Resonator Decoupling Device for Compact Antenna Arrays

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Solution Overview

Problem

In compact antenna arrays, the close spacing of antennas leads to high spatial correlation and strong mutual coupling, resulting in decreased channel capacity and signal-to-noise ratio due to limited space in portable devices, necessitating effective decoupling techniques to maintain compact size and minimize interference.

Innovation Solution

A decoupling device comprising resonators coupled with antennas to form a network where isolation coefficients approach zero and reflection coefficients are minimized, allowing for adjustable couplings to accommodate various antenna parameters, implemented using substrate technologies like LTCC or multi-layered PCB, and extendable for dual-band or multi-antenna configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If antennas are placed close together in compact antenna arrays, then device size is reduced, but mutual coupling between antennas increases and channel capacity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidchannel capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces resonators as intermediary elements between antennas to decouple mutual coupling. The resonators are coupled to antenna ports and configured to cancel coupling effects through controlled coupling coefficients, acting as mediators that reduce interference while maintaining compact antenna spacing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adjusts coupling coefficients of resonators and impedance parameters to optimize decoupling performance. By changing parameters such as resonator coupling strengths and impedance values, the system achieves reduced mutual coupling and improved channel capacity while maintaining compact form factor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Length of stationary object

If antenna spacing is reduced below half-wavelength, then device compactness is achieved, but spatial correlation increases and signal-to-noise ratio decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna spacingVSAvoidspatial correlation

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Resonators serve as intermediary components that actively reduce spatial correlation between closely spaced antennas. By configuring resonator coupling coefficients, the system cancels out correlation effects even when antennas are positioned at sub-half-wavelength spacing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The resonators are pre-configured to produce anti-correlation effects that counteract the spatial correlation caused by close antenna positioning. The coupling coefficients are designed in advance to generate signals that cancel the correlated interference between antennas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Shape

If strong mutual coupling exists between antennas, then compact array configuration is maintained, but radiated power decreases and channel capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearray configurationVSAvoidradiated power

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

Resonators act as intermediary elements that transfer and decouple power between antennas. By optimizing resonator coupling coefficients, the system maintains efficient power radiation while reducing harmful mutual coupling effects in compact array configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution effectively reduces mutual coupling between antennas, enhancing channel capacity and signal-to-noise ratio by up to 10% and improving envelope correlation by over 10 dB, while maintaining compactness and adaptability for different antenna configurations.

Implementation Method 1

a first resonator coupled with a source, the source being connected with a first antenna of the two antennas; and a second resonator coupled with the first resonator and a load, the load being connected with a second antenna of the two antennas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9627751B2Device for decoupling antennas in compact antenna array and antenna array with the device

Publication Date: 2017.04.18 THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG

AI summary

Devices and methods for decoupling two antennas in a compact antenna array and antenna arrays comprising the devices are disclosed. According to an embodiment, the device comprises a first resonator coupled with a source, the source being connected with a first antenna of the two antennas; and a second resonator coupled with the first resonator and a load, the load being connected with a second antenna of the two antennas, wherein the first and second resonators are configured so that a first coupling between the source and the first resonator, a second coupling between the first and second resonators, and a third coupling between the second resonator and the load are satisfied with a constraint that an isolation coefficient in a whole network composed of a first two-port network consisting of the two antennas and a second two-port network consisting of the first and second resonators in parallel approach zero as well as reflection coefficients of each port of the whole network are minimized.