FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10; rule 13)
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
ANTENNA MODULE FOR MMWAVE RADIO SYSTEMS
APPLICANT
JIO PLATFORMS LIMITED
of Office-101, Saffron, Nr. Centre Point, Panchwati 5 Rasta, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad -
380006, Gujarat, India; Nationality : India
The following specification particularly describes
the invention and the manner in which
it is to be performed

RESERVATION OF RIGHTS
[0001] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material,
which is subject to intellectual property rights such as but are not limited to, copyright, design, trademark, integrated circuit (IC) layout design, and/or trade dress protection, belonging to Jio Platforms Limited (JPL) or its affiliates (hereinafter referred as owner). The owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all rights whatsoever. All rights to such intellectual property are fully reserved by the owner.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to
phased array system which employs an array of antennas. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an antenna module for a millimetre wave (mmWave) radio system.
DEFINITION
[0003] The following description of related art is intended to provide
background information pertaining to the field of the disclosure. This section may include certain aspects of the art that may be related to various features of the present disclosure. However, it should be appreciated that this section be used only to enhance the understanding of the reader with respect to the present disclosure, and not as admissions of prior art.
[0004] A radome (a portmanteau of radar and dome) is a structural,
weatherproof enclosure that protects a radar antenna.

[0005] A larger beam steering angle refers to an angle at which the direction
of the main lobe of an antenna’s radiation pattern deviates from its normal or boresight direction (which is typically perpendicular to the antenna array).
[0006] These definitions are in addition to those expressed in the art.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The following description of the related art is intended to provide
background information pertaining to the field of the disclosure. This section may include certain aspects of the art that may be related to various features of the present disclosure. However, it should be appreciated that this section is used only to enhance the understanding of the reader with respect to the present disclosure and not as an admission of the prior art.
[0008] In general, a radio system antenna is designed to operate in the
millimeter wave frequency range and has a directional radiation pattern, which means it concentrates the power in a particular coverage region of a cellular network.
[0009] A cover is essential for shielding the antenna and associated
electronics from harsh weather conditions such as wind, rain, ice, sand, and ultraviolet rays. This protection ensures the longevity and reliability of the antenna system, preventing damage and degradation caused by environmental elements. In addition to environmental protection, the cover serves to obscure the antenna and its electronics from public view. This concealment can be important for aesthetic reasons, reducing visual clutter, and for security purposes, protecting sensitive equipment from potential tampering or vandalism.
[0010] Also, a key design consideration for the cover is to minimize any
weakening of the radio waves transmitted or received by the antenna. The material

and shape of the cover are carefully selected to ensure that it provides the necessary protection without significantly attenuating the signal, thus maintaining the performance of the antenna system. Further, the shape of the cover significantly impacts the distance the signal travels through the material. For instance, a flat cover will cause the signal to travel a longer distance through the material at higher angles compared to a direct head-on path. This can result in increased attenuation at these higher angles, potentially degrading the signal quality. Therefore, the design of the cover must account for these variations to ensure consistent performance.
[0011] In an existing state of the art, depicted by FIG.1, the cover (102) is
provided to protect a Printed circuit board (PCB) (104) and antenna elements. Further, the shape or profile of the existing cover (102) exhibits very little impact on the Sub-6GHz frequencies, whereas its shape is crucial for mmWave frequencies used for beam-forming applications. The distance travelled in the cover (102) material is angle-dependent based on the shape of the design of the cover (102). For the cover (102) that has a flat shape, the distance traversed by the signal through the cover (102) wall would be larger at higher grazing angles compared to a normal incidence of the signal. The electrical distance travelled through the cover (102) in boresight is equivalent to the thickness of the cover (102). However, this distance increases as the angle of incidence increases, and this results in a higher insertion loss and changes the phase coherence between signals. The impact of signal traveling through the cover (102) at different incidence angles is negligible at lower frequencies (Sub-6 GHz) compared to mmWave (28 GHz). At lower frequencies, the additional path distance at higher incidence angles is much less compared to its wavelength (~λ/30), whereas, at mmWave frequencies, the additional path becomes comparable to wavelength (~λ/4 or λ/5) and will experience more loss at high incidence angle.

