Vehicle Wideband Antenna Ground Layout for Low-Elevation Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle antennas face challenges with limited bandwidth, poor performance due to metallic vehicle bodies, and the need for low elevation beam patterns, especially in supporting multiple communication systems like LTE, 5G, and WiFi, particularly in the 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands, with no effective structures to address these issues.
Innovation Solution
A wideband antenna module with specific ground and antenna patterns on a PCB, allowing for high-efficiency operation across multiple frequency bands, including WiFi 6 and WiFi 7, and implementing low elevation beam patterns, even with metallic vehicle exteriors, using a structure that optimizes antenna performance and gain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a resonance antenna element is used for WiFi communication, then the antenna structure is simple, but the bandwidth characteristics are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna element is divided into multiple segments including a first antenna element, second antenna element, third antenna element, and fourth antenna element arranged in sequence. Each segment contributes to different frequency bands, enabling the antenna to operate across 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands simultaneously while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna element structure is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting WiFi communication across three different frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) using the same basic antenna structure, eliminating the need for separate antennas for each band.
2Ease of operation
If the antenna is disposed on the glass of the vehicle, then the antenna can be implemented with transparent material, but the metallic vehicle body blocks radio waves
Solution Approach 1:
A ground structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the antenna element and the metallic vehicle body. The ground structure includes specific grounding patterns and isolation regions that prevent the metallic body from blocking radio waves while allowing the antenna to be mounted on the vehicle glass.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle body is designed with different material properties in different regions: the region where the antenna is disposed uses non-metallic material to allow radio wave transmission, while other regions can use metallic material for structural strength and aesthetics.
3Strength
If the antenna structure is disposed below the vehicle body, then the vehicle body can be metallic, but the antenna performance changes due to the body's interference
Solution Approach 1:
The ground structure serves as a mediator that isolates the antenna element from the metallic vehicle body's electromagnetic interference. It includes a ground pattern and isolation region that prevent the metallic body from affecting antenna performance while allowing the vehicle body to maintain its metallic construction for strength.
4Device complexity
If existing antenna elements are used for WiFi 6 and WiFi 7, then the antenna structure is conventional, but the bandwidth operation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna element is segmented into four distinct sections (first, second, third, and fourth antenna elements) arranged in sequence. This segmentation allows each section to resonate at different frequencies, enabling the single antenna structure to support WiFi 6 and WiFi 7 operations across 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna element employs asymmetric configuration where the first and second antenna elements have different lengths and orientations compared to the third and fourth elements. This asymmetry creates multiple resonance frequencies within a single structure, expanding bandwidth operation capability without increasing overall structural complexity.
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 wideband operation, high antenna gain, and maintenance of low elevation beam patterns, supporting various communication systems while minimizing interference from metallic vehicle components.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna pattern and a ground pattern on a PCB, allowing for high-efficiency operation across multiple frequency bands
Data Source
AI summary
The antenna module comprises: a PCB on which a transmission line is formed; and an antenna PCB coupled to the PCB, having a feeding line and an antenna pattern formed on a first surface thereof, and having a ground pattern formed on a second surface thereof. The ground pattern can comprise: a first ground pattern formed to have a first width, which is greater than the width of the feeding line in a region in which the feeding line is formed; and a second ground pattern, which extends from one end portion of the first ground pattern so as to be formed with a second width in a first axial direction and with a second length in a second axial direction. The ground pattern can further comprise a third ground pattern, which extends from one end portion of the second ground pattern to be bent so as to formed with a third width in the second axial direction and with a third length in the first axial direction.