Phased Array Antenna Via Fences for Millimeter-Wave Directivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing array antennas in electronic devices face issues such as increased interference, unnecessary side radiation, and decreased antenna efficiency due to narrow operating bandwidth, particularly in the millimeter wave band, which affects directivity and broadband service provision.
Innovation Solution
A phased array antenna structure with conductive vias and dielectric layers is implemented, featuring a window wall structure between antenna elements, which includes fences of conductive vias connected to the ground, to improve antenna efficiency and directivity in the millimeter wave band.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If antenna elements are arranged adjacent to each other at a certain gap or less for beamforming, then beamforming capability is achieved, but interference between antenna elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna array into multiple antenna elements with specific spacing relationships. By segmenting the array and controlling the gap between elements, the patent achieves beamforming capability while managing interference through structured segmentation of the antenna system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different spacing configurations to different parts of the antenna array. Specifically, it configures certain antenna elements with gaps of 0.5λ to 2λ while others have gaps of 0.1λ to 0.5λ, creating local quality variations that optimize both beamforming performance and interference reduction in different regions of the array.
2Adaptability or versatility
If antenna elements are arranged with small gaps for beamforming, then beamforming is enabled, but side radiation components increase and antenna efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements non-uniform spacing where adjacent antenna elements have different gap distances (0.5λ to 2λ versus 0.1λ to 0.5λ). This local quality variation suppresses surface wave components and side radiation in specific directions while maintaining beamforming capability, thereby improving overall antenna efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful surface wave components that arise from closely spaced antenna elements into beneficial effects by using the specific spacing configuration to direct energy toward the main beam direction while suppressing side radiation, thus transforming what would be interference into useful radiation.
3Device complexity
If planar patch antenna elements are used, then simple structure is achieved, but operating bandwidth is narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna system into multiple patch elements arranged in a specific configuration with controlled spacing. This segmentation allows each element to operate at its resonant frequency while the collective array provides broadband operation through constructive interference across a wide frequency range, maintaining structural simplicity while expanding bandwidth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple narrowband patch antenna elements into an array system that achieves broadband operation. By merging the radiation patterns of individually spaced patch elements with specific gap configurations, the system achieves bandwidth expansion while maintaining the structural simplicity of planar patch 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 proposed structure enhances antenna efficiency and directivity in the front direction while operating as a broadband antenna, suppressing side radiation components and improving overall performance in the millimeter wave band.
Implementation Method 1
unnecessary side radiation components increase and antenna efficiency decreases due to surface wave components through a dielectric region between the antenna elements
Implementation Method 2
the phased array antenna may be configured to transmit radio-frequency signals at a frequency between 10 GHz and 300 GHz through the dielectric cover layer
Data Source
AI summary
This electronic device may comprise: a dielectric cover layer; a dielectric cover substrate having a surface mounted to face the dielectric cover layer; a first conductive layer having a first opening and a second opening on the surface of the dielectric cover substrate; a second conductive layer having a third opening and a fourth opening in the dielectric cover substrate; and a phased array antenna on the dielectric cover substrate. Fences of conductive vias in the dielectric cover substrate may be interposed between a first antenna and a second antenna of the phased array antenna and may be connected to the ground.