Compact RF Module Antennas for Broadside and End-Fire Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of multiple wireless technologies in mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, poses challenges due to their small size and limited battery power, particularly in achieving suitable antenna performance for broadside and end-fire radiation directions, which are essential for effective communication.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of wideband open slot antennas and high directivity end-fire and broadside antennas, including V-shaped and periodic bowtie antennas, that provide 360-degree coverage and operate across multiple frequency bands, such as 28 GHz and 39 GHz, allowing for reduced antenna count and enhanced beamforming capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate antennas are used to achieve both broadside and end-fire radiation, then antenna performance in both directions is improved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines broadside and end-fire radiation capabilities into a single antenna structure. The antenna element is configured with specific geometric parameters (length, width, substrate thickness) that enable it to radiate effectively in both broadside and end-fire directions simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate antennas and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna design achieves multi-functionality by providing both broadside and end-fire radiation patterns from a single structure. This universal antenna can serve multiple communication functions and support various wireless technologies (WiFi, WiGig, mmWave, LTE) within a single device footprint, improving reliability without increasing antenna count
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas with different radiation patterns are integrated, then coverage area and frequency diversity are improved, but the RF package size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional space efficiently by designing an antenna where the radiating element extends in multiple dimensions relative to the substrate. The antenna achieves near 270-degree solid angle coverage by optimizing the spatial arrangement of its radiating components, providing extensive coverage without proportionally increasing the footprint area on the circuit board
Solution Approach 2:
By merging broadside and end-fire radiation capabilities into one antenna structure, the patent achieves diverse coverage patterns (including both horizontal and vertical radiation) without requiring multiple separate antenna elements. This consolidation maintains frequency diversity and adaptability while minimizing the overall RF package size
Data Source
AI summary
The techniques described herein relate to a Radio Frequency (RF) communication module for a hand-held mobile electronic device. The Radio Frequency (RF) communication module includes a circuit board and a plurality of antennas disposed on a top side and bottom side of the circuit board. The plurality of antennas comprise a first subset of antennas comprising end-fire antennas and a second subset of antennas comprising broadside antennas. The first subset of antennas and the second subset of antennas also have a bandwidth of approximately 40 percent. The Radio Frequency (RF) communication module also includes a shielded area comprising circuitry coupled to the circuit board for controlling the antennas.