PCB Embedded Balanced Antenna with Integrated Balun
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless devices require separate antennas for different frequency ranges, increasing manufacturing cost, complexity, and reliability issues, especially when balanced antenna configurations are needed, which can be costly and voluminous due to the use of discrete baluns in multi-band applications.
Innovation Solution
A printed circuit board (PCB) wide-band antenna with a balanced configuration, where a planar antenna is embedded in the PCB design, incorporating a distributed balun as part of the conductive layers, eliminating the need for separate antennas and reducing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate antennas are used for different frequency ranges, then frequency coverage is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna functions into a single integrated planar antenna structure that can operate across multiple frequency ranges. The antenna is formed as part of the PCB conductive layers, merging the antenna element and balun circuitry into one unified structure, thereby reducing the number of separate components while maintaining multi-band functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The planar antenna is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it operates as a balanced antenna with built-in balun functionality while providing wideband coverage across multiple frequency ranges. This universal design eliminates the need for separate antennas or external baluns for different frequency bands.
2Reliability
If discrete baluns are used for balanced antenna configurations, then antenna performance is improved, but device volume and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the balun circuitry directly into the PCB conductive layers, creating an integrated structure where the balun and antenna element form a unified component. This integration eliminates the need for separate discrete balun components, thereby reducing overall device volume while maintaining balanced antenna performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas or baluns are used for multi-band applications, then frequency coverage is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple antenna and balun functions into a single planar antenna structure that is fabricated as part of the PCB assembly process. This integration reduces the total component count and simplifies manufacturing, thereby lowering production costs while maintaining multi-band operational capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate antennas are used for different frequency ranges, then frequency coverage is improved, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the antenna and balun into a single PCB-based structure, reducing the number of interconnections and interfaces between separate components. This integration minimizes potential failure points and improves overall system reliability while maintaining multi-frequency coverage capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A planar antenna, such as included as a portion of printed circuit board assembly, can include a balanced configuration comprising a first conductive layer. The first conductive layer can include a first arm having a footprint extending in a first direction and a second arm having a footprint extending in a direction opposite the first direction. The second arm can be sized and shaped to be similar to the footprint of the first arm.