Orthogonal UWB Antenna PCB Layout for Low-Loss Isotropic Radiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
UWB antennas face challenges in maintaining isotropy while minimizing size and reducing signal loss due to the use of FR4 material and the need for separate elements connected via connectors, which increase cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a radiating element orthogonal to the PCB with a conducting tab through a hole, eliminating the need for striplines and using FR4 with minimal signal attenuation, and integrates RF electronics directly on the PCB.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ground plane for the antenna is separated from the ground plane for RF electronics, then the antenna pattern distortion is reduced, but the overall PCB size is enlarged and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The PCB is divided into two distinct ground planes: one dedicated to the antenna and another to the RF electronics. This segmentation allows each ground plane to be optimized independently, reducing antenna pattern distortion while maintaining a compact overall design through careful spatial arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna element is positioned orthogonal to the PCB plane, extending in the Z-dimension rather than being confined to the XY plane. This three-dimensional configuration allows the antenna to achieve isotropic radiation patterns without requiring excessive PCB area, resolving the contradiction between pattern quality and size.
2Ease of manufacture
If FR4 material is used for the PCB, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but signal loss along the microstrip increases
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful interaction between the FR4 substrate and the antenna signal is eliminated by extracting the antenna element from the PCB plane and positioning it orthogonal to the board. This removes the signal path through the lossy FR4 material while maintaining the cost advantage of using FR4 for the PCB substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using expensive low-loss materials like Rogers 4350, the invention achieves similar performance by copying the successful geometry of wireless antenna designs that naturally minimize substrate interaction, allowing the use of inexpensive FR4 material without significant signal loss.
3Loss of energy
If the antenna is made as a separate element from the PCB, then signal loss is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases and part count increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna element and PCB are merged into a single integrated structure where the antenna is orthogonally mounted to the PCB and electrically connected through a hole. This combination achieves the signal loss reduction of separate elements while maintaining the manufacturing simplicity and low part count of integrated PCB designs.
Data Source
AI summary
Ultra-wideband (UWB) antennas are provided including a printed circuit board; a radiating element coupled to the printed circuit board and substantially perpendicular thereto; and radio frequency (RF) electronics associated with the antenna integrated with the printed circuit board. Related enclosures and systems are also provided.