Planar Semi-Circular Antenna for 600 MHz to 6 GHz Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antenna structures are unable to efficiently and effectively operate across the full range of frequencies from 600 MHz to 6 GHz with a single structure, limiting their versatility and performance in wireless communication systems.
Innovation Solution
The development of a substrate-based antenna structure with a radiating portion that includes a curved edge and a via for conductive coupling, allowing for efficient radiation across a wide frequency range by optimizing the substrate and radiating portion dimensions and using an unbalanced configuration to enhance radiation efficiency and reduce substrate losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single antenna structure is designed to operate across the full frequency range from 600 MHz to 6 GHz, then frequency versatility is improved, but radiation efficiency deteriorates due to substrate losses and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna structure is segmented into a radiating portion and a substrate portion with distinct functions. The radiating portion (curved edge structure) handles electromagnetic radiation while the substrate portion (rectangular structure with legs) provides support and grounding, allowing each segment to be optimized for its specific function across the frequency range
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful substrate portion is extracted and separated from the radiating portion through the via connection. By removing the substrate material beneath the curved radiating edge and using a via to connect to a ground plane, the patent eliminates substrate losses and interference while maintaining structural support, thereby improving radiation efficiency across all frequencies
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional balanced antenna structures are used to achieve wide frequency coverage, then frequency versatility is improved, but device complexity increases due to required balun components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric configuration where the radiating portion has a curved edge structure that is inherently unbalanced. This asymmetric design naturally provides the impedance transformation function that would otherwise require a balun component, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining wide frequency coverage capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the balun function into the antenna structure itself through the asymmetric radiating portion and via connection configuration. The unbalanced feed structure combined with the specific geometric configuration integrates impedance transformation and radiation functions into a single unified structure, eliminating the need for separate balun components
3Adaptability or versatility
If the substrate portion is made larger to support wide frequency operation, then frequency versatility is improved, but the antenna footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar substrate-based support structure to a three-dimensional configuration using via connections to a ground plane. This vertical dimensionality change allows the antenna to achieve wide frequency coverage through spatial configuration rather than increasing the planar footprint, maintaining a compact form factor
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 enables a single antenna structure to operate effectively across the 600 MHz to 6 GHz frequency range, improving radiation efficiency and reducing the need for additional components like baluns, while maintaining a small footprint, suitable for both 4G LTE and 5G applications.
Implementation Method 1
The radiating portion is disposed on the top surface of the substrate portion and configured to radiate within a frequency range having a maximum frequency value of approximately 6 GHz, inclusive
Implementation Method 2
The radiating portion also has a via that passes from the top surface through the substrate portion to the bottom surface and conductively couples the radiating portion to a terminal on the bottom surface
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect of this disclosure provides an apparatus comprising a substrate portion and a radiating portion. The substrate portion comprises top and bottom surfaces, first and second substantially straight and parallel substrate edges, a third substantially straight substrate edge, and a fourth substrate edge having at least a curved portion. The radiating portion is disposed on the top surface of the substrate portion and is configured to radiate within a frequency range having a maximum frequency value of approximately 6 GHz. The radiating portion has first and second substantially straight and substantially parallel radiating edges, a third substantially straight radiating edge, a curved radiating edge, and a via that passes through the substrate portion and conductively couples the radiating portion to a terminal on the bottom surface. A portion of the curved radiating edge is effectively incident with air along at least the curved portion of the fourth substrate edge.