Stacked PCB Antenna Module for Multi-Directional Beamforming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional phase array antennas in electronic devices have limited directional beamforming capabilities, restricting the formation of beams in directions orthogonal to the primary direction due to discrete phase shifting, which hampers efficient wireless communication, especially in high-frequency bands.
Innovation Solution
The proposed antenna module features a multi-layer printed circuit board structure with overlapping antenna arrays and ground planes, allowing for phase adjustment of antenna elements to form beams in various directions, enhancing beam coverage and signal transmission/reception rates across a wide frequency range (3 GHz to 100 GHz).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional phase array antenna with discrete phase shifters is used, then the antenna structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the beamforming capability is limited to specific discrete directions only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar antenna array to a three-dimensional stacked configuration with multiple antenna layers at different heights. This vertical dimension addition enables continuous 360-degree azimuth coverage and flexible elevation beamforming, resolving the directional limitation of conventional planar arrays while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized layer stacking
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic beamforming capability by enabling continuous phase adjustment across all antenna elements in the stacked array. This allows the beam direction to be dynamically steered to any azimuth angle and adjusted in elevation, transforming the static discrete-direction beamforming of conventional systems into a dynamic continuous-direction system
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antenna arrays are stacked in different directions, then beam coverage in various directions is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into multiple independent but identical antenna layers, each functioning as a complete antenna unit. This segmentation allows each layer to be manufactured and tested separately, then stacked to form the complete 3D array, significantly improving manufacturing ease while achieving multi-directional beam coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested stacking structure where multiple antenna layers are vertically arranged and interconnected through feeding networks. Each layer is positioned at a different height and can be independently fed, creating a nested configuration that achieves omnidirectional coverage while maintaining modular manufacturing advantages
3Ease of operation
If phase shifters are used for beam steering, then beam direction control is achieved, but the phase shifting is limited to several discrete angles only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the phase control parameter from discrete stepped values to continuous adjustable values across all antenna elements. This enables the beam to be steered to any desired angle within the full 360-degree azimuth range and adjustable elevation angles, transforming limited discrete-angle control into continuous wide-range directional control
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides an electronic device comprising an antenna module and a wireless communication circuit. The antenna module comprises: a printed circuit board comprising a first surface extending in a first direction and a second surface extending in a second direction opposite the first direction; a first area comprising a first antenna array; a second area comprising a second antenna array and at least partially overlapping the first area; a third area comprising a third antenna array and not overlapping the first area; a fourth area comprising a fourth antenna array and at least partially overlapping the third area; and a ground layer. The wireless communication circuit is electrically connected to the plurality of antenna arrays and transmits and/or receives a signal having a frequency in a range of about 3 GHz to 100 GHz.