Dual-antenna communication device

Abstract

A dual antenna communication apparatus and method are disclosed. The apparatus includes a controller having a first output interface including a first connector and a second connector; the first antenna is coupled between the first connector and the ground; and a second antenna coupled between the first connector and the second connector; wherein the controller is configured to transmit an output signal from the first antenna by providing a signal at the first connector and providing an in-phase subset of the signal at the second connector, and transmitting the output signal from the second antenna by providing the signal at the first connector and providing an inverted secondary of the signal at the second connector.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dual antenna communication device. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a method of operating a dual antenna communication device. The present disclosure also relates to a computer implemented method. BACKGROUND

[0002] It is known to use a shared controller to control multiple antennas. For example, a switch can be used to couple a first antenna to the shared controller and decouple a second antenna from the shared controller in a first configuration. The same or other switches can be used to decouple the first antenna from the shared controller and couple the second antenna to the shared controller in a second configuration state. Furthermore, the first and second antennas can be coupled to the shared controller using a first matching circuit and a first filter and a second matching circuit and a second filter respectively. SUMMARY

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a dual antenna communication device comprising: a controller having a first output interface comprising a first connector and a second connector; a first antenna coupled between the first connector and ground; and a second antenna coupled between the first connector and the second connector; wherein the controller is configured to transmit an output signal from the first antenna by providing a signal at the first connector and a non-inverted copy of the signal at the second connector, and to transmit the output signal from the second antenna by providing the signal at the first connector and an inverted copy of the signal at the second connector.

[0004] The device can additionally comprise a first matching network to adapt the first antenna to the first interface of the controller.

[0005] The device can additionally comprise a second matching network to adapt the second antenna to the second interface of the controller.

[0006] The device can additionally comprise a third matching network to remove harmonics from the output signal.

[0007] The device can additionally comprise an RF sensing path between the first antenna and the controller, the RF sensing path being configured for sensing an RF sense voltage on the first antenna.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the controller is configured to determine a receiver signal strength indication, RSSI, at a node coupled to the second antenna, and or to sense a signal of the first antenna.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the first antenna is a metal segment antenna. In other embodiments, the first antenna is a flexible printed circuit (FPC) antenna or a coil antenna. In general, the first antenna can be any antenna suitable for near field communication (NFC).

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the second antenna is a coil antenna. In other embodiments, the second antenna can be an FPC antenna or any other suitable antenna for NFC.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the dual antenna communication device is an NFC device, wherein the controller is an NFC controller. The NFC controller can form part of an NFC reader or an NFC card or tag.

[0012] According to an additional aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a controller, as described above, configured for use in a dual antenna communication device, wherein a first antenna is coupled between the first connector and ground; and a second antenna is coupled between the first connector and the second connector.

[0013] According to a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method of operating a dual antenna communication device, the method comprising: measuring the RF sense voltage; measuring the RSSI at the node; in response to the RF sense voltage being greater than a first threshold: in response to the RSSI being greater than or equal to a second threshold, transmitting the output signal from the first antenna by providing the signal at the first connector and an in-phase copy of the signal at a second connector, otherwise not transmitting the output signal; and in response to the RF sense voltage not being greater than the first threshold: in response to the RSSI being greater than or equal to a third threshold, transmitting the output signal from the second antenna by providing the signal at the first connector and an anti-phase copy of the signal at the second connector, otherwise not transmitting the output signal.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the method additionally comprises: in a receive mode, receiving an input signal from at least one of the first antenna and the second antenna through the first and second connectors of the second interface.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the second threshold is greater than the third threshold. In other embodiments, the second threshold is less than the third threshold, and in yet other embodiments, they are equal. In general, the relative sizes of the thresholds can be associated with the relative gains of the respective antennas.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the method additionally comprises the controller being a near field communication, NFC, controller.

[0017] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a computer-implemented method is provided, comprising executable instructions that, when executed by an arrangement, cause the dual-antenna communication device to perform the operations just described. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The foregoing discussion / summary is not intended to describe every embodiment or implementation of this disclosure; the accompanying drawings and detailed description below also illustrate various embodiments. The aspects defined above and other aspects of this disclosure will become apparent from the examples of embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are interpreted in relation to these examples. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to the examples of embodiments.

[0019] All illustrations in the accompanying drawings are schematic. In different drawings, similar or identical elements or features have the same reference numerals or reference numerals that differ only in the first numeral. To avoid unnecessary repetition, elements or features already described with respect to the previously described embodiments will not be repeated later in the description.

