Multi-band PCB Antenna Using Dual-Surface Traces for Efficient Radiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printed circuit board (PCB) antennas are unable to simultaneously achieve multiple frequency bands such as 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 1900 MHz due to excessive bends in the traces, which lead to energy dissipation into the PCB material rather than radiation, and often require interaction with other components, resulting in inefficient multi-band capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A multi-band PCB antenna design featuring a first trace on one surface and a second trace on an opposing surface, both extending along the perimeter of the PCB with minimal bends, allowing for weak coupling and mode splitting to achieve multiple frequency bands without interacting with other components, thereby enhancing radiation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional PCB antennas use traces with multiple bends (e.g., four 90° turns) forming a spiral shape to fit within the PCB area, then the antenna can be compact, but the radiation efficiency deteriorates because the trace interacts with PCB material and dissipates more energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses both surfaces of the PCB for antenna traces, transitioning from a single-surface 2D layout to a dual-surface configuration. This dimensional change allows the antenna to achieve multi-band functionality with fewer bends while utilizing the available PCB area more effectively across three dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna is divided into multiple independent traces (first trace on first surface, second trace on second surface) that can be optimized separately for different frequency bands. This segmentation allows each trace to have minimal bends while achieving the required electrical length for specific bands.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional PCB antennas are designed to achieve multiple frequency bands, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases due to requiring interaction with other components
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna traces are designed to serve multiple frequency bands simultaneously through their geometric configuration and positioning on both PCB surfaces. The first and second traces are configured to support different bands (e.g., 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz) without requiring additional components or interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the multi-band functionality directly into the antenna trace design itself, removing the need for interaction with other components. The traces are configured to achieve all required frequency bands through their own geometry and positioning, eliminating dependencies on external elements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional PCB antennas extend to interact with further components to achieve very low bandwidths (e.g., 824 MHz), then the frequency range expands, but the radiation efficiency deteriorates due to increased trace length and bends
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing both surfaces of the PCB, the antenna can achieve the electrical length required for low frequency bands (e.g., 824 MHz) without increasing the number of bends. The traces extend across the PCB thickness dimension, allowing efficient current paths for low frequencies while maintaining compact planar 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 design enables efficient radiation across multiple frequency bands, including 824 MHz, 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 1900 MHz, with improved return loss and maximum available efficiency, allowing for a smaller, more effective multi-band antenna that can operate in both low and high frequency bands.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for weak coupling and mode splitting to achieve multiple frequency bands
Implementation Method 2
enables efficient radiation across multiple frequency bands
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-band antenna for a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB multi-band antenna comprises a first trace coupled to a first surface of the PCB extending along at least a portion of a length of a first side of the PCB and along at least a portion of a length of a second side of the PCB that intersects the first side, wherein the first trace is positioned proximate a perimeter of the PCB that is partially defined by the first side and the second side.