[0012] Conventional systems and methods face difficulty in understanding
the placement and appropriate design for assembling the cover in an antenna module.
[0013] There is, therefore, a need in the art to mitigate the problems
associated with the prior arts.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0014] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one
embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below.
[0015] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a covering for
millimeter wave (mmWave) radio systems.
[0016] An object of the present disclosure is to prevent damage to sensitive
components and minimize the risk of signal degradation or system failures caused by adverse environmental factors.
[0017] An object of the present disclosure is to allow radio waves to pass
through with minimal loss or distortion, ensuring that the radiation pattern and signal strength of the antenna module remain intact.
[0018] An object of the present disclosure is to provide additional protection
against accidental contact with the antenna elements, reducing the risk of electric shocks or injuries.
SUMMARY
[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention discloses a
antenna module for transmitting radio wave signals in an mmWave frequency

range, comprising at least one Radio frequency (RF) component(s) configured to perform transmission and reception of radio wave signals, a covering defining a dome profile enclosure such that distance travelled by the radio wave signals through the covering is nearly uniform at higher incidence angles, wherein the covering has a uniform thickness, and wherein the dome profile of the covering is configured to minimize transmission loss at a larger beam steering angle.
[0020] In some embodiments, the dome profile shape defines a
hemispherical surface or a segmental dome.
[0021] In some embodiments, the covering is formed of a transparent or a
semi-transparent material.
[0022] In some embodiments, the antenna module is configured to comprise
a heatsink unit, antenna elements, Printed circuit board (PCB), and communication interface(s).
[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention discloses an
assembly for transmitting radio wave signals in a mmWave frequency range, including an antenna module.
[0024] The foregoing general description of the illustrative embodiments
and the following detailed description thereof are merely exemplary aspects of the teachings of this disclosure and are not restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and
constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosed methods and systems which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings. Components in the drawings are not

necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Some drawings may indicate the components using block diagrams and may not represent the internal circuitry of each component. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that disclosure of such 5 drawings includes the disclosure of electrical components, electronic components, or circuitry commonly used to implement such components.
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates an existing design representing a radome, in
accordance with embodiments of a prior art. 10
[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram for an antenna
module, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an assembly of a covering on
15 the antenna module, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0029] FIGs. 4A-4D illustrates different views of the covering, in
accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
20 [0030] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of a cross-section view of the
cover, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0031] The foregoing shall be more apparent from the following more
detailed description of the disclosure.
25 LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 – Prior art 102 – Cover
104 – Printed circuit board (PCB) 202 – Antenna Module 30 204 – Heat sink unit
7

206 – Covering
208 – Radio frequency (RF) components 210 – Antenna elements 212 – PCB 5 214 – Communication interface 216 – Other unit(s) 300 – Assembly 302 – Housing
400 – Different views of the covering 10 500 – Cross-section view of the covering
502 – Distance travelled by the radio wave signals
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
15 [0032] In the following description, for explanation, various specific details
are outlined provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. Several features described hereafter can each be used independently of one another or with any combination of other
20 features. An individual feature may not address all of the problems discussed above or might address only some of the problems discussed above. Some of the problems discussed above might not be fully addressed by any of the features described herein.
25 [0033] The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only and
is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the
30 function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth.
8

[0034] Specific details are given in the following description to provide a
thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these 5 specific details. For example, circuits, systems, networks, processes, and other components may be shown as components in block diagram form in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail to avoid obscuring the embodiments.
10
[0035] Also, it is noted that individual embodiments may be described as a
process that is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in
15 parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed but could have additional steps not included in a figure. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination can correspond to a return of the function to the calling
20 function or the main function.
[0036] The word “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is used herein to
mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. To avoid doubt, the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by such examples. In addition, any aspect or
25 design described herein as “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs, nor is it meant to preclude equivalent exemplary structures and techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “has,” “contains,” and other similar words are used in either the detailed description
30 or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive like the term “comprising” as an open transition word without precluding any additional or other elements.
9

[0037] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an
embodiment” or “an instance” or “one instance” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included 5 in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
10
[0038] The terminology used herein is to describe particular embodiments
only and is not intended to be limiting the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms
15 “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any combinations of one or more of the
20 associated listed items.
[0039] The present invention focuses on a covering that minimizes the
negative effects such as weak signals or distorted signals at larger beam steering angles. By optimizing the dome profile shape (e.g., using segments), the present 25 invention aims to ensure a more uniform path length for the radio waves, even at high steering angles. This helps maintain optimal signal strength and minimizes performance degradation.
[0040] The various embodiments throughout the disclosure will be
30 explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 2 - FIG. 5.
10

[0041] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram 200 for an antenna
module (202) for transmitting radio wave signals in an mmWave frequency range, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The antenna module (202) includes a heat sink unit (204), the covering (206), Radio frequency (RF) 5 components (208), antenna elements (210), Printed circuit board (PCB) (212), a communication interface (214), and other unit(s) (216).
[0042] In an embodiment, FIG. 2 depicts the antenna module (202)
incorporating a phased array antenna and other necessary components. The antenna
10 module (202) is designed to facilitate the implementation of phased array antenna systems. In example, the antenna elements in the phased array antenna of the antenna module (202) may be patch elements, cross-dipole or waveguides. The phased array antennas can steer and shape the transmitted or received beam electronically, without the need for physically moving the entire antenna structure.
15 Further, the antenna module (202) has a wide range of applications across various industries Radar Systems, Communication Systems, 5G and Cellular Networks, Satellite Communication, and the like.
[0043] Phased array antennas are a type of antenna that electronically
20 controls the direction and shape of the radio waves they transmit or receive. This allows for precise beamforming, directing signals toward specific targets and reducing interference. Phased array antennas are becoming increasingly important in telecom products like:
. Small cells: These miniaturized base stations deployed in dense urban
25 environments leverage mmWave frequencies to provide high-capacity data
connections.
. Customer premises equipment (CPE): CPE devices like user terminals or
fixed wireless access points can utilize mmWave phased array antennas for
high-speed internet connectivity.
11

