Surface-Mount Antenna Element With 3D Ground for Beam Shaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antenna technologies for microwave and millimeter-wave frequency ranges face challenges in enhancing user mobility and communication complexity, particularly with the increased demand from IoT devices and 5G networks, which require improved data rates and bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
A miniature antenna element with a looped resonator configuration, a three-dimensional ground assembly, and dielectric material, capable of transmitting and receiving RF signals, is designed for surface mount technology, allowing for adjustable radiation direction and high gain directional antennas by varying the orientation and spacing of antenna arrays on a printed circuit board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional antenna designs are used, then device complexity is reduced, but communication efficiency and data rates deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is divided into distinct functional segments: a resonator structure for signal generation, a director element for beam shaping, and a multi-layer ground assembly for impedance control. Each segment performs a specific function, allowing optimization of communication efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar two-dimensional antenna designs to three-dimensional structures by introducing vertical stacking of ground plates, elevating the director above the resonator plane, and creating metallized via holes that extend through multiple layers. This dimensional expansion enables enhanced radiation patterns and improved data rates
2Productivity
If antenna size is increased to improve gain, then communication efficiency improves, but device portability and mobility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna employs a nested configuration where the resonator is positioned within or adjacent to the ground assembly, the director is elevated above the resonator, and multiple ground plates are stacked vertically with metallized via holes connecting them. This nesting allows high gain performance in a compact volume, improving portability while maintaining communication efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction combining dielectric materials for the substrate and spacing, metallized materials for conductive elements, and potentially different metal types for ground plates and radiating elements. This composite approach enables optimized electrical performance in a miniaturized form factor suitable for mobile devices
3Ease of manufacture
If surface mount technology is implemented, then ease of manufacture improves, but antenna performance and reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna design incorporates universal surface mount features including flat bottom surfaces for mounting, standardized connection interfaces, and integration with conventional PCB manufacturing processes. The multi-layer ground assembly and metallized via holes provide both mechanical stability and electrical performance, ensuring reliability while maintaining ease of manufacture through standard SMT techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes critical parameters such as the dimensions of the resonator and director, the spacing between ground plates, the diameter and distribution of metallized via holes, and the dielectric constant of substrate materials. These parameter adjustments enable the antenna to achieve desired performance characteristics while remaining compatible with surface mount manufacturing processes
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 enhances communication efficiency by optimizing frequency and beam shaping, supporting higher data rates and mobility in 5G networks, while maintaining a compact, reliable, and efficient design suitable for surface mount technology.
Implementation Method 1
the resonator formed in a substantially looped configuration with a feed line and a terminal end and which is capable of transmitting and receiving RF signals
Implementation Method 2
an isolated director capable of directing wireless radio frequency (RF) signals for a resonator
Implementation Method 3
a dielectric material located between the director, the resonator, the top metal ground plate, and the bottom metal ground plate
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna element comprises one or more directors, a resonator, and a three dimensional ground assembly. Parts of the antenna element are arranged on three metal layers. A top layer has an unconnected metal bar which forms a beam director, a resonator and a top part of the ground assembly. The resonator is an integral piece substantially in the form of a loop connected to a feed line and a feed line terminal ending. The feed line terminal ending serves as the ground plane for the feed line as well as providing impedance matching from the external transceiver circuit to the resonator. The ground assembly includes a top layer ground connected to a plurality of metallized half cylindrical hole channels (or metallized via holes) which connect to a ground terminal in a bottom layer.