Reconfigurable PCB Antenna With Periodic Patches for Beam Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Horizontally polarized antennas for Wi-Fi applications face manufacturing challenges due to separated dipoles and feed transmission line noise issues, making assembly complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
Integrate a dipole antenna with a periodic structure, such as an Artificial Magnetic Conductor (AMC), into a single PCB substrate, using pin diodes and vias to selectively connect conductive patches for configurable radiation patterns and beam direction control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a dipole antenna is integrated with a periodic structure into a single PCB substrate, then manufacturing complexity and assembly cost are reduced, but the antenna height is constrained by the periodic structure design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the dipole antenna and periodic structure into a single integrated PCB substrate, eliminating the need for separate components and complex assembly processes. This integration directly reduces manufacturing complexity while the periodic structure itself defines the compact height profile of the combined antenna system.
Solution Approach 2:
The periodic structure is designed to operate in the vertical dimension with a height substantially less than a quarter wavelength, allowing the antenna to achieve its radiation function primarily through horizontal current distribution on the PCB surface rather than vertical extension, thus reducing the required antenna height.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conductive patches are selectively electrically connected to control radiation patterns, then beam direction control is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to additional switching components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pin diodes as switching components that can be dynamically controlled to change the electrical connection state between conductive patches. This allows the radiation pattern and beam direction to be dynamically adjusted by changing the bias state of the diodes, providing adaptability while using simple two-state switching components rather than complex mechanical or electronic switches.
3Length of moving object
If the periodic structure is placed close to the antenna structure (less than quarter wavelength), then the antenna height is reduced, but the electromagnetic coupling between the periodic structure and antenna structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful strong electromagnetic coupling into a beneficial effect by designing the periodic structure to reflect electromagnetic energy constructively. The close spacing (less than quarter wavelength) creates strong coupling that, when properly designed, produces the desired radiation pattern and beam direction control while maintaining compact height, rather than representing a harmful interference.
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 design simplifies manufacturing, reduces component costs, and enhances antenna performance by providing ease of assembly and improved electromagnetic radiation control.
Implementation Method 1
The periodic structure may be configured to reflect electromagnetic energy towards the antenna structure
Implementation Method 2
The antenna structure is configured to resonate at a resonant frequency of the antenna
Data Source
AI summary
Antennas with reconfigurable periodic structures are provided. The antenna includes a ground plane, a periodic structure comprising a plurality of conductive patches, and an antenna structure on the periodic structure. Ones of the plurality of conductive patches are selectively electrically connected to adjacent ones, to the ground or not connected to the ground. The antenna structure is configured to resonate at a resonant frequency of the antenna.