Phased Array Antenna Unit Layout for Mutual Coupling Suppression

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Phased array antennas experience mutual coupling effects between adjacent units, which alter impedance characteristics and affect beam shape.

Innovation Solution

A phased array antenna unit is designed with decoupling metal patches arranged perpendicular to the electric field intensity direction on a dielectric substrate, with the radiator positioned between adjacent decoupling patches to suppress mutual coupling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If decoupling metal patches are added to suppress mutual coupling, then the mutual coupling effect is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemutual coupling suppressionVSAvoidantenna unit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The decoupling structure is segmented into multiple independent metal patches arranged around the radiator. Each patch acts as an independent decoupling element, allowing the system to suppress mutual coupling through distributed segmentation rather than a single complex structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The metal patches serve as intermediary elements positioned between adjacent radiators. These patches mediate the electromagnetic interaction by providing alternative current paths and generating counter-phase electromagnetic fields that cancel the coupling effects between radiators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple decoupling metal patches are arranged around the radiator, then the decoupling effect is enhanced, but the area occupied increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoupling effectVSAvoidantenna unit area
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The decoupling patches are arranged in a circular pattern around the radiator, utilizing the azimuthal dimension rather than only extending in linear directions. This circular arrangement achieves comprehensive decoupling coverage while maintaining a compact footprint, effectively using dimensional optimization to reduce area occupation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The metal patches are strategically positioned at specific locations around the radiator where coupling effects are most pronounced. The patches have optimized dimensions and spacing tailored to the local electromagnetic field distribution, achieving effective decoupling with minimal area occupation rather than uniform distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

The decoupling metal patches effectively reduce mutual coupling, maintaining low profile and lightweight performance while improving impedance characteristics and beam shape stability.

Implementation Method 1

the mutual coupling effect among the radiators is suppressed with the help of the radiated field generated by the decoupling metal patches

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4498521A1Phased array antenna unit, phased array antenna and radar system
Publication Date: 2025.01.29 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP4498521A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4498521A1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP4498521A1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

The present invention relates to a phased array antenna unit (100), a phased array antenna and a radar system. The phased array antenna unit (100) includes: a first dielectric substrate (1); a radiator (2); and a plurality of decoupling metal patches (3). The plurality of decoupling metal patches (3) and the radiator (2) are arranged on the same surface of the first dielectric substrate (1). The side-by-side direction of the decoupling metal patches (3) is perpendicular to the direction of the electric field intensity when the radiator (2) is operating, and the radiator (2) is disposed between any two adjacent decoupling metal patches (3).