Method for optimizing average time specific absorption rate and electronic device

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for average time-specific absorptivity (TA-SAR) optimization with an antenna tuner having a plurality of tuner states, the method comprising: calculating an instantaneous SAR level above a threshold SAR (specific absorptivity) level; determining a suitable tuner state of the plurality of tuner states from the instantaneous SAR level; and switching the antenna tuner to the suitable tuner state to transmit a signal using a TX (transmit) power level corresponding to the suitable tuner state. The electronic device can reduce the SAR level under the condition that the set power level remains unchanged, thereby avoiding or reducing the large fluctuation of the power level of the electronic device, and maintaining the stability and reliability of the communication of the electronic device. The electronic device can reduce the SAR level under the condition that the set power level remains unchanged, thereby avoiding or reducing the large fluctuation of the power level of the electronic device, and maintaining the stability and reliability of the communication of the electronic device.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of antenna technology, and in particular to a method and an electronic device for optimizing average time specific absorption rate using an antenna tuner. [Background technology]

[0002] RF (radio frequency) exposure is related to transmission (TX) power. For example, lower RF exposure is associated with lower TX power. TX power can be controlled to meet RF exposure limits. Existing time-averaged specific absorption rate (TA-SAR) algorithms control the instantaneous TX power for operating frequencies less than 10 GHz so that the total average time RF exposure (i.e., SAR, specific absorption rate) is less than the limit.

[0003] However, if the base station detects that the TX power variation of the device under test (DUT) (e.g., user equipment (UE)) is too large, the base station may consider the DUT to be abnormal, and the base station may penalize the UE to limit transmission resources, thereby reducing the transmission speed of the UE. [Summary of the invention]

[0004] An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for TA-SAR optimization using an antenna tuner. The antenna tuner has multiple tuner states. The method includes the following stages. Calculate an instantaneous SAR level above a threshold SAR level. Determine a suitable tuner state among multiple tuner states based on the SAR level. Switch the tuner to a suitable tuner state and transmit a signal at a TX power level corresponding to the suitable tuner state.

[0005] The method further comprises the following stages: If there is no suitable tuner state among the multiple tuner states, adjusting the TX power level corresponding to the current tuner state. One of the tuner states is the current tuner state.

[0006] The method further comprises the following stages: Setting a suitable tuner state as a current tuner state Detecting a change in a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) corresponding to the current tuner state.

[0007] According to the above method, a second table records the threshold SAR levels corresponding to different scenes.

[0008] The method also includes the following steps: determining whether there is a scene change, switching the second table according to the scene change, and executing a calculation step after obtaining a threshold SAR level.

[0009] The method also includes the following steps: after determining whether there is a scene change, executing a calculation step.

[0010] According to the above method, the threshold SAR level is the average SAR level within the time window.

[0011] The method further includes the following steps: after calculating the instantaneous SAR level below the threshold SAR level, detecting a change in a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) corresponding to the current tuner state.

[0012] The method further includes the following steps: After adjusting the TX power level corresponding to the current tuner state, calculating whether the instantaneous SAR level is higher than the threshold SAR level.

[0013] An embodiment of the present invention provides an electronic device, which includes an antenna tuner and an RF modem. The antenna tuner has multiple tuner states. The RF modem is electrically connected to the antenna tuner. The RF modem calculates an instantaneous SAR level that is higher than a threshold SAR level, determines a suitable tuner state among the tuner states according to the instantaneous SAR level, and sends a setting command related to the suitable tuner state to the antenna tuner. The antenna tuner switches to the suitable tuner state according to the setting command, and transmits a signal at a TX power level corresponding to the suitable tuner state.

[0014] According to the electronic device, if the RF modem determines that there is no suitable tuner state among the multiple tuner states, the RF modem adjusts the TX power level corresponding to the current tuner state. One of the tuner states is the current tuner state.

[0015] According to the above electronic device, the RF modem sends a signal of a TX power level corresponding to a current tuner state to the antenna tuner for transmission.

[0016] According to the above electronic device, the RF modem sets an appropriate tuner state as a current tuner state and detects a change in a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) corresponding to the current tuner state.

[0017] According to the electronic device, the RF modem obtains a second table. The threshold SAR level is determined by the second table. The second table records the threshold SAR levels corresponding to different scenarios. The second table is a SARECI table.

[0018] According to the electronic device, the RF modem determines that there is a scene change, switches the second table according to the scene change to obtain a threshold SAR level, and then calculates the instantaneous SAR level.

[0019] According to the above electronic device, the RF modem determines that there is no scene change before calculating the instantaneous SAR level.

[0020] According to the above electronic device, the threshold SAR level is an average SAR level within a time window.

[0021] According to the above electronic device, after calculating the instantaneous SAR level lower than the threshold SAR level, the RF modem continues to detect the change of the voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) corresponding to the current tuner state.

[0022] According to the above electronic device, the RF modem calculates whether the instantaneous SAR level is higher than the threshold SAR level after adjusting the TX power level corresponding to the current tuner state.

[0023] According to the above-mentioned electronic device, the radio frequency modem includes a tuner control unit, a tuner averaging time (TA) unit and a power TA unit. The tuner control unit receives the current tuner state from the antenna tuner, and determines whether there is a suitable tuner state among multiple tuner states according to the SAR level. The tuner TA unit detects the VSWR change corresponding to the current tuner state, calculates whether the instantaneous SAR level is higher than the threshold SAR level, and sends a setting command related to the appropriate tuner state to the antenna tuner. The power TA unit adjusts the TX power level corresponding to the current tuner state. As a result, the electronic device of the present invention can reduce the SAR level while keeping the set power level unchanged, thereby avoiding or reducing large fluctuations in the power level of the electronic device to maintain the stability and reliability of the communication of the electronic device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, please read the following detailed description and examples and refer to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 is a flow chart of a method for optimizing a time-averaged specific absorption rate (TA-SAR) according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 is a flow chart of a TA-SAR optimization method according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a graph showing a return loss curve 300 versus multiple tuner states according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 4A is a graph of an instantaneous SAR level 400 versus a threshold SAR level 410 according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 4B is a graph of an instantaneous SAR level 800 versus a threshold SAR level 810 according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device 500 according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 6 is a detailed schematic diagram of an electronic device 500 according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 7 According to some embodiments of the present invention Figure 5 FIG. 5 is a graph showing a relationship between an instantaneous power level 700, an instantaneous SAR level 710, and a distance between an electronic device 500 and a user 520. FIG. [Specific implementation method]

[0033] In order to make the above-mentioned purposes, features and advantages of some embodiments of the present invention more clearly understood, they are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, certain terms are used to refer to specific components. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, electronic device manufacturers may refer to a component by different names. It is not intended herein to distinguish between components that have different names but the same functions. It should be understood that the use of words such as "include", "have" and "comprise" is open ended and should therefore be understood as "including but not limited to ...". Therefore, when the terms "include", "have" and / or "comprise" used in the present invention are used to indicate the presence of specific technical features, values, method steps, operations, units and / or components, it does not exclude the possibility of adding more technical features, values, method steps, workflows, units, components or any combination thereof.

[0035] Directional terms used in the specification and claims, such as: "upper", "above", "above", "lower", "below", "front", "back", "rear", "left", "right", etc., refer only to directions in the drawings. Therefore, the directional terms are used to explain, not to limit the invention. With respect to the drawings, the drawings show the general characteristics of the methods, structures and / or materials used in specific embodiments. However, the drawings should not be interpreted as defining or limiting the scope or characteristics covered by these embodiments. For example, for clarity, the relative size, thickness, and position of each layer, each region, and / or each structure may be reduced or enlarged.

[0036] When a corresponding component (such as a layer or region) is referred to as being "on another component", it may be directly on the other component, or other components may exist between them. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being "directly on another component (or a variation thereof)", there is no component between them. In addition, when a corresponding component is referred to as being "located on another component", the corresponding component has an arrangement relationship with the other component in the top / vertical direction, the corresponding component may be located below or above the other component, and the arrangement relationship in the top / vertical direction is determined by the orientation of the device.

