Substrate-Embedded Antenna for Millimeter-Wave Communications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antennas used in portable communications devices occupy significant surface area on substrates, limiting space for other components and not optimized for high-speed short-range millimeter-wave communications.
Innovation Solution
A substrate-embedded antenna design featuring through-holes with metal fills forming columnar conductors, which can be arranged to create U-shaped, reverse V-shaped, annular, or dipole antennas, with a ground plane and metal reflector to concentrate radiation and reduce surface area usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If conventional patch or dipole antennas are used, then radiation performance is achieved, but surface area occupation is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar antenna designs to three-dimensional folded monopole structures. The antenna elements are folded back and forth within the substrate thickness, creating a columnar configuration that occupies minimal surface area while maintaining adequate radiation length through vertical stacking of multiple folded segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna elements are nested within the substrate structure itself. Multiple folded segments are contained within the substrate thickness, with each segment nested within the overall columnar configuration. This nesting allows the antenna to be embedded within the substrate rather than protruding outward.
2Area of stationary object
If antenna surface area is reduced, then more space is available for components, but radiation efficiency may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for reduced surface area by utilizing the vertical dimension through folded monopole structures. Multiple segments are stacked vertically within the substrate, effectively increasing the radiation length without increasing the horizontal footprint, thereby maintaining radiation efficiency while minimizing surface occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite structures combining conductive materials for antenna elements with dielectric substrate materials. The folded monopole configuration creates a composite geometry that maximizes the effective radiating length within the constrained substrate volume, improving the ratio of radiating length to surface footprint.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional antenna designs are used, then broadside or end-fire radiation is achieved, but directional control is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The folded monopole configuration embedded in the substrate provides inherent directional radiation characteristics. By controlling the orientation and folding pattern of the monopole elements within the substrate, the antenna can be designed to radiate in specific directions (broadside or end-fire) without requiring additional complex directional control mechanisms.
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 allows for end-fire radiation, reduced surface area usage, and enhanced compatibility with portable systems for high-speed wireless data communications, particularly suitable for short-range millimeter-wave communications at 60 GHz frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
the metal fill within each through-hole connecting one another to form a columnar metal conductor which acts as a radiating body of the antenna
Implementation Method 2
a metal reflector placed at a direction opposite to a desired radiation direction of the radiating body to concentrate its radiation in a desired direction
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a substrate-embedded antenna and an antenna array constituted by said antennas. An antenna of the present invention comprises a plurality of substrates, a metal fill and a feed line. Each of the substrates has at least one through-hole. The metal fill is placed within each through-hole, and each metal fill placed therein connects one another to form a columnar metal conductor which acts as a radiating body of the antenna. The feed line is electrically coupled to the metal conductor to input and output electrical signals. A plurality of said antennas may constitute an antenna array.