Ridge Gap Waveguide Antenna Array With Contactless EBG Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing millimeter-wave antenna arrays face challenges such as high loss, large size, and manufacturing complexity due to weak electromagnetic characteristics of materials and the need for precise contact between components, making them unsuitable for mass production and efficient operation in high-frequency applications.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer millimeter-wave antenna array utilizing a ridge gap waveguide (RGW) with an electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structure, which allows for low-loss, wideband operation and improved beamforming characteristics without requiring high-precision manufacturing or strong interlayer contact, using a simple printed circuit board design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If existing antenna array architecture is applied to millimeter-wave band, then antenna array functionality is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases and size becomes too large for mass production
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array is divided into multiple independent layers, each containing antenna elements and feeding circuits. This segmentation allows each layer to be manufactured separately using standard PCB processes and then assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar 2D antenna element arrangements to 3D multilayer structures. By stacking antenna elements and feeding circuits across multiple PCB layers with vertical interconnects, the design achieves compact volume integration that reduces the overall footprint while maintaining mass production compatibility.
2Loss of energy
If antenna size increases to handle large loss, then loss compensation is achieved, but antenna efficiency decreases and optimal design requirements are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs ridge gap waveguide structures that modify the electromagnetic field distribution and propagation characteristics. By changing the waveguide geometry parameters (ridge height, gap width, substrate thickness), the design achieves low-loss signal transmission at millimeter-wave frequencies without requiring increased antenna element size, thereby maintaining high radiation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite structures combining dielectric substrates with metallic ridge and gap elements to create ridge gap waveguide sections. This composite approach provides both mechanical support and electromagnetic functionality, achieving low-loss transmission while maintaining compact dimensions and high efficiency.
3Reliability
If air-filled rectangular waveguide is used, then waveguide functionality is achieved, but the structure becomes too bulky for antenna array application
Solution Approach 1:
The ridge gap waveguide structure nests multiple functional elements within a compact volume. The metallic ridges and gaps are embedded within the dielectric substrate, creating a nested configuration that provides complete waveguide functionality (field confinement, directional propagation) while reducing the overall cross-sectional dimensions compared to traditional air-filled waveguides.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin dielectric substrate layers to replace the bulky air-filled waveguide structure. The dielectric film with embedded metallic ridges and gaps provides flexible, planar integration that maintains waveguide functionality while dramatically reducing the vertical dimension and enabling integration with PCB-based antenna arrays.
4Reliability
If precise contact between waveguide components is required, then waveguide performance is maintained, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the waveguide structure with the PCB substrate by etching metallic ridges and gaps directly into the dielectric layer. This integration eliminates the need for separate waveguide components and their associated precision mechanical assemblies, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining electromagnetic performance through controlled impedance design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based waveguide assemblies with electromagnetic field-based ridge gap waveguide structures. Instead of relying on precise physical contact between metal components, the design uses distributed electromagnetic fields confined by the ridges and gaps in the dielectric substrate, which can be manufactured using standard PCB tolerances.
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 RGW-based antenna array achieves low-loss, wideband performance with improved beamforming and extended frequency operation, simplifying manufacturing by minimizing direct component contact and allowing for a large tolerance range, thus being suitable for mass production and high-frequency applications.
Implementation Method 1
a contactless ridge gap waveguide includes an electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structure
Implementation Method 2
a contactless ridge gap waveguide includes a lower conductive base, a conductive ridge protruding from an upper surface of the lower conductive base, and an upper conductive wall located over the lower conductive base and the conductive ridge and spaced apart from the conductive ridge by a gap
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D~2B
Figure 2C~3A
AI summary
Disclosed is a ridge guide waveguide including a conductive base, a conductive ridge protruding upward from the conductive base and extending along a predetermined wave transmission direction, an upper conductive wall located over the conductive base and the conductive ridge and spaced apart from the conductive ridge by a gap, and an electromagnetic bandgap structure arranged adjacent to the conductive ridge between the conductive base and the upper conductive wall.