Stacked Patch Antenna Feed Structure for Broadband Impedance Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stacked patch antennas face challenges in achieving broadband characteristics and impedance matching when there is a significant size difference between the upper and lower antenna patches, leading to degraded operating bandwidth and impedance mismatch.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates specific stubs and vias to create capacitive and inductive elements that facilitate impedance matching, even with large size differences between the upper and lower antenna patches, using a combination of microstrip lines and ground plates to enhance bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the size difference between upper antenna patch and lower antenna patch is increased to broaden operating bandwidth, then operating bandwidth is improved, but impedance matching is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feed line as an intermediary element between the lower antenna patch and the upper antenna patch. This feed line acts as a mediator that transforms the impedance characteristics, enabling effective impedance matching even when the upper and lower patches have significant size differences. The feed line's characteristic impedance and length are specifically designed to bridge the impedance gap created by the size mismatch.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the feed line structure, including adjusting the feed line width, length, and position, to optimize impedance matching. By varying these parameters, the system can maintain good impedance matching across a wide bandwidth despite large size differences between patches. The feed line's electrical parameters are tuned to compensate for the size mismatch effects.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the interval between antennas is narrowed to secure wide steering range in antenna array, then steering range is improved, but coupling between antennas occurs and impedance matching is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The feed line serves as an intermediary that isolates the coupling effects between adjacent antennas in the array. By providing a controlled impedance path, the feed line reduces mutual coupling between elements, allowing narrower spacing while maintaining impedance matching and broadband characteristics.
3Device complexity
If direct feeding structure is used to simplify the antenna structure, then device complexity is reduced, but impedance matching control is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The feed line is introduced as a simple intermediary element that provides impedance transformation capability. While it adds a minor structural element, it dramatically improves impedance matching control compared to direct feeding, with minimal increase in overall device complexity.
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 solution enables impedance matching and broadens the operating bandwidth of the stacked patch antenna, achieving improved performance even with size differences up to 15% or more between the upper and lower patches.
Implementation Method 1
The design incorporates specific stubs and vias to create capacitive and inductive elements that facilitate impedance matching
Implementation Method 2
The design incorporates specific stubs and vias to create capacitive and inductive elements that facilitate impedance matching
Data Source
AI summary
A stacked patch antenna includes an upper ground plate including a first upper hole, a first feed pad provided on the upper ground plate, a first feed line extending from the first feed pad along a first direction, a lower antenna patch provided on the first feed pad, an upper antenna patch provided on the lower antenna patch, a first upper pad provided in the first upper hole, and a first upper stub protruding from a side surface of the first upper pad.