[0020] A more comprehensive understanding of the various exemplary embodiments can be achieved by considering the following specific implementations in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 A dual-antenna communication device is shown;

[0022] Figure 2 Indicates the in-phase signal;

[0023] Figure 3 Inverted signal is displayed;

[0024] Figure 4 Another dual-antenna communication device is shown;

[0025] Figure 5 Another dual-antenna communication device is shown;

[0026] Figure 6 Another dual-antenna communication device is shown;

[0027] Figure 7 Another dual-antenna communication device is shown;

[0028] Figure 8 The flowchart illustrates the method for operating a dual-antenna communication device; and

[0029] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating a method according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0030] While modifications and alternatives are permissible in the various embodiments discussed herein, aspects of these embodiments have been illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments described. Rather, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of this disclosure, including those aspects defined in the claims. Furthermore, the term "example" as used throughout this application is for illustrative purposes only and not for limitation. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The dual-antenna communication device disclosed herein can achieve communication without the use of switches and related controls (general-purpose inputs / outputs assigned from the NFC controller). Furthermore, the use of a transformer (balanced-to-unbalanced converter) can be eliminated. Additionally, the reduced bill of materials (BOM) decreases PCB area, thus lowering costs.

[0032] The aspects of this disclosure are intended to be applicable to various types of apparatuses, devices, systems, and methods. These aspects may be understood through the following discussion of non-limiting examples using exemplary scenarios, but are not intended to be limited thereto.

[0033] In the following description, various details are set forth to describe the specific examples presented herein. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that one or more other examples and / or variations thereof may be practiced without all the specific details given below. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the description of the examples herein. For ease of illustration, the same reference numerals may be used in different figures to refer to the same elements or additional instances of the same elements. Moreover, although aspects and features may be described in individual figures in some cases, it should be understood that features from one figure or embodiment may be combined with features from another figure or embodiment, even if such combination is not explicitly shown or described as a combination.

[0034] The aspects of this disclosure can be seen in switchless antenna selection (where no switches and GPIOs are available for other purposes). Therefore, performance is enhanced, such as higher transmit power efficiency and receiver sensitivity, due to the effect of the additional losses caused by the absence of switches.

[0035] Figure 1 A circuit diagram of at least a portion of a dual-antenna communication device 100 for transmitting and receiving radio electromagnetic signals is shown, the dual-antenna communication device 100 being particularly suitable for near-field communication. The diagram shows a controller 10, which is functionally connected to both antennas 20 and 30 via two pairs of wires or connectors. Figure 1The first pair of wires or connectors shown as 11 and 12 is used for the receiving mode, and the second pair of wires or connectors shown as 13 and 14 is used for the transmitting mode. Connectors 11 and 12 may be referred to hereinafter as the second interface or RX interface (for receiving), and connectors 13 and 14 may be referred to as the first interface or TX interface for transmitting. In the transmitting mode, the second antenna 20 (also referred to as a differential antenna) is connected to one of its ends (in... Figure 1 The signal is received from the first connector 13 of the first interface of the controller 10 at end 21, and at the other end of its connector 21 (in the diagram). Figure 1 The signal is received from connector 14 of the first interface of controller 10 at terminal 22. Therefore, the voltage across the two terminals of the second antenna 20 is the difference between the signals of the two connectors 13 and 14. The first antenna 30 (also referred to as a single-ended antenna) receives a signal at... Figure 1 The signal from the two connectors 13 and 14 is received on the same end side of the first antenna 30, which is shown as 31. The other end, shown as 32, is connected to GND, such that the voltage across each end of the first antenna 30 is the sum of the two signals.

[0036] If the signals on connectors 13 and 14 are in phase, all power is primarily delivered to the first antenna 30, and no power or virtually no power is delivered to the second antenna 20. If the signals on connectors 13 and 14 are out of phase, all power is primarily delivered to the second antenna 20, and no power or virtually no power is delivered to the first antenna 30.

[0037] In this way, based on the phase setting of the transmitted signal, and since the first antenna 30 is single-ended and the second antenna 20 is a differential antenna, either the second antenna 20 or the first antenna 30 is selected for transmission and reception. Therefore, a communication process can be established via one of the antennas 20 or 30 through the phase setting of the transmitted signal, without the need for a switch to route the signal.

[0038] In other words, in the transmission mode, in order to select the second antenna 20, the controller 10 provides a differential signal (inverting signal) to the connectors 13 and 14 of the first interface, such that all electromagnetic energy is provided to the second antenna 20 and low electromagnetic energy is provided to the first antenna 30, preferably no electromagnetic energy is provided to the first antenna 30.

[0039] Conversely, in order to select the first antenna 30, the controller 10 provides an in-phase signal to connectors 13 and 14 of the first interface, which represent the transmit connector, such that all power is directed to the first antenna 30 and no power or substantially no power is directed to the second antenna 20.

