Terminal RF Circuit Layer Layout for Dense 5G Antenna Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing number of antennas in terminals for 5G communications technology occupies a large internal space, as radio frequency coaxial lines are needed to connect antennas far from the main board, leading to inefficient space layout and potential antenna performance issues due to unreliable connections.

Innovation Solution

The terminal design includes a radio frequency circuit layer positioned between the screen and the middle frame, allowing antennas to be connected directly or via short lines to the main board, thereby reducing the need for lengthy coaxial lines and minimizing space occupation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the quantity of antennas is increased to support 5G multi-mode system, then the antenna coverage and communication capability are improved, but the internal space occupation and structural complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna coverageVSAvoidinternal space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the radio frequency circuit layer with the antenna structure, merging previously separate components (antennas, coaxial lines, circuit boards) into a unified integrated antenna assembly. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate coaxial line routing and reduces overall space occupation while maintaining multi-antenna functionality for 5G multi-mode support

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a planar two-dimensional layout to a three-dimensional stacked architecture by positioning the radio frequency circuit layer between the middle frame and screen, and arranging antennas in multiple layers. This vertical dimensionality change allows multiple antennas to be packed into a compact volume without increasing the terminal's external dimensions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If radio frequency coaxial lines are used to connect distant antenna feed points to the main board, then the antenna connection is achieved, but the space occupation and connection reliability issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna connectionVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the radio frequency coaxial lines from the antenna connection system by integrating the radio frequency circuit layer directly with the antenna feed points. This removal of the coaxial line intermediary simplifies the connection path, reduces potential failure points, and improves connection reliability while maintaining ease of assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new intermediary structure - the integrated radio frequency circuit layer - that directly couples antenna feed points to main board connection points. This intermediary eliminates the need for flexible coaxial lines while providing rigid, reliable electrical connections through controlled impedance traces on the circuit layer

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Quantity of substance

If antennas are positioned far from the main board to meet quantity requirements, then the antenna quantity requirement is satisfied, but the connection line length and space occupation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna quantityVSAvoidconnection line length
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the contradiction between antenna quantity and connection line length by transitioning to a three-dimensional stacked architecture. Multiple antenna groups are arranged in different layers with the radio frequency circuit layer positioned between the middle frame and screen, allowing short vertical connections rather than long horizontal routing, thus accommodating more antennas without increasing line length

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Quantity of substance

If more antenna springs are added to connect with the middle frame, then the antenna quantity is increased, but the contact reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna quantityVSAvoidcontact reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the antenna support function with the middle frame structure itself, eliminating the need for separate antenna springs. The middle frame is designed with integrated antenna mounting positions and connection structures, reducing the number of discrete spring components while maintaining secure, reliable electrical and mechanical contact for multiple antennas

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3975432B1terminal
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 VIVO MOBILE COMM CO LTD
  • EP3975432B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3975432B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3975432B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a terminal, including: a main board, a middle frame, a radio frequency circuit layer, a screen, and a plurality of antennas, where the middle frame is located between the main board and the radio frequency circuit layer, the radio frequency circuit layer is located between the screen and the middle frame, and the plurality of antennas are connected to the main board by using radio frequency lines in the radio frequency circuit layer.