[0037] It should be understood that when a component or layer is referred to as being “connected to” another component or layer, it can be directly connected to the other component or layer, or intervening components or layers may exist. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being “directly connected to” another component or layer, there are no intervening components or layers.

[0038] The electrical connection or coupling described in the present invention may refer to direct connection or indirect connection. In the case of direct connection, the endpoints of the components on the two circuits are directly connected or connected to each other by wire segments; in the case of indirect connection, there are switches, diodes, capacitors, inductors, resistors, other suitable components or combinations of the above components between the endpoints of the components on the two circuits, but the intermediate components are not limited to these.

[0039] The words "first", "second", "third", "fourth", "fifth", "sixth", etc. are used to describe components. They are not used to indicate priority or advancement relationship, but are only used to distinguish components with the same name.

[0040] It should be noted that, without departing from the spirit of the present invention, the technical features in the following different embodiments may be replaced, recombined or mixed with each other to form another embodiment.

[0041] Figure 1 is a flow chart of a method for optimizing a time-averaged specific absorption rate (TA-SAR) according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1The TA-SAR optimization method in the embodiment is applied to an electronic device having an antenna tuner and an RF modem. In some embodiments, the antenna tuner has multiple tuner states. One of the tuner states is a current tuner state. Each tuner state of the antenna tuner corresponds to a SAR level (SAR level) and a power level (power level) measured or calculated by the electronic device. Figure 1As shown, the TA-SAR optimization method of the present invention includes the following stages. At the beginning, a first table is generated, and the first table records the SAR level and the transmit (TX) power level corresponding to each tuner state. The first table is, for example, the following Table 1. The inventor has found that when the tuner state changes without changing the set power level of the electronic device (such as the transmit power level, the receive power level, etc.), the SAR level will change. The inventor has recorded, observed and experimented based on this finding, and used this finding to perform the optimization method of the embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, the first table records the SAR levels corresponding to different tuner states when the electronic device processes the same set power level. Therefore, the inventor creatively uses the state of the antenna tuner to adjust the SAR level, which can at least partially avoid the significant change in the power level of the electronic device, ensure that the electronic device is in a normal state, and thus ensure the quality and transmission speed of the electronic device communication. In some embodiments, the first table can be obtained based on experimental measurements, such as adjusting the tuner state after setting the power level, and measuring the SAR level. In some embodiments, the first table can also be obtained through simulation; or the first table can be obtained based on existing records; and so on. In some embodiments, an instantaneous SAR level higher than a threshold SAR level is calculated or measured (step S100), which indicates that the SAR level is too high and needs to be adjusted or reduced to meet safety specifications or certification standards. In some embodiments, it is determined whether there is a suitable tuner state among multiple tuner states according to the SAR levels recorded in the first table (step S102). In some embodiments, for example, for an instantaneous SAR level higher than the threshold SAR level, a search is made in the first table to find whether there is a SAR level less than the threshold SAR level. In some embodiments, the tuner is switched to a suitable tuner state to transmit a signal at a TX power level corresponding to the suitable tuner state (step S104). In some embodiments, for example, if there is a SAR level less than the threshold SAR level in the first table, a tuner state corresponding to the SAR level less than the threshold SAR level is found, and the electronic device is switched to the tuner state. In this way, the SAR level can be adjusted or reduced to meet safety specifications. Therefore, in an embodiment of the present invention, the SAR level can be reduced without changing the set power level of the electronic device or reducing the change in the set power level, thereby avoiding a large change in the power level to ensure the stability of the power level of the electronic device and the stability of the communication of the electronic device. In some embodiments, if it is determined that there is no suitable tuner state among the multiple tuner states based on the SAR levels recorded in the first table, for example, there is no SAR level less than the threshold SAR level in the first table, the set power level of the electronic device will be directly adjusted or reduced to comply with safety regulations.

[0042] Table 1 below is an example of the first table. It should be noted that all the values ​​in Table 1 are for illustration only and do not represent the actual values ​​of the power level and SAR level set by the electronic device. The values ​​therein are set only for the convenience of description and understanding, and these values ​​may represent a certain trend and a certain state in the embodiments of the present invention, and should not be interpreted as representing only the specific values ​​of the present invention.

[0043] Tuner Status SAR Level (W / Kg) Set power level (dBm) A 6 23 B 3 23 C 2 23 D 1 23 E 0.5 23

[0044] Table 1

[0045] In some embodiments, for example, according to Table 1, when the set TX power of the electronic device is 23dBm, the antenna tuner is in tuner state A, resulting in a SAR level of 6W / Kg. When the set TX power of the electronic device is 23dBm, the antenna tuner is in tuner state B, resulting in a SAR level of 3W / Kg. When the set TX power of the electronic device is 23dBm, the antenna tuner is in tuner state C, resulting in a SAR level of 2W / Kg. When the set TX power of the electronic device is 23dBm, the antenna tuner is in tuner state D, resulting in a SAR level of 1W / Kg. When the set TX power of the electronic device is 23dBm, the antenna tuner is in tuner state E, resulting in a SAR level of 0.5W / Kg. In some embodiments, the antenna tuner is electrically connected to the antenna. Therefore, in the example of Table 1, the set TX power level of the electronic device remains unchanged, and the SAR levels in different tuner states are different. Therefore, the embodiment of the present invention utilizes the above characteristics to reduce the SAR level to comply with safety regulations when the power level of the electronic device remains unchanged or changes less. Therefore, the embodiment of the present invention can reduce the fluctuation of the power level, improve the stability of the power level, and ensure the safety, high speed and stability of communication.

[0046] In step S100, the electronic device may calculate or measure the instantaneous SAR. In some embodiments, the threshold SAR level in step S100 may be a preset design standard value, or a value determined according to a certification standard. For example, the certification standard includes threshold SAR levels corresponding to different scenarios, that is, the values ​​of the threshold SAR levels may be different in different scenarios. In some embodiments, the method of this embodiment is based on the average time SAR of the time window, so the instantaneous SAR of this embodiment may be based on the instantaneous SAR obtained in the first time period within the preset time window (for example, the average SAR in the first time period is the instantaneous SAR). In other embodiments, the instantaneous SAR of this embodiment may be the instantaneous SAR at the moment of calculating or measuring the time point, and so on. These can be freely designed according to needs. In the embodiments of this article, the instantaneous SAR may be an average SAR level based on a period of time (for example, the first time period or the second time period of the time window). In step S102, the TA-SAR optimization method of the present invention compares the instantaneous SAR level with the preset threshold SAR level, and determines that the instantaneous SAR level is higher than the threshold SAR level. In some embodiments, for example, based on the instantaneous SAR obtained in a first time period within a preset time window being greater than a threshold SAR level, or the instantaneous SAR obtained at a calculated or measured time point being greater than a threshold SAR level, in step S102, the TA-SAR optimization method of the present invention determines whether there is a suitable tuner state according to the SAR level.

[0047] For example, referring to Table 1, it is assumed that the current tuner state is tuner state C. Since the SAR levels of tuner states D and E are lower than the SAR level of tuner state C, the TA-SAR optimization method of the present invention determines that tuner states D and E are suitable tuner states. Since the SAR level of tuner state E is lower than the SAR level of tuner state D, tuner state E has a higher priority as a suitable tuner state, but the present invention is not limited thereto, for example, tuner state D can also be selected as a suitable tuner state. Therefore, in step S104, the current tuner state is tuner state C, and the suitable tuner state is tuner state E. In some embodiments, for example, in the second time period of the preset time window, the tuner of the electronic device operates in tuner state E, so the average time SAR in the first time period and the second time period of the preset time window will be less than or equal to the threshold SAR level. In some embodiments, after the electronic device adjusts the tuner from tuner state C to tuner state E, the instantaneous SAR level of the electronic device will be reduced to below the threshold SAR level. The TA-SAR optimization method of the present invention switches the tuner state C to the tuner state E, and transmits a 23dBm signal corresponding to the tuner state E (that is, for example, the electronic device can reduce the SAR level while keeping the set power level unchanged, thereby avoiding or reducing large fluctuations in the power level of the electronic device to maintain the stability and reliability of the electronic device's communication).

