Ultra-Wideband Antenna Return Lead Layout for Lower Inductance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ultra-wide band antenna systems do not provide optimum properties over a wide frequency band, particularly with a low upper cut-off frequency and excessive power dissipation at higher frequencies.

Innovation Solution

The antenna system reduces parasitic inductance by using a non-narrowing second electrical lead and a wide return conductor, minimizing inductance and power dissipation, while the absorber material and geometry of the radiator plate enhance frequency range and signal strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple wire or trapezoidal lead is used as the second electrical lead, then the device complexity is reduced, but the parasitic inductance increases and the cut-off frequency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure of second electrical leadVSAvoidcut-off frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The second electrical lead transitions from a one-dimensional wire to a two-dimensional plate structure. This dimensional change increases the effective cross-sectional area for current flow, reducing parasitic inductance without significantly increasing device complexity. The plate geometry allows current to distribute more effectively, achieving higher cut-off frequency while maintaining structural simplicity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the second electrical lead by specifying it as a plate with defined width and length dimensions rather than a thin wire. This parameter change from linear to planar geometry fundamentally alters the electrical characteristics, reducing inductance and enabling the system to operate at higher frequencies up to 10 GHz.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of substance

If the second electrical lead is made narrow to reduce material usage, then the loss of substance is reduced, but the parasitic inductance increases and power dissipation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial usage of second electrical leadVSAvoidpower dissipation
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention optimizes the dimensional parameters of the second electrical lead by specifying a plate geometry with width significantly larger than thickness. This parameter configuration provides low inductance and reduced power dissipation while using minimal material. The plate structure achieves optimal balance between material efficiency and electrical performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If the return conductor is made narrow to reduce device area, then the area of stationary object is reduced, but the parasitic inductance increases and the useful frequency band is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearea of return conductorVSAvoiduseful frequency band
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The return conductor is designed as a plate extending in the lateral dimension rather than a narrow trace. This dimensional approach provides low inductance return path essential for ultra-wideband operation. The plate geometry maintains low parasitic inductance while occupying minimal area, enabling the system to operate from 10 MHz to 10 GHz.

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

4Speed

If ferrite loading layer and shorting plate are added to reduce inductance, then the parasitic inductance is reduced, but the device complexity and manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecut-off frequencyVSAvoidstructure of current loop
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the need for ferrite loading layers and shorting plates by using a simple wide plate geometry for the second electrical lead. This removal of complex components simplifies the device structure while achieving the same goal of reducing parasitic inductance through geometric optimization alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention achieves low inductance through parameter optimization of the plate geometry (width, length, thickness) rather than through complex material compositions. This parameter-based approach simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the need for ferrite materials and shorting plate assemblies, reducing both device complexity and manufacturing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 configuration increases the cut-off frequency, reduces power dissipation, and maintains low parasitic inductance, enabling a wider useful frequency band from 10 MHz to 10 GHz with improved emission and reception properties.

Implementation Method 1

a layer of absorber material between the radiator plate and the ground plane return conductor to absorb electromagnetic radiation in said desired frequency band

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP4111542B1Ultra-wide band antenna system
Publication Date: 2024.05.15 ILMSENS GMBH
  • EP4111542B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~3
  • EP4111542B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4111542B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

An ultra-wide band EM antenna system comprises an electrically short radiator plate, a power unit having an input for receiving an input signal that is detected or to be emitted via the radiator plate, a power supply and a transistor circuit for amplifying the input signal, and a current loop for electrically connecting the radiator plate and the power unit into an electrical loop, with a return ground plane, and an EM absorber layer between the radiator plate and the ground plane, a first electrical lead connecting the radiator plate to the ground plane, and a second electrical lead connecting the ground plane to the power unit. The second electrical lead is widens from the radiator plate towards the power unit. Because of the lower lead inductance or parasitic inductance, the cut-off frequency of the system shifts to higher frequencies, allowing better use of the ultra-wide bandwidth.