Shared-Feed Antenna Module Switching to Cut RF Front-End Area

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing antenna modules require a large mounting area due to the need for multiple RF front-ends corresponding to each antenna array, hindering the reduction in size of wireless devices.

Innovation Solution

An antenna module configuration with a shared feed circuit and switch circuit that allows multiple antenna units to share a single feed circuit, reducing the number of RFICs required and enabling a common connection member to connect substrates with radiating elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple RF front-ends are provided corresponding to multiple antenna arrays, then the antenna functionality is improved, but the mounting area on the circuit board increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna functionalityVSAvoidmounting area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a shared feed circuit that can serve multiple antenna arrays through switching mechanisms. The single feed circuit is designed to be universally compatible with multiple antenna units, allowing it to supply radio frequency signals to different antenna arrays as needed, thereby reducing the total number of feed circuits required while maintaining full antenna functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic switching capability between multiple antenna arrays using a switch circuit. This dynamic configuration allows the system to change the connection state between the feed circuit and different antenna arrays based on operational requirements, enabling one feed circuit to serve multiple antenna units sequentially rather than requiring dedicated feed circuits for each antenna.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the number of antenna arrays is increased, then the antenna performance is improved, but the number of RF front-ends and mounting area increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna array capabilityVSAvoidnumber of RF front-ends

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The feed circuit is designed with universal functionality to support multiple antenna arrays. Through the switching mechanism, a single feed circuit can be dynamically allocated to different antenna arrays, allowing the system to scale antenna capacity without proportionally increasing the number of RF front-ends.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The switch circuit acts as an intermediary between the feed circuit and multiple antenna arrays. This intermediary component enables efficient resource allocation by routing radio frequency signals from a single feed circuit to the appropriate antenna array based on current operational needs, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12587216B2Antenna module, connection member, and communication device including the same

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 MURATA MFG CO LTD

AI summary

The antenna module includes a first substrate and a second substrate on each of which a radiating element is arranged, a third substrate, and a switch circuit. An RFIC for supplying a radio frequency signal to the first substrate and the second substrate is arranged on the third substrate. The switch circuit is configured to change over a connection between the RFIC and the radiating element on the first substrate and a connection between the RFIC and the radiating element on the second substrate.