Shared-Aperture Dual-Band Antenna Array with Metasurface Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shared-aperture dual-band dual-polarized antenna arrays face challenges in achieving a compact size while maintaining high cross-band isolation and stable radiation patterns, due to significant mutual coupling between different-frequency elements.
Innovation Solution
A shared-aperture dual-band dual-polarized antenna array is designed with a low-frequency antenna element loaded with a filtering structure and a dual-function metasurface, which acts as an artificial magnetic conductor reflector and frequency selective surface to reduce out-of-band radiation and electromagnetic scattering, enhancing radiation efficiency and minimizing size through a compact configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a parallel separated arrangement scheme is used to reduce mutual coupling between different-frequency elements, then cross-band isolation is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna elements (dipole antennas for different frequency bands) into a single integrated radiator structure. The high-frequency dipole is embedded within the low-frequency dipole, creating a unified radiating element that serves multiple frequency bands simultaneously, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining compact size
Solution Approach 2:
The shared aperture structure serves multiple functions: it acts as the radiator for both low-frequency and high-frequency bands, provides mechanical support, and enables dual-polarization operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate structures for each frequency band, reducing overall device complexity
2Volume of moving object
If antenna elements are placed closer together to achieve compact size, then device volume is reduced, but mutual coupling between different-frequency elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the high-frequency dipole antenna is placed inside the low-frequency dipole antenna structure. This nesting allows both antennas to occupy the same spatial aperture, achieving compact size while the low-frequency structure provides natural shielding that reduces mutual coupling effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful induced currents in the low-frequency antenna (which cause cross-band scattering) into a beneficial shielding effect. The low-frequency antenna structure acts as a shield that blocks high-frequency electromagnetic fields, thereby reducing mutual coupling while maintaining compact dimensions
3Stability of the object's composition
If an RF choke is placed on the radiator to suppress induced high-frequency scattering current, then radiation pattern distortion is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the low-frequency antenna structure into a beneficial shield that naturally suppresses high-frequency induced currents through electromagnetic shielding effects. This eliminates the need for additional RF chokes or decoupling networks, maintaining radiation pattern stability while avoiding increased structural complexity
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are integrated to achieve dual-band operation, then frequency coverage is improved, but antenna volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple antenna elements into a single shared aperture structure where dipole antennas for different frequency bands are integrated within the same radiating volume. This combining approach achieves dual-band operation without proportionally increasing the overall antenna volume
Solution Approach 2:
The nested configuration allows high-frequency and low-frequency dipole antennas to be placed within each other, maximizing space utilization. This nesting enables dual-band frequency coverage while keeping the antenna volume compact, as both frequency bands share the same physical space
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 solution achieves reduced cross-band coupling, stable radiation patterns, and a compact size, with improved isolation and radiation performance across both frequency bands, specifically reducing the overall size by 57.4% and maintaining high cross-band isolation.
Implementation Method 1
when the metasurface is used as an artificial magnetic conductor reflector, radiation of the low-frequency antenna element is enhanced in a low profile
Implementation Method 2
when the metasurface is used as a frequency selective surface, electromagnetic scattering of the low-frequency antenna element in the high-frequency operating band is suppressed
Implementation Method 3
electromagnetic scattering of the low-frequency antenna element in the high-frequency operating band is suppressed
Implementation Method 4
the low-frequency antenna element is loaded with a filtering structure, and both the low-frequency antenna element and the high-frequency antenna element are fed by coaxial lines
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses shared-aperture dual-band dual-polarized antenna array and communication equipment. The antenna array comprises a first dielectric substrate, a second dielectric substrate, a third dielectric substrate, a fourth dielectric substrate, and a fifth dielectric substrate. The first dielectric substrate, the second dielectric substrate, and the third dielectric substrate constitute a dielectric substrate group. The dielectric substrate group is provided with a low-frequency antenna element and four high-frequency antenna elements. The low-frequency antenna element is loaded with a filtering structure. The low-frequency antenna element and the high-frequency antenna element are fed by coaxial lines. The fourth dielectric substrate and the fifth dielectric substrate form a dual-function metasurface. When the dual-function metasurface is used as an artificial magnetic conductor reflector, the radiation of the low-frequency antenna element is enhanced in a low profile, and when used as a frequency selective surface, the electromagnetic scattering of the low-frequency antenna element in the high-frequency band is suppressed. Compared with the existing solutions, the present invention is more compact, and maintains high cross-band isolation and stable radiation patterns in dual bands.