[0048] Figure 2 is a flow chart of a TA-SAR optimization method according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2 The TA-SAR optimization method in is applied to an electronic device having an antenna tuner and an RF modem. In some embodiments, Figure 2 The embodiment can be Figure 1 The embodiment shown is used in combination with adjusting (lowering or increasing) the set power level (e.g., transmission power level, receiving power level, etc.) of the electronic device, so that the change amplitude of the power level of the electronic device is greatly reduced, and the rate of change of the power level can be made slower when adjusting (lowering or increasing) the set power level of the electronic device. In this way, the wireless communication of the electronic device can be made safer and more stable, and the high-speed transmission of the electronic device communication can be guaranteed while meeting the safety specifications of SAR, and the punishment by the base station can be avoided as much as possible.

[0049] In some embodiments, when the distance between the target object and the electronic device changes, the return loss of the antenna and the efficiency of the antenna will change. Therefore, the electronic device can determine the distance between the target object (such as a human body, finger, or human head, etc.) and the electronic device based on the return loss, voltage standing wave ratio, etc. of the antenna according to the antenna tuner. In some embodiments, the antenna tuner has multiple tuner states. One of the tuner states is the current tuner state. Each tuner state of the antenna tuner corresponds to a SAR level and power level measured or calculated by the electronic device. In some embodiments, the tuner states are stored in a first table, such as Table 1. For example, the correspondence between tuner states and SAR levels can also be stored in the first table. Figure 2As shown, the TA-SAR optimization method of the present invention includes the following stages. At the beginning, the change of the voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) corresponding to the current tuner state is detected (step S200), for example, the change of return loss, voltage standing wave ratio, etc. can be detected by the antenna tuner. In some embodiments, the TA-SAR optimization method of the present invention can first calculate or detect the return loss corresponding to the current tuner state, and convert the return loss into VSWR, but the present invention is not limited to this. Therefore, the return loss or VSWR detected in step S200 can be used to determine the distance between the target object (such as a human body or a finger or a person's head, etc.) and the electronic device, so as to know what state the distance between the target object and the electronic device is in according to the determined distance (for example, within or outside a predetermined distance critical value), or to determine whether the scene has changed according to whether the distance has changed and the size of the change (for example, how much the distance has changed or whether it has entered the distance critical value, etc.). Then, in the next step, it is determined whether there is a scene change (step S202), for example, as described above, it is determined whether the scene has changed according to the change in the distance between the target object and the electronic device. In some embodiments, the scene includes, for example, outside the preset distance critical value, or within the preset distance critical value. The preset distance critical value may be a value determined according to a safety specification or certification standard, or a value determined according to a design requirement, or a value preset according to other circumstances, and so on. In some embodiments, for example, outside the preset distance critical value may be referred to as a far field (FAR), and within the preset distance critical value may be referred to as a near field (NEAR). In some embodiments, when the target object is located in the far field, even if the set power level of the electronic device (such as the transmit power level or the receive power level, etc.) is set to the maximum value, the SAR level on the target object will be very low, for example, far below the threshold SAR level, and the SAR level on the target object is in compliance with safety specifications. Therefore, if the target object is judged to be located in the far field by return loss or VSWR, no adjustment or optimization is required, for example, the transmit power level may be kept unchanged. In some embodiments, when the target object is located in the near field, it is necessary to pay close attention to the SAR level on the target object. In some implementations of the present invention, while ensuring that the SAR level of the target object meets the safety specifications (for example, the TA-SAR level is not greater than the threshold SAR level), the power level set by the electronic device will be as high as possible, or the change in the power level of the electronic device will be as small as possible, so as to ensure the stability of communication. For example, as an example, in some embodiments, when it is detected that the target object moves from the far field to the near field, or when it is detected that the target object moves from the near field to the far field, it can be considered that the scene has changed. Of course, the above is only one example of the present invention and is not a limitation of the present invention.

[0050] Next, in step S212, if there is a scene change in step S202, switching is performed according to the second table; wherein switching according to the second table includes changing the tuner state and / or adjusting the set power level of the electronic device. For example, when the scene change is that the target object moves from the far field to the near field, the original SAR level changes from complying with the safety specification (for example, lower than the preset threshold SAR level) to not complying with the safety specification (for example, the SAR level) due to the scene change. At this time, it is necessary to change the tuner state and / or the set power level of the electronic device so that the TA-SAR complies with the safety specification. In some embodiments, the second table records the initial SAR levels corresponding to different tuner states after the initial power level is set; and the second table also records the power backoff value required by each current tuner state from the initial SAR level to the preset SAR backoff limit at the set initial power level. For example, referring to the following Table 2, when the current tuner state is A, the set initial power level is 23dBm, and the corresponding initial SAR level is 6W / kg. When the designed SAR backoff limit is set to 0.75W / kg, according to the calculation method that the SAR level is halved (or the SAR level is 0.5 times the previous level) for every 3dBm reduction in the set power level, if the tuner state is always A, the set power level needs to be reduced by 9dBm (that is, the power backoff is 9dBm) to meet the requirements of the SAR backoff limit. The specific calculation method is that the SAR level needs to be reduced from 6W / kg to 0.75W / kg through 6 / 2=3, 3 / 2=1.5, 1.5 / 2=0.75, a total of 3 times of halving, so the power backoff is 3dBm*3=9dBm. The other tuner states in Table 2 are also calculated in the above manner. It can be seen that if only the set power level is adjusted to adjust the SAR level, the power level changes by 9 dBm, which is a large change. It should be noted that the SAR backoff limit in Table 2 can be adjusted according to design requirements or actual needs, and the SAR backoff limit in the embodiment of the present invention is only for illustration. Accordingly, after the SAR backoff limit is adjusted, the corresponding power backoff value can be calculated based on the calculation method that the SAR level is halved for every 3 dBm decrease in the set power level (or the SAR level is 0.5 times the previous calculation method). Of course, correspondingly, the SAR level doubles for every 3 dBm increase in the set power level (or the SAR level is twice the previous one). Alternatively, the SAR level corresponding to each N dBm decrease in the set power level is the previous SAR level. times; the SAR level corresponding to each increase of N dBm in the set power level is the previous times; where N can be any positive number. For example, in the tuner state D in Table 2, the designed SAR backoff limit is set to 0.75W / kg, and the current SAR level is 1W / kg. To adjust the SAR level to 0.75 / 1=0.75 times the current level; that is, Solve for N=1.25.

[0051] For another example, when the scene changes and the target object moves from the near field to the far field, the scene change causes the originally high SAR level to drop significantly to a lower SAR level (e.g., far below the threshold SAR level). At this time, in order to increase the communication transmission speed, the set power level of the electronic device can be increased, so it is necessary to change the tuner state and / or adjust the set power level of the electronic device.

[0052] The following Table 2 is an example of the second table. It should be noted that all the values ​​in Table 2 are for illustration only and do not represent the actual values ​​of the power level, SAR level, SAR backoff limit, power backoff, etc. of the electronic device. The values ​​therein are set only for the convenience of description and understanding, and these values ​​may represent a certain trend and a certain state in the embodiments of the present invention, and should not be interpreted as representing only the specific values ​​of the present invention.

