Phased Array Antenna Using Waveguide PCB Cap for mmWave Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
The design of millimeter-wave (mmWave) mobile handsets faces challenges due to space limitations, where display screens and batteries interfere with antenna array allocation and signal routing, leading to inefficient antenna designs with limited options for elements that can achieve adequate angular coverage and high gain requirements.
Innovation Solution
A phased array antenna system utilizing a multi-layer printed circuit board (PCB) with a cap forming a waveguide structure, allowing for efficient radiation of wireless signals and enabling beam-steering capabilities with a reduced number of antenna arrays, while maintaining radiation performance and space coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional meandered electrical small antennas are used, then omnidirectional coverage is achieved, but antenna efficiency and gain are insufficient for mmWave frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is divided into multiple antenna elements arranged in a phased array configuration. Each element contributes to the overall radiation pattern, and through constructive interference, the array achieves both high gain and wide coverage without requiring each individual element to be omnidirectional.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple antenna elements are combined in a phased array structure with controlled phase and amplitude weighting. This merging of elements creates a composite radiation pattern that achieves high gain in specific directions while maintaining adequate coverage, resolving the contradiction between element efficiency and coverage.
2Volume of moving object
If the number of antenna arrays is reduced to meet space limitations, then device compactness is improved, but angular coverage and EIRP requirements become harder to satisfy
Solution Approach 1:
The phased array incorporates electronic beam steering capability that dynamically adjusts the radiation pattern direction without physically moving the antenna structure. This allows a compact fixed array to provide wide angular coverage by electronically scanning beams across different directions, satisfying both compactness and coverage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar antenna arrangements to three-dimensional phased array configurations. By utilizing vertical and horizontal dimensions simultaneously, the system achieves wide angular coverage in multiple planes while maintaining a compact overall footprint, effectively adding dimensional complexity to overcome the coverage limitation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If display screens and batteries are placed in the handset, then device functionality is improved, but antenna array allocation and signal routing are obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna elements are integrated into the handset structure by nesting them within or alongside existing components like the display assembly or battery compartment. This nested integration allows the antenna array to coexist with functional components without requiring additional external space, reducing allocation complexity while maintaining device functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The handset chassis and internal structures are designed to serve multiple functions: structural support, electromagnetic shielding, and antenna mounting platforms. By making components multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for dedicated antenna structures, simplifying allocation while accommodating screens and batteries.
4Adaptability or versatility
If RF signal transitions from microstrip to other transmission lines are made at mmWave frequencies, then signal routing flexibility is improved, but radiation and reflection losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces carefully designed transition structures that act as intermediaries between different transmission line types. These intermediary elements provide smooth impedance matching and field transformation, enabling signal routing flexibility while minimizing discontinuities that would cause radiation and reflection losses at mmWave frequencies.
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 solution provides a compact, efficient, and effective mmWave antenna design that achieves wide beamwidths and high gain, overcoming the limitations of traditional designs by using a multi-layer PCB and cap structure to form a waveguide, enhancing the performance of mmWave devices.
Implementation Method 1
The cap and a conductive layer of the multi-layer PCB form a waveguide structure through which wireless signals radiate from the antenna element
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes an antenna element. The antenna element includes a first portion of a multi-layer printed circuit board (PCB) and a cap covering at least part of the first portion of the multi-layer PCB. The multi-layer PCB includes multiple substrates, and the first portion of the multi-layer PCB includes a first slot through the multiple substrates. The cap includes a second slot and defines a space between the first portion of the multi-layer PCB and the cap. The cap and a conductive layer of the multi-layer PCB form a waveguide structure through which wireless signals radiate from the antenna element.