Participants in a communication system with a magnetic antenna

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide a participant in a wireless communication system, wherein the participant includes a transmitting and / or receiving device and an antenna array connected to the transmitting and / or receiving device, and wherein the antenna array includes a magnetic antenna having a loop interrupted one or more times.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to participants in a communication system and, in particular, to participants with magnetic antennas. Other embodiments relate to endpoint and base stations with magnetic antennas. Some embodiments relate to the implementation of magnetic loops. Background Art

[0002] Electric antennas or electrically short antennas are commonly used, especially in the field of sensor nodes. For example, when using a current conventional electric antenna at 868 MHz, a length of approximately 15 cm is required as a 1 / 2λ (½ lambda) radiator. When using a shorter antenna, the gain of the antenna is reduced. In addition, since the antennas used are detuned when approaching conductive or dielectrically effective elements, the processing capabilities of devices with antennas are limited, and their gain is thus further reduced. Additionally, with electric antennas, transmission cannot be performed outside a shielding environment (Faraday cage).

[0003] Furthermore, magnetic antennas are known. However, due to their high quality factor (Q factor), magnetic antennas have narrowband characteristics. Thus, for example, when approaching a metal or dielectric element, the magnetic antenna must be tuned to the desired frequency. In this case, the magnetic antenna can be tuned manually or operated in a self-tuning manner.

[0004] Figure 1a A schematic diagram of a manually tunable magnetic antenna 10 by rotating capacitor 12 is shown, while Figure 1b an electrical equivalent circuit diagram is shown, and Figure 1c an antenna diagram of the magnetic antenna 10 is shown.

[0005] The magnetic antenna 10 includes a primary coupling loop 14 and a secondary resonant loop 16 fed via a 50-ohm coaxial cable 18. The circumference of the secondary resonant loop 16 is typically less than 1 / 10 of the wavelength, while the primary coupling loop 14 typically includes 1 / 5 of the size of the secondary resonant loop 16.

[0006] In the field of amateur radio, manual tuning is common. However, in sensor nodes, self-tuning is desired for simple processing capabilities.

[0007] To keep the tuning range as small as possible, the magnetic loop can be shortened multiple times, which is common in magnetic resonance tomography (MR).

[0008] In MR, only the magnetic field increases the desired effect and is thus called "magnetic resonance", while the electric field part is highly undesirable because it enters the patient's body and due to the dielectric losses in body tissues:

[0009] a) In the case of transmission, the patient is unnecessarily heated, and

[0010] b) In the receiving case, the Q-factor of the loop decreases, which means that the signal-to-noise ratio (S / N) deteriorates. Very often, the expression "more noise is coupled in" is used. However, from a physical point of view, this is incorrect because the operating temperature of the loop remains constant regardless of the shortening. As a result, due to the lower Q-factor (i.e., lower resonance rise), the signal used weakens, leading to a deterioration of the signal-to-noise ratio (S / N).

[0011] The ratio of the electric field depends essentially on the wire length of the coil / loop compared to the wavelength. That is, the electric field is generated longitudinally in the conductor towards the resonant capacitor, as Figure 2 shown.

[0012] Figure 2 A schematic view of the loop 22 of the magnetic antenna 20 is shown, where the electric field 24 is longitudinal along the conductor of the loop 22 towards the resonant capacitor 26.

[0013] Therefore, the MR local antenna is almost always implemented as a single-turn loop. More than one turn is only used at very low frequencies because, due to extremely poor LC conditions, the operating Q-factor will be more affected by the poor self-Q-factor than the impact caused by the electric field part during the patient's operation. As the frequency increases, the single turn of the loop is already too long compared to the wavelength, and the loop size cannot be arbitrarily reduced because it must adapt to the body area of the patient to be examined. Therefore, this single turn is divided by several resonant capacitors (capacitively shortened multiple times). Summary of the Invention

[0014] The present invention is based on the object of improving the positioning possibilities of sensor nodes in a wireless communication system.

[0015] This object is achieved by the independent patent claims.

[0016] Advantageous further developments can be found in the dependent patent claims.

[0017] An embodiment provides a participant in a wireless communication system, wherein the participant includes transmitting and / or receiving means (or devices, or units) [e.g., a transmitter, a receiver or a transceiver] and an antenna array connected to the transmitting and / or receiving means, wherein the antenna array includes a magnetic antenna having a loop [e.g., a current loop] interrupted [divided] one or more times [e.g., at least twice].

[0018] In an embodiment, the loop can be interrupted [e.g., divided] by one or several capacitive elements [e.g., capacitors, varactor diodes].

[0019] For example, the loop of the magnetic antenna can be interrupted [e.g., at least twice] by at least two capacitive elements.

[0020] In an embodiment, a loop interrupted multiple times can be interrupted [e.g., divided] by a capacitive element into at least two segments.

[0021] For example, a loop can be divided into n segments by n capacitive elements, where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2.

[0022] In an embodiment, at least two segments of a loop interrupted multiple times can be connected by a capacitive element.

[0023] For example, at least two segments of a loop interrupted multiple times and at least two capacitive elements can be connected in series. In other words, both segments of a loop interrupted multiple times can be connected by a capacitive element connected in series between the two segments.

[0024] In an embodiment, a loop interrupted once or multiple times [e.g., at least two segments of the loop] and a capacitive element can form a resonant circuit.

[0025] In an embodiment, the loop can form a coil.

[0026] In an embodiment, a transmitting and / or receiving device can be connected to a magnetic antenna via one of the capacitive elements [e.g., where one capacitive element and a loop interrupted once or multiple times [e.g., with other capacitive elements] form a parallel resonant circuit].

