Stacked Patch Antenna Structure for High Gain at 27-31 GHz

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing patch antennas, such as those described in Taiwanese Invention Patent Publication No. TW202335369A, have limitations in gain and frequency operation, particularly at 27 GHz, and there is a need for improved performance and integration into smaller, lower-cost consumer electronic products.

Innovation Solution

A high-gain antenna design featuring a stacked substrate structure with a parasitic patch and multiple feed-out probes, including a third probe for isolation, and an antenna array configuration with aligned antennas, enhancing gain and frequency bandwidth while minimizing signal interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a conventional patch antenna structure is used, then the antenna is easy to manufacture and integrate, but the gain is limited (4.4 dBi at 27 GHz)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidgain
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a conventional single-layer patch antenna to a stacked three-substrate structure with multiple patches arranged in different dimensions. The first, second, and third substrates are stacked along the vertical direction, with patches on each substrate contributing to the overall radiation pattern. This dimensional transition from 2D to 3D stacking enables higher gain (6.6 dBi) while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized layering processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If the frequency is increased to 27 GHz for satellite communication, then the antenna size can be reduced, but the gain performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna sizeVSAvoidgain
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

At 27 GHz, the patent achieves high gain within a compact form factor by utilizing a stacked three-substrate configuration. The vertical stacking allows multiple radiating elements to be integrated in the height direction rather than spreading them out horizontally, thus reducing the overall footprint while achieving 6.6 dBi gain suitable for satellite communication applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna structure embeds multiple functional layers within each other: the first substrate with its patch and ground layer is nested with the second substrate containing additional patches, which is in turn nested with the third substrate. This nested configuration allows multiple radiating elements to be integrated in a compact volume, achieving high gain at 27 GHz without increasing the overall antenna size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If multiple patches are added to increase gain, then the gain improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovegainVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adding multiple patches in the same plane which would increase lateral complexity, the patent stacks three substrates vertically, each containing simplified patch structures. The first substrate has a first patch, the second substrate has a second patch, and the third substrate has a third patch. This vertical arrangement achieves higher gain through constructive interference while keeping each individual patch structure simple and easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna is segmented into three independent substrate layers, each contributing to the overall radiation. The first substrate with its patch and ground layer is separated from the second substrate, which is separated from the third substrate. This segmentation allows each layer to be designed and manufactured independently using standardized processes, reducing overall device complexity while achieving high gain through the combined effect of all three segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If the operating frequency band is expanded, then the adaptability improves, but the scattering parameters worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency bandwidthVSAvoidscattering parameters
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The stacked three-substrate structure provides multiple radiating elements oriented in different directions along the vertical axis. This dimensional configuration creates multiple radiation paths that can be tuned to operate across a broader frequency range (27-31 GHz). The different patch configurations on each substrate contribute to maintaining acceptable scattering parameters across the expanded bandwidth by providing complementary radiation patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 gain of 6.6 dBi and a frequency band of 27-31 GHz with improved manufacturing simplicity, and the antenna array achieves a gain of 12 dBi with effective circular polarization and reduced scattering parameters, suitable for low-earth orbit satellite communication.

Implementation Method 1

The parasitic patch 22 is disposed on an upper surface of the first substrate 11, has a circular shape, is made of metal, and is adapted to broaden an operating frequency band of the high-gain antenna

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation:

Implementation Method 2

Each of the first substrate 11, the first adhesive layer 12, the second substrate 13, the second adhesive layer 14 and the third substrate 16 is made of a dielectric material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave propagation:

Data Source

PatentEP4636952A1High-gain antenna and antenna array
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 ALPHA NETWORKS INC
  • EP4636952A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4636952A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4636952A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An antenna includes a first substrate (11), a second substrate (13), a ground layer (15) and a third substrate (15) stacked from top to bottom, a driving patch (21) disposed below the first substrate (11), and a first feed-in line (312) and a second feed-in line (322) disposed below the third substrate (16). The antenna further includes a first feed-out probe (311) and a second feed-out probe (321), each of which extends from below the driving patch (21), and penetrates the second substrate (13), the ground layer (15) and the third substrate (16). The first feed-out probe (311) and the second feed-out probe (321) respectively transmits a first signal and a second signal received respectively by the first feed-in line (312) and the second feed-in line (322) to the driving patch (21) for the driving patch (21) to output an output electromagnetic wave.