[0053]

[0054] Table 2

[0055] In some embodiments, the second table can be obtained by adding the value of the preset SAR backoff limit (for example, so that the SAR level reaches this value so that the TA-SAR level is not greater than the preset threshold SAR level) and the corresponding calculated power backoff value on the basis of the first table. Therefore, the second table can be obtained according to the first table. The first table and the value of the preset SAR backoff limit and the corresponding calculated power backoff value can be recorded in the second table. In this way, when changing the tuner state and / or adjusting the set power level of the electronic device, the above content recorded in the second table can be referred to for change and / or adjustment. Examples of specific change and / or adjustment methods will be illustrated in the following text. In some embodiments, the second table can be a SARECI table, where ECI represents an exposure condition index. In addition, in Table 2, when the value of the preset SAR backoff limit is 0.75W / kg, since the SAR level of the tuner state E is 0.5W / kg, which is lower than the value of the preset SAR backoff limit of 0.75W / kg, there will be no power backoff value.

[0056] After executing step S212, the TA-SAR optimization method of the present invention executes step S204. In some embodiments, if there is no scene change in step S202, the TA-SAR optimization method of the present invention may also execute step S204. In step S204, the instantaneous SAR level is calculated, and it is determined whether the instantaneous SAR level is higher than the threshold SAR level. If the instantaneous SAR level is not higher than the threshold SAR level in step S204, the TA-SAR optimization method of the present invention continues to execute step S200. If the instantaneous SAR level is higher than the threshold SAR level in step S204, it is determined whether there is a suitable tuner state in the first table (step S206).

[0057] If there is a suitable tuner state in the first table in step S206, the tuner state is switched from the current tuner state to the suitable tuner state (step S208). After switching the tuner state, the TA-SAR optimization method of the present invention sets the suitable tuner state as the current tuner state and continues to execute step S200. If there is no suitable tuner state in the first table in step S206, the TX power level corresponding to the current tuner state is adjusted (step S210). After adjusting the TX power level corresponding to the current tuner state, the TA-SAR optimization method of the present invention continues to execute step S204.

[0058] Figure 3 is a graph showing the relationship between a return loss curve 300 and multiple tuner states according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1 and Figure 3 . Figure 3 The horizontal axis is frequency, and the vertical axis is return loss. Figure 3 As shown, a straight line is marked at a return loss of -6 dB, such as line S11. The return loss curve 300 has 5 deep points at 5 different frequencies. Each of the 5 deep points has a minimum return loss compared to other points on the return loss curve 300. Each deep point represents the return loss of a tuner state. For example, the first deep point from the left side of the return loss curve 300 represents the return loss of tuner state B in Table 1. The second deep point from the left side of the return loss curve 300 represents the return loss of tuner state A in Table 1. The third deep point from the left side of the return loss curve 300 represents the return loss of tuner state C in Table 1. The fourth deep point from the left side of the return loss curve 300 represents the return loss of tuner state E in Table 1. The fifth deep point from the left side of the return loss curve 300 represents the return loss of tuner state D in Table 1. In some embodiments, the first deep point of the return loss curve 300 is located at 1732.5 MHz, and the fifth deep point of the return loss curve 300 is located at 2132.5 MHz, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Figure 3 As shown, when the tuning state of the antenna tuner changes, the return loss of the antenna also changes.

[0059] Figure 4A 4 is a relationship diagram between an instantaneous SAR level 400 and a threshold SAR level 410 in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4A The horizontal axis is time, and the vertical axis is instantaneous SAR level. In some embodiments, the threshold SAR level 410 (SAR_design_limit) can be obtained according to certification standards or safety specifications, or design requirements, etc. For example, Figure 4A The threshold SAR level 410 in the embodiment is equal to 4W / Kg, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the threshold SAR level 410 is the average SAR level in the time window. Take the time period from time 60s to time 120s as an example. Thus, the TA-SAR is measured, calculated and optimized to achieve a TA-SAR level not greater than the threshold SAR level. Please also refer to Figure 4A and Table 1. In the time period from 60s to 90s, tuner state A is adopted, so the instantaneous SAR level from 60s to 90s is equal to 6W / Kg. Since the time window is the time period from 60s to 120s, and the instantaneous SAR level from 60s to 90s is equal to 6W / Kg. In order for the average SAR level in the time period from 60s to 120s to be no greater than the threshold SAR level of 4W / Kg, the instantaneous SAR level in the next time period from 90s to 120s must be no greater than 2W / Kg (the calculation method is 6*30 / 60+X*30 / 60=4, solving X=2). Therefore, next, in the time period from 90s to 120s, tuner state C can be adopted, so the instantaneous SAR level from 90s to 120s is equal to 2W / Kg. Then the average SAR level from 60s to 120s is calculated, which is equal to 4W / Kg. Since the average SAR level from 60s to 120s does not exceed the threshold SAR level 410, the certification standard, safety specification, design requirement, etc. are met. Of course, in some embodiments, in the time period from 90s to 120s, tuner state D or E may also be used, so that the average SAR level in the time period from 60s to 120s will be less than the threshold SAR level 4W / Kg. In some embodiments, for other considerations, for example, each tuner state has its best suitable condition, and some tuner state may be more suitable for transmission, some tuner state may be more suitable for reception, and so on. Therefore, when selecting a tuner state for adjusting the SAR level, there may be a better tuner state selection. Of course, this is an example of an embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, all tuner states that can adjust the SAR can be used as backup options.

[0060] In some embodiments, Figure 4A The example shown can be similar to Figure 1 The example shown in the figure is an example corresponding to the example shown, that is, the purpose of adjusting the SAR level can be achieved by not adjusting the set power level of the electronic device, but only by adjusting the tuner state. Therefore, the inventor of the present invention creatively uses the state of the antenna tuner to adjust the SAR level, which can at least partially avoid a large change in the power level of the electronic device, ensure that the electronic device is in a normal state, and thus ensure the quality and transmission speed of the electronic device communication.

[0061] Figure 4B 8 is a relationship diagram between the instantaneous SAR level 800 and the threshold SAR level 810 in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4B The horizontal axis is time, and the vertical axis is instantaneous SAR level. In some embodiments, the threshold SAR level 810 (SAR_design_limit) can be obtained from certification standards or safety specifications, or design requirements. For example, Figure 4B The threshold SAR level 810 in the embodiment is equal to 1.5 W / Kg, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the threshold SAR level 810 is the average SAR level in the time window. The time window is taken as an example of the time period from time 60s to time 120s. Thus, the TA-SAR is measured, calculated and optimized to achieve a TA-SAR level not greater than the threshold SAR level. In some embodiments, Figure 4B An embodiment of the invention may be as follows Figure 2 The example shown in the figure is an example corresponding to the example shown, that is, the purpose of adjusting the SAR level can be achieved by adjusting the set power level of the electronic device and adjusting the tuner state. Thereby, the change amplitude of the power level of the electronic device is greatly reduced, and the change rate of the power level can be made slower when adjusting (lowering or increasing) the set power level of the electronic device. In this way, the wireless communication of the electronic device can be made safer and more stable, and the high-speed transmission of the electronic device communication is guaranteed while meeting the safety specifications of the SAR, and the punishment by the base station is avoided as much as possible.

[0062] Table 3 shows the changes in power level and instantaneous SAR level when the tuner state is switched in one example. It should be noted that all the values ​​in Table 3 are only for illustration and do not represent the actual values ​​of the power level, SAR level, etc. of the electronic device. The values ​​therein are only set for the convenience of description and understanding, and these values ​​may represent a certain trend and a certain state in the embodiments of the present invention, and should not be interpreted as representing only the specific values ​​of the present invention.

[0063]

[0064] Table 3

[0065] Table 4 shows an example of adjusting the SAR level according to Table 3. It should be noted that all the values ​​in Table 4 are only for illustration and do not represent the actual values ​​of the power level, tuner status, SAR level, SAR threshold level, etc. of the electronic device. The values ​​therein are only set for the convenience of description and understanding. These values ​​may represent a certain trend and a certain state in the embodiments of the present invention, and should not be interpreted as representing only the specific values ​​of the present invention.