[0027] In an embodiment, the loop can be circular or an m-sided polygon, where m is a natural number greater than or equal to 4.

[0028] For example, the loop can be a quadrilateral, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, decagon, hendecagon, dodecagon, etc.

[0029] In an embodiment, the magnetic antenna can be implemented [e.g., realized] on a circuit board.

[0030] In an embodiment, an antenna array can include a tuning circuit for tuning the magnetic antenna.

[0031] In an embodiment, the tuning circuit and the magnetic antenna can be realized on the same circuit board.

[0032] In an embodiment, the magnetic antenna can be a first magnetic antenna, where the antenna array can further include a second magnetic antenna, and the loops interrupted multiple times of the first antenna and the loops of the second antenna can be arranged substantially orthogonal to each other.

[0033] In an embodiment, a first region spanned by a loop interrupted once or multiple times of the first magnetic antenna and a second region spanned by the loops of the second magnetic antenna can be orthogonal to each other.

[0034] For example, the main emission direction / main reception direction of the first magnetic antenna and the main emission direction / main reception direction of the second magnetic antenna can be orthogonal to each other.

[0035] For example, the null points of the first magnetic antenna and the null points of the second magnetic antenna can be different.

[0036] In an embodiment, the area spanned by the loop of the second magnetic antenna can be less than 1 / 2 of the area spanned by the loop of the first magnetic antenna [e.g., 1 / 3, 1 / 4, 1 / 5, or 1 / 10].

[0037] For example, the loop of the second antenna can be "flattened".

[0038] In an embodiment, the loop of the second antenna can be implemented as non-circular to fit the shape of the participant's housing.

[0039] For example, the loop of the second magnetic antenna can be substantially rectangular.

[0040] In an embodiment, the first magnetic antenna and the second magnetic antenna can be arranged adjacent to each other.

[0041] In an embodiment, the conductor of the loop of the second magnetic antenna can be at least twice as thick or wide as the conductor of the loop of the first antenna [e.g., three times, four times, or five times].

[0042] In an embodiment, the loop of the second antenna can be interrupted multiple times.

[0043] For example, the loop of the second magnetic antenna can be interrupted by at least two capacitive elements [at least twice].

[0044] In an embodiment, a participant can be configured to deactivate one of the magnetic antennas of the antenna array [e.g., the first magnetic antenna or the second magnetic antenna] in order to change the radiation characteristics of the antenna array [e.g., the emission direction or the reception direction; e.g., the main lobe].

[0045] For example, a participant can be configured to change the radiation characteristics of the antenna array [e.g., the emission direction or the reception direction; e.g., the main lobe] by deactivating one of the magnetic antennas of the antenna array [e.g., the first magnetic antenna or the second magnetic antenna].

[0046] In an embodiment, one of the magnetic antennas of the antenna array can be deactivated by detuning the corresponding magnetic antenna [e.g., the first magnetic antenna or the second magnetic antenna].

[0047] In an embodiment, one of the magnetic antennas of the antenna array can be deactivated by connecting a coil in parallel to one of the capacitive elements of the loop or the corresponding magnetic antenna [e.g., the first magnetic antenna or the second magnetic antenna].

[0048] In an embodiment, a participant may be configured to change the emissivity of an antenna array by detuning the self-resonance of at least one of two magnetic antennas [e.g., the first magnetic antenna or the second magnetic antenna].

[0049] In an embodiment, the first magnetic antenna and the second magnetic antenna may be driven in a phase-shifted manner [e.g., 90°].

[0050] In an embodiment, a participant may be configured to divide data packets to be transmitted [e.g., of a bit transmission layer] into a plurality of sub-data packets and send the plurality of sub-data packets in a non-consecutive manner [e.g., by using a time and / or frequency hopping pattern], wherein the participant may be configured to change the radiation characteristics of the antenna array at least once between transmissions of two sub-data packets.

[0051] For example, a participant may be configured to change the radiation characteristics of the antenna array after each transmitted sub-data packet or after a specified number of sub-data packets [e.g., by deactivating other magnetic antennas of the antenna array, respectively].

[0052] In an embodiment, a participant may be configured to divide data packets to be transmitted [e.g., of a bit transmission layer] into a plurality of sub-data packets and send the plurality of sub-data packets in a non-consecutive manner by using a frequency hopping pattern [and e.g., a time hopping pattern], wherein the resonance frequencies of the first magnetic antenna and the second magnetic antenna may be intentionally slightly detuned such that, during transmissions of the plurality of sub-data packets, the radiation characteristics [e.g., emission direction; e.g., main lobe] of the antenna array vary with the frequencies defined by the frequency hopping pattern.

[0053] For example, the resonance frequencies of the first magnetic antenna and / or the second magnetic antenna may be detuned within a range corresponding to the reciprocal Q factor. In the case where the Q factor is Q = 100, the detuning may be performed within a window of no more than + / -1% because there is little to no power output in the case of even stronger detuning.

[0054] In an embodiment, the antenna array may include tuning means (or device, or unit) for tuning the magnetic antenna, wherein the antenna array is configured to automatically tune the antenna.

[0055] In an embodiment, the antenna array may further include an electric antenna.

[0056] In an embodiment, the transmitting and / or receiving means may be a transmitting means (or device, or unit) [e.g., a transmitter], a receiving means (or device, or unit) [e.g., a receiver] or a transmitting / receiving means [a transceiver].

[0057] In an embodiment, a participant may be configured to communicate in the ISM band.

[0058] In an embodiment, a participant can be an endpoint of a communication system.

[0059] In an embodiment, the endpoint can be a sensor node or an actuator node.

