RF Front-End Module Ground Plane Slots for Dual-Band Antennas
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for higher data throughput in wireless devices due to multimedia and video streaming necessitates the transition to 5G standards, which requires additional space for millimeter wave and sub-6 GHz antennas, leading to larger electronic device sizes.
Innovation Solution
A RF front-end module that combines sub-6 GHz and millimeter wave functionality using a high frequency antenna array ground as part of a low frequency antenna radiator, reducing the number of antennas needed and conserving space by implementing a slot in the ground plane to provide a second resonant frequency without altering the module's dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate antennas are used for millimeter wave and sub-6 GHz frequencies, then both frequency functions can be achieved, but the device size increases due to additional space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines millimeter wave and sub-6 GHz antenna functions into a single integrated antenna structure. The antenna elements are designed to operate at both frequency ranges simultaneously, merging what would traditionally require separate antennas into one unified component, thereby reducing device size while maintaining multi-frequency capability
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna elements are designed with universal functionality to support both millimeter wave and sub-6 GHz operations. By creating an antenna structure that performs multiple frequency functions simultaneously, the design eliminates the need for separate dedicated antennas for each frequency band, thus reducing overall device volume
2Adaptability or versatility
If the ground plane is modified to support additional resonant frequencies, then multi-frequency operation is enabled, but the structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The ground plane is segmented into multiple regions with different electrical characteristics. By dividing the ground plane into distinct segments that can be independently configured, the design enables multiple resonant frequencies while maintaining overall structural integrity. Each segment can be optimized for specific frequency operations without compromising the entire ground plane structure
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the ground plane are assigned different local qualities or electrical properties. Specific areas are designed with particular impedance characteristics or resonant properties tailored to specific frequency ranges, allowing multi-frequency operation while preserving the overall structural strength through localized rather than global modifications
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 allows for the coexistence of millimeter wave and sub-6 GHz functions within the same RF front-end module, reducing the overall size of electronic devices with 5G communication capabilities while maintaining performance.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna array on the PCB to provide a first resonant frequency in a wireless communication network
Implementation Method 2
a slot defined in the ground plane to provide a second resonant frequency in the wireless communication network
Data Source
AI summary
An example radio frequency (RF) front-end module is described, which may include a printed circuit board (PCB) including a ground plane, an RF integrated circuit (RFIC) including RF components mounted on the PCB, and an antenna array on the PCB. The antenna array may operate at a first resonant frequency in a wireless communication network. Further, the RF front-end module may include a slot defined in the ground plane to provide a second resonant frequency in the wireless communication network. The second resonant frequency is lower than the first resonant frequency.