Phased Array Unit Cell Antenna With Coupling Segment and Shorting Pin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturing narrow gaps between adjacent antenna elements in phased array antennas (PAAs) for mmWave frequencies is difficult and expensive, which affects the manufacturing cost and performance of these antennas.
Innovation Solution
The design of ultra-wideband electronically scanned PAAs with printed metallic segments and shorting pins eliminates the need for narrow inter-dipole gaps, enhancing RF performance and reducing manufacturing costs by suppressing unwanted common modes and extending high-frequency operation without compromising low-frequency extension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If narrow gaps are used between adjacent antenna elements to realize necessary capacitance for low frequency extension, then low frequency performance is improved, but manufacturing difficulty and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate coupling structure consisting of a coupling element and coupling capacitor that mediates the interaction between adjacent dipole antennas. This coupling structure provides the necessary capacitive coupling for low frequency extension without requiring narrow gaps between antennas, thus solving the manufacturing difficulty while maintaining low frequency performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the coupling mechanism from direct spatial proximity (narrow gaps) to an explicit electrical coupling path through coupling capacitors. This parameter change allows the system to achieve the same electrical effect (capacitive coupling) through a different physical mechanism that is easier to manufacture at mmWave frequencies.
2Reliability
If narrow gaps are used between adjacent antenna elements, then capacitance for low frequency extension is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element and coupling capacitor serve as intermediary components that provide the necessary capacitive coupling function without requiring precise narrow gap fabrication. This intermediary approach achieves low frequency extension through standard manufacturing processes, reducing overall manufacturing cost despite adding discrete components.
3Reliability
If mmWave frequency operation is implemented, then high frequency performance is improved, but manufacturing of narrow gaps becomes more difficult and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces coupling capacitors as intermediary elements that enable mmWave frequency operation with relaxed manufacturing tolerances. The coupling capacitors provide the necessary electrical coupling function that would otherwise require precision-narrow gaps, thus enabling high frequency performance with standard manufacturing capabilities.
4Ease of manufacture
If coupling structures are added to eliminate narrow gaps, then manufacturing ease is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna system into distinct functional modules: dipole antennas, coupling elements, and coupling capacitors. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized and manufactured independently using standard processes, reducing overall manufacturing difficulty while the modular nature helps manage system complexity through clear functional separation.
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
This solution improves RF performance over a wide frequency bandwidth and large scan volumes while reducing manufacturing costs, enabling applications in mobile platforms and various communication systems without mechanical moving parts.
Implementation Method 1
a coupling segment capacitively coupled to each of the second antenna segment of the first dipole antenna and the second antenna segment of the second dipole antenna
Implementation Method 2
a shorting pin coupled to the coupling segment and extending from the first surface to the second surface
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2
AI summary
An antenna element and an antenna array including the antenna element for generating or receiving a radio frequency (RF) signal are provided. The antenna element includes a dielectric layer including a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; a first dipole antenna comprising a first antenna segment and a second antenna segment, the first dipole antenna formed in the second surface; a second dipole antenna comprising a first antenna segment and a second antenna segment, the second dipole antenna formed in the second surface; a coupling segment capacitively coupled to each of the second antenna segment of the first dipole antenna and the second antenna segment of the second dipole antenna; and a shorting pin capacitively coupled to the coupling segment and extending from the first surface to the second surface.