Tunable Patch Antenna Array Dielectric Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data networks are inefficient due to high volumes of low-bandwidth devices competing for limited network resources, resulting in a low useful-to-useless data ratio, particularly in uncoordinated environments like those with low-cost embedded wireless sensors.
Innovation Solution
A tunable low-profile patch antenna array system incorporating a dielectric plate and multiple layer printed circuit board, where the dielectric constant, thickness, and air gaps are optimized for operating frequencies, allowing for efficient communication and beamforming capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional antenna design is used without a dielectric plate, then the structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the antenna gain and beam steering efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A dielectric plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the antenna elements and the ground plane. This dielectric plate with specific permittivity and thickness controls the electromagnetic field distribution, enabling enhanced antenna gain and improved beam steering capability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes specific parameters of the dielectric plate including its permittivity (dielectric constant), thickness, and position relative to the antenna elements. By carefully selecting these parameters, the antenna system achieves superior performance in terms of gain and beam steering without requiring complex structural modifications.
2Area of stationary object
If antenna elements are placed closer together to reduce array size, then the physical footprint is reduced, but mutual coupling between elements increases reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric plate serves as a mediator that manages the electromagnetic interaction between closely spaced antenna elements. By controlling the field distribution through the dielectric material, mutual coupling effects are reduced, allowing elements to be placed closer together without significant energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric plate creates localized electromagnetic field control in the regions between antenna elements. This local field management reduces unwanted coupling effects in critical areas while maintaining the compact overall array configuration.
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 enhances antenna gain and beam steering, improving the efficiency of wireless communication by optimizing antenna design for specific frequencies and environments, thereby addressing the inefficiencies in large-scale sensor network deployments.
Implementation Method 1
A second surface of the dielectric plate is affixed to a first surface of multiple layer printed circuit board forming gaps adjacent each of the antenna excitation feed elements, wherein a dielectric constant of the dielectric plate, a thickness of the dielectric plate, and a thickness of the gaps are selected based on an operating frequency of wireless signals
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, methods, and systems for an antenna assembly, are disclosed. One apparatus includes a multiple layer printed circuit board (PCB), a dielectric plate, and antenna elements. The PCB includes antenna excitation feed elements, wherein the antenna excitation feed elements are located on a layer of the PCB. A second surface of the dielectric plate is affixed to a first surface of PCB forming gaps adjacent each of the antenna excitation feed elements, wherein a dielectric constant of the dielectric plate, a thickness of the dielectric plate, and a thickness of the gaps are selected based on an operating frequency of wireless signals communicated through the antenna assembly, and based on RF (radio frequency) characteristics of the PCB. Each of the antenna elements are affixed to a first surface of the dielectric plate.