[0060] In an embodiment, the endpoint can be battery-operated.

[0061] In an embodiment, the endpoint can include an energy harvesting element for generating electrical energy.

[0062] In an embodiment, a participant can be a base station of a communication system.

[0063] Other embodiments provide a communication system having at least two participants described herein.

[0064] For example, the at least two participants can be one or several endpoints [e.g., multiple endpoints] and one or several base stations. Clearly, the at least two participants can also be at least two endpoints or base stations.

[0065] Other embodiments provide a method for operating a participant of a communication system, wherein the participant includes an antenna array, and wherein the antenna array includes a magnetic antenna having a loop interrupted one or more times. The method includes the step of transmitting and / or receiving a communication signal by using the magnetic antenna.

[0066] Embodiments of the present invention provide a participant [e.g., an endpoint] of a communication system having a magnetic antenna.

[0067] For the magnetic antenna processed in the embodiment, (1) the installation size of a participant (e.g., a sensor node) of the communication system can be reduced, (2) independence from the environment can be provided by automatic tuning, and / or (3) transmission / reception from a (partially) electrically shielded environment can be possible (or the transmission / reception from a (partially) electrically shielded environment can be improved). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0068] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0069] Figure 1a A schematic diagram of a magnetic antenna that can be manually tuned by means of a variable high-voltage capacitor is shown,

[0070] Figure 1b is shown Figure 1a the electrical equivalent circuit diagram of the magnetic antenna shown,

[0071] Figure 1c is shown Figure 1a the antenna pattern of the magnetic antenna shown.

[0072] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing a magnetic antenna and the electric field of the magnetic antenna is shown.

[0073] Figure 3a A schematic diagram showing a participant in a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0074] Figure 3b A schematic diagram showing a participant in a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0075] Figure 3c A schematic diagram showing a terminal point in a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0076] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing a magnetic antenna is shown.

[0077] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing a magnetic antenna having a loop (e.g., capacitively shortened) interrupted multiple times according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0078] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing a magnetic antenna having a loop interrupted multiple times according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the loop is an octagon.

[0079] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing an antenna array having a first magnetic antenna and a second magnetic antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention, and

[0080] Figure 8 A flowchart showing a method for operating a participant in a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Description

[0081] In the following description of embodiments of the present invention, the same elements or elements having the same effects are provided with the same reference numerals in the drawings, such that their descriptions are interchangeable.

[0082] Figure 3a A schematic diagram showing a participant 100 in a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The participant 100 includes a transmitting and / or receiving device 102 (e.g., a transmitter) and an antenna array 104 connected to the transmitting and / or receiving device 102, wherein the antenna array 104 includes a magnetic antenna 106 having a loop 108 interrupted once (i.e., only once).

[0083] Figure 3bA schematic diagram of a participant 100 of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The participant 100 includes a transmitting and / or receiving device 102 (e.g., a transmitter) and an antenna array 104 connected to the transmitting and / or receiving device 102, wherein the antenna array 104 includes a magnetic antenna 106 having a loop 108 interrupted multiple times.

[0084] The following mainly describes an embodiment of the antenna array 104 of the magnetic antenna 106 having a loop interrupted multiple times as Figure 3b shown. However, it should be noted that the embodiments described below can also be applied to Figure 3a the antenna array 104 of the magnetic antenna 106 having a loop interrupted once as shown.

[0085] In an embodiment, the loop 108 of the magnetic antenna 106 can be interrupted by a capacitive element 110 such as a resonant capacitor (resonant capacitor). For example, as Figure 3b shown, the loop 108 of the magnetic antenna 106 can be interrupted by two capacitive elements 110 (e.g., capacitive shortening). However, it should be noted that in an embodiment, the loop 108 of the magnetic antenna 106 can also be interrupted by any other number of capacitive elements 110. Therefore, in an embodiment, the loop 108 of the magnetic antenna 106 can be divided into n segments (or parts, or portions) by n capacitive elements 110, where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2. A segment here is a part or portion of the loop between respective capacitive elements 110.

[0086] In an embodiment, the segments of the loop 108 interrupted multiple times can be connected by capacitive elements 110. Specifically, two segments of the loop interrupted multiple times can both be connected by one capacitive element connected in series between the two segments. In other words, the segments of the loop 108 of the magnetic antenna 106 and the capacitive elements 110 are alternately connected in series to form a loop.

[0087] In this case, the transmitting and / or receiving device 102 can be connected to the magnetic antenna 106 via one of the capacitive elements 110. One capacitive element on one side and the loop 108 having other (e.g., remaining) capacitive elements on the other side can form a parallel resonant circuit (e.g., from the perspective of the transmitting and / or receiving device 102).

[0088] In an embodiment, the antenna array 102 can further include a tuning device for tuning the magnetic antenna 106. The tuning device can be configured to automatically tune the magnetic antenna 106.

[0089] According to the geometry of the loop 108 of the magnetic antenna 106, the radiated energy from the magnetic antenna 106 is not uniformly emitted in all directions of the plane. Instead, Figure 3bThe antenna pattern of the magnetic antenna 106 shown includes null points, i.e., regions (e.g., points) in the antenna pattern where the radiated energy of the magnetic antenna is actually zero. In an embodiment, the antenna array 104 can thus include a second magnetic antenna, as described in detail below based on Figure 7 or can also include additional electric antennas. The second magnetic antenna and / or the additional electric antennas can be arranged such that the null points of the magnetic antenna 106 are compensated.

