Patch Antenna Array Layout for Higher Vertical Polarization Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-layer patch antennas suffer from reduced radiation efficiency, particularly for vertical linear polarization, due to the asymmetry between the ground plane dimensions in millimeter wave antennas used in mobile devices, which limits their performance in millimeter wave spectrums like 5G NR high bands.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a rectangular ground plane with alternating via walls and feeds for patch antennas, optimizing the placement of vias and feed locations to enhance radiation efficiency, particularly for vertical polarization, by extending the effective height of the ground plane and alternating the orientation of vertical polarization feeds and via walls between adjacent patches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional multi-layer patch antennas are used to provide multi-band coverage, then transmission and reception capabilities are improved, but radiation efficiency and gain are reduced due to asymmetry between ground plane dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by extending the ground plane height specifically in the dimension corresponding to vertical polarization, creating an asymmetric ground plane structure that compensates for the inherent asymmetry in mobile device form factors. This selective extension improves vertical polarization radiation efficiency while maintaining multi-band operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses the ground plane asymmetry problem by adding height dimension extension through via walls, transforming the conventional 2D ground plane into a 3D structure. This dimensional change allows the ground plane to provide better reference planes for vertically polarized antennas without increasing the device's footprint area.
2Loss of energy
If the ground plane height is extended to improve vertical polarization radiation efficiency, then radiation efficiency is improved, but device height and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ground plane extension into discrete via walls positioned at specific locations rather than uniformly extending the entire ground plane. This segmentation approach selectively provides height extension only where needed for vertical polarization improvement, reducing overall device complexity and via count compared to a complete ground plane extension.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by positioning via walls specifically at locations where vertical polarization improvement is needed, rather than uniformly extending the entire ground plane. This localized approach optimizes radiation efficiency where required while minimizing additional complexity and via wall count in other regions.
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 configuration significantly improves the radiation efficiency for both horizontal and vertical polarizations, addressing the limitations of conventional designs and enhancing the performance of millimeter wave antennas in mobile devices across multiple frequency bands.
Implementation Method 1
Patch antenna radiation is based upon a fringing field such that conventional multi-layer patch antennas often suffer from lowered gain and radiation efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna assembly includes an array of patch antennas arranged above a rectangular ground plane. The patch antennas are arranged in a sequence beginning at a first end of the rectangular ground plane and continuing across a width of the rectangular ground plane to a second end. With regard to this sequence, a plurality of polarization feeds alternate between being adjacent a first corner to being adjacent a second corner of the patch antennas and/or a plurality of via walls alternate in orientation along portions of a first edge of the rectangular ground plane and along portions of a second edge of the rectangular ground plane.