Planar Antenna AMC Structure with Zonal Conductive Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current planar antennas with artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) structures face limitations in achieving a wide frequency band while maintaining a reduced bulk, as their properties are often confined to specific frequency bands and can generate parasitic radiation due to support-induced issues like back radiation interference.

Innovation Solution

The method involves locally adapting the shape and dimensions of conductive patterns in the AMC structure to match the zones of highest electromagnetic radiation amplitude, forming high impedance surfaces at specific frequencies, ensuring phase-aligned reflection and minimizing parasitic radiation across a wide frequency band.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional AMC structure with uniform conductive patterns is used, then the structure is simple to manufacture, but the operating frequency band is limited to a narrow range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency band widthVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by varying the shape and dimensions of conductive patterns in different zones of the AMC structure. Specifically, conductive patterns in zones corresponding to higher radiation amplitudes have different geometrical characteristics than those in zones with lower radiation amplitudes. This local adaptation enables the AMC structure to maintain high impedance surface properties across a wide frequency band, transforming the uniform structure into a zonally differentiated one that optimizes performance for multiple frequencies simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the AMC structure into multiple zones based on radiation amplitude distribution. By dividing the continuous surface into discrete zones with different conductive pattern characteristics, the structure can independently optimize for different frequency ranges. This segmentation approach allows each zone to contribute to specific frequency bands, collectively achieving wideband operation without requiring a completely redesign of the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If the AMC structure is positioned close to the antenna to reduce thickness, then the overall bulk is reduced, but parasitic radiation from the support increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna device thicknessVSAvoidparasitic radiation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating zones with different conductive pattern densities and geometries that correspond to different radiation amplitude regions. In zones where parasitic radiation is more likely to occur, the conductive patterns are designed with specific characteristics that suppress unwanted radiation while maintaining the high impedance surface effect. This localized optimization allows close positioning of the AMC structure without exacerbating parasitic radiation issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of support-induced parasitic radiation into a beneficial effect by strategically designing conductive patterns in specific zones. The zones corresponding to higher radiation amplitudes are equipped with conductive patterns that not only maintain the high impedance surface property but also actively suppress parasitic radiation. This approach transforms what could be a harmful interaction between the support and electromagnetic fields into a beneficial suppression mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If absorbent material is used in the support to reduce reflected radiation, then parasitic radiation is reduced, but power losses increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparasitic radiationVSAvoidpower loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using absorbent materials that dissipate energy as heat, the patent converts the support structure into an active radiation control element. By designing conductive patterns on the support surface, the structure reflects radiation in a controlled manner that suppresses parasitic radiation while maintaining useful signal integrity. This approach transforms the support from a passive, potentially harmful element into an active component that beneficially manages electromagnetic fields without energy dissipation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical approach of using absorbent materials with a electromagnetic field-based approach using conductive patterns. Instead of relying on material absorption properties that convert electromagnetic energy into heat, the solution uses controlled reflection and interference effects created by the conductive pattern geometry. This substitution eliminates energy loss through absorption while achieving the same goal of reducing parasitic radiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 approach extends the AMC structure's properties to a wide frequency band by forming an assembly of operating bands in MAC mode, reducing bulk and minimizing parasitic radiation, thereby enhancing the antenna's operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

A CMA structure has the property of reflecting electromagnetic waves in phase

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The conductive patterns are electrically connected to the ground plane by vias... Each conductive pattern can be connected to the ground plane by vias

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

A CMA structure can also have the property of prohibiting the propagation of electromagnetic waves in certain directions of the plane in which the conductive patterns are arranged, which prevents the generation of parasitic radiation. This is called an electromagnetic band gap structure (BIE)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic band gap:

Data Source

PatentEP2365584B1Antenna device with a planar antenna and a wide band reflector and method of realizing of the reflector
Publication Date: 2018.07.11 THALES SA
  • EP2365584B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2365584B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b
  • EP2365584B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The method involves determining distribution of amplitude of electromagnetic radiation adapted to be emitted by a flat plate antenna (2) in a near field in a plane parallel to an upper surface (24) of an antenna support (21) for two frequencies in a operating frequency band of the antenna. Shape and dimensions of sets (331-335) of conductive patterns (33) near a zone where the radiation has high amplitude are determined such that each set of the patterns forms a high impedance surface at frequency corresponding to distribution of the considered amplitude. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) an antennal reflector comprising a radiating element mounted on a surface of an antenna support (2) an antenna device comprising an antenna support with a flat surface.