[0090] In an embodiment, the participant 100 of the communication system can obviously be configured not only to send signals to other participants of the communication system by means of the magnetic antenna 106, but also to receive signals from other participants of the communication system by means of the magnetic antenna 106. For this purpose, for example, the participant 100 can include a receiving device (e.g., a receiver) connected to the antenna array 104. Obviously, the participant 100 can also include a combined transmit / receive device (e.g., a transceiver) 102.

[0091] In an embodiment, the participant 100 (or the communication system of the participant) can be configured to communicate in the ISM band (ISM = Industrial, Scientific and Medical band), i.e., to send and / or receive signals in the ISM band.

[0092] In an embodiment, the participant 100 (e.g., the communication system of the participant) can be configured to send data based on a telegraph splitting method. In the telegraph splitting method, data (e.g., a telegraph or a data packet) is divided into a plurality of sub-data packets (or partial data packets or partial packets), and the sub-data packets are transmitted distributively (i.e., discontinuously) in time and / or frequency from one participant of the communication system to another participant (i.e., from a base station to a terminal point, or from a terminal point to a base station) by using a time and / or frequency hopping pattern, where the participant receiving the sub-data packets joins (or combines) them to obtain the data packet. In this case, each of the sub-data packets contains only a part of the data packet. In addition, the data packet can be channel-coded such that not all sub-data packets are required to decode the data packet without error, but only a part of the sub-data packets.

[0093] In an embodiment, the communication system can be a personal area network (PAN) or a low-power wide area network (LPWAN).

[0094] Figure 3b The participant 100 of the communication system shown can be the base station of the communication system. Alternatively, Figure 3b the participant 100 of the communication system shown can also be the terminal point of the communication system, which will be described in conjunction with Figure 3c below.

[0095] Specifically, Figure 3cFIG. 0 shows a schematic view of a participant 100 of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the participant 100 is an end point.

[0096] As Figure 3c exemplarily shown, the end point 100 may be a sensor node in an embodiment. In the case of a sensor node, the end point 100 may be a sensor 114, for example, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, or any other sensor, wherein the signal transmitted by the sensor node 100 depends on the sensor signal provided by the sensor. For example, the sensor may include a microprocessor 112 that processes the sensor signal provided by the sensor in order to generate data to be transmitted based on the sensor signal and transmitted by a transmitting device (e.g., a transmitting and receiving device) 102, for example, based on a telegraph splitting transmission method.

[0097] Obviously, the end point 100 may also be an actuator node, wherein the actuator node includes an actuator 114. In this case, for example, the processor 112 may be configured to drive the actuator 114 based on the received signal or the received data.

[0098] In an embodiment, the end point 100 may be battery-operated. Alternatively or additionally, the end point 100 may include an energy harvesting element for generating electrical energy.

[0099] In the following, a detailed embodiment of the magnetic antenna 106 or an antenna array 104 having the magnetic antenna 106 is described.

[0100] 1. Design of the loop

[0101] The embodiment relates to a magnetic antenna (e.g., for a sensor node or also for a base station) for transmitting and / or receiving scenarios. In this case, the magnetic antenna may be automatically tuned.

[0102] 1.1 Application of the magnetic antenna in the sensor node

[0103] The magnetic antenna 106 includes a current loop 108 having one or several turns. In the receiving case, an alternating magnetic field induces a voltage in the loop 108 (law of induction), and in the transmitting case, a current flowing in the loop 108 generates a magnetic field (Biot - Savart law). If the magnetic antenna 106 operates only at a frequency or within a relatively small bandwidth range, the efficiency of the magnetic antenna 106 can be significantly increased by means of a resonant capacitor. The current 108 increases to the extent of resonant rise (represented by the quality factor Q), that is, at the same feeding power, twice the Q factor results in twice the current (and thus twice the magnetic field). Therefore, it is desirable to obtain as high a Q factor as possible, which at the same time means that the loop 108 and the capacitor must have as small losses as possible. Generally, the losses in the loop 108 are mainly due to the limited conductivity of the metal used (mainly Cu).

[0104] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of such a magnetic antenna is shown. As already mentioned, the magnetic antenna 106 includes a loop 108 having one or several turns and a resonant capacitor 110 (C0). In this case, the magnetic antenna 106 can be coupled to, for example, a transmitting and / or receiving device 102 via a parallel resonant circuit formed by the resonant capacitor 110 and the loop 108 (coil) (see Figures 3a - 3c ).

[0105] The magnetic antenna 106 has the advantages of a high antenna Q factor and a small mounting size.

[0106] In addition, the magnetic antenna 106 has the advantage that it can adapt to different environmental conditions, for example, by automatic tuning.

[0107] Embodiments of the present invention relate to sensor nodes having magnetic antennas. In this case, the magnetic antenna can be automatically tuned.

[0108] 1.2 Multiple shortening of the loop of the magnetic antenna

[0109] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the magnetic antenna 106 with a loop 108 having multiple interruptions (e.g., capacitively shortened) is shown. As Figure 5 exemplarily shown, the loop 108 can be divided into four segments by four capacitor elements 110 (4C0) (e.g., resonant capacitors (e.g., resonant capacitor)). However, it should be noted that the loop 108 of the magnetic antenna 106 can also be divided into any other number of segments. Therefore, in an embodiment, the loop 108 of the magnetic antenna 106 can be divided into n segments by n capacitor elements 110, where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2.

[0110] In an embodiment, the loop 108 of the magnetic antenna can be divided into equally spaced segments. Dividing the loop 108 into equally spaced segments has the advantage of achieving the lowest electric field portion overall. Obviously, the loop can also be divided into non-equally spaced segments.

[0111] A lower electric field or multiple capacitive shortenings has the advantage that the dielectric material in the immediate vicinity of the antenna is correspondingly less detuned in its resonant frequency.

