Patch Antenna Substrate Layout for Surface Wave Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-frequency devices, such as patch antennas, suffer from degraded antenna characteristics due to surface waves propagating through the dielectric substrate, leading to interference and radiation issues.
Innovation Solution
A high-frequency device configuration that includes a dielectric substrate with multiple pattern layers, a ground plate, and a functional unit comprising periodically arranged conductive patches. These patches are designed to resonate the surface wave, increasing propagation loss and preventing radiation from the substrate edge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a patch antenna is mounted inside a bumper, then the antenna can be integrated into the vehicle structure, but surface waves propagate through the dielectric substrate causing interference and degradation of antenna characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
A ground plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the patch antenna and the dielectric substrate. The ground plate is positioned at a specific distance from the antenna pattern and is connected to the antenna via via holes, serving as a mediator to control surface wave propagation while maintaining the integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground plate is designed with specific dimensional parameters (length and width) that are optimized to control surface wave propagation. By adjusting these parameters, the ground plate creates destructive interference for surface waves while maintaining compatibility with the vehicle bumper integration.
2Reliability
If the ground plate is positioned close to the antenna pattern, then surface wave interference is reduced, but the overall device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ground plate is designed with non-uniform dimensions where the length in the direction of surface wave propagation is optimized for interference control, while the width is minimized to reduce overall device area. This local optimization allows effective surface wave suppression without proportionally increasing the device 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
The proposed configuration effectively prevents radiation and interference caused by surface waves, thereby enhancing antenna characteristics and maintaining performance by reducing unwanted radiation and interference.
Implementation Method 1
sides of the conductive patches along at least one direction are set at a length such that a radio wave propagates through the surface of the dielectric substrate undergoes resonance
Data Source
AI summary
A dielectric substrate includes a plurality of pattern layers. A ground plate to be used as a ground plane is formed in a first pattern layer of the dielectric substrate. A functional unit includes a plurality of conductive patches that are parasitic patterns formed in a second pattern layer different from the first pattern layer. The conductive patches are periodically arranged, and sides of the conductive patches along at least one direction are set at a length to cause resonance of a radio wave that propagates through a surface of the dielectric substrate.