[0066]

[0067] Table 4

[0068] Tables 3 and 4 show an example of an embodiment of the present invention, and Tables 3 and 4 show the steps of the TA-SAR optimization method of the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4B , Tables 2 to 4, in some embodiments of the present invention, the preset threshold SAR level is 1.5W / Kg, and the instantaneous SAR level is 3W / Kg in the time period from 60s to 80s. The instantaneous SAR level in the time period from 60s to 80s exceeds the preset threshold SAR level. Therefore, if the average SAR level in the time period from 60s to 120s in the time window is to be no greater than the threshold SAR level of 1.5W / Kg, it is necessary to make the instantaneous SAR level no greater than 0.75W / Kg in the time period from 80s to 120s. The calculation method is 3*20 / 60+X*40 / 60=1.5, and X=0.75 is solved. Therefore, the instantaneous SAR level of no greater than 0.75W / Kg in the time period from 80s to 120s obtained by solving can correspond to the SAR backoff limit column in the second table, so that the power backoff value corresponding to each tuner state is calculated respectively, so as to obtain the second table based on the first table. In some embodiments, step #0 in Table 3 shows that the initial tuner state is tuner state A, and the initial set power level of the electronic device is 23dBm, resulting in a SAR level of 6W / Kg. The method of the embodiment of the present invention (the method for changing the tuner state and adjusting the set power level of the electronic device) can start from step #1 of Table 3. In step #1, the tuner state is A, the set power level is 20dBm, and the corresponding SAR level is 3W / Kg (as mentioned above, the power level is reduced by 3dBm, and the corresponding SAR level will be halved); at this time, it can correspond to Figure 4BAnd the instantaneous SAR level of the time period of 80 to 120 seconds in Table 4. As described above, the tuner state whose SAR level is not greater than 0.75 W / Kg can then be found in the first table or the second table. For example, the SAR level corresponding to tuner state E is 0.5 W / Kg. Therefore, in some embodiments, the SAR level can be reduced to 0.5 W / Kg by changing the tuner state to tuner state E. Of course, in some embodiments, for example, tuner state E may cause other problems. For example, tuner state E is not a tuner state suitable for the current state of the electronic device, and the electronic device is expected to be in tuner state B, C, or D. In step #2 in Table 3, the TA-SAR optimization method of the present invention is Figure 2 In step S206, it is determined that there is a suitable tuner state, and the Figure 2 Step S208, switching the tuner state A to the tuner state B, causing the SAR level to attenuate from 3 W / Kg to 1.5 W / Kg (switching the tuner state from A to B causes the SAR level to be halved); Step #3 in Table 3, the TA-SAR optimization method of the present invention is Figure 2 In step S206, it is determined that there is no suitable tuner state, and step S210 is directly executed to reduce the set power level by 3dBm, resulting in the SAR level being attenuated from 1.5W / Kg to 0.75W / Kg. Figure 4BIn the time period of 80 to 120 seconds shown in the figure, the power level is reduced to 0.75W / Kg, so that the average SAR level in the time period of the time window of 60 to 120 seconds is not greater than the threshold SAR level of 1.5W / Kg. In this way, by adjusting the SAR level in a manner combining changing the tuner state with adjusting the set power level, the variation of the power level can be made smaller than that of adjusting the SAR level only by adjusting the power level. For example, in some examples, if the initially set power level is 23dBm, the initial tuner state is A, and if the SAR level is reduced only by adjusting the set power level, for example, to 0.75W / Kg, the set power level as shown in the second table needs to be reduced by 9dBm. As shown in Tables 3 and 4, the power level is reduced from the initial SAR level of 6W / Kg to 0.75W / Kg, and the variation of the power level is 23-17=6dBm. Therefore, the variation of the power level can be reduced by adopting the method of the embodiment of the present invention, which is conducive to the communication safety, reliability and stability of the electronic device. In some embodiments, from the final result, as shown in Table 3, the tuner state is switched from A to B, and the power level is reduced from 23dBm to 17dBm, so the embodiment of the present invention adjusts the tuner state and the set power level. Table 3 discloses that the TA-SAR optimization method of the present invention reduces the instantaneous SAR level by switching the tuner state and adjusting (or reducing) the power level. In addition, the embodiment of the present invention describes reducing the set power level and switching to a lower tuner state at a SAR level. However, it can be understood that in other embodiments, it is also possible to increase the set power level and switch to a higher tuner state at a SAR level, for example Figure 7 In the example shown, both lowering the set power level and switching to a lower tuner state at the SAR level and increasing the set power level and switching to a higher tuner state at the SAR level are included. Therefore, the inventors of the present invention creatively use the state of the antenna tuner and the adjustment of the power level to adjust the SAR level, which can at least partially avoid a significant change in the power level of the electronic device, ensure that the electronic device is in a normal state, and thus ensure the quality and transmission speed of the electronic device's communication.

[0069] Table 5 shows the changes of the power level and instantaneous SAR level set when the tuner state is switched in another example. It should be noted that all the values ​​in Table 5 are only for illustration and do not represent the actual values ​​of the power level, SAR level, etc. of the electronic device. The values ​​therein are only set for the convenience of description and understanding, and these values ​​may represent a certain trend and a certain state in the embodiments of the present invention, and should not be interpreted as representing only the specific values ​​of the present invention.

[0070]

[0071] Table 5

[0072] Table 6 shows an example of adjusting the SAR level according to Table 5. It should be noted that all the values ​​in Table 6 are only for illustration and do not represent the actual values ​​of the power level, tuner status, SAR level, SAR threshold level, etc. of the electronic device. The values ​​therein are only set for the convenience of description and understanding. These values ​​may represent a certain trend and a certain status in the embodiments of the present invention, and should not be interpreted as representing only the specific values ​​of the present invention.

[0073]

