Opportunity
Traditional antenna technologies, such as slot antennas, patch antennas, and dielectric-loaded cavity radiators, are widely used in applications like millimeter-wave communications. However, these conventional designs suffer from several limitations. For instance, slot antennas typically exhibit narrow operational bandwidths and beamwidths unsuitable for antenna arrays. Patch antennas often have complex structures, making them difficult to fabricate at millimeter-wave frequencies. Meanwhile, dielectric-loaded cavity radiators are bulky relative to the wavelength unless high-permittivity materials are used, complicating their integration into antenna arrays. These drawbacks hinder performance in high-frequency applications, where wide bandwidth, stable radiation patterns, and compact designs are critical. This patent addresses these challenges by introducing a complementary antenna design that combines simplicity, broadband operation, and improved electrical performance.
Technology
The patent discloses a complementary antenna (e.g., a broadband complementary antenna) comprising:
1. Dual dipole sections: A first dipole with two patch antenna parts and a second dipole with two additional patches connected via a strip antenna section.
2. Conductive surfaces: A first conductive surface linked to both dipoles via conductive pins (e.g., vertical metal vias), and a second conductive surface connected to the first via another set of pins.
3. Substrate-integrated waveguide (SIW) excitation: The antenna is excited by an SIW structure etched with a coupling slot on its top metal layer, enabling efficient signal transfer.
Key innovations include:
- Integrated single-layer design: The dipole sections and conductive pins are embedded in a single dielectric substrate, reducing complexity.
- Broadband operation: The dual-dipole configuration and SIW feeding mechanism achieve wide impedance bandwidth (e.g., 31.6% for SWR < 2)="" and="" stable="" gain="" (7.2–9.1="">
- Polarization flexibility: The design supports linear, circular, or dual-polarized radiation by adjusting patch configurations.
Advantages
- Wide bandwidth: Covers frequencies from 53.2 GHz to 73.2 GHz, suitable for 5G/mmWave applications.
- Low profile and lightweight: Simplified structure enables compact, array-compatible designs.
- Stable performance: Symmetric radiation patterns and low cross-polarization (< -15="" db)="" across="" the="">
- Manufacturing ease: Compatible with standard PCB, LTCC, or LCP fabrication processes.
Applications
- Millimeter-wave communications: 5G networks, satellite links, and automotive radars.
- High-frequency systems: 60 GHz Wi-Fi (e.g., IEEE 802.11ad), E-band backhaul.
- Phased arrays: Scalable for beamforming antennas in aerospace and defense.
