Shared-Substrate Antenna Layout for Compact Wi-Fi and 5G Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication devices face challenges in minimizing space requirements while maintaining radio frequency isolation between multiple antennas, leading to increased size and weight due to the need for separate antennas and isolation circuits.
Innovation Solution
Co-locating or fusing antennas for different radio access technologies, such as Wi-Fi and 5G, on a single substrate to reduce space requirements without compromising performance or increasing radio frequency interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple antennas are placed separately in a wireless communication device, then radio frequency isolation between antennas is maintained, but the device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antennas (Wi-Fi antenna and 5G antenna) into a single integrated antenna structure. The combined antenna uses a unified substrate and radiation elements that operate across multiple frequency bands, eliminating the need for separate antenna assemblies and reducing overall device weight while maintaining RF isolation through careful design of the radiation patterns and frequency separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated antenna serves multiple functions by supporting both Wi-Fi and 5G communication technologies simultaneously. The antenna structure is designed to operate across a wide frequency range, enabling it to function as both a Wi-Fi antenna and a 5G antenna, thereby reducing the total number of antennas needed in the device.
2Reliability
If multiple antennas are placed separately in a wireless communication device, then radio frequency isolation between antennas is maintained, but the device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple antenna functions into a single integrated antenna structure that occupies less volume than separate antennas. The combined antenna uses a shared substrate and coordinated radiation elements that provide both Wi-Fi and 5G functionality, significantly reducing the space required for antenna placement while maintaining RF isolation through frequency and spatial design.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna design employs a nested structure where the Wi-Fi antenna and 5G antenna elements are integrated within a unified antenna assembly. The radiation elements are arranged in a nested configuration that allows both antenna types to coexist in a compact volume, with the smaller Wi-Fi antenna elements positioned within or adjacent to the larger 5G antenna structure.
3Area of stationary object
If antennas are miniaturized and placed in close proximity, then space requirements are reduced, but radio frequency interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the antenna structure with different radiation characteristics in different spatial regions. The Wi-Fi and 5G antenna elements are positioned and oriented to create complementary radiation patterns, where the main lobe of one antenna is directed away from the other antenna, thereby reducing mutual interference while maintaining compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna design utilizes parameter changes by operating at significantly different frequency bands (2.4/5 GHz for Wi-Fi and sub-6 GHz for 5G). This frequency separation, combined with optimized radiation patterns and impedance matching, allows the miniaturized antennas to operate in close proximity with minimal RF interference, as the different frequency parameters reduce coupling between the antenna elements.
4Reliability
If multiple antennas are placed separately in a wireless communication device, then antenna performance is maintained, but the device becomes thicker
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna functions into a single integrated antenna structure that maintains full antenna performance while reducing device thickness. The unified antenna design uses a shared substrate and coordinated radiation elements that provide both Wi-Fi and 5G functionality, eliminating the need for multiple separate antenna assemblies that would increase device thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna design transitions from a three-dimensional stacked configuration to a two-dimensional planar integration on a single substrate. By arranging the Wi-Fi and 5G antenna elements in a planar configuration rather than stacking them vertically, the patent maintains antenna performance while significantly reducing the z-direction thickness of the device.
Data Source
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AI summary
A circuitry including a first antenna configured to communicate via a first RAT; including a substrate; and a second antenna located on the substrate of the first antenna configured to communicate via a second RAT, wherein communication via the first RAT does not interfere with communication via the second RAT.