(F3)>(F4). Patch antenna (2), said conductive structure (3), second vias (10), a dielectric gap (11), and/or a recess (12) is configured to expand the bandwidth of one or several of said resonance frequencies.