Quadrature Inverted-F Antenna Assembly for Compact PCB Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Antenna technology has not kept pace with the miniaturization of electronic circuitry, necessitating a compact antenna structure to support wireless apparatuses with reduced space.
Innovation Solution
An antenna assembly comprising two inverted-F antennas formed from a single conductive piece, operating at the same or different frequency bands, with independent feed impedance adjustment and quadrature polarization, allowing for reduced footprint and enhanced diversity radiation performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional antenna structures are used, then antenna performance is maintained, but the footprint area and device size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar antennas to three-dimensional inverted-F antennas that extend vertically from the PCB surface. This dimensional change allows the antenna elements to achieve sufficient electrical length and radiation performance while occupying minimal horizontal footprint area on the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The inverted-F antenna structure is nested within the device housing and PCB assembly. The antenna elements are positioned to utilize the device's vertical space and internal cavity structure, effectively nesting the antenna system within the existing device form factor without requiring additional external space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate antennas are used for different frequency bands, then frequency coverage is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna assembly is designed as a universal multi-functional structure where identical inverted-F antenna elements can operate across multiple frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5.8 GHz, and other ISM bands). The same basic antenna geometry and feeding structure serve multiple wireless standards, eliminating the need for separate specialized antennas for each frequency band.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple antenna elements for different frequency bands are merged into a single integrated assembly. The inverted-F antennas share common mounting structures, grounding systems, and PCB integration methods, combining what would traditionally be separate antenna components into one unified assembly that reduces overall complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If antenna assembly is placed inside PCB perimeter, then integration is improved, but available antenna space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna assembly utilizes the vertical dimension by extending upward from the PCB surface rather than spreading horizontally across the PCB area. This allows the antennas to be positioned at the PCB perimeter or even slightly extending beyond it, using the Z-axis space that does not conflict with the PCB's horizontal footprint or internal component layout.
4Volume of moving object
If compact antenna structure is used, then device size is reduced, but antenna efficiency and radiation performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The inverted-F antenna configuration exploits the vertical dimension to achieve sufficient electrical length for efficient radiation. By bending the antenna element vertically and utilizing the space above the PCB, the structure achieves wavelengths appropriate for efficient radiation without requiring proportionally larger horizontal dimensions, thus maintaining device compactness while preserving antenna efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna design adjusts key parameters including element length, width, spacing from ground plane, and feed point location to optimize efficiency within the compact form factor. These parameter optimizations ensure that despite the reduced overall size, the antenna maintains good radiation efficiency and impedance matching.
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna assembly for a wireless apparatus (such as a wireless microphone apparatus) comprises two inverted-F antennas. The antenna assembly may be formed from a single stamped sheet metal piece to facilitate manufacturing, which may allow the relative orientation of the two antennas to be reliably maintained. Moreover, manufacturing of the wireless apparatus may be simplified since one antenna assembly rather than two separate antennas may be connected to a printed circuit board of the apparatus. The two inverted-F antennas of the antenna assembly may have a common grounding element that joins the two inverted-F antennas and connects the two antennas to a ground plane of a printed circuit board, where the grounding element of the antenna assembly may be shaped to accommodate a corner of the printed circuit board that the antenna assembly is mounted to.