Stacked Planar Array Antenna Layout for Terahertz Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-frequency signal transmission/reception in terahertz bands poses a challenge for beamforming antennas due to the lack of physical space for chip placement between patch antennas, limiting the configuration and efficiency of beam steering.
Innovation Solution
A beamforming apparatus is implemented with a chip for 2D beam adjustment disposed in a stacked manner on the top and bottom surfaces of an array antenna, featuring an elevation antenna group for elevation angle beam steering and an azimuth antenna group for azimuth angle beam steering, utilizing series-fed patch antennas and aperture-coupled connections to manage signal coupling and phase control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the frequency of transmission/reception signal is increased to terahertz band, then beamforming performance is improved, but physical space for chip placement between patch antennas becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. Multiple antenna groups are arranged in different layers (first layer with first antenna group, second layer with second antenna group), allowing chips to be placed on different surfaces (top surface, bottom surface, side surface) of the antenna structure. This vertical stacking enables sufficient chip placement space while maintaining high-frequency operation capability.
2Ease of manufacture
If patch antennas are radially connected from each corner of square chip, then ease of manufacture is improved, but beam steering control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into multiple independent antenna groups (first antenna group, second antenna group, third antenna group, fourth antenna group) arranged in different layers and orientations. Each antenna group can be controlled independently through separate chips, enabling precise beam steering in multiple dimensions. The radial connection from chip corners is maintained within each group for ease of manufacture, while the segmented multi-group structure provides the necessary control precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antenna groups are stacked in three dimensions, then beam steering capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested hierarchical structure where multiple antenna groups are stacked in layers (first layer, second layer, third layer) with each layer containing specific antenna groups. Chips are nested on different surfaces (top surface, bottom surface, side surface) of the antenna structure. This nested organization provides comprehensive beam steering capability while maintaining a compact and systematic structure that manages complexity through hierarchical arrangement.
Data Source
AI summary
A beamforming apparatus and a beamforming method using an expandable planar array antenna are provided. The beamforming apparatus that performs the beamforming method includes an array antenna in which an Elevation (EL) antenna group configured to perform beam steering in an elevation angle direction and an Azimuth (AZ) antenna group configured to perform beam steering in an azimuth angle direction are disposed on a same plane, a first chip located on a top surface of the array antenna and configured to control the beam steering in the elevation angle direction by controlling patch antennas included in the EL antenna group, and a second chip located on a bottom surface of the array antenna and configured to control the beam steering in the azimuth angle direction by controlling patch antennas included in the AZ antenna group.