Stacked Antenna Module Layout for Thin 5G MIMO Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing demand for metal appearance and 5G MIMO technologies in electronic devices requires more antennas, leading to larger mounting spaces, which hinders the development of lighter and thinner devices.

Innovation Solution

An antenna module design featuring a first substrate with a metal ground plane, a second substrate bearing an antenna array, and a signal processing chip, allowing for dual polarization MIMO implementation without increasing the overall thickness or width, by arranging two antenna arrays on opposite sides of the first substrate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If more antenna arrays are laid out to support 5G MIMO technologies, then the wireless communication capability is improved, but the mounting space required increases, which is not conducive to developing lighter and thinner electronic devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless communication capabilityVSAvoidmounting space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a planar antenna layout to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. Multiple antenna arrays are arranged on different substrates stacked vertically, utilizing the Z-axis dimension to accommodate more antenna elements without increasing the device's footprint area. This dimensional transition enables higher antenna density while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for thin devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested structure where multiple antenna arrays are integrated within a compact stacked substrate assembly. The antenna arrays are embedded within layered substrates, with each substrate containing antenna elements that are nested within the overall module structure. This nesting approach maximizes the use of available space within the antenna module volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the number of antennas is increased to meet 5G MIMO requirements, then the communication performance is improved, but the device weight increases, which contradicts the goal of developing lighter devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication performanceVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple antenna arrays and their supporting substrates into a single integrated antenna module. By merging the antenna elements, feeding networks, and substrates into one compact stacked unit, the overall weight is reduced compared to having separate antenna modules. The integrated design allows shared structural support and streamlined assembly, contributing to weight reduction while maintaining enhanced communication capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12199334B2Antenna module and electronic device

Publication Date: 2025.01.14 VIVO MOBILE COMM CO LTD

AI summary

An antenna module includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and a signal processing chip. The second substrate and the signal processing chip are located on a same side of the first substrate. A side of the first substrate that faces away from the second substrate is provided with a first antenna array, and the second substrate bears a second antenna array.