[0040] The transmitted signal provided in the manner described above can optionally be pre-filtered by an EMC filter 60 (LC low-pass filter) having inductors L1 and L2 and capacitors C8 and C9. Unwanted frequency components can then be removed using the EMC filter 60. For example, when the transmitter generates a rectangular transmitter signal instead of a pure sinusoidal transmitter signal, many harmonics exist in the transmitter signal, and the EMC filter 60 removes these harmonics. As a result, a signal with a specified frequency (e.g., 13.56 MHz) is provided. Furthermore, at a certain output power, the EMC filter 60 can help meet regulatory requirements.

[0041] As shown, each antenna 20 and 30 can be functionally connected to matching networks 40 and 50, respectively, to adapt the impedance of the first antenna 30 and the second antenna 20 to the corresponding driver (not shown) of the controller 10. The controller 10 can be, for example, a near-field communication (NFC) controller. In this case, the first matching network 40, including capacitors C1…C4, adapts the impedance of the second antenna 20 to the driver of the controller 10, and the second matching network 50, having capacitors C5…C7, adapts the impedance of the first antenna 30 to the driver of the controller 10. Therefore, the phase or amplitude of the signal (which may be referred to as the output signal) at the corresponding antenna can be modified by one or more matching networks relative to the corresponding signal at connectors 13 and 14.

[0042] In receive mode, the first end 21 of the second antenna 20 is linked to the first connector 11 of the second interface. The other end 22 of the second antenna 20 is functionally connected to the second connector 12 of the second interface, such that the electrical pickup voltage from the second antenna 20 is applied to the second interface of the controller 10 leading to the receiver section (not shown).

[0043] The signal received from the first antenna 30 is linked to two connectors 11 and 12 of the second interface, which also provide receiver input.

[0044] In the case of using a differential receiver with the second antenna 20, the controller 10 is configured to measure the difference RX = RX1 - RX2 or RX2 - RX1 between the two connectors 11, 12 (which may also be referred to as RX inputs) of the second interface, or in the case of a single-ended receiver, it can be combined with Figure 1 Antenna 30 (or in combination with antenna 20 in other circuit configurations, which will be shown below) uses only one of the connectors 11, 12.

[0045] Those skilled in the art will understand that the dual-antenna arrangement can operate simultaneously in both transmit and receive modes: specifically, when the controller 10 is in reader mode, it uses the transmitter circuitry TX to transmit a carrier signal modulated by the corresponding card, which is then simultaneously read on the receiving side by the receiver circuitry RX. Conversely, when the controller 10 is in card mode, the signal received by the receiver circuitry RX can be used to “wake up” the NFC, which then modulates the received signal by transmitting a signal on the transmit interface TX to provide a response or acknowledgment to the reader.

[0046] As will be described in more detail below, controller 10 measures the signals on connectors 11 and 12 of the second interface and processes the signals received at connector 11 or connector 12, or the sum or difference of the signals on each of connectors 11 and 12. In this way, different receivers can be used to evaluate the received signals.

[0047] Figure 2 A timing diagram showing in-phase signals varying with time t is presented. The upper diagram shows the signal at connector 13 of the first interface, and the lower diagram shows the signal at connector 14 of the first interface. Because the signals at both connectors 13 and 14 of the first interface are in-phase signals, the voltages of the signals at the first end 21 and the second end 22 of the second antenna 20 are equal (because the matching circuit typically has an equivalent effect on the two signals); therefore, the transmitted power is routed almost entirely to the first antenna 30 and almost entirely not to the second antenna 20.

[0048] Figure 3 A timing diagram showing an inverted signal that varies with time t is shown. The top diagram shows the signal at output 13 of the first interface, and the bottom diagram shows the signal at output 14 of the first interface. Because the signals at both connectors 13 and 14 of the first interface are inverted, the transmitted power is routed almost entirely to the second antenna 20 and almost entirely not to the first antenna 30.

[0049] Figure 4 An alternative dual-antenna communication device 100 suitable for operation with a single-ended receiver is shown. In the transmission mode of this dual-antenna communication device, in Figure 1 The same applies to the situation described in the context of the dual-antenna communication device 100. In the receiving mode of this dual-antenna communication device, one end of the second antenna 20 is functionally connected only to one connector 11 of the second interface. For example... Figure 4As shown, one end of the second antenna 20 is functionally connected to connector 11 of the first end, such that a portion of the pickup voltage from the second antenna 20 is applied to RX connector 11. The pickup signal of the first antenna 30 is only connected to the same RX connector 11 of the second interface to which the second antenna 20 is linked. Alternatively, the pickup signal of the first antenna 30 may be only connected to connector 12 of the second interface (not shown).

