Stacked Patch Antenna Layout for Compact Satellite and NFC Coexistence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable communication devices face challenges in accommodating satellite communication antennas due to limited space and the large footprint of existing satellite antennas, which often require replacing other antennas with large footprints like NFC, WLC, and UWB antennas.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves creating an antenna stack by positioning a second antenna or coil with a smaller footprint on top of a low-profile satellite patch antenna, allowing both to share the same space while minimizing interference between their fringe fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional satellite communication antenna is used, then satellite communication capability is achieved, but the antenna footprint becomes too large and displaces other antennas (NFC, WLC, UWB)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar antenna layout to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. The satellite patch antenna is positioned on a first substrate layer while the NFC antenna is placed on a second substrate layer above it, utilizing the vertical dimension to accommodate both antennas without increasing the device's footprint area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested antenna structure where the NFC antenna is effectively nested within the vertical space occupied by the satellite antenna assembly. The stacked configuration allows the NFC antenna to be positioned within the projection area of the satellite antenna, enabling both to coexist in a compact form factor.
2Reliability
If thick ceramic substrate is used for satellite antenna, then antenna performance is improved, but device thickness increases making it infeasible for portable devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the substrate material parameters from thick ceramic to thin flexible or rigid substrates with appropriate dielectric properties. This parameter change maintains the resonant frequency and radiation performance of the patch antenna while reducing the substrate thickness to be compatible with portable device form factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin substrate films instead of thick ceramic substrates to support the patch antenna structure. These thin substrates maintain the necessary electrical properties for antenna operation while enabling a sleek, portable device design with minimal thickness.
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna assembly includes a patch antenna configured to communicate with a communication satellite and a second antenna or coil configured for radio frequency (RF) transceiving attached on top of the patch antenna in a stacked configuration. The patch antenna includes (i) a ground plane; (ii) a substrate comprising a low dielectric constant and low loss material and positioned on the ground plane; and (iii) a conductive radiator patch positioned on the substrate. A second outer edge of the second antenna or coil is spaced inwardly from a corresponding outer edge of the patch antenna to minimize interference between respective fringe fields. The antenna stack is attached to a device housing of a communication device and communicatively coupled to a communications subsystem to enable satellite communication.