Patch Antenna Array Geometry for Resonance Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patch antenna arrays with multiple elements on a common substrate or shared ground plane experience detuning issues, leading to uneven and uncontrolled behavior due to interference between elements, which complicates resonance frequency matching and requires external adjustments.
Innovation Solution
By varying the width and height of patch elements to match resonance frequencies, creating rectangular shapes with specific dimensions that differ from square elements, ensuring all elements in the array operate at the same resonance frequency without the need for external components or adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple patch elements are arranged on a common substrate and/or share a common ground plane, then the antenna array can achieve functions such as beam forming, angle of arrival estimation, and high data rate communications, but the individual patch elements interfere with each other causing detuning and uneven behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making each patch element unique in its dimensions (width and height) while maintaining the same resonance frequency. Instead of using identical patch elements throughout the array, each element is locally optimized with specific width-height combinations that compensate for detuning effects caused by proximity to other elements. This local variation in geometric properties ensures that all elements resonate at the same frequency despite their different sizes and positions in the array.
2Reliability
If patch elements are made rectangular with different widths and heights to match resonance frequencies, then consistent performance across the array is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases due to multiple different element dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the width and height parameters of each patch element to achieve the same resonance frequency. Rather than using identical geometric parameters for all elements, the invention changes the width-height parameter combinations for each element based on its position and the detuning effects it experiences. This parameter optimization ensures frequency consistency while maintaining manufacturability through standard PCB fabrication techniques.
3Manufacturing precision
If external components or adjustments are used to retune patch elements to match resonance frequencies, then the desired frequency matching can be achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and pre-designing the optimal width and height dimensions for each patch element during the design phase to achieve the desired resonance frequency. This preliminary optimization eliminates the need for external tuning components or post-manufacturing adjustments. The detuning compensation is built into the geometric parameters of each element before fabrication, ensuring that the array operates correctly from the first production run without requiring additional capacitors, inductors, or adjustment mechanisms.
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 approach eliminates the need for external tuning components, reduces manufacturing complexity and costs, and ensures consistent performance across the array, with a significant reduction in verification time and errors, while allowing for compact designs.
Implementation Method 1
Each patch element of the plurality of patch elements is configured with a common resonance frequency
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a patch antenna array (50), comprising a substrate (51), a ground plane (55) arranged on a first surface of the substrate (51), and a plurality of patch elements (52) arranged in proximity to each other on an opposite, second surface of the substrate (51). At least one of the plurality of patch elements (52) has a rectangular shape having a width and height, the height being different from the width. At least two of the plurality of patch elements (52) differ with respect to at least one of their respective widths and height, and each patch element (52) of the plurality of patch elements (52) is configured with a common resonance frequency. The present disclosure further relates to a method (80) for manufacturing a patch antenna array, in particular the patch antenna array (50) as detailed above.