Phased Antenna Array for Millimeter Wave Communications and Spatial Ranging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices face challenges in supporting millimeter and centimeter wave communications and spatial ranging operations due to signal attenuation and distortion, as well as space constraints for incorporating antennas that perform both functions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of wireless circuitry with phased antenna arrays on a substrate, featuring stacked patch antennas for bi-directional communications and spatial ranging, allowing for efficient handling of millimeter and centimeter wave signals across multiple frequency bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If antennas are incorporated to perform both wireless communications and spatial ranging operations, then device functionality is improved, but space constraints make it difficult to incorporate such antennas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dual-frequency antenna system where the same antenna structure operates at two different frequency bands (first frequency band for wireless communications, second frequency band for spatial ranging operations). This allows a single antenna to perform multiple functions, resolving the space constraint issue while maintaining enhanced device functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter of the antenna system to enable different functional modes. By switching between first frequency band (for communications) and second frequency band (for spatial ranging), the antenna achieves multi-functionality without requiring separate physical structures, thus addressing both versatility and space constraints.
2Productivity
If millimeter wave signals are used for communications and ranging, then bandwidth is improved, but signal attenuation and distortion during propagation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic frequency switching between first frequency band and second frequency band based on operational requirements and signal conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize between bandwidth utilization and signal integrity by selecting appropriate frequency bands for different operational modes and environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the frequency spectrum into distinct first frequency band and second frequency band, allocating different bands for different functions (communications vs. spatial ranging). This segmentation allows optimized performance for each function while managing the inherent limitations of millimeter wave propagation through frequency-diversity approaches.
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 solution enables effective wireless communications and spatial ranging operations with improved signal integrity and efficiency, even in the presence of external obstructions, by optimizing antenna placement and using beam steering techniques to maintain performance.
Implementation Method 1
Each antenna unit cell may include a first antenna that conveys radio-frequency signals in a first frequency band higher than 10 GHz and a second antenna that conveys radio-frequency signals in a second frequency band that is higher than the first frequency band
Implementation Method 2
A second of the antenna unit cells may be provided with a second set of antennas that receives the radio-frequency signals after being reflected off of external objects. The control circuitry may perform spatial ranging operations by processing the transmitted and received signals
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may be provided antennas and control circuitry. The antennas may be arranged in an array of unit cells. Each unit cell may include a first antenna that conveys signals in a first frequency band higher than 10 GHz and a second antenna that conveys radio-frequency signals in a second frequency band higher than the first frequency band. A first of the unit cells may be provided with a first set of antennas that transmits radio-frequency signals in a third frequency band higher than the second frequency band. A second of the antenna unit cells may be provided with a second set of antennas that receives the radio-frequency signals after being reflected off of external objects. The control circuitry may perform spatial ranging operations by processing the transmitted and received signals in the second frequency band.