. Other mmWave products: mmWave technology is finding applications in various areas beyond traditional telecom, such as automotive radar systems and high-speed backhaul links.
5 [0044] In an embodiment, the heat sink unit (204) may be configured to
dissipate heat generated by the RF components (208) and heat generated due to the operation of the antenna module (202). The heat sink unit (204) is configured to maintain the temperature of the RF components (208) and the antenna module (202) within acceptable limits to ensure optimal performance and prevent damage. In an 10 embodiment, the antenna module (202) may be integrated on a metal plate having higher thermal conductivity, like copper or aluminium, which may be placed above the heat sink unit (204) and through the heat pipes of the antenna module (202) the heat is transferred to the heatsink (104).
15 [0045] In an embodiment, the RF components (208) may include an
antenna, Low noise amplifiers (LNAs), Power amplifiers (PAs), filters, Up converters, Down converters, and matching circuits. These components handle the RF signal amplification, filtering, and impedance matching necessary for efficient transmission and reception. Further, the RF components (208) may efficiently
20 transmit and receive radio wave signals. The antenna module (202) may rely on at least one RF component to achieve this. These components act as the workhorses for manipulating electrical signals and converting them to and from radio wave signals.
25 [0046] In an embodiment, the antenna element (210) may be configured to
control the direction and shape of the emitted or received electromagnetic waves. By adjusting the relative phase and amplitude of the signals applied to each element, the antenna element (210) electronically steers the main beam of the radiation pattern in a desired direction.
30
12

[0047] The PCB (212) in the antenna module (202) may be configured to
serve as the central platform for component integration, signal routing, power distribution, and control functions. The PCB (212) may be designed to enhance the performance, reliability, and overall functionality of the antenna module (202). 5
[0048] In an embodiment, the communication interface (214) may be
configured to enable connectivity and control between the antenna module (202) and external systems or devices. The communication interface (214) may facilitate data exchange, control signals, and power distribution. The communication 10 interface (214) may include but is not limited to RF interfaces, digital control interfaces, data interfaces, and the like.
[0049] In an embodiment, the covering (206) may be configured to act as a
protective housing or enclosure that covers and protects the antenna module (202)
15 or an array of antennas. The covering (206) may be designed to protect the antenna module (202) from environmental factors such as wind, rain, snow, dust, and debris while minimizing the impact on the performance of the antenna module (202). The covering (206) is made of a transparent or a semi-transparent material, allowing radio waves to pass through with minimal loss or distortion.
20
[0050] Although FIG. 2 shows exemplary components of the architecture
(200), in other embodiments, the architecture (200) may include other unit(s) (216), fewer components, different components, differently arranged components, or additional functional components than depicted in FIG. 1. Additionally, or
25 alternatively, one or more components of the architecture (200) may perform functions described as being performed by one or more other components of the architecture (200).
[0051] FIG. 3 illustrates an assembly (300) for the antenna module (202),
30 for transmitting radio wave signals in the mmWave frequency range, including the antenna module (202) in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
13

[0052] In an embodiment, the assembly (300) depicts the antenna module
(202). The antenna module (202) may include the heat sink unit (204), the covering (206), and a housing (302). The housing (302) further encloses the components of the antenna module (202).
[0053] FIGs. 4A-4D illustrates an exemplary design (400) representing
different views of the antenna module (202), in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view (400A) of the antenna module (202). FIG. 4B shows a side view (400B) of the antenna module (202). FIG. 4C illustrates another side view (400C) of the antenna module (202). FIG. 4D illustrates a rear view (400D), specifically exposing the heat sink of the antenna module (202).
[0054] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-section view of the covering (206) for
transmitting radio wave signals in an mmWave frequency range, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0055] In an embodiment, to minimize losses at mmWave frequencies, FIG.
5 discloses a shape and profile design for the covering (206) to enclose the antenna module (202) and its components.
[0056] In an embodiment, the covering (206) is a protective enclosure
designed for the antenna module (202). The primary purpose of the covering (206) is to protect the antenna module (202) and especially antenna elements (210) and PCB (212) from environmental factors like rain, wind, snow, dust, and debris and to allow radio waves to pass through with minimal loss or distortion, ensuring optimal antenna performance.
[0057] In an embodiment, the covering (206) forms a dome profile
enclosure that minimizes variation in the distance travelled by radio waves through

