Phased Array Antenna Modules for 60 GHz Directivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antenna systems operating in high-frequency bands, such as the millimeter-wave range, face challenges in achieving optimal directivity and gain while maintaining compact size, particularly in the 60 GHz band, where existing solutions do not efficiently utilize the phased array architecture to enhance signal transmission and reception.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a radio frequency signal transmitter and receiver systems with a phased array of active antenna elements arranged in columns, integrated with a transmitting or receiving module that combines baseband data signals with frequency-multiplied carrier signals, utilizing a substrate with RF signal launchers and a combiner to form and direct RF data signals, and includes a frequency multiplier stage to adjust carrier frequencies for optimal signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If antenna systems operate in high-frequency millimeter-wave bands to achieve higher directivity and gain, then antenna performance is improved, but antenna size reduction and compact integration become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is divided into multiple independent antenna elements arranged in a phased array configuration. Each element can be independently controlled with individual phase shifters and amplifiers, allowing the system to achieve high directivity through constructive interference while keeping individual element sizes small for compact integration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional planar antenna arrays to a three-dimensional phased array structure with elements distributed in multiple dimensions. This spatial distribution enables achieving high directivity and gain with a more compact overall volume by utilizing vertical and depth dimensions in addition to the horizontal plane
2Measurement precision
If phased array architecture is used to enhance signal transmission and reception in the 60 GHz band, then directivity and gain are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional components including phase shifters, amplifiers, and antenna elements are integrated into a unified phased array system with centralized control. The combining of these elements into a coordinated structure enables high directivity while managing complexity through systematic integration rather than separate independent systems
Solution Approach 2:
The phased array incorporates dynamically controllable phase shifters and amplifiers for each antenna element, allowing real-time electronic beam steering and adaptation. This dynamic control enables the system to achieve high directivity and adapt to different communication scenarios without physical reconfiguration, managing complexity through software-controlled flexibility
3Volume of moving object
If compact antenna size is maintained for portability, then ease of deployment is improved, but achieving optimal directivity and gain becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system operates in the 60 GHz millimeter-wave band, utilizing higher frequency parameters to achieve shorter wavelengths. This enables the design of compact antenna elements and arrays that maintain small physical dimensions while achieving optimal gain and directivity through the shortened wavelength characteristics of high-frequency operation
Data Source
AI summary
Antenna modules and systems, and applications and methods of manufacturing thereof, are described herein. An example radio frequency (RF) signal transmitter includes a data signal port to receive a baseband data signal; a carrier signal port to receive an initial carrier signal; and an antenna module coupled to the signal ports. The antenna module includes: a substrate with a front face that has a phased array of active antenna elements that includes at least two columns of the active antenna elements; and a rear face that has, for each column, a RF signal launcher to receive a RF data signal for the column; and a transmitting module mounted to the rear face. The transmitting module has, for each column of active antenna elements: a combiner to form the RF data signal; and a RF signal port to transmit the RF data signal to the RF signal launcher.