Substrate Antenna for QZSS L6 Band Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antennas are not compatible with the L6 band unique to the Japanese Quasi Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) and do not effectively combine signals across multiple frequency bands, leading to positioning inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
A substrate-type antenna with an arcuate antenna element divided into two elements, each compatible with three frequency bands, and a coupling portion with spaced elements to form a dipole antenna type, capable of receiving radio waves across the L1, L2, L5, and L6 bands, reducing phase differences and multipath interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single antenna element is used for multi-band reception, then the device complexity is reduced, but the positioning accuracy and phase difference control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna element is divided into multiple segments corresponding to different frequency bands (L1, L2, L5, L6). Each segment can be independently configured to achieve optimal reception characteristics for its designated band, thereby improving positioning accuracy while maintaining manageable structural complexity through systematic division.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by stacking multiple antenna elements at different heights above the substrate. This three-dimensional arrangement allows simultaneous reception across multiple frequency bands with controlled phase differences, achieving high positioning accuracy without requiring a single overly complex planar structure.
2Measurement precision
If multiple antenna elements are used to achieve accurate multi-band reception, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each antenna element is designed to serve multiple frequency bands simultaneously through carefully controlled dimensions and configurations. For example, the first antenna element receives L1, L2, and L5 bands, while the second element receives L2, L5, and L6 bands, reducing the total number of elements needed and thereby controlling device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically varies key parameters such as antenna element length, width, spacing, and height above substrate to optimize reception for different frequency bands. By adjusting these parameters, the antenna achieves accurate multi-band reception without requiring fundamentally different structures for each band, thus controlling overall complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional antenna designs are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but compatibility with L6 band and multi-band combination is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses standard printed circuit board fabrication techniques to create the antenna elements, effectively copying proven manufacturing processes from existing PCB technology. This allows the complex multi-band antenna structure to be manufactured using conventional, simple processes rather than requiring new manufacturing methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna employs a composite structure combining conductive trace patterns on PCB substrate with elevated conductive elements in specific geometries. This composite approach enables L6 band compatibility and multi-band reception while maintaining compatibility with standard PCB manufacturing processes, achieving versatility without sacrificing ease of manufacture.
4Device complexity
If phase difference between frequency bands is not controlled, then the antenna design is simpler, but positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna elements are pre-configured with specific lengths, widths, and spacing relationships that automatically establish the required phase relationships across frequency bands during operation. This preliminary design of physical dimensions ensures proper phase alignment without requiring active phase control mechanisms, maintaining simplicity while achieving high positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
By introducing vertical spacing between antenna elements at different heights above the substrate, the patent creates additional degrees of freedom for phase control. This three-dimensional arrangement allows inherent phase difference management across frequency bands through geometric configuration alone, avoiding complex active phase control while improving positioning accuracy.
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 antenna achieves accurate multi-band reception, combining gains across four frequency bands, including the L6 band, thereby enhancing positioning accuracy and reducing multipath interference.
Implementation Method 1
an arcuate antenna element that is compatible with a plurality of frequency bands, the arcuate antenna element being formed on one surface of the substrate, divided into two elements, and arranged around a center point of the substrate
Implementation Method 2
a coupling portion to which the plurality of connection units is coupled, so as to configure a dipole antenna type circularly polarized antenna
Implementation Method 3
a substrate; and an arcuate antenna element that is compatible with a plurality of frequency bands, the arcuate antenna element being formed on one surface of the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an antenna for receiving radio waves including frequencies in the L6 band unique to QZSS to realize accurate positioning by QZSS. A substrate-type antenna 1 comprises an arcuate antenna element 20 including a long arcuate antenna element 22 and a short arcuate antenna element 24, each of which includes an integral antenna element compatible with three frequency bands and a single antenna element compatible with one frequency band and arranged with a space from the integral antenna element. Each of the integral antenna element and the single antenna element extends from an outer peripheral part of the arcuate antenna element toward an inner peripheral part thereof. The substrate-type antenna 1 further comprises a plurality of connection units 34 connected to the long arcuate antenna element 22 and the short arcuate antenna element 24, respectively, and a coupler 30 to which the plurality of connection units 34 is coupled.