Reconfigurable MIMO Antenna with Balanced Unbalanced Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in developing portable devices with MIMO capability is the limited space, which hinders the provision of adequate isolation between antennas, making it difficult to integrate multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antennas effectively in small portable devices.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable antenna design featuring a balanced and unbalanced antenna mounted on the same end of a supporting substrate, such as a PCB, with matching circuits and variable capacitors to tune frequency bands, ensuring high isolation and efficiency, and accommodating multiple frequency bands like DVB-H, GSM, GPS, UMTS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LTE, and 4G.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are gathered in a portable device, then MIMO capability is achieved, but adequate isolation between each radiator cannot be provided due to limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into two distinct types: a balanced antenna and an unbalanced antenna. This segmentation allows each antenna type to have optimized isolation characteristics, with the balanced antenna fed against itself and the unbalanced antenna fed against a ground plane, thereby achieving adequate isolation between radiators in a compact configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional single-antenna-type configuration to a two-dimensional antenna system combining both balanced and unbalanced antenna types mounted on the same end of the substrate. This dimensional change in antenna configuration enables improved isolation performance without requiring increased spatial separation
2Reliability
If two separate areas are used to locate each antenna structure, then adequate isolation is provided, but the antenna configuration becomes impractical for small portable devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the balanced antenna and unbalanced antenna into a single integrated antenna system mounted on the same end of the substrate. This merging allows both antenna types to coexist in a compact space while maintaining adequate isolation through their fundamentally different feeding mechanisms, eliminating the need for two separate antenna locations
Solution Approach 2:
The ground plane serves as an intermediary element that enables the unbalanced antenna to achieve adequate isolation from the balanced antenna. By providing a reference plane for the unbalanced antenna's feeding mechanism, the ground plane facilitates compact integration while maintaining isolation performance
3Ease of operation
If a compact antenna design is used, then easy integration into small portable devices is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for both the balanced and unbalanced antennas, establishes the ground plane for the unbalanced antenna, and enables compact integration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall manufacturing process despite the sophisticated antenna configuration
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention resides in a reconfigurable antenna. The antenna comprises a balanced antenna and an unbalanced antenna mounted on a supporting substrate, with both the balanced antenna and the unbalanced antenna located at the same end of the substrate. The antenna may be configured as a chassis antenna for use in a portable device or configured for Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output (MIMO) applications.