Dual-Mode Antenna Structure Using Shared Radiator for RF Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antenna arrangements in electronic devices, such as smartphones, face challenges in accommodating multiple radio signal technologies like 5G and WLAN due to limited space, leading to reduced antenna performance and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The proposed antenna arrangement integrates a differential mode antenna and a common mode antenna within the same volume, utilizing a single radiating element with specific feed configurations to induce differential and common mode currents, thereby achieving improved isolation and efficiency without the need for additional decoupling structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If two antennas are placed close to each other to reduce volume, then the antenna volume is reduced, but the isolation between antennas deteriorates leading to reduced antenna performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two antenna functions (differential mode and common mode) into a single shared radiating element. The first antenna element and second antenna element both utilize the same radiating element, allowing two antenna systems to coexist in the same volume without requiring separate radiating structures, thereby achieving compact integration while maintaining functional independence through different feed configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the antenna system into distinct feed mechanisms: a differential antenna feed for inducing differential mode currents and a common antenna feed for inducing common mode currents. This segmentation allows independent control and optimization of each antenna mode while sharing the same radiating element, resolving the isolation issue through functional separation rather than spatial separation
2Reliability
If decoupling structures are introduced between antennas to achieve good isolation, then the isolation between antennas is improved, but the operation bandwidth becomes narrow and the overall antenna volume remains large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-decoupling where the differential mode antenna and common mode antenna inherently isolate each other through their different current excitation modes. The differential mode feed and common mode feed are configured such that they naturally minimize mutual coupling without requiring external decoupling structures, thereby maintaining broad bandwidth and compact volume while achieving the required isolation levels
3Area of stationary object
If display size is increased to cover more of the electronic device, then the display coverage is improved, but the space available for antennas is reduced leading to reduced antenna performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna functions into a single integrated structure that occupies minimal space. By using one radiating element served by both differential and common mode feeds, the antenna system achieves the functionality of multiple antennas while occupying the same volume as a single antenna, thereby accommodating large display areas without compromising antenna performance
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
This solution allows for a more compact antenna arrangement that supports multiple radiofrequency ranges, including 5G NR and WLAN, with enhanced efficiency and isolation, significantly extending the operation bandwidth and improving overall device performance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one differential antenna feed configured to induce differential mode currents in the radiating element
Implementation Method 2
at least one common antenna feed configured to induce common mode currents in the radiating element
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna arrangement—comprising a differential mode antenna—and a common mode antenna, the antenna arrangement—comprising an antenna structure comprising one radiating element, at least one differential antenna feed configured to induce differential mode currents in the radiating element, and at least one common antenna feed configured to induce common mode currents in the radiating element. The antenna structure is configured to excite a first radiofrequency range and a second radiofrequency range in response to the differential mode currents and the common mode currents. The first antenna element and the second antenna element are configured to excite a third radiofrequency range in response to the differential mode currents or the common mode currents. This arrangement makes it possible to locate two antennas in the same given volume while maintaining a high level of isolation between the antennas.