Dual-Polarized X-MIMO Antenna Layout for Cross-Pol Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MIMO antenna systems face challenges in achieving optimal performance in the upper mid-band for 6G applications, requiring low mutual coupling, high cross-pol isolation, and cost-effective fabrication, while existing technologies struggle to meet these criteria effectively.
Innovation Solution
A dual polarized base station and UE antenna design featuring a rectangular antenna patch with pairs of circular patches supporting orthogonal angular polarizations, coupled to opposite corners, and a multi-layer substrate architecture with differential feedlines and through vias to minimize mutual coupling and fabrication costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional MIMO antenna configurations are used, then device complexity is reduced, but cross-pol isolation deteriorates (cannot achieve >20 dB)
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna element is segmented into multiple distinct patches: a rectangular patch and four circular patches arranged in pairs. Each patch type serves specific polarization functions, with the circular patches segmented into two pairs supporting orthogonal polarizations. This segmentation enables independent optimization of each patch for its specific function, achieving >20 dB cross-pol isolation through localized field control.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the antenna element have specialized properties: the rectangular patch provides primary radiation, while the circular patches are specifically designed with circular geometry and strategic corner coupling to generate orthogonal polarizations. Each patch type has optimized dimensions and positions to create localized electromagnetic field distributions that maximize cross-pol isolation while maintaining overall element functionality.
2Reliability
If advanced antenna configurations with multiple patch types are used, then cross-pol isolation improves (>20 dB), but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna design uses repeated geometric patterns: two identical circular patches form one polarization pair, and another two identical circular patches form the orthogonal polarization pair. All circular patches share the same dimensions and are positioned symmetrically. This copying approach allows standard PCB fabrication processes to reproduce the complex multi-patch structure at low cost, as the design can be implemented using simple repetitive geometric shapes rather than complex custom contours.
3Reliability
If orthogonal polarizations are supported using traditional methods, then device complexity is minimized, but port-to-port isolation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna transitions from supporting a single polarization to supporting two orthogonal polarizations by adding spatial dimensionality through the circular patch pairs. The circular patches are positioned and coupled to opposite corners of the rectangular patch, creating orthogonal field orientations in different spatial dimensions. This dimensional expansion enables independent port-to-port isolation for each polarization channel while maintaining a planar element structure suitable for MIMO applications.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a substrate and a plurality of antenna elements on the substrate and arranged according to an antenna configuration. The antenna configuration includes a rectangular antenna patch, and first and second pairs of circular antenna patches. The first pair of circular antenna patches supports a first angular polarization, wherein the circular antenna patches of the first pair are coupled to opposite corners of the rectangular antenna patch. The second pair of circular antenna patches supports a second angular polarization that is orthogonal to the first angular polarization, wherein the antenna patches of the second pair are coupled to opposite corners of the rectangular antenna patch, wherein each of the antenna patches of the first pair are positioned on corners adjacent to both of the antenna patches of the second pair.