Vehicle Antenna PCB Layout for Radiating Element Decoupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

The close proximity of multiple radiating elements in vehicle antennas leads to signal coupling and interference, affecting the quality of transceived signals.

Innovation Solution

The antenna design features a mounting plate with radiating elements arranged in a helical or serpentine path on separate printed circuit boards, with a capacitive cap optimizing signal emission, and a protective element to decouple signals effectively within a compact space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If multiple radiating elements are placed close to each other in a compact antenna, then the antenna size is reduced and mounting space is optimized, but signal coupling and interference between radiating elements increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna sizeVSAvoidsignal coupling and interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a decoupling structure as an intermediary element between adjacent radiating elements. This decoupling structure acts as a mediator that prevents direct electromagnetic coupling between the radiating elements, thereby reducing signal interference while allowing the radiating elements to remain in close proximity for compact antenna design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the antenna into separate functional modules, with each radiating element being independently segmented and positioned on separate printed circuit boards. This segmentation allows for independent optimization of each radiating element's performance while reducing mutual coupling effects through proper spatial arrangement and isolation structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If multiple radiating elements are arranged in a compact space, then space utilization is improved, but signal quality deteriorates due to interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting space utilizationVSAvoidsignal quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement of radiating elements to a three-dimensional configuration where radiating elements are positioned on separate printed circuit boards at different spatial levels. This dimensional change allows for compact space utilization while maintaining adequate separation between radiating elements to preserve signal quality and reduce interference.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The decoupling structure serves as an intermediary barrier between radiating elements, enabling dense spatial arrangement while protecting signal integrity. This intermediary element allows the system to achieve both compact mounting space and high signal quality by blocking harmful electromagnetic coupling between adjacent radiating elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4475335A1Antenna for motor vehicles, and motor vehicle comprising such an antenna
Publication Date: 2024.12.11 ASK IND SPA
  • EP4475335A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4475335A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4475335A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Antenna (100) for a motor vehicle, comprising: - a mounting plate (1) suitable to be connected to a mounting surface of said motor vehicle; - a first printed circuit board (5) adapted to be connected, in a substantially horizontal position, to said mounting plate (1); - first and second radiating elements (10, 20) for transceiving respective first and second signals with the environment outside the antenna (100). Both radiating elements comprise a respective printed circuit board (12, 22) along which there are arranged respectively a first electrically conducting track (14) and a second electrically conductive track (24) which extend along the respective printed circuit board (12, 22) along a substantially helical or serpentine path. The first radiating element (10) has a maximum height (H) measured from the top surface of the first printed circuit board (5) along said substantially vertical direction, and the first height (H1) of the first electrically conducting track (14) is less than or equal to one-half of the maximum height (H) of the first radiating element (10).