Stacked MIMO Antenna Panels for Space-Saving Multi-Band Gain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional MIMO antenna arrays require additional space for multiple antennas and associated circuitry, which can be a challenge in applications with limited physical space, and they often face increased complexity and cost when designed for multi-band operation.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves stacking panels with antenna elements to create a MIMO antenna array with more antenna elements while conserving space. This can be achieved by using the same size antenna elements to increase gain or by using different size antenna elements to cover a greater variety of frequencies, all while utilizing a dielectric separation layer between the stacked planes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional MIMO antenna arrays use multiple antennas and associated circuitry to increase gain and enhance communication performance, then system capacity and reliability are improved, but the physical space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional planar antenna arrangement to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. Multiple antenna panels are arranged in vertical layers separated by dielectric materials, allowing the system to achieve MIMO performance with higher effective gain without proportionally increasing the horizontal footprint. This dimensional transition enables dense integration of multiple antenna elements in the vertical dimension while maintaining compact overall form factor.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multi-band MIMO devices use multiple antennas for each frequency band to provide spatial diversity and multiplexing benefits, then performance and flexibility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna panels are designed with universal functionality to operate across multiple frequency bands simultaneously. Each panel contains antenna elements that can transmit and receive signals on different bands, eliminating the need for separate dedicated antennas for each band. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of antenna components and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining adaptability across diverse communication standards and frequency ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple antenna functions for different frequency bands are merged into integrated antenna panels. Rather than using separate antenna assemblies for each band, the patent combines multiple band operations within unified panel structures that share common support mechanisms, feeding networks, and spatial positioning, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving multi-band versatility.
3Productivity
If antenna elements are stacked in multiple planes to increase the quantity of antenna elements, then system capacity and data rates are improved, but the physical space is minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves high antenna element density by utilizing the vertical dimension through stacked panels arranged in multiple layers. This three-dimensional configuration allows numerous antenna elements to be packed into a compact volume, dramatically increasing the effective number of elements available for MIMO operations without requiring proportional increases in horizontal space occupation.
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 approach allows for increased system capacity, data rates, reliability, gain, and coverage range while minimizing physical space and reducing complexity and cost associated with multi-band operation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one separation layer that is positioned between the first plane and the second plane, wherein the separation layer is comprised of a dielectric material
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and systems for increasing the gain and/or offering multiple antenna frequencies while conserving space on the antenna are provided. According to various aspects of the technology, panels with antenna elements are stacked to create a MIMO antenna array with more antenna elements while conserving space. In some aspects, the antenna elements are the same size and produce the same frequency while their physical configuration increases the gain of the antenna. In alternative aspects, the antenna elements are different sizes and produces different frequencies such that the antenna offers a greater variety or bandwidth of frequencies while conserving physical space on the antenna (i.e., maximizing a total quantity of antenna elements associated with the antenna). Using an antenna system and device with an increased quantity of antenna elements increases one or more of the system capacity, data rates, reliability, gain, coverage range, and the like.