Waveguide Antenna Cavity Design for 5G Thin Substrates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional open waveguide antennas are not suitable for thin substrate designs in modern mobile devices, particularly for 5G technology, due to substrate confinement of the electric field and poor return loss, which limits their ability to achieve a wide range of signal coverage and multi-polarization capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A waveguide antenna design featuring a cavity with a top and bottom conductive plane, a feed member, and an array of vias forming a cavity for vertical polarization power radiation, integrated within a thin package suitable for 5G mobile devices, which includes a second feed member to reduce return loss and an elongate strip for ground shielding, allowing for efficient power radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If traditional open waveguide antenna is used in thin substrate design, then device thickness is reduced, but electric field is confined and return loss deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds a cavity structure within the thin substrate, creating a nested configuration where the cavity is positioned between the top and bottom surfaces of the substrate. This nested design allows the antenna to achieve effective radiating length without increasing overall device thickness, while the cavity provides the necessary space for electromagnetic field development.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional planar open waveguide design to a three-dimensional cavity structure. By utilizing the vertical dimension within the substrate thickness and creating a cavity with specific depth and width, the antenna achieves better electromagnetic field distribution and improved return loss while maintaining thin profile.
2Length of moving object
If traditional open waveguide antenna is used in thin substrate design, then device thickness is reduced, but signal coverage and multi-polarization capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cavity structure is nested within the substrate, providing a three-dimensional space that supports multiple polarization modes. The cavity dimensions and positioning are optimized to enable both vertical and horizontal polarization, enhancing multi-polarization capability within the constrained thin substrate environment.
Solution Approach 2:
By introducing the vertical cavity dimension, the antenna achieves better electromagnetic field distribution that supports wide signal coverage. The cavity structure enables the antenna to radiate effectively in multiple directions and polarization states, overcoming the limitations of planar designs in thin substrates.
3Reliability
If cavity structure with array of vias is implemented, then vertical power radiation and return loss are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ground plane is segmented by creating an array of vias that connect the top and bottom surfaces of the substrate. This segmentation serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support, enables electromagnetic field distribution, and improves return loss. The vias are strategically positioned around the cavity to achieve optimal performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The array of vias performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the substrate, enables electromagnetic field distribution within the cavity, improves return loss by creating multiple current paths, and enhances power radiation efficiency. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
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 proposed antenna design enables efficient vertical power radiation and improved return loss, making it suitable for thin substrate designs in 5G mobile devices, addressing the limitations of traditional open waveguide antennas in terms of signal coverage and multi-polarization.
Implementation Method 1
When an electrical signal is provided to the first feed member, the first feed member excites a space within the cavity between the top plane and the bottom plane. Such a structure generates a vertical electrical field between the top plane and the bottom plane.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a waveguide antenna includes a top plane made of electrically conductive material, a bottom plane made of electrically conductive material, a first feed member coupled to the top plane and the bottom plane through a first via, the first feed member to be electrically coupled a transceiver of an electronic device, and an array of vias disposed surrounding the first via. The array of vias coupling the top plane and the bottom plane to form a cavity between the top plane and the bottom plane. When an electrical signal is provided to the first feed member, the first feed member excites a space within the cavity between the top plane and the bottom plane.