Phased Array Antenna High-Impedance Surface for Low Mutual Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phased array antennas face challenges in achieving broadband characteristics and suppressing mutual coupling paths between array antenna elements, which degrade system performance and increase DC power consumption, particularly in multi-band designs, and there is a lack of high impedance surface designs for millimeter wave 5G terminals with cost-effective global roaming capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A phased array antenna with a high impedance surface is designed using a single-layer FR-4 PCB process, incorporating a one-dimensional EBG structure and via walls to suppress surface currents and mutual coupling, and a power distribution circuit with a tapered T-shaped power divider for impedance matching and low loss feeding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a one-dimensional EBG structure is designed for millimeter wave frequencies (10 times higher than related art), then operating frequency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to minimum line width constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The EBG structure is segmented into periodic unit cells with meander strip lines, allowing the high-frequency structure to be broken down into manufacturable segments that meet the 100 μm minimum line width constraint while achieving 10 times higher operating frequency
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from planar structures to three-dimensional via wall structures integrated in parallel on both edges of the partial ground plane, enabling high impedance surface characteristics at millimeter wave frequencies without requiring impractically small line widths
2Adaptability or versatility
If multi-band technology is used to support multiple frequency bands, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to required multi-band filters and RF switches
Solution Approach 1:
The phased array antenna with high impedance surface is designed to provide universal broadband operation across multiple frequency bands (sub-6 GHz and millimeter wave) without requiring separate multi-band filters or RF switches, eliminating auxiliary circuits while maintaining multi-band adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The design extracts and eliminates the need for multi-band filters and RF switches by implementing a broadband antenna structure that inherently supports multiple frequency bands, removing the complexity of auxiliary circuit elements
3Adaptability or versatility
If multi-band filters and RF switches are added to support multiple bands, then adaptability is improved, but power consumption increases due to DC power consumption of control circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts and removes the power-consuming multi-band filters and RF switches from the system, replacing them with a passive broadband high impedance surface structure that provides multi-band capability without requiring DC power for control circuits
4Area of stationary object
If antenna elements are placed close together to reduce size, then area is reduced, but mutual coupling increases due to surface current flowing through common ground plane
Solution Approach 1:
The design converts the harmful surface current flowing through the common ground plane into a beneficial high impedance surface effect by embedding the one-dimensional EBG structure and via walls, which suppress the surface current and transform it into a shielding mechanism that reduces mutual coupling between closely-spaced antenna elements
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 design achieves broadband impedance characteristics, supports millimeter wave 5G roaming with spherical coverage, and reduces power consumption, meeting 3GPP standards for beam steering angles and providing cost-effective global roaming services.
Implementation Method 1
a one-dimensional electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structure is embedded in an edge of the planar radiator side of the partial ground plane
Implementation Method 2
a via wall integrated in parallel on both edges of the partial ground plane... capable of surface wave and plane wave control
Implementation Method 3
a planar inverted-L radiator disposed on the partial ground plane
Data Source
AI summary
A phased array antenna with a high impedance surface according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a phased array antenna with a high impedance surface including a plurality of unit elements, and each of the plurality of unit elements includes a substrate, a partial ground plane formed at least partially on the substrate, a planar inverted-L radiator disposed on the partial ground plane, and a via wall integrated in parallel on both edges of the partial ground plane, and a one-dimensional electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structure is embedded in an edge of the planar radiator side of the partial ground plane.