Self-Filtering Millimeter-Wave Antenna Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filtering antennas for millimeter-wave applications have narrow bandwidth and require separate filtering and antenna components, leading to large size and significant insertion loss.
Innovation Solution
A self-filtering millimeter-wave wideband multilayer planar antenna design that integrates filtering and radiating functions using a 3-layer structure with a slot feed, probes, and radiating patches, eliminating the need for resonant cavities and allowing for arbitrary antenna arrays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate filters and antennas are designed and connected with transmission lines, then filtering function and radiating function are achieved, but the size becomes large and insertion loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the filtering function and radiating function into a single integrated antenna structure. The antenna elements are designed to inherently provide frequency selectivity through their geometric configuration and coupling arrangements, eliminating the need for separate filtering components and reducing overall system size.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the radiating element and the filtering component. The coupled resonant circuits within the antenna design provide frequency selection while the same structure radiates the signal, making the antenna a multi-functional component that replaces both filter and antenna.
2Reliability
If separate filters and antennas are designed and connected with transmission lines, then filtering function and radiating function are achieved, but insertion loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the filter and antenna into a single structure, the patent eliminates multiple connection interfaces and transmission lines that would otherwise introduce insertion loss. The direct coupling between antenna elements provides filtering without requiring additional connection points where signal loss would occur.
3Device complexity
If prior art filtering antennas are used, then filtering and radiating functions are integrated, but bandwidth becomes narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna design divides the radiating structure into multiple coupled segments or elements that can operate at different resonant frequencies. This segmentation allows the antenna to maintain frequency selectivity while expanding the overall bandwidth through the combined response of multiple resonant modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adjustable coupling mechanisms between antenna elements that allow the resonant characteristics to be dynamically tuned. By varying the coupling strength between elements, the bandwidth and frequency response can be optimized for different operating conditions, providing both integration and wide bandwidth.
4Reliability
If resonant cavity structure is used in filtering antennas, then filtering function is achieved, but the structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the filtering function from the complex resonant cavity structure and implements it through simpler coupled planar antenna elements. Instead of using three-dimensional cavity resonators, the design uses two-dimensional printed circuit board traces and patches that provide frequency selectivity through their geometric configuration, significantly simplifying the overall structure.
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 design achieves wide impedance bandwidth, low profile, and adequate filtering response without additional filtering circuits, suitable for 5G mm-wave communications with improved radiation suppression and gain performance.
Implementation Method 1
The probes function as an inductor and capacitor in series
Implementation Method 2
The probes function as an inductor and capacitor in series
Implementation Method 3
The radiating patches function as an inductor, a capacitor, and a resistor in parallel
Implementation Method 4
The radiating patches function as an inductor, a capacitor, and a resistor in parallel
Implementation Method 5
The radiating patches function as an inductor, a capacitor, and a resistor in parallel
Implementation Method 6
The series LC circuit formed by the probes and the parallel RLC circuit formed by the patches resonate at a frequency corresponding to a lower edge of an impedance bandwidth of the antenna
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a self-filtering millimeter-wave wideband multilayer planar antenna. The antenna includes a first layer having a slot feed. A second layer includes at least a pair of probes fed by the slot feed from the first layer. A third layer includes at least two substantially planar radiating patches each patch respectively coupled to one of the probes on the second layer. The radiating patches are arranged to radiate a millimeter-wavelength electromagnetic wave when the slot feed receives excitation energy and transmits the energy to the radiating patch through the respective probe. The self-filtering antenna does not require a resonant cavity structure coupled to the radiating patches. Antenna arrays of arbitrary numbers of antenna elements may be constructed from the self-filtering antenna. Such arrays are particularly suitable for 5G mm-wave backhaul communications.