Integrated PCB Antenna Eliminates RF Connector Losses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless stations using coaxial cables and connectors suffer from signal attenuation, intermodulation, signal leakage, and high costs due to the need for these components.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication apparatus with a printed circuit board integrating radio frequency circuits and antenna elements directly via printed conductors, eliminating the need for coaxial cables and connectors, and utilizing a waveguide to guide RF signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coaxial cables and connectors are used to couple the circuit to the antenna, then the wireless station can be assembled with conventional components, but signal attenuation, intermodulation, signal leakage, and high costs occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the antenna element directly with the printed circuit board by integrating the antenna element into the PCB structure and electrically coupling it to the radio frequency circuit via printed conductors on the same board, eliminating the need for separate coaxial cables and connectors. This integration removes the interfaces where signal attenuation and leakage occur, thereby improving signal quality while reducing energy loss.
2Ease of manufacture
If coaxial cables and connectors are used, then the wireless station can be constructed with standard components, but the cost increases and the form factor becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the printed circuit board: the PCB serves as both the circuit carrier and the antenna support structure. The antenna element is integrated onto the PCB and electrically coupled to the radio frequency circuit through printed conductors on the same board, eliminating the need for separate coaxial cables and connectors. This reduces the total number of components and simplifies the overall device structure.
3Ease of operation
If coaxial cables and connectors are used, then the wireless station can be assembled with conventional methods, but signal leakage and intermodulation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the antenna element directly onto the printed circuit board and couples it to the radio frequency circuit via printed conductors on the same board. This eliminates the physical interfaces (connectors and cable connections) that are sources of signal leakage and intermodulation distortion. The integrated structure provides continuous electrical pathways without discontinuities, thereby reducing harmful electromagnetic effects.
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 reduces RF losses, achieves a compact form factor, lowers costs, and simplifies manufacturing and logistics by minimizing the use of coaxial cables and connectors, while allowing for customizable radiation properties with various antenna structures.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a waveguide to guide RF signals
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a wireless communication apparatus that includes (a) a printed circuit board, (b) a radio frequency circuit installed on the printed circuit board, and (c) an antenna element that is integrated onto the printed circuit board and electrically coupled to the radio frequency circuit via a printed conductor.