Phased Array Die Layout for Dual-Polarization Feed Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing integrated circuits require separate dies for antenna arrays operating in vertical and horizontal polarizations, leading to asymmetry, RF losses, and increased manufacturing time and costs.

Innovation Solution

An integrated circuit design where the die is divided into unit cells with quadrants having receiver and transmitter terminals on orthogonal axes, allowing the same die to be used with different antenna polarization configurations by rotating the feed lines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate dies are used for vertical and horizontal polarization antenna arrays, then the antenna array can be configured for different polarizations, but manufacturing time and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna polarization configurationVSAvoidmanufacturing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The die is designed with a universal terminal layout that can support both vertical and horizontal polarization configurations. The terminal arrangement with receiver terminals on a first axis and transmitter terminals on a second orthogonal axis allows the same die to be used for different polarization types by simply changing the feed line configuration, eliminating the need for separate dies for each polarization type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of creating different dies for different polarizations, the invention inverts the approach by creating a single die that can be configured for different polarizations through feed line orientation. The terminal layout is designed to be adaptable, allowing the system to achieve different polarization configurations using the same physical die structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate dies are used for vertical and horizontal polarization antenna arrays, then the antenna array can be configured for different polarizations, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna polarization configurationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the functionality of what would traditionally require separate dies into a single universal die. By combining the terminal layouts for both polarization types into one die design, the system reduces component variety and associated manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to support different polarizations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If asymmetric die layouts are used for different polarizations, then the antenna array can support different polarizations, but RF losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna polarization configurationVSAvoidRF loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses controlled asymmetry in the terminal layout within each quadrant, where receiver and transmitter terminals are positioned on orthogonal axes. This asymmetric arrangement within quadrants, combined with the symmetric relationship between nearest neighbor quadrants, enables different polarization configurations while maintaining RF performance by allowing symmetric feed line routing options.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

Each quadrant of the die is designed with specific terminal arrangements optimized for local connections to antenna elements. The receiver terminal and transmitter terminal in each quadrant are positioned on orthogonal axes, allowing feed lines to be routed orthogonally from each antenna element, which minimizes RF losses while supporting different polarization configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Productivity

If multiple packages are placed close together to form a larger antenna array, then the antenna array capacity increases, but asymmetry between packages increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna array capacityVSAvoidarray symmetry

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Each package contains a die with a universal terminal layout that can be configured for different polarizations. This universality ensures that all packages in the array have identical terminal arrangements, maintaining symmetry and consistency across the entire array even when packages are placed close together to increase capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention ensures homogeneity across all packages by using identical die designs with the same terminal layouts in each package. This homogeneous design approach maintains array symmetry and consistency, eliminating performance variations that would arise from asymmetry between different packages while still allowing the array to scale in capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

Data Source

PatentUS12212074B2Single die design for different polarizations

Publication Date: 2025.01.28 NXP BV

AI summary

An integrated circuit comprising a package, phased antenna array and die. The die comprises a plurality of unit cells, wherein each unit cell is divided into quadrants. Each quadrant comprises a receiver terminal located on a first axis, and a transmitter terminal located on a second axis, wherein the first axis is orthogonal to the second axis, and there is mirror symmetry between the nearest neighbour quadrants in the unit cell. The package comprises a plurality of pairs of feed lines, each pair of feed lines comprising a receiver feed line and a transmitter feed line. The receiver feed line is connected to one of the receiver terminals and the transmitter feed line is connected to the transmitter terminal in the same die quadrant. The receiver feed line is orthogonal to the transmitter feed line. Each antenna element is coupled to a respective pair of feed lines.