[0074] Table 6

[0075] Tables 5 and 6 show an example of an embodiment of the present invention, and Tables 5 and 6 show the steps of the TA-SAR optimization method of the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4B , Table 2 and Table 5-6, in some embodiments of the present invention, the preset threshold SAR level is 1.5W / Kg, and the instantaneous SAR level is 3W / Kg in the time period from 60s to 80s. The instantaneous SAR level in the time period from 60s to 80s exceeds the preset threshold SAR level. Therefore, if the average SAR level in the time period from 60s to 120s in the time window is to be no greater than the threshold SAR level of 1.5W / Kg, it is necessary to make the instantaneous SAR level no greater than 0.75W / Kg in the time period from 80s to 120s. The calculation method is 3*20 / 60+X*40 / 60=1.5, and X=0.75 is solved. Therefore, the instantaneous SAR level of no greater than 0.75W / Kg in the time period from 80s to 120s obtained by the solution can correspond to the SAR backoff limit column in the second table, so that the power backoff value corresponding to each tuner state is calculated respectively, so as to obtain the second table based on the first table. In some embodiments, step #0 in Table 5 shows that the initial tuner state is tuner state A, so the set power level of the electronic device is 23dBm, resulting in a SAR level of 6W / Kg. The method of the embodiment of the present invention (the method of changing the tuner state and adjusting the set power level of the electronic device) can start from step #1. In step #1 of Table 5, the tuner state is A, the set power level is 20dBm, and the corresponding SAR level is 3W / Kg (as mentioned above, the set power level is reduced by 3dBm, and the corresponding SAR level will be halved); at this time, it can correspond to Figure 4BThe instantaneous SAR level of the time period of 80 to 120 seconds in . As described above, the tuner state whose SAR level is not greater than 0.75W / Kg can then be found in the first table or the second table. For example, the SAR level corresponding to tuner state E is 0.5W / Kg. Therefore, in some embodiments, the SAR level can be reduced to 0.5W / Kg by changing the tuner state to tuner state E. Of course, in some embodiments, for example, tuner state E may cause other problems. For example, tuner state E is not a tuner state suitable for the current state of the electronic device, and the electronic device is expected to be in tuner state B, C, or D. In step #2 of Table 5, the TA-SAR optimization method of the present invention is Figure 2 In step S206, it is determined that there is a suitable tuner state, and the Figure 2 Step S208, the tuner state A is switched to the tuner state C, resulting in the SAR level being attenuated from 3 W / Kg to 1 W / Kg (referring to the first table or the second table, the tuner state is switched from A to C, resulting in the SAR level being 1 / 3 of the previous one); in step #3 of Table 5, the TA-SAR optimization method of the present invention is Figure 2 In step S206, it is determined that there is no suitable tuner state, and step S210 is directly executed to reduce the set power level by 1.25 dBm, resulting in the SAR level being attenuated from 1 W / Kg to 0.75 W / Kg (as described above, the SAR level is halved for every 3 dBm reduction). Figure 4BIn the time window of 80 to 120 seconds, the SAR level is reduced to 0.75 W / Kg, so that the average SAR level in the time window of 60 to 120 seconds is not greater than the threshold SAR level of 1.5 W / Kg. In this way, by adjusting the SAR level by changing the tuner state and adjusting the power level set by the electronic device, the change range of the power level can be smaller than that of adjusting the SAR level by adjusting the power level alone. For example, in some examples, if the power level initially set in Table 5 is 23 dBm, the initial tuner state is A, and if the SAR level is reduced only by the set adjustment power level, for example, to 0.75 W / Kg, the power level needs to be reduced by 9 dBm as shown in the second table. As shown in Table 6, the SAR level corresponding to step #0 is reduced from 6 W / Kg to 0.75 W / Kg, and the change range of the power level is 23-18.75=4.25 dBm. In some embodiments, from the final results, as shown in Tables 5 and 6, the tuner state is switched from A to C, and the set power level is reduced from 23dBm to 18.75dBm, so the embodiment of the present invention adjusts the tuner state and the set power level. Therefore, the method of the embodiment of the present invention can reduce the variation of the power level, which is beneficial to the communication safety, reliability and stability of the electronic device. In addition, the embodiment of the present invention describes the reduction of the set power level and the switching to a lower tuner state at the SAR level. However, it can be understood that in other embodiments, it is also possible to increase the set power level and switch to a higher tuner state at the SAR level, for example Figure 7 In the example shown, both lowering the set power level and switching to a lower tuner state at the SAR level and increasing the set power level and switching to a higher tuner state at the SAR level are included. Therefore, the inventors of the present invention creatively use the state of the antenna tuner and the adjustment of the set power level to adjust the SAR level, which can at least partially avoid a significant change in the power level of the electronic device, ensure that the electronic device is in a normal state, and thus ensure the quality and transmission speed of the electronic device's communication.

[0076] In some embodiments, it can be seen from the examples in Tables 3 and 4 and Tables 5 and 6 that, compared with the case where the tuner state is adjusted from A to B in Tables 3 and 4, the power level of the tuner state in Tables 5 and 6 is adjusted from A to C, and the change range is smaller. Therefore, the examples in Tables 5 and 6 may be more stable in terms of the change in power level. Of course, other factors may be considered in specific applications, such as whether the tuner state is suitable for the current scenario of the electronic device (transmitting, receiving, etc.), so as to select the tuner state based on comprehensive considerations.

[0077] As can be seen from the examples in Tables 3 to 6 above, the embodiments of the present invention have a variety of adjustment options, and different tuner states and different power levels can be selected to adjust the SAR level. These can be freely selected according to actual needs or design requirements. In other embodiments, similar to the examples in Tables 3 to 6 above, tuner states D or E in the first table or the second table can also be selected to adjust the SAR level. It should be noted that the above examples are all illustrated by reducing the SAR level. The reader can understand that the embodiments of the present invention can also implement the step of increasing the SAR level. The step of increasing the SAR level can be reversed to the above-mentioned step of reducing, and will not be repeated here.

[0078] Therefore, according to the above description, in some embodiments of the present invention, the method of optimizing the time-averaged specific absorption rate (TA-SAR) using an antenna tuner can be to achieve the change of the TA-SAR level only by changing the tuner state, so that there is no need to adjust the set power level of the electronic device. In some examples, the method may include: the antenna tuner of the electronic device operates in a first tuner state; detecting an instantaneous SAR level, and comparing the instantaneous SAR level with a preset threshold SAR level; if the instantaneous SAR level is greater than the preset threshold SAR level, the electronic device will find a second tuner state according to a first table, wherein the second tuner SAR level corresponding to the second tuner state is less than the first tuner SAR level corresponding to the first tuner state; the electronic device changes or switches the tuner to the second tuner state. In this example, by adjusting the tuner to the second tuner state, the average SAR level based on the preset time window can be finally made not greater than the preset threshold SAR level to meet the safety specification or certification standard. In this example, the first table records the SAR levels corresponding to different tuner states; for example, the SAR levels corresponding to different tuner states under the same set power level; and the SAR levels corresponding to different tuner states under different set power levels. Of course, in some embodiments, when the SAR levels corresponding to different tuner states under the same set power level are included, the SAR levels corresponding to different tuner states under different set power levels can also be calculated by the above-described calculation method. In this example, when selecting the second tuner state, the SAR level upper limit value of the remaining time under the preset time window can be calculated according to the preset time window and the time occupied by the first tuner state in the preset time window, and the preset threshold SAR level. The second tuner SAR level is less than or equal to (or not greater than) the SAR level upper limit value of the remaining time. The remaining time under the preset time window is equal to the total time of the preset time window minus the time occupied by the first tuner state. Therefore, in some embodiments of the present invention, the purpose of adjusting the SAR level can be achieved by not adjusting the set power level of the electronic device, but only by adjusting the tuner state. In addition, the embodiment of the present invention describes lowering the set power level and switching to a lower tuner state at a SAR level. However, it can be understood that in other embodiments, the set power level may be increased and the tuner state may be switched to a higher SAR level, for example Figure 7 The example shown includes both decreasing the set power level and switching to a lower tuner state at a SAR level, and increasing the set power level and switching to a higher tuner state at a SAR level.

[0079] In some embodiments, the instantaneous SAR may be the instantaneous SAR obtained based on the average SAR within a time period (for example, the average SAR within a certain time period within a preset time window is the instantaneous SAR); or the instantaneous SAR may be the instantaneous SAR at the moment of calculating or measuring the time point. For example, the method of this embodiment is based on the average time SAR of the time window, so the instantaneous SAR of this embodiment may be the instantaneous SAR obtained within the first time period within the preset time window (for example, the average SAR within the first time period is the instantaneous SAR). In other embodiments, the instantaneous SAR of this embodiment may be the instantaneous SAR at the moment of calculating or measuring the time point, and so on. These can be freely designed according to needs. In the embodiments of this article, the instantaneous SAR may represent the average SAR level within a period of time (for example, the first time period or the second time period of the time window). For example, in the example of the previous paragraph, the method may include: the antenna tuner of the electronic device operates in a first tuner state; detecting an instantaneous SAR level, comparing the instantaneous SAR level with a preset threshold SAR level, wherein the instantaneous SAR level is an average SAR in a first time period based on a preset time window; if the instantaneous SAR level is greater than the preset threshold SAR level, the electronic device will find a second tuner state according to the first table, wherein the second tuner SAR level corresponding to the second tuner state is less than the first tuner SAR level corresponding to the first tuner state; the electronic device changes or switches the tuner to operate in the second tuner state, and the electronic device operates in the second tuner state in a second time period of the preset time window. In this example, by adjusting the tuner to the second tuner state, the average SAR level based on the preset time window can be finally made not greater than the preset threshold SAR level, so as to meet the safety specification or certification standard.

