Stacked PCB Antennas for Millimeter Wave Signal Propagation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face challenges in supporting millimeter wave communications due to significant attenuation and line-of-sight requirements, which hinder effective wireless communication at high frequencies.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of wireless communications circuitry in electronic devices using stacked printed circuit antennas, such as phased antenna arrays and Yagi antennas, that can be oriented in various directions and operate through dielectric-filled slots in a metal housing to enhance signal propagation and beam steering, thereby improving millimeter wave communication capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If millimeter wave communications are implemented, then high bandwidth communications are achieved, but signal attenuation increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebandwidthVSAvoidsignal attenuation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional planar antenna arrangements to three-dimensional stacked printed circuit board configurations. Multiple antenna elements are positioned at different vertical levels and orientations, creating spatial diversity that enables beamforming and directional communication. This dimensional expansion allows the system to overcome signal attenuation by concentrating energy in specific directions rather than radiating uniformly in all directions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication system is divided into multiple independent antenna elements arranged in stacked configurations. Each antenna element can be independently controlled and optimized, allowing the system to segment the communication function across multiple spatial locations. This segmentation enables sophisticated signal processing techniques such as beamforming, where individual antenna elements work together to direct energy toward specific targets, thereby compensating for attenuation losses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If stacked printed circuit boards with multiple antenna orientations are used, then adaptability to different communication directions is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna radiation pattern orientationVSAvoidstacked printed circuit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stacked printed circuit board structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for multiple antenna elements, establishes precise spatial relationships between antennas, provides electrical connections through vertical vias, and enables both omnidirectional and directional radiation patterns. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components and simplifies the overall device architecture despite the increased antenna adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple antenna elements are nested within a compact stacked PCB structure, with each subsequent antenna layer positioned within the vertical envelope established by previous layers. This nesting approach allows complex multi-orientation antenna systems to be packaged in a small volume, reducing the physical complexity and space requirements while maintaining the adaptability benefits of multiple radiation patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

This solution enhances the reliability and effectiveness of millimeter wave communications by allowing antennas to adapt to blockages and environmental factors, ensuring consistent signal reception and transmission across short distances.

Implementation Method 1

Antenna signals associated with the antennas may pass through an inactive area in a display and through a dielectric-filled slot in a metal housing for the electronic device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave propagation:

Implementation Method 2

Waveguide structures may be used to guide antenna signals within interior portions of the electronic device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWaveguide: Waveguide

Implementation Method 3

Beam steering operations may be performed using an array of the antennas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBeam steering:

Data Source

PatentUS10305172B2Electronic device with millimeter wave antennas on stacked printed circuits

Publication Date: 2019.05.28 APPLE INC

AI summary

An electronic device may be provided with wireless circuitry. The wireless circuitry may include one or more antennas and transceiver circuitry such as millimeter wave transceiver circuitry. The antennas may be formed from metal traces on a printed circuit. The printed circuit may be a stacked printed circuit including multiple stacked substrates. Metal traces may form an array of patch antennas, Yagi antennas, and other antennas. Antenna signals associated with the antennas may pass through an inactive area in a display and through a dielectric-filled slot in a metal housing for the electronic device. Waveguide structures may be used to guide antenna signals within interior portions of the electronic device.