PCB Edge-Enabled Void Layout for Compact Multi-Antenna Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of components in wireless devices, particularly antennas, necessitates efficient spatial separation without expanding the device's form factor, which is becoming increasingly compact.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of edge-enabled void constructions (EEVC) on printed circuit boards, which include conductive planes with voids and switches, allowing for antennas to be integrated without increasing the device's footprint by adjusting the inductance and frequency bands through switch configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of antennas is increased to provide receive diversity and enable MIMO and beamforming, then the wireless device's communication capabilities are improved, but the spatial separation requirements cause the device's footprint to increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds antenna structures within existing device voids and cavities, nesting the antenna system inside the device's form factor rather than adding external antenna elements. This allows multiple antennas to be integrated without increasing the overall device footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar antenna layouts to three-dimensional antenna configurations by utilizing vertical spacing and depth within the device housing. Antennas are positioned at different heights and depths, enabling spatial separation in the Z-dimension rather than only in the XY-plane.
2Area of stationary object
If antennas are placed closer together to reduce device footprint, then the device compactness is improved, but the spatial separation between antennas is reduced affecting radiation effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs electronically controllable switches (such as PIN diodes or FETs) that can dynamically adjust the electrical length and impedance of antenna elements. This allows the antenna system to adapt its radiation characteristics to maintain effectiveness even when physical spacing is reduced.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies electrical parameters such as antenna impedance, resonant frequency, and current distribution through the use of switching networks and matching circuits. By changing these parameters, the antenna system compensates for reduced physical spacing and maintains radiation effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a printed circuit board is disclosed. The printed circuit board includes a substrate, a conductive plane, and at least one switch. The conductive plane includes an edge enabled void construction (EEVC) along a geometric perimeter of the conductive plane, the EEVC having an EEVC void that defines an EEVC perimeter that extends into the conductive plane.