the covering (206) at higher incidence angles (beam steering angles). Further, the covering (206) may be a dome profile, a hemispherical surface, or a segmental dome, providing flexibility in the design. Further, the covering (206) is designed to minimize transmission loss at larger beam steering angles, addressing the challenge of signal degradation at these angles. Also, the segmental dome of the dome profile may define a curved shape.
[0058] In an embodiment, the segmental dome of the dome profile may refer
to a radome structure. The segmental dome helps to maintain a more uniform path length for radio waves passing through the covering (206), particularly at higher beam steering angles. Further, by dividing the dome profile into carefully designed segments, the path lengths that radio waves travel through the covering (206) material can be kept more consistent, reducing variations that can lead to signal distortion and loss. Further, the segmental dome profile helps to mitigate the signal distortion by ensuring that each segment may be optimized to maintain uniformity in the signal path. The segmental dome of the dome profile helps to preserve the integrity of the signal by minimizing phase shifts and attenuation, which may be more pronounced at high steering angles. As a result, the overall performance of the phased array antenna is enhanced.
[0059] In an embodiment, the covering (206) may have various dome
profile shapes. By carefully designing the segmentation, the path length for the signal can be more uniform across the covering (206), even at high beam steering angles. This minimizes signal loss and ensures optimal performance.
[0060] In an embodiment, the covering (206) may have uniform thickness
throughout its profile to minimize path length variations. Also, the distance travelled by the radio wave signals (502) through the dome profile of the covering (206) is equal due to the uniform thickness of the covering (206). Due to this, there may be minimum path length variations, and the signal loss is minimal.

[0061] In an embodiment, the mmWave spectrum falls within the
electromagnetic spectrum, ranging from 25 GHz to 300 GHz. This high-frequency band offers several advantages, including wider bandwidths for faster data transmission rates and improved beamforming capabilities. The design of the antenna module (202) minimizes signal loss while operating within this critical mmWave range.
[0062] In an embodiment, the covering (206) has a thickness ranging from
2 to 4 millimeters. The dome profile of the covering (206) minimizes the overall path length that radio waves need to travel through the covering material, reducing potential signal attenuation. Additionally, the covering (206) has a profile that combines a spherical curvature of approximately +/- 60 degrees with tapered or profiled sections that gradually flatten towards the edges. This specific design helps maintain consistent path lengths for the radio waves even at high beam steering angles, further minimizing signal distortion, and ensuring optimal antenna performance.
[0063] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the preferred
embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be implemented merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.
[0064] The present disclosure provides a technical advancement related to
the field of millimeter wave (mmWave) antenna modules. The present disclosure presents a novel covering that addresses the limitations of existing solutions by minimizing signal degradation at high beam steering angles. The segmented dome profile and optimized thickness work together to maintain uniform path length for

radio waves, reducing distortion. This significantly improves signal transmission efficiency, especially at high angles, enhancing the performance of phased array antennas in the mmWave band. The result is more reliable and efficient wireless communication with faster data rates and improved beamforming capabilities.
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0065] The present disclosure provides an antenna Radome design for
millimeter-wave (mmWave) radio systems.
[0066] The present disclosure prevents damage to sensitive components and
minimizes the risk of signal degradation or system failures caused by adverse environmental factors.
[0067] The present disclosure allows radio waves to pass through with
minimal loss or distortion, ensuring that the radiation pattern and signal strength of the antenna module remain intact.
[0068] The present disclosure provides an additional layer of protection
against accidental contact with the antenna elements, reducing the risk of electric shocks or injuries.

We Claim:
1. An antenna module (202) for transmitting radio wave signals in an
mmWave frequency range, the antenna module (202) comprising:
at least one Radio frequency (RF) component(s) (208) configured to perform transmission and reception of radio wave signals;
a covering (206) defining a dome profile enclosure such that distance travelled by the radio wave signals through the covering (206) is nearly uniform at higher incidence angles,
wherein the covering (206) has a uniform thickness, and
wherein the dome profile of the covering (206) is configured to minimize transmission loss at a larger beam steering angle.
2. The antenna module (202) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dome profile shape defines a hemispherical surface or a segmental dome.
3. The antenna module (202) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the covering (206) is formed of a transparent or a semi-transparent material.
4. The antenna module (202) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the antenna module is configured to comprise:
a heat sink unit (204), antenna elements (210), Printed circuit board (PCB) (212), and communication interface(s) (214).
5. An assembly (300) for transmitting radio wave signals in an mmWave
frequency range, including an antenna module (202) as claimed in claim 1.