Terahertz Beamforming Antenna With Sealed PCB Waveguide Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terahertz band beam-forming systems face challenges in controlling beam direction in both left and right directions, and suffer from transmission losses due to open PCB antennas.
Innovation Solution
A terahertz band beamforming antenna system is designed with a metal waveguide structure that seals the PCB antenna, incorporating a laminated metal waveguide top and bottom portions to encase the antenna, including a feed transmission line and radiation antenna, with individual sealing of surfaces and a low-loss dielectric cover, and an input feed network for power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a 1-D array antenna is used for terahertz band beamforming, then beam forming in up and down directions is possible, but beam direction control in left and right directions is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a 1-D array antenna configuration to a 2-D array antenna structure by adding the H-plane dimension to the existing E-plane array. This dimensional expansion enables beamforming capability in both E-plane (up-down) and H-plane (left-right) directions, resolving the limitation of unidirectional beam control while maintaining a systematic array structure
2Loss of energy
If a PCB antenna is used without sealing, then the structure is simple, but transmission loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the PCB antenna with feed transmission line inside a metal waveguide structure. The waveguide acts as a protective enclosure that confines electromagnetic energy, preventing radiation loss from the transmission line while allowing the antenna to maintain its simple PCB-based design. This nested configuration reduces transmission loss without requiring complex modifications to the antenna itself
Solution Approach 2:
The metal waveguide serves as an intermediary structure between the PCB antenna and the external environment. It mediates the electromagnetic field distribution, providing a controlled impedance environment for the feed transmission line and directing energy efficiently to the radiating elements, thereby reducing transmission loss while keeping the antenna structure relatively simple
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple waveguide structures are laminated to create 2D beamforming array antenna, then 2D beamforming capability is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the 2-D array antenna into multiple identical or similar waveguide modules that can be manufactured separately and then laminated together. Each module contains a subset of the antenna elements and feed network, allowing for standardized fabrication processes. This segmentation enables 2D beamforming capability while managing manufacturing complexity through modular assembly of repeated units
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 system improves antenna feed line loss performance and enables the manufacturing of a 2D beamforming array antenna by reducing transmission losses and enhancing beam direction control.
Implementation Method 1
a metal waveguide top portion; and a metal waveguide bottom portion which is coupled to the metal waveguide top portion
Implementation Method 2
an antenna portion including a feed transmission line and a radiation antenna is positioned
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a terahertz band beamforming antenna system. A terahertz band beamforming antenna system includes: a metal waveguide top portion; and a metal waveguide bottom portion which is coupled to the metal waveguide top portion, and at which an antenna portion including a feed transmission line and a radiation antenna is positioned, wherein the metal waveguide top portion and the metal waveguide bottom portion may have radiation openings, and may be coupled to seal at least a top surface, a bottom surface, and both side surfaces of the antenna portion.