Two-part Antenna Element for Base Station PCB Space Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional base station antennas require large openings in RF shielding for radiating elements, which reduces available space for electronic components and increases manufacturing complexity and costs, especially in multi-layer PCBs used in 5G mMIMO systems.
Innovation Solution
A two-part radiating element design comprising a socket with microstrip lines and a radiating part with non-conductive slots, allowing for a smaller footprint socket installation on the PCB first, followed by RF shielding, and then the radiating part, which can be plugged or inserted perpendicular to the socket, minimizing the opening size needed in the RF shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a large opening is provided in the RF shielding for the radiating element, then the radiating element can be installed, but the available space for electronic components on the PCB is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The radiating element is divided into two separate parts: a socket that is integrated with the PCB and RF shielding, and a radiating part that is inserted into the socket. This segmentation allows the RF shielding to be continuous without large openings, while still accommodating the radiating element through a smaller insertion opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiating part is inserted into the socket, creating a nested structure where the radiating element is contained within the socket structure. This nesting allows the RF shielding to surround the socket closely with minimal opening, while the radiating part extends from the socket to maintain its required dimensions.
2Area of stationary object
If the opening in the RF shielding is minimized, then more space is available for electronic components, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the radiating element into socket and radiating part components, the assembly process is simplified. The socket can be pre-assembled with the PCB and RF shielding using standard SMT processes, and the radiating part is subsequently inserted into the socket, avoiding the need for complex integrated manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket is prepared in advance as a separate component with integrated feeding system and mounting structure. This preliminary preparation allows the socket to be assembled with the PCB and RF shielding first, and then the radiating part is simply inserted into the pre-prepared socket, reducing overall assembly complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If the socket footprint is reduced to optimize PCB space, then more components can be installed, but the radiating part dimensions may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The radiating part extends in the vertical dimension from the socket rather than requiring a large horizontal footprint. This dimensional transition allows the socket to have a small footprint on the PCB while the radiating part achieves its required length by extending perpendicular to the PCB plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiating part is nested within the socket structure, allowing the socket to provide mechanical support and electrical connection with a minimal footprint, while the radiating part extends from the socket to achieve its required dimensional characteristics for electromagnetic radiation.
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
This design optimizes space usage on the PCB, simplifies assembly processes, reduces manufacturing costs, and avoids Passive Intermodulation (PIM) by eliminating galvanic contact between the socket and radiating part, while maintaining efficient electromagnetic coupling.
Implementation Method 1
microstrip lines of a feeding system for feeding the radiating part, and the radiating part is configured to be received by the socket and includes at least one pair of non-conductive slots in a conductive element, the slots being aligned to the microstrip lines of the feeding system
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3~4a
Figure 4b~4d
AI summary
The invention relates to a radiating element for a base station antenna, comprising: a socket and a radiating part, wherein the socket has means for providing a mechanical support for the radiating part and microstrip lines of a feeding system for feeding the radiating part, and the radiating part is configured to be received by the socket and includes at least one pair of non-conductive slots in a conductive element, the slots being aligned to the microstrip lines of the feeding system when the radiating part is received by the socket, and wherein an outer circumference of the socket is less than a maximum outer circumference of the radiating part.