Overlapping Patch Antenna Layout for Compact Multi-Band Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication devices face challenges in supporting multiple communication protocols and frequencies, especially in compact form factors, as they struggle to efficiently operate across a range of frequencies from 4G to 5G and WLAN standards, including both lower and millimeter-wave frequencies.
Innovation Solution
The development of a multi-band antenna system that includes a first patch antenna element and a second patch antenna element with physically separate portions, where the second energy coupler operates the first subset of portions as a dipole, allowing for concurrent operation in different frequency bands by sharing components and using energy couplers to convey energy between the antenna elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate antennas are used to support different frequency bands, then communication capability across multiple protocols is improved, but device complexity and form factor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna functions into a single integrated antenna structure that supports both lower frequency bands (sub-6 GHz) and millimeter-wave frequencies (24 GHz and above). The integrated antenna includes a lower frequency radiator and a millimeter-wave radiator with multiple physically separate portions that can be independently or concurrently excited to achieve multi-band operation without requiring separate antenna components.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated antenna is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it supports multiple communication protocols (4G, 5G, WLAN), operates across different frequency bands (sub-6 GHz and mmWave), and can be configured for both lower frequency and millimeter-wave radiation. This universal design allows a single antenna structure to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate antennas.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate antennas are used to support different frequency bands, then communication capability across multiple protocols is improved, but the physical size of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple antenna functions into a single integrated antenna structure that supports both lower frequency bands (sub-6 GHz) and millimeter-wave frequencies (24 GHz and above). The integrated antenna includes a lower frequency radiator and a millimeter-wave radiator with multiple physically separate portions that can be independently or concurrently excited to achieve multi-band operation without requiring separate antenna components.
Solution Approach 2:
The millimeter-wave radiator portions are positioned within or near the lower frequency radiator structure, allowing the mmWave components to be nested within the overall antenna footprint. This nesting arrangement enables compact integration where the higher frequency antenna elements utilize the space occupied by or adjacent to the lower frequency radiator, reducing the overall device form factor.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact antenna design is used, then form factor is reduced, but supporting multiple frequency bands becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The millimeter-wave radiator is divided into multiple physically separate portions that can be independently excited or combined. These segmented portions allow the antenna to support multiple mmWave frequency bands while maintaining a compact overall structure. The segmentation enables flexible configuration where different portions can be activated based on the required frequency band, achieving multi-band operation within a small form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement to pack multiple antenna elements into a compact footprint. The millimeter-wave radiator portions are positioned at different heights and lateral positions relative to the lower frequency radiator, effectively using vertical and lateral dimensions to accommodate multiple frequency band elements without increasing the device's planar footprint.
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 solution enables broadband, multi-band antenna operation in a compact form factor with high gain and low manufacturing costs, effectively supporting a wide range of frequencies from 28 GHz to 60 GHz and beyond, while maintaining efficient radiation and reception capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a first patch antenna element to send or receive first energy having a first frequency
Implementation Method 2
a first portion of the second patch antenna element as a first dipole antenna to send or receive second energy having a second frequency
Implementation Method 3
operating the second patch antenna element as a parasitic patch to the first patch antenna element
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna system includes: a first patch antenna element that is electrically conductive; a first energy coupler configured to convey first energy to, or receive the first energy from, the first patch antenna element, the first energy being in a first frequency band; a second patch antenna element at least partially overlapping the first patch antenna element, the second patch antenna element comprising a plurality of physically separate portions that are each electrically conductive; and a second energy coupler connected to a first subset of the plurality of physically separate portions, the first subset comprising less than all of the plurality of physically separate portions, the second energy coupler configured to convey second energy to, or receive the second energy from, the first subset, the second energy being in a second frequency band that is higher than the first frequency band.