Dual-Function 3-D Heatsink Antenna for High-Density 3-D Integration

Radiation from heatsinks is typically undesirable and should be minimized to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI). However, in certain applications such as high-power transmitters where both a heatsink and an antenna are required it can be advantageous to maximize the radiation from a heatsink by using the heatsink as the antenna. In this case, not only is the total component count in the transmitter reduced, but the heatsink can be beneficial to the antenna performance. A 2.4 GHz heatsink antenna based on a microstrip patch antenna design shows improved radiation efficiency and broader bandwidth. Also, the peak antenna gain is increased. This presentation reviews the idea of the heatsink antenna and how the heatsink can be exploited for improved antenna performance.