Multi-Layer Patch Antenna for Dual-Band Parasitic Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication devices face challenges in efficiently supporting multiple millimeter-wave frequency bands with compact antenna configurations that can radiate and receive signals in different polarizations, particularly for 5G communication.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layer patch antenna system is designed with parasitic patch radiators and elements that overlap with patch radiators to parasitically receive and re-radiate signals in multiple frequency bands, including 28 GHz and 39 GHz bands, utilizing a multi-layered circuit board to achieve dual-band, dual-polarization capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate antennas are used to support multiple millimeter-wave frequency bands, then frequency band coverage is improved, but device size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency band coverageVSAvoidantenna configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple antenna elements (patch radiator, parasitic patch radiator, and parasitic elements) into a single integrated antenna structure that can operate across multiple millimeter-wave frequency bands (28 GHz and 39 GHz). This merging approach eliminates the need for separate antennas for each frequency band, thereby reducing device size and structural complexity while maintaining multi-band functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna structure is designed with universal functionality to support multiple frequency bands through a single configuration. The patch radiator and parasitic elements are configured to resonate at different frequencies (28 GHz and 39 GHz bands), allowing the same antenna structure to serve multiple communication standards and frequency requirements without needing separate dedicated antennas for each band.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Volume of moving object

If antenna size is reduced for compact device integration, then ease of manufacture is improved, but radiation efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna volumeVSAvoidradiation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a planar two-dimensional antenna design to a three-dimensional multi-layer structure. The patch radiator and parasitic elements are positioned on different layers with specific spacing, creating vertical dimensionality that enhances radiation efficiency. This 3D configuration allows compact in-plane dimensions while maintaining effective radiation through vertical separation and parasitic coupling mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Parasitic elements are introduced as intermediary components that couple electromagnetically with the patch radiator. These parasitic elements (including parasitic patch radiator and additional parasitic elements) act as mediators to enhance radiation efficiency at specific frequency bands without requiring direct feeding connections, thereby improving efficiency in a compact volume through indirect electromagnetic coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If parasitic elements are added to enhance bandwidth, then frequency band coverage is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebandwidthVSAvoidantenna structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna structure is segmented into distinct functional components: a patch radiator for primary radiation, a parasitic patch radiator for bandwidth enhancement, and additional parasitic elements for multi-band operation. Each segment serves a specific frequency band or polarization function, allowing bandwidth expansion through modular addition of segmented elements rather than a monolithic complex structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 system enables efficient radiation and reception of signals in multiple millimeter-wave frequency bands with a compact antenna structure, enhancing bandwidth and supporting diverse communication scenarios.

Implementation Method 1

parasitic patch radiators and elements that overlap with patch radiators to parasitically receive and re-radiate signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectParasitic coupling: Parasitic Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

configured to radiate energy in a first frequency band and a second frequency band

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3857642B1Multi-layer patch antenna
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3857642B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3857642B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3857642B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An antenna system includes: a patch radiator being electrically conductive and configured to radiate energy in a first frequency band and a second frequency band, different from the first frequency band; a parasitic patch radiator overlapping with the patch radiator, the parasitic patch radiator being electrically conductive and being configured to radiate energy in the first frequency band; and at least one parasitic element including a conductor sized and disposed relative to the parasitic patch radiator such that a combination of the parasitic patch radiator and the at least one parasitic element will radiate energy in the second frequency band.