Stacked Radiator Patch Antenna for Broad Impedance Bandwidth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna elements have limited bandwidth, restricting the frequency band over which signals can be effectively transmitted and received, limiting their performance in high data capacity wireless communication systems.
Innovation Solution
An antenna element design featuring a planar conductive reflector plate, multiple planar substrates with differently sized radiator patches, and a non-conductive cover, arranged in successive parallel layers with specific spacing to maintain impedance match across a broad frequency range, allowing each radiator patch to have a different resonant frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single radiator patch is used in the antenna element, then the structure is simple, but the bandwidth is limited and the frequency band is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna element is segmented into multiple radiator patches (first, second, and third patches) with different widths, where each patch resonates at a different frequency. This segmentation allows the antenna to operate across a broader frequency band compared to a single patch design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dimensional diversity by stacking radiator patches at different heights above the ground plane (different z-dimensions). The first patch is at a first height, the second patch at a second height, and the third patch at a third height, creating a three-dimensional antenna structure that enhances frequency coverage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple radiator patches with different widths are used to achieve broad frequency response, then the frequency band increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple radiator patches serve multiple functions: each patch provides resonance at a specific frequency band, collectively they provide broad frequency coverage, and their stacked arrangement provides both frequency diversity and spatial diversity for MIMO applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiator patches are arranged in a nested-like stacked configuration where patches at different heights are vertically aligned or offset, creating a compact three-dimensional structure that integrates multiple functional elements within a confined space.
3Reliability
If the separation between radiator patches is increased to reduce coupling, then the impedance match improves at certain frequencies, but the overall bandwidth decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes specific parameters including the separation distances between patches (first separation and second separation), the widths of individual patches, and their heights above the ground plane. These parameter adjustments are designed to achieve impedance matching across a broad frequency range while maintaining appropriate coupling between patches for broadband operation.
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
The design achieves a broad impedance match and maintains good broadband gain performance, enabling efficient signal transmission and reception across a wide frequency band.
Implementation Method 1
The width of each radiator patch may be configured to provide each radiator patch with a different respective resonant frequency within an operating frequency band of the antenna element
Implementation Method 2
Signals may be connected to and from the patch by signal tracks connected to one or more edges of the patch or coupled to the patch through one or more slots in the ground plane
Data Source
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AI summary
An antenna element comprises a planar conductive reflector plate, a first planar substrate carrying a ground plane having a slot and a feed track crossing in the slot, a plurality of further planar substrates, each carrying a respective radiator patch having a shape that has the same proportions as each other radiator patch and a width which is different from each other radiator patch, and a planar non-conductive cover. The planar conductive reflector plate, the first planar substrate, the plurality of further planar substrates, and the planar non-conductive cover are disposed as successive parallel layers. The separation between successive radiator patches is less than 0.1 wavelengths at an operating frequency of the antenna element and a separation between the radiator patch closest to the planar non-conductive cover and the planar non-conductive cover is less than 0.25 wavelengths at an operating frequency of the antenna element.