[0080] In some embodiments of the present invention, a method for optimizing the time-averaged specific absorption rate (TA-SAR) using an antenna tuner may be to achieve a change in the TA-SAR level by changing the tuner state and adjusting the set power level of the electronic device, thereby significantly reducing the fluctuation rate or variation of the power level. In some examples, the method may include: the antenna tuner of the electronic device operates in a first tuner state and a set first power level; detecting an instantaneous SAR level, and comparing the instantaneous SAR level with a preset threshold SAR level; if the instantaneous SAR level is greater than the preset threshold SAR level, the set power level of the electronic device is reduced from the first power level to a second power level, the second power level is less than the first power level; and the electronic device may also find a second tuner state according to the first table (or the second table), wherein the second tuner SAR level corresponding to the second tuner state is less than the first tuner SAR level corresponding to the first tuner state; the electronic device changes or switches the tuner to operate in the second tuner state. In some embodiments, the instantaneous SAR may be the instantaneous SAR obtained based on the average SAR within a time period (for example, the instantaneous SAR is the average SAR within a certain time period within a preset time window); or the instantaneous SAR may be the instantaneous SAR at the moment of calculating or measuring the time point. Among them, the step of reducing the first power level to the second power level and the step of changing or switching the tuner to the second tuner state can be performed alternately or sequentially, and there is no strict order requirement for the two steps, either adjusting the power first or adjusting the tuner state first; therefore, the two steps can be replaced arbitrarily. In some embodiments, the combination of the two steps can make the change of the power level more gentle. For example, the set power level of the electronic device is reduced from the first power level to the second power level to reduce the SAR level, and then the tuner is changed or switched from the first tuner state to the second tuner state, which can further reduce the SAR level; thereby gradually reducing the SAR level. In some embodiments, the step of reducing the first power level to the second power level and the step of changing or switching the tuner to the second tuner state can be, for example, reducing the power level, changing the tuner state, reducing the power level, changing the tuner state, etc.; it can also be changing the tuner state, reducing the power level, changing the tuner state, reducing the power level, etc.; or changing the tuner state, changing the tuner state, reducing the power level, reducing the power level, etc.; or reducing the power level, reducing the power level, changing the tuner state, changing the tuner state, etc.; or other sequences and combinations. In some embodiments, for example, the step of reducing the first power level to the second power level and the step of changing or switching the tuner to the second tuner state can be performed alternately or sequentially to form a step-by-step reduction in the SAR level, for example, Figure 7In some embodiments, the second power level may be higher than the first power level, and the second tuner SAR level corresponding to the second tuner state may be higher than the first tuner SAR level corresponding to the first tuner state, thereby forming a step-by-step increase in the SAR level, for example, Figure 7 Therefore, the embodiment of the present invention can adjust the SAR level in a step-by-step manner, thereby adjusting the SAR level and the set power level more smoothly, avoiding large fluctuations in the power level and reducing the rate of change of the power level, having more operating space, and ensuring stable and high-speed communication of the electronic device.

[0081] In this example, by reducing the set first power level to the set second power level and adjusting the tuner to the second tuner state, the average SAR level based on the preset time window can be made not greater than the preset threshold SAR level to meet the safety specification or certification standard. In this example, the first table or the second table records the SAR levels corresponding to different tuner states; for example, including the SAR levels corresponding to different tuner states at the same set power level; and also including the SAR levels corresponding to different tuner states at different set power levels. Of course, in some embodiments, when including the SAR levels corresponding to different tuner states at the same set power level, the SAR levels corresponding to different tuner states at different set power levels can also be calculated by the above-described calculation method. In this example, when selecting the set second power level and the second tuner state, the SAR level upper limit value of the remaining time (for example, the second time period of the time window) under the preset time window can be calculated according to the preset time window and the first tuner state, the time occupied by the set first power level in the preset time window (for example, the first time period of the time window), and the preset threshold SAR level. The second tuner SAR level of the second tuner state at the set second power level is less than or equal to (or not greater than) the SAR level upper limit value of the remaining time. The remaining time in the preset time window (e.g., the second time period of the time window) is equal to the total time of the preset time window minus the time occupied by the first tuner state and the set first power level (e.g., the first time period of the time window). In addition, the embodiment of the present invention describes lowering the set power level and switching to a lower tuner state in terms of SAR level. However, it can be understood that in other embodiments, it is also possible to increase the set power level and switch to a higher tuner state in terms of SAR level, for example Figure 7 The example shown includes both decreasing the set power level and switching to a lower tuner state at a SAR level, and increasing the set power level and switching to a higher tuner state at a SAR level.

[0082] In some embodiments, the above embodiments can all detect return loss or VSWR to determine the change in the distance between the target object and the electronic device, for example, to determine whether the target object enters within a preset distance threshold, thereby triggering the method of the above embodiment. This has been described above and will not be repeated here.

[0083] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device 500 according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 5 As shown, the electronic device 500 includes an antenna tuner 502, an RF modem 504, and an antenna 506. The antenna tuner is electrically connected between the antenna 506 and the RF modem 504. In some embodiments, the antenna tuner 502 has multiple tuner states, and one of the tuner states is a current tuner state. The RF modem 504 obtains a first table (e.g., Table 1). The first table records the SAR level and TX power level corresponding to each tuner state. In some embodiments, the RF modem 504 calculates the instantaneous SAR level above the threshold SAR level, determines whether there is a suitable tuner state in the multiple tuner states according to the SAR level between the suitable tuner state and the current tuner state, and sends a setting command related to the suitable tuner state to the antenna tuner through the communication protocol 510. In some embodiments, the RF modem 504 sends a signal with a TX power level corresponding to the current tuner state to the antenna tuner 502 for transmission. In some embodiments, the antenna tuner 502 switches the current tuner state to a suitable tuner state according to the setting command to transmit a signal having a TX power level corresponding to the suitable tuner state to the antenna 506 .

[0084] In some embodiments, if the RF modem 504 determines that there is no suitable tuner state among multiple tuner states, the RF modem 504 adjusts the TX power level corresponding to the current tuner state. In some embodiments, the RF modem 504 sets the suitable tuner state as the current tuner state and detects the change in the voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) corresponding to the current tuner state. In some embodiments, the RF modem 504 first calculates the return loss corresponding to the current tuner state and converts the return loss into VSWR, but the present invention is not limited to this. In some embodiments, the RF modem obtains a second table. The threshold SAR level is determined by the second table. The second table records the threshold SAR levels corresponding to different scenarios. The second table is a SARECI table, but the present invention is not limited to this. In some embodiments, the threshold SAR level is the average SAR level within a time window. In some embodiments, the RF modem 504 determines whether there is a scene change before calculating the instantaneous SAR level, and switches the second table according to the scene change to obtain the threshold SAR level. Figure 5 As shown, person 520 approaches or moves away from the electronic device. That is, the scene may change due to the change in distance 530 between person 520 and electronic device 500. In some embodiments, when the Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) function or Bluetooth function of electronic device 500 is turned on, the scene may also change, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0085] In some embodiments, the RF modem 504 determines that there is no scene change before calculating the instantaneous SAR level. In some embodiments, after calculating the instantaneous SAR level below the threshold SAR level, the RF modem 504 continues to detect changes in the voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) corresponding to the current tuner state. In some embodiments, the RF modem 504 calculates whether the instantaneous SAR level is above the threshold SAR level after adjusting the TX power level corresponding to the current tuner state.

[0086] Figure 6 is a detailed schematic diagram of an electronic device 500 according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 6As shown, the RF modem 504 includes a tuner control unit 600, a tuner time-averaged (TA) unit 602, and a power TA unit 604. In some embodiments, the tuner control unit 600 receives the current tuner state from the antenna tuner 502 through a communication protocol 610. The tuner control unit 600 determines whether there is a suitable tuner state among a plurality of tuner states based on the instantaneous SAR level between the suitable tuner state and the current tuner state. In some embodiments, the tuner TA unit detects a change in VSWR corresponding to the current tuner state. The tuner TA unit calculates whether the instantaneous SAR level is higher than the threshold SAR level and sends a setting command related to the suitable tuner state to the antenna tuner 502 through a communication protocol 612. The power TA unit 604 adjusts the TX power level corresponding to the current tuner state through communication protocols 616 and 618 according to the control command from the tuner control unit 600.

