Compact PCB Dual-Band Antenna with Coupled Resonant Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual band antennas are not easily and inexpensively incorporated into various electronic devices due to their large physical footprint, limiting their versatility and applicability across different frequency bands.
Innovation Solution
A dual band antenna system is designed with a small footprint, utilizing a single conductive layer of a PCB to form a ground plane and two antenna elements that resonate in different frequency bands, with dimensions optimized to fit within a rectangular area of less than 100 square millimeters, and includes electromagnetic coupling between elements to support communication in both bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional dual band antenna designs are used, then communication capability over two frequency bands is achieved, but the physical footprint becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate antenna elements into a single integrated structure formed from one continuous conductive layer. The first antenna element (for 5 GHz band) and second antenna element (for 2.4 GHz band) are merged into a unified planar design that shares common ground plane and substrate, achieving dual band functionality while reducing overall footprint to less than 100 square millimeters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional three-dimensional antenna structures to a two-dimensional planar configuration. Both antenna elements are laid out flat on the same conductive layer with optimized trace routing that utilizes the available planar space efficiently, allowing dual band operation within a compact rectangular area.
2Reliability
If antenna elements are electrically isolated to reduce interference, then signal quality improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ground plane as an intermediary structure that provides electrical isolation between the first and second antenna elements. The ground plane acts as a shield that prevents electromagnetic coupling between the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz elements, ensuring signal quality while maintaining a simple single-layer manufacturing process.
3Area of stationary object
If antenna elements are made compact to reduce footprint, then integration into devices improves, but electromagnetic coupling between elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ground plane serves as an electromagnetic shield positioned between the two antenna elements, blocking harmful electromagnetic coupling while allowing the elements to be placed in close proximity for compact design. This intermediary structure enables tight integration without signal interference.
4Ease of manufacture
If a single conductive layer is used to form all antenna elements, then manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but achieving both frequency bands with adequate bandwidth becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The single conductive layer is segmented into distinct functional regions: a ground plane area and two separate antenna element areas. The first antenna element is designed with specific trace geometry for 5 GHz operation with 2 GHz bandwidth, while the second element uses different trace configuration for 2.4 GHz operation with 100 MHz bandwidth, achieving multi-band capability through clever segmentation of the unified layer.
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 solution enables efficient communication in two frequency bands with a compact design, improving antenna efficiency and reducing signal reflections, while maintaining a small physical footprint suitable for integration into diverse electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
The first antenna element is configured to resonate in a first frequency band. A second antenna element is also formed by the first conductive layer of the PCB. The second antenna element is electrically connected to the ground plane and electromagnetically coupled to the first antenna element. The second antenna element is configured to resonate in a second frequency band.
Implementation Method 2
The second antenna element is electrically connected to the ground plane and electromagnetically coupled to the first antenna element.
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna system formed by one or more layers of a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). The antenna system includes a first antenna element configured to resonate in a first frequency band centered at about 5.4 GHz and a second antenna element configured to resonate in a second frequency band centered at about 2.4 GHz. The first antenna element and the second antenna element fit within a rectangular area of less than about 100 square millimeters on the PCB. The first antenna element has a bandwidth of at least 2 GHz and the second antenna element has a bandwidth of at least 100 MHz, wherein the bandwidth is defined as having less than a −10 dB return loss within the band. The first antenna element and the second antenna element may be formed on a common conductive layer of a PCB.