[0112] Additionally, a lower electric field or multiple capacitive shortenings has the advantage that the dielectric loss material in the immediate vicinity of the antenna reduces its Q factor less.

[0113] Additionally, a lower electric field or multiple capacitive shortenings has the advantage that the voltage at the resonant capacitor is correspondingly lower (i.e., for example, half the voltage when shortened twice, yet twice the capacitance value). In particular, this is advantageous if one or more of the resonant capacitors are tunable, since the tuning mechanism can then include a lower voltage sustaining capability / electric strength.

[0114] In an embodiment, the magnetic antenna 106 (or the loop 108 of the magnetic antenna 106) can be capacitive-shortened multiple times.

[0115] In an embodiment, a plurality of capacitors 110 are arranged in series in the magnetic loop.

[0116] 1.3 Special design of the loop of the magnetic antenna

[0117] The loop 108 having a circular shape has an optimal ratio of conductor path length to the surface area spanned (or enclosed). However, the space utilization on a conventional rectangular circuit board (conductive path) is not optimal.

[0118] A shape with more than four corners (especially an octagon) has advantages. On the one hand, the ratio of surface area to perimeter deteriorates, and thus the Q factor of the magnetic antenna 106 also deteriorates. However, the efficiency of the magnetic antenna 106 increases with a given rectangular circuit board surface area because the surface area spanned (or enclosed) becomes larger. Figure 6 A symmetric design of the magnetic antenna 106 (of the loop 108) is shown. However, an asymmetric design (of the loop 108) is conceivable, where, for example, the upper half and the lower half (e.g., segments of the loop 108) are longer.

[0119] Specifically, Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the magnetic antenna 106 with a loop 108 interrupted multiple times is shown, where the loop 108 has an octagonal shape.

[0120] As Figure 6Exemplarily, loop 108 can be divided into eight segments by (e.g., eight) capacitive elements 110, where the eight segments can be angled such that loop 108 includes an octagonal shape. However, it should be noted that loop 108 can also be divided into any other number of segments and / or can include any other shape. Thus, loop 108 of the magnetic antenna can be m-sided, where m is any natural number greater than or equal to 4, e.g., 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12.

[0121] In an embodiment, magnetic antenna 106 can be implemented on a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0122] In an embodiment, magnetic antenna 106 (or loop 108 of magnetic antenna 106) can include non-circular portions (or segments).

[0123] In an embodiment, the lead routing of the segments of magnetic antenna 106 (or loop 108 of magnetic antenna 106) in the area with components (or at that location) can be straight.

[0124] In an embodiment, magnetic antenna 106 (or loop 108 of magnetic antenna 106) can have a polygonal shape or can include more than four corners.

[0125] Such a magnetic antenna 106 has the advantage that its layout can be more easily transferred to different layout programs.

[0126] In addition, such a magnetic antenna 106 has the following advantages: Since the lead routing (of loop 108 of magnetic antenna 106) is straight at the location with components, the placement of components is easier.

[0127] In some embodiments, the diagonally extending sides (segments of loop 108 of magnetic antenna 106) can include an arc shape instead of an angular shape in order to further increase the surface area and achieve an optimal use of the circuit board surface area. In response to this, the advantages of easier component placement and simpler layout will be lost.

[0128] Although Figure 6 the shown antenna array 104 includes a magnetic antenna 106 having a loop 108 with multiple interruptions, it should be noted that the described embodiments can also be applied to an antenna array 104 with a magnetic antenna 106 having a loop 108 with a single interruption (see Figure 3a ).

[0129] 1.4 The loop is implemented on the circuit board

[0130] In an embodiment, the loop can be implemented on a printed circuit board (PCB). In an embodiment, the tuning circuit can be implemented on the same board.

[0131] 2. Several antennas

[0132] In an embodiment, the antenna array 104 may include a number of magnetic antennas.

[0133] This has the advantage that the null points of the magnetic antennas can be circumvented (e.g., the points where the radiated energy of the magnetic antennas in the antenna pattern is actually zero).

[0134] 2.1 Cross - field loop with diversity

[0135] In an embodiment, two magnetic antennas may be used, and the two magnetic antennas are (e.g., substantially) as orthogonal as possible.

[0136] 2.2 Flattening the second loop to avoid null points

[0137] In order to obtain a shell that is as flat as possible, the second magnetic antenna (or the loop of the second magnetic antenna) may be designed to be "flattened". In the case of a non-circular loop, the resistance of the winding increases compared to the surface area spanned (or enclosed), thereby reducing the Q factor. In the case of a flat loop, since the surface area spanned is smaller, its radiation efficiency is reduced. On the one hand, this slightly increases the Q factor, and on the other hand, it does not contribute to radiation. In order to at least partially compensate for the first Q factor reduction effect, a wider conductor (less loss) may be used.

[0138] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of an antenna array 104 having a first magnetic antenna 106 and a second magnetic antenna 112 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0139] The first magnetic antenna 106 includes a loop 108 that is interrupted multiple times. As Figure 7 Exemplarily shown, the loop 108 of the first magnetic antenna may be divided into four segments by four capacitive elements 110. However, it should be noted that the loop 108 of the first magnetic antenna 106 may also be divided into any other number of segments. Thus, in an embodiment, the loop 108 of the first magnetic antenna 106 may be divided into n segments by n capacitive elements 110, where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2.

[0140] The second magnetic antenna 112 further includes a loop 114, wherein the loop 108 of the first magnetic antenna 106 and the loop 114 of the second antenna 112 may be arranged substantially orthogonally to each other.