[0087] In some embodiments, the antenna tuner 502 includes a switch SW1, a variable capacitor C1, a switch SW2, a switch SW3, a switch SW4, a switch SW5, an inductor L1, an inductor L2, an inductor L3, and an inductor L4. In some embodiments, the antenna tuner 502 switches the tuner state by changing the state of at least one of the switches SW1, SW2, SW3, SW4, and SW5 and / or by changing the capacitance value of the variable capacitor C1, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the switch SW1 is connected in parallel to the variable capacitor C1, and they are both electrically connected between the antenna 506 and the power TA unit 604 of the RF modem 504. The switch SW2 is electrically connected in series with the inductor L1, and they (the switch SW2 and the inductor L1 connected in series) are electrically connected between the antenna 506 and the ground. The switch SW3 is electrically connected in series with the inductor L2, and they (the switch SW3 and the inductor L2 connected in series) are electrically connected between the antenna 506 and the ground. The switch SW4 is electrically connected in series with the inductor L3, and they (the switch SW4 and the inductor L3 in series) are electrically connected between the power TA unit 604 and the ground. The switch SW5 is electrically connected in series with the inductor L4, and they (the switch SW5 and the inductor L4 in series) are electrically connected between the power TA unit 604 and the ground.

[0088] In some embodiments, the electronic device 500 can be used to perform any one or more of the methods described above in the embodiments of the present invention, such as a method for optimizing the average time specific absorption rate using an antenna tuner, so as to at least partially avoid a large change in the power level of the electronic device, ensure that the electronic device is in a normal state, and thus ensure the quality and transmission speed of the communication of the electronic device. The instructions, programs or codes of the above method can be executed by a processor or a radio frequency modem or other device of the electronic device 500. In some embodiments, a computer-readable storage medium is also provided, such as a memory including instructions, and the above instructions can be executed by a processor or a radio frequency modem in the electronic device to complete the above method, such as optimizing the average time specific absorption rate using an antenna tuner. For example, the computer-readable storage medium can be a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a solid-state hard disk, a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, and an optical data storage device.

[0089] Figure 7 According to some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 5 FIG. 7 is a graph showing the relationship between the instantaneous power level 700, the instantaneous SAR level 710, and the distance between the electronic device 500 and the user 520. Please also refer to Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Table 1. Figure 7 In some embodiments, the power level P_max is higher than the power level Plimit, and the power level Plimit is higher than the power level P_low. The SAR level SAR_max is higher than the SAR level SAR_design_limit, and the SAR level SAR_design_limit is higher than the SAR level SAR_low. In some embodiments, the power level Plimit and the SAR level SAR_design_limit are obtained from the SARECI table in the certification standard, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Figure 7As shown, when the person 520 is far away from the electronic device 500 in the far-field (FAR), the tuner state B is first adopted to reduce the instantaneous power level 700 to the power level P_max, resulting in a SAR level equal to the SAR level SAR_low. Thereafter, when the person 520 is close to the electronic device 500 in the near-field (NEAR), the tuner state A is adopted to reduce the instantaneous power level 700 to the power level Plimit, resulting in a SAR level equal to the SAR level SAR_max. Then, when the person 520 is further close to the near-field (NEAR) of the electronic device 500, the tuner state C is adopted, and the instantaneous power level 700 is reduced to the average power level between the power levels Plimit and P_low, so that the SAR level is equal to the SAR level SAR_low. Thereafter, when the person 520 is closer to the near-field (NEAR) of the electronic device 500, the tuner state B is adopted, and the instantaneous power level 700 is reduced to the power level P_low, so that the SAR level is equal to the SAR level SAR_low.

[0090] Then, when the person 520 begins to move away from the near field (NEAR) of the electronic device, the tuner state C is adopted, and the instantaneous power level 700 is increased to the average power level between the power levels Plimit and P_low, so that the SAR level is equal to the SAR level SAR_low. When the person 520 is far away from the electronic device 500 in the near field (NEAR), the tuner state A is adopted, and the instantaneous power level 700 is increased to the power level Plimit, resulting in the SAR level being equal to the SAR level SAR_max. When the person 520 is far away from the electronic device 500 in the far field (FAR), the tuner state B is adopted, and the instantaneous power level 700 is increased to the power level P_max, resulting in the SAR level being equal to the SAR level SAR_low. The TA-SAR optimization method of the present invention averages the SAR levels obtained in the near field to obtain an average SAR level. Obviously, the average SAR level does not exceed the SAR level SAR_design_limit, which meets the certification standard.

[0091] The benefit of controlling the near-field average SAR is that the near-field average SAR value can be controlled more accurately, and the conducted power has a smoother power control curve, thereby avoiding penalties from base station operators and thus preventing users from experiencing slower Internet speeds. In addition, if it can be used in conjunction with tuner-related active detection functions (such as detecting approaching objects and optimizing return loss), a set of near-field TA-SAR active control loops can be established to achieve an ideal state of near-field SAR optimization in matching scenarios. Therefore, referring to the embodiments of the present invention, Figure 7For example, in the embodiment of the present invention, the set power level of the electronic device can be adjusted more smoothly to avoid large fluctuations in the power level, ensuring that the electronic device is in a normal state, thereby ensuring the communication quality and transmission speed of the electronic device.

[0092] Although the present invention has been described in terms of what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention is not necessarily limited to the disclosed embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements, including those within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which should be given the broadest interpretation to cover all such modifications and similar structures.

Claims

1. A method for optimizing the average time specific absorption rate using an antenna tuner, characterized in that: The antenna tuner has a plurality of tuner states, and the method comprises: calculating instantaneous specific absorption rate levels above a threshold specific absorption rate level; determining an appropriate tuner state from among the plurality of tuner states based on the instantaneous specific absorption rate level; and The antenna tuner is switched to the appropriate tuner state to transmit a signal using a transmit power level corresponding to the appropriate tuner state.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: If there is no suitable tuner state among the plurality of tuner states, adjusting a transmit power level corresponding to a current tuner state; Wherein the current tuner state is one of the plurality of tuner states.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that Also includes: setting the appropriate tuner state as the current tuner state; as well as A change in the voltage standing wave ratio corresponding to the current tuner state is detected.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that There is a second table recording threshold specific absorption rate levels corresponding to different scenarios.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that Also includes: Determine whether there is a scene change; as well as Before calculating the instantaneous specific absorption rate level higher than the threshold specific absorption rate level, the second table is switched according to the scene change to obtain the threshold specific absorption rate level.

6. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that Also includes: Before calculating the instantaneous specific absorption rate level above the threshold specific absorption rate level, it is determined that there is no scene change.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The threshold specific absorption rate level is the average specific absorption rate level within the time window.

8. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that Also includes: After calculating the instantaneous specific absorption rate level below the threshold specific absorption rate level, continuously detecting a change in the voltage standing wave ratio corresponding to the current tuner state.

9. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that Also includes: After adjusting the transmit power level corresponding to the current tuner state, it is calculated whether the instantaneous specific absorption rate level is higher than the threshold specific absorption rate level.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that: include: an antenna tuner having multiple tuner states; as well as a radio frequency modem electrically connected to the antenna tuner; The radio frequency modem is configured to execute the steps of any method as claimed in claims 1 to 9.

11. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein: The RF modem includes: a tuner control unit configured to receive the current tuner state from the antenna tuner and determine an appropriate tuner state among the plurality of tuner states based on the instantaneous specific absorption rate level; a tuner averaging time unit configured to detect a change in voltage standing wave ratio corresponding to the current tuner state, calculate whether the instantaneous specific absorption rate level is above the threshold specific absorption rate level, and send a setting signal associated with an appropriate tuner state to the antenna tuner; and The power averaging time unit is configured to adjust a transmission power level corresponding to the current tuner state.

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