Pin Header Antenna for MIMO Space and Gain Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printed antennas face challenges in accommodating the requirements of massive MIMO systems due to limited space, inability to generate vertically polarized waves, high peak gain, and interference from electronic components, as well as higher manufacturing costs and ventilation issues with wall-mounted antennas.
Innovation Solution
A printed antenna design incorporating a metallic pin header with a substrate, feed point, and radiator, where the metallic pin header enhances the gain pattern and allows for multiple antennas on a circuit board without increasing complexity, enabling efficient use of space and reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If printed antennas are installed on the circuit board surface, then the antenna area is maximized, but the number of antennas is limited due to board area constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar printed antennas to three-dimensional pin header antennas that extend vertically from the circuit board surface. This dimensional change allows antennas to be stacked in the Z-direction, enabling multiple antennas to coexist in a limited footprint area and significantly increasing the total number of antennas that can be installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the antenna system into multiple independent pin header elements that can be individually positioned and configured on the circuit board. Each pin header acts as a separate antenna element, allowing for modular deployment and optimization of space utilization across the board surface.
2Ease of manufacture
If printed antennas are used, then manufacturing cost is low, but vertically polarized waves cannot be generated effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the low-cost printed circuit board substrate with metallic pin headers to create a hybrid antenna structure. The printed circuit board provides the mounting platform and electrical connections, while the metallic pin headers extend vertically to generate the required vertically polarized waves, achieving both cost-effectiveness and functional performance.
Solution Approach 2:
By adding the vertical dimension through pin headers that extend perpendicular to the circuit board surface, the antenna structure can generate vertically polarized waves while maintaining the cost advantages of printed circuit board manufacturing techniques.
3Area of stationary object
If printed antennas are disposed at the center of the circuit board, then space utilization is maximized, but radiation performance deteriorates due to surrounding electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The pin header antennas extend vertically into the third dimension, projecting above and below the circuit board surface. This vertical extension allows the radiating elements to operate in a space less affected by planar interference from surrounding electronic components on the board, maintaining radiation performance while enabling central placement for optimal space utilization.
4Reliability
If wall-mounted antennas are used, then antenna performance is improved, but ventilation holes are blocked and heat dissipation is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The pin header antennas are integrated directly into the circuit board structure, with the metallic pins mounted within or on the board surface. This nested integration allows the antennas to be embedded in the device housing or circuit board layers, maintaining performance while preserving ventilation pathways for heat dissipation, unlike protruding wall-mounted antennas that block airflow.
5Reliability
If wall-mounted antennas are used, then antenna performance is improved, but cable loss and noise increase due to longer RF cables
Solution Approach 1:
The pin header antennas are directly integrated with the circuit board and can be electrically connected to the RF circuitry through short traces on the same board. This merging of the antenna element with the circuit board eliminates the need for long external RF cables, reducing cable loss and noise while maintaining antenna performance.
Data Source
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Figure 3A
AI summary
An antenna with pin header is provided, which may include a substrate, a feed point, a radiator and a metallic pin header. The feed point may be disposed on the substrate. The radiator may be printed on the substrate and connected to the feed point. The metallic pin header may penetrate through the radiator and the substrate. The metallic pin header may be connected to the feed point via the radiator, and the radiator and the metallic pin header may have a common feedline, whereby the metallic pin header can enhance the gain pattern, in the direction which the metallic pin header points in, of the radiator.