[0141] As Figure 7 Exemplarily shown, the surface area spanned by the loop 114 of the second magnetic antenna 112 extends orthogonally to the surface area spanned by the loop 108 of the first magnetic antenna 106. Specifically, in Figure 7In this case, the surface area spanned by the loop 108 of the first magnetic antenna 106 extends parallel to the xy plane defined by the coordinate system, while the surface area spanned by the loop 114 of the second magnetic antenna 112 extends parallel to the z-axis of the coordinate system.

[0142] In an embodiment, the surface area spanned (or enclosed) by the loop 114 of the magnetic antenna 112 can be less than 1 / 2 (e.g., 1 / 3, 1 / 4, 1 / 5, or 1 / 10) of the surface area spanned (or enclosed) by the loop 108 of the first magnetic antenna 106.

[0143] In other words, the loop 114 of the second magnetic antenna 112 can be "flattened".

[0144] As Figure 7 Further indicated, in an embodiment, the conductor of the loop 114 of the second magnetic antenna 112 can be at least twice as thick or wide (e.g., three times, four times, or five times) as the conductor of the loop 108 of the first magnetic antenna 106.

[0145] Obviously, the loop 114 of the second magnetic antenna 112 can also be interrupted multiple times by, for example, at least two capacitive elements.

[0146] In an embodiment, the antenna array 104 can include a second loop 114 that is as orthogonal as possible.

[0147] In an embodiment, the wire size / width of the second loop 114 can be larger (than the wire size / width of the first loop 108), however, the second loop 114 can be flatter (than the first loop 108).

[0148] Although Figure 7 The illustrated antenna array 104 includes magnetic antennas having loops interrupted multiple times, however, it should be noted that the described embodiments can also be applied to antenna arrays having magnetic antennas with loops interrupted once.

[0149] 2.3 Combining magnetic antenna / electric antenna to avoid null points

[0150] To avoid the null points of the magnetic antenna 106 (e.g., the points in the antenna pattern where the radiated energy of the magnetic antenna is actually zero), in addition to the magnetic antenna 106, an electric antenna can be integrated on a printed circuit board (e.g., a PCB), for example, in the form of a PCB F antenna, as an "extension" of the loop 108 (e.g., a magnetic loop / 8-gon).

[0151] In an embodiment, an electric antenna and a magnetic antenna can be combined (e.g., on a printed circuit board (e.g., a PCB)).

[0152] 2.4 Switching the loop

[0153] If several magnetic loops (or magnetic antennas) are connected together, new null points from different directions will appear.

[0154] Therefore, it only makes sense to use several magnetic loops (or several magnetic antennas) if the unused loops (or magnetic antennas) can be switched off.

[0155] 2.4.1 Closing by interrupting the resonant current

[0156] In an embodiment, for example, the current of an unwanted magnetic antenna can be interrupted by means of a switch. However, since each switch includes a certain residual capacitance, this basically corresponds to a strong detuning of the resonant frequency.

[0157] 2.4.2 Closing by means of an additional inductor (L)

[0158] In an embodiment, one or several resonant capacitors can be arranged in parallel with the coil. At the original resonant frequency of the loop, they form a parallel resonant circuit that interrupts the current therein.

[0159] 2.4.3 Changing the drive ratio

[0160] In an embodiment, the tuning of the loop and thus the main emission direction and null points can be shifted by a slight detuning of the self-resonance of one of the two loops, because then the loop emits at different powers at the same driving power. Then, the non-emitting part of the slightly detuned loop is reflected back and absorbed by the transmitter.

[0161] 2.4.4 Phase - shifted drive of the magnetic loop

[0162] The null points of the loop depend on its structure in three-dimensional space. For example, when only the capacitance of the resonant capacitor is changed, the null points of the loop do not change. Therefore, in the case of a planar loop, there are always positions where the B-field lines do not penetrate it, i.e., if they extend in the loop plane. However, even in the case of a three-dimensional loop (or a curved B-line), i.e., in a slightly curved circular ring that does not extend completely in a plane, a position can always be found where the field lines penetrating from one side or the other side of the loop are in balance. This results in compensation, i.e., null points. Even orthogonal loops will contain null points below 45° when their signals are only directly connected. To avoid this, their received signals can be combined with a 90° phase shift, because this makes geometric cancellation of the time signals impossible.

[0163] In an embodiment, several magnetic loops can be driven in a phase-shifted manner.

[0164] In an embodiment, several self-tuning magnetic loops can be driven in a phase-shifted manner.

[0165] 2.5 Changing the radiation rate via the number of hops

[0166] Combined with the telegraph splitting transmission method (see DE 10 2011 082 098 B4), each telegraph can perform transmit diversity (i.e., transmission using different antennas), because in the telegraph splitting transmission method, it is possible to transmit each sub-data packet (hop) on different antennas / with different intensities on the antenna.

[0167] This has the advantage that the reliability of telegraph transmission can be improved.

[0168] In an embodiment, different sub-data packets (hops) can be transmitted with different intensities on different antennas, such that different sub-data packets are transmitted at different antenna nulls.

[0169] 2.5.1 Loop design where the null point depends on the frequency

[0170] The embodiment can use more or fewer orthogonal loops with different resonant frequencies, the signals of which are combined via a decoupling combiner. If the resonant frequencies are close, the loops must include good geometric orthogonality (i.e., magnetic decoupling). Otherwise, there are Q-factor losses and resonant distortions. Therefore, the resonant frequencies are intentionally slightly detuned. Different sub-data packets (hops) are at different frequencies and are thus transmitted by the loops with different intensities and different resonances, so that the nulls of the magnetic antenna are shifted respectively.

