Phased Array Antenna Structure for Broadband mmWave Directivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing array antennas in mmWave band face issues such as increased interference between elements, unnecessary side radiation, decreased antenna efficiency, and narrow operating bandwidth, particularly in multi-layered circuit boards with limited space.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layered antenna structure with a slot wall and dummy pattern design, including conductive vias and openings, is implemented to improve efficiency and directivity, forming a broadband antenna module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a conventional array antenna with feed networks is used, then it can transmit and receive electromagnetic waves, but it occupies a large area and has complex structure due to the need for separate feed networks for each element

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna areaVSAvoidfeed network complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple feed networks into a single shared feed network that serves all antenna elements. The feed network is positioned at a common focal point where multiple signal paths converge, allowing simultaneous feeding of multiple antenna elements through shared transmission lines and switching components, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The feed network is designed as a universal structure that can serve multiple antenna elements simultaneously. A single feed network configuration provides feeding capability to all elements through its multi-path architecture, eliminating the need for dedicated feed networks for each element and reducing the overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Power

If the distance between adjacent antenna elements is large, then each element has strong individual radiation capability, but the overall antenna area becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation capabilityVSAvoidantenna area
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs different impedance values for different antenna elements within the same array. By optimizing the local impedance characteristics of each element based on its specific position and coupling conditions, each element maintains strong individual radiation capability while allowing closer spacing between elements, thereby reducing the overall antenna area without sacrificing power performance.

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 structure enhances antenna efficiency, directivity, and gain flatness across the frequency band, reducing side radiation and interference, while supporting high-speed data transmission in the mmWave band.

Implementation Method 1

transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4542772B1Array antenna and electronic device comprising same
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4542772B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4542772B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4542772B1 patent drawingFigure 3A(a)~3A(b)

AI summary

An antenna module of an electronic device is implemented as a phased array antenna implemented on a dielectric cover substrate. The dielectric substrate may comprise: a first layer having a first conductive layer including a first opening and a second opening on a surface of the dielectric substrate; a second layer having a second conductive layer including a fourth opening and a fifth opening in the dielectric substrate; and a third layer having a third conductive layer including a third opening in the dielectric substrate. The antenna module may comprise: a dielectric cover layer; and a dielectric substrate having a surface mounted facing the dielectric cover layer.