Stacked Patch Antenna Module for 5G Millimeter Wave Bandwidth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microstrip patch antennas have a relatively narrow frequency band coverage due to limitations in impedance characteristics, which restricts their application in wide-range frequency operations such as 5G millimeter wave communications.
Innovation Solution
A stacked patch antenna module is designed with a dielectric substrate, insulating layers, and a ground layer with a feeding structure that couples signals to both antenna radiators, allowing dual-band radiation across a continuous frequency band, including 5G millimeter wave frequencies, through a single-feeding port configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a microstrip patch antenna is used, then the antenna structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the frequency band coverage is narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is divided into multiple radiating elements (first radiating element and second radiating element) with different geometries, where each element is responsible for radiating in different frequency bands. This segmentation allows the antenna to cover a broader frequency range while maintaining the simplicity of individual patch structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple radiating elements with different frequency characteristics are merged into a single antenna structure that shares a common ground layer and feeding mechanism. The first radiating element (rectangular patch) and second radiating element (annular ring) are combined to achieve dual-band operation, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and frequency coverage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple radiating elements are added to expand frequency coverage, then the frequency band coverage is improved, but the antenna structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The ground layer serves multiple functions: it acts as the reference plane for both radiating elements, provides the coupling interface for the feeding structure, and enables electromagnetic coupling between elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting structural complexity while achieving broad frequency coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground layer with a coupling slot acts as an intermediary that enables electromagnetic coupling between the feeding structure and multiple radiating elements. This intermediary mechanism allows a single feeding port to excite multiple elements across different frequency bands without requiring separate feeding networks for each element, thus simplifying the overall structure.
3Reliability
If a stacked patch antenna design is used, then the radiation efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ground layer is designed as a continuous conductive plane that provides equipotential reference for all radiating elements. The coupling slot in the ground layer creates a controlled impedance interface that ensures consistent electromagnetic coupling, reducing sensitivity to manufacturing variations and maintaining radiation efficiency across different fabrication tolerances.
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 antenna module achieves efficient radiation across a large frequency range, including 24 GHz to 29.8 GHz and 37.5 GHz to 38.9 GHz bands, meeting 5G NR frequency requirements with high radiation efficiency and compact size, supporting 5G millimeter wave communications.
Implementation Method 1
a ground layer with a feeding structure that couples signals to both antenna radiators, allowing dual-band radiation across a continuous frequency band
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
An antenna module (100) is provided. The antenna module (100) includes a dielectric substrate (54), a first insulating layer (521), a stacked patch antenna (400), a ground layer (30), a second insulating layer (523), and a feeding structure (120). The dielectric substrate (54) includes a first surface (54a) and a second surface (54b) opposite the first surface (54a). The first insulating layer (521) is disposed on the first surface (54a) of the dielectric substrate (54). The stacked patch antenna (400) includes a first antenna radiator (42) disposed on a side of the first insulating layer (521) away from the dielectric substrate (54) and a second antenna radiator (44) disposed between the first insulating layer (521) and the dielectric substrate (54). A projection of the first antenna radiator (42) on the dielectric substrate (54) at least partially overlaps with a projection of the second antenna radiator (44) on the dielectric substrate (54). The ground layer (30) is disposed on the second surface (54b) of the dielectric substrate (54), and the ground layer (30) defines at least one slot (32).