Multilayer Millimeter-Wave Antenna Layout for Lower Mutual Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices face challenges in supporting millimeter and centimeter wave communications due to signal attenuation and distortion, as well as mutual coupling issues among antennas in phased arrays.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a phased antenna array with diagonally-oriented rectangular patch elements and parasitic elements, which minimizes mutual coupling and enhances signal beam forming capabilities, allowing for efficient transmission and reception of radio-frequency signals above 10 GHz.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional antenna configurations are used in phased arrays, then signal transmission capability is maintained, but mutual coupling between antennas increases causing signal distortion and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by rotating adjacent antennas in the phased array by 45 degrees relative to each other, breaking the traditional symmetric alignment. This asymmetric orientation reduces the electromagnetic coupling between adjacent antenna elements while maintaining the phased array's beam forming capability, thereby reducing mutual coupling interference without sacrificing signal transmission reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rotational dimension to the antenna arrangement by orienting antennas at 45-degree angles rather than traditional orthogonal or parallel alignments. This dimensional change in spatial orientation allows the antennas to maintain adequate electromagnetic isolation while preserving the phased array functionality, effectively reducing mutual coupling in the horizontal plane
2Area of stationary object
If antenna footprint is reduced for compact device design, then device size decreases, but antenna performance and signal quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs nesting by stacking multiple antenna elements vertically in layers, with parasitic elements positioned above and below the active patch elements. This vertical nesting allows multiple functional elements to occupy a compact lateral footprint while maintaining adequate spacing for signal quality, achieving both compactness and reliable communication performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar antenna layout to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. By arranging antenna elements in multiple vertical layers with controlled spacing, the design achieves reduced lateral footprint while maintaining signal integrity through the additional vertical dimension, allowing compact integration without performance degradation
3Productivity
If millimeter wave frequencies are used for high bandwidth communications, then data transmission rate increases, but signal attenuation and distortion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of mutual coupling into a beneficial arrangement by strategically rotating antennas at 45 degrees. This orientation reduces unwanted coupling between adjacent elements while enhancing the phased array's ability to form directional beams, thereby improving signal quality and reducing effective attenuation in the desired communication directions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial orientation parameter of the antenna elements by rotating them 45 degrees relative to adjacent elements. This parameter modification optimizes the electromagnetic field distribution, reducing inter-element coupling losses and improving overall signal efficiency at millimeter wave frequencies, thereby reducing effective signal attenuation
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may have a phased antenna array. An antenna in the array may include a rectangular patch element with diagonal axes. The antenna may have first and second antenna feeds coupled to the patch element along the diagonal axes. The antenna may be rotated at a forty-five degree angle relative to other antennas in the array. The antenna may have one or two layers of parasitic elements overlapping the patch element. For example, the antenna may have a layer of coplanar parasitic patches separated by a gap. The antenna may also have an additional parasitic patch that is located farther from the patch element than the layer of coplanar parasitic patches. The additional parasitic patch may overlap the patch element and the gap in the coplanar parasitic patches. The antenna may exhibit a relatively small footprint and minimal mutual coupling with other antennas in the array.