Ultra-Wideband Antenna Assembly With Air-Gap Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with wireless communications capabilities face challenges in integrating compact antennas that cover multiple frequency bands without interference, while maximizing display area and ensuring efficient performance across a range of frequencies.
Innovation Solution
The integration of ultra-wideband antennas within electronic devices, utilizing a conductive patch and ring on a substrate, coupled by a conductive gasket, which conveys signals through an air gap and dielectric cover layer, allowing for efficient communication with minimal space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If antennas are integrated into compact structures to satisfy small form factor demand, then device size is reduced, but antenna performance and interference management become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into multiple functional layers: a resonating element on a first substrate, a conductive ring on the same substrate, and a conductive plate on a dielectric cover layer. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve reliable UWB performance in a compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna design transitions from a two-dimensional planar structure to a three-dimensional multi-layer configuration by stacking substrates and using air gaps between layers. This vertical dimensionality change enables compact integration while maintaining adequate signal performance and reducing mutual interference.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication bands are covered, then communication versatility is improved, but antenna interference and performance consistency across bands become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna assembly is designed as a universal structure that can operate across multiple communication bands including UWB and other frequency ranges. The combination of the resonating element, conductive ring, and conductive plate creates a multi-functional system that maintains satisfactory performance across different operating frequencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system achieves multi-band operation by utilizing different resonant modes and electromagnetic coupling mechanisms across the frequency spectrum. The physical dimensions, material properties, and geometric configurations of the antenna components are optimized to support multiple frequency bands while maintaining performance consistency.
3Area of stationary object
If display area is maximized, then device screen real estate is increased, but antenna space and wireless communication capabilities are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system resolves the display area conflict by moving antenna components into the third dimension - stacking substrates vertically and utilizing air gaps between layers. This allows the antenna assembly to occupy minimal horizontal space while maintaining full wireless communication functionality, thereby maximizing display area without sacrificing communication capability.
4Volume of moving object
If antenna components are placed close together for compactness, then device volume is reduced, but mutual interference between antennas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna design implements local quality optimization by creating distinct electromagnetic environments for different antenna components. Air gaps are strategically positioned between the resonating element and dielectric cover layer to provide electrical isolation and reduce coupling interference, while conductive shields and ground planes are placed in specific locations to contain and direct electromagnetic energy, thereby reducing mutual interference in the compact structure.
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 enables effective wireless communication across multiple frequency bands with reduced interference, maximizing display area by minimizing antenna space requirements while maintaining satisfactory efficiency bandwidth.
Implementation Method 1
The antenna may convey ultra-wideband (UWB) signals through the air gap, the opening, and the dielectric cover layer
Implementation Method 2
A conductive gasket may couple the conductive ring to the conductive plate
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may be provided with a housing and an antenna. The antenna may be on a first substrate mounted to a second substrate. The housing may include a dielectric cover, a conductive plate on the dielectric cover, and a mid-chassis. The second substrate may be mounted to the mid-chassis. The antenna may include a conductive patch extending from a segment of a conductive ring on the first substrate. The conductive plate may have an opening aligned with the conductive patch. The first substrate may be separated from the dielectric cover by an air gap. A conductive gasket may couple the conductive ring to the conductive plate and may laterally surround the air gap and the opening. The antenna may convey ultra-wideband (UWB) signals through the air gap, the opening, and the dielectric cover layer.