[0171] In an embodiment, the emissivity of the magnetic antenna varies across frequencies.

[0172] In an embodiment, the nulls of the antenna are shifted across frequencies.

[0173] 3. Other embodiments

[0174] Figure 8 A flowchart of a method 200 for operating a participant of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The method at 200 includes a step 202 of transmitting and / or receiving a communication signal by using a magnetic antenna of an antenna array of a participant of the communication system, wherein the magnetic antenna includes a loop interrupted one or more times.

[0175] Embodiments of the present invention provide, for example, (e.g., self-tuning) magnetic antennas for sensor nodes. For IoT (Internet of Things), the number of wireless communication sensor nodes is increasing. In this case, the demand for a small form factor and simple processing capabilities is becoming stronger and stronger. Using existing electrical antennas can only meet these demands to a small extent. Embodiments of the present invention enable the use of magnetic antennas and sensor nodes and thus meet the above demands.

[0176] Even though some aspects have been described in the context of a device, it should be understood that said aspects also represent a description of a corresponding method, such that a block or structural component of the device is also understood as a corresponding method step or a feature of a method step. Similarly, aspects described within the context of a method step or described as a method step also represent a description of a corresponding block or detail or feature of a corresponding device. Some or all of the method steps may be performed when using a hardware device, such as a microprocessor, a programmable computer, or an electronic circuit. In some embodiments, some or several of the most important method steps may be performed by such a device.

[0177] Depending on the specific implementation requirements, embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in hardware or software. Various implementations may be realized while using a digital storage medium, such as a floppy disk, a DVD, a Blu-ray disc, a CD, a ROM, a PROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, or a flash memory, a hard disk, or any other magnetic or optical memory, on which there is stored an electronically readable control signal that can cooperate or collaborate with a programmable computer system such that a corresponding method is executed. Thus, the digital storage medium may be computer-readable.

[0178] Thus, some embodiments according to the present invention include a data carrier that includes an electronically readable control signal capable of cooperating with a programmable computer system to execute any method described herein.

[0179] Generally speaking, embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a computer program product having program code for executing any method when running the computer program product on a computer.

[0180] The program code may also be stored on, for example, a machine-readable carrier.

[0181] Other embodiments include a computer program for executing any method described herein, the computer program being stored on a machine-readable carrier.

[0182] In other words, embodiments of the method of the present invention are thus a computer program having program code for executing any method described herein when running the computer program on a computer.

[0183] Another embodiment of the method of the present invention is thus a data carrier (or a digital storage medium or a computer-readable medium) on which there is recorded a computer program for executing any method described herein. The data carrier, the digital storage medium, or the recorded medium is generally tangible and / or non-volatile.

[0184] Another embodiment of the method of the present invention thus represents a data stream or signal sequence of a computer program for performing any of the methods described herein. The data stream or signal sequence can be configured to be transmitted, for example, via a data communication link (e.g., via the Internet).

[0185] Another embodiment includes a processing unit, such as a computer or a programmable logic device, configured to or adapted to perform any of the methods described herein.

[0186] Another embodiment includes a computer having installed thereon a computer program for performing any of the methods described herein.

[0187] Another embodiment according to the present invention includes a device or system configured to send to a receiver a computer program for performing at least one of the methods described herein. For example, the sending can be electronic or optical. For example, the receiver can be a computer, a mobile device, a memory device, or a similar device. For example, the device or system can include a file server for sending a computer program to the receiver.

[0188] In some embodiments, a programmable logic device (e.g., a field programmable gate array FPGA) can be used to perform some or all of the functions of the methods described herein. In some embodiments, the field programmable gate array can cooperate with a microprocessor to perform any of the methods described herein. Generally, in some embodiments, the method is performed by any hardware device. The hardware device can be any general-purpose hardware, such as a computer processor (CPU), or can be hardware dedicated to the method, such as an ASIC.

[0189] For example, the devices described herein can be implemented using a hardware device, or using a computer, or using a combination of a hardware device and a computer.

[0190] The devices described herein or any components of the devices described herein can be implemented at least in part in hardware and / or software (computer program).

[0191] For example, the methods described herein can be implemented using a hardware device, or using a computer, or using a combination of a hardware device and a computer.

[0192] The methods described herein or any components of the methods described herein can be performed at least in part by hardware and / or software (computer program).

[0193] The above embodiments merely represent an illustration of the principles of the present invention. It should be understood that other persons skilled in the art will recognize modifications and variations to the arrangements and details described herein. Therefore, the present invention is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims and not by the specific details set forth herein by the description and discussion of the embodiments.

Claims

1. A participant (100) in a wireless communication system, Among them, The participant (100) includes a transmitting and / or receiving device (102) and an antenna array (104) connected to the transmitting and / or receiving device (102), wherein the antenna array (104) includes a magnetic antenna (106) having a loop (108) interrupted multiple times; wherein the participant (100) is configured to transmit signals to other participants in the wireless communication system by means of the magnetic antenna (106), and / or receive signals from other participants in the wireless communication system by means of the magnetic antenna (106), wherein the wireless communication system is a low-power wide area network LPWAN, wherein the participant (100) is configured to divide data packets to be transmitted into a plurality of sub-data packets and transmit the plurality of sub-data packets in a discontinuous manner, wherein the participant (100) is an endpoint of the wireless communication system, or wherein the participant (100) is a base station of the wireless communication system, wherein the participant can be configured to change at least once the radiation characteristics of the antenna array between transmissions of two sub-data packets.

2. The participant (100) according to claim 1, Among them, The participant (100) is configured to change the radiation characteristics of the antenna array after each transmitted sub-data packet or after a specified number of sub-data packets.

3. The participant (100) according to claim 1, Among them, The loop (108) is interrupted by one or several capacitive elements (110).

4. The participant (100) according to claim 3, Among them, The loop (108) interrupted multiple times is interrupted by the capacitive element (110) into at least two segments.

5. The participant (100) according to claim 1, Among them, The loop (108) forms a coil.

6. The participant (100) according to claim 3, Among them, The transmitting and / or receiving device (102) is connected to the magnetic antenna (106) via one of the capacitive elements (110).

7. The participant (100) according to claim 1, Among them, The loop (108) is circular or m-sided, where m is a natural number greater than or equal to 4.

8. The participant (100) according to claim 1, Among them, The magnetic antenna (106) is implemented on a circuit board.

9. The participant (100) according to claim 1, Among them, The magnetic antenna (106) is a first magnetic antenna (106), wherein the loop (108) is a first loop (108), wherein the antenna array (104) further includes a second magnetic antenna (112), wherein the first loop (108) interrupted multiple times of the first magnetic antenna (106) and the second loop (114) of the second magnetic antenna (112) are arranged orthogonally to each other.

10. The participant (100) according to claim 9, Among them, The conductor of the second loop (114) of the second magnetic antenna (112) is at least twice as thick or wide as the conductor of the first loop (108) of the first magnetic antenna (106).

11. The participant (100) according to claim 9, Among them, The participant (100) is configured to deactivate one of the magnetic antennas (106, 112) of the antenna array (104) to change the radiation characteristics of the antenna array (104).

12. The participant (100) according to claim 9, Among them, The participant (100) is configured to change the emissivity of the antenna array (104) by detuning the self-resonance of at least one of the two magnetic antennas (106, 112).

13. The participant (100) according to claim 11, Among them, The participant (100) is configured to change the radiation characteristics of the antenna array (104) at least once between the transmissions of two sub-data packets.

14. The participant (100) according to claim 9, Among them, The participant (100) is configured to divide a data packet to be transmitted into a plurality of sub-data packets and transmit the plurality of sub-data packets in a non-consecutive manner by using a frequency hopping pattern, wherein, the resonance frequencies of the first magnetic antenna (106) and the second magnetic antenna (112) are intentionally slightly detuned such that in the transmission of the plurality of sub-data packets, the radiation characteristics of the antenna array (104) vary with the frequency situation defined by the frequency hopping pattern.

15. The participant (100) according to claim 1, Among them, The antenna array (104) includes tuning means for tuning the magnetic antenna (106), wherein, the antenna array (104) is configured to automatically tune the magnetic antenna (106).

16. The participant (100) according to claim 1, Among them, The participant (100) is configured to communicate in the ISM band.

17. A participant (100) of a wireless communication system, Among them, The participant (100) includes transmitting and / or receiving means (102) and an antenna array (104) connected to the transmitting and / or receiving means (102), wherein, the antenna array (104) includes a magnetic antenna (106) having a loop (108) interrupted one or more times, wherein, the magnetic antenna (106) is a first magnetic antenna (106), wherein, the loop (108) is a first loop (108), wherein, the antenna array (104) further includes a second magnetic antenna (112), wherein, the first loop (108) of the first magnetic antenna (106) interrupted one or more times and the second loop (114) of the second magnetic antenna (112) are arranged orthogonally to each other, wherein, the participant (100) is configured to deactivate one of the magnetic antennas (106, 112) of the antenna array (104) to change the radiation characteristics of the antenna array (104). Wherein, the participant (100) is configured to divide data packets to be transmitted into a plurality of sub-data packets, and transmit the plurality of sub-data packets in a discontinuous manner. Wherein, the participant (100) is an endpoint of the wireless communication system, or wherein, the participant (100) is a base station of the wireless communication system.

18. A participant (100) of a wireless communication system Among them, The participant (100) includes a transmitting and / or receiving device (102) and an antenna array (104) connected to the transmitting and / or receiving device (102). Wherein, the antenna array (104) includes a magnetic antenna (106) having a loop (108) interrupted one or more times. Wherein, the magnetic antenna (106) is a first magnetic antenna (106). Wherein, the loop (108) is a first loop (108). Wherein, the antenna array (104) further includes a second magnetic antenna (112). Wherein, the first loop (108) of the first magnetic antenna (106) interrupted one or more times and the second loop (114) of the second magnetic antenna (112) are arranged orthogonally to each other. Wherein, the participant (100) is configured to change the emission rate of the antenna array (104) by detuning the self-resonance of at least one of the two magnetic antennas (106, 112). Wherein, the participant (100) is configured to divide data packets to be transmitted into a plurality of sub-data packets, and transmit the plurality of sub-data packets in a discontinuous manner. Wherein, the participant (100) is an endpoint of the wireless communication system, or wherein, the participant (100) is a base station of the wireless communication system.

19. A method (200) for operating a participant (100) of a communication system, wherein, The participant (100) includes an antenna array (104), wherein, the antenna array (104) includes a magnetic antenna (106) having a loop (108) interrupted one or more times, and wherein, the method (200) includes: Transmitting and / or receiving (202) communication signals by using the magnetic antenna (106). Wherein, the participant (100) is configured to divide data packets to be transmitted into a plurality of sub-data packets, and transmit the plurality of sub-data packets in a discontinuous manner. Wherein, the participant (100) is an endpoint of the communication system, or wherein, the participant (100) is a base station of the communication system. Wherein, the participant can be configured to change at least once the radiation characteristics of the antenna array between the transmissions of two sub-data packets.

20. A computer-readable medium storing a computer program, which when running on a computer or a microprocessor, executes the method according to claim 19.

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