[0050] Those skilled in the art should understand that, although Figure 1 The arrangement shown can operate as a differential receiver in receive mode, but... Figure 4 In this case, the receiver is a single-ended receiver. Therefore, although in, for example... Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the receiver must alternately check the difference between the signals on connectors 11 and 12, as well as some of the signals, but... Figure 4 In this system, the receiver can receive signals from two antennas simultaneously. The signal from the second receiver 30 is the full voltage portion, and the signal from the first receiver 20 is the half voltage portion.

[0051] Figure 5 Another alternative dual-antenna communication device 100 is shown. It can be seen that a single capacitor C2 is connected in parallel with the differential second antenna 20. In other words, the first matching network 40 is connected in parallel with the differential second antenna 20. Figure 4 The two capacitors C2 and C3 shown can be replaced with a single capacitor C2. Of course, Figure 4 and 5 The two alternatives shown can be combined. In this way, the first matching network 40 is configured to match the impedance of the second antenna 20 with the impedance required for the first interface implemented as a TX interface.

[0052] Figure 6 An alternative dual-antenna communication device 100 is shown. In this case, the controller 10 can detect whether an external device (e.g., an NFC device, a 13.56MHz reader, an NFC charging device, etc.) is within communication range on the first antenna 30, and when the second antenna 20 is used to charge an accessory in a multi-antenna solution. Detection can be performed without interrupting the operation of the current active antenna, which allows for timing optimization. For example, if the first antenna 30 and the second antenna 20 are charging an accessory, detection can be performed from the second antenna 20 and the first antenna 30 without interfering with or interrupting the charging process. Therefore, it is not necessary to repeatedly switch the antennas on antennas 20 and 30 to check for the presence of a device. In this way, an efficient method is provided to distinguish the presence of an RF field at the first antenna 30, the second antenna 20, or both antennas 20 and 30.

[0053] In the transmission mode, the second antenna 20 receives a signal from connector 13 of the first interface at one end and from connector 14 of the first interface at the other end, such that the voltage across the two ends of the second antenna 20 is the difference between the two TX signals. The first antenna 30 receives the two TX signals at the same end and is connected to GND at the other end, such that the voltage across the two ends of the first antenna 30 is the sum of the two TX signals.

[0054] The TX signal is optionally pre-filtered by a third matching network 60 (an LC low-pass filter with inductors L1, L2 and capacitors C8, C9). In this way, each antenna 20 and 30 has matching networks 40 and 50, respectively, to adapt the impedance of antennas 20 and 30 to the corresponding drivers of controller 10.

[0055] In receive mode, one end of the second antenna 20 is functionally connected to connector 11 of the second interface, and the other end of the second antenna 20 is functionally connected to connector 12 of the second interface, such that the pickup voltage from the second antenna 20 is applied between connectors 11 and 12 of the receiver of the controller 10. The signal received from the first antenna 30 is functionally connected to both RX connectors 11 and 12.

[0056] exist Figure 6 As can be seen in the arrangement, the RF sensing path 70 has a resistor R1 connected in series with a capacitor C10, which is functionally connected to connector 15 of the controller 10. Alternatively, another filtering network, not shown in the figure, can be conceived for implementing the RF sensing path 70. Figure 6 The arrangement illustrates an example of an implementation scheme when detection is performed on a single-ended first antenna 30. The input signal on the connector 15 is evaluated using a specific threshold to determine which activity is occurring on the first antenna 30.

[0057] Figure 7 An alternative dual-antenna communication device 100 is shown. In this case, the controller 10 can detect whether an external device is within communication range on the differential second antenna 20, while the single-ended first antenna 30 can be used, for example, to charge an accessory. Activity on the second antenna 20 can be identified on the RF sensing path 70 by means of an inductor L3 magnetically coupled to the second antenna 20, while transmission activity occurs simultaneously via the first antenna 30. This arrangement may be helpful if the single-ended first antenna 30 is in use most of the time and the RF sensing path 70 is connected to the differential second antenna 20.

[0058] Figure 6 and 7This arrangement is suitable for dual-antenna solutions, where antennas 20 and 30 are used sequentially when controller 10 is charging an accessory (pen, earphones, etc.) on one antenna. If an external communication device is within the communication range of the other antenna, the receiver will not detect it, and no transaction will occur. Controller 10 can detect the external device via RF sensing path 70. Therefore, controller 10 can interrupt charging, switch to the other antenna, conduct the transaction, and then resume charging on the previous antenna.

[0059] In some embodiments, antennas 20 and 30 are selected sequentially, one after the other, during a polling cycle. To select the second antenna 20, controller 10 provides differential signals to connectors 13 and 14 of the first interface, such that virtually all power is routed to the second antenna 20, and very little, ideally none, power is routed to the first antenna 30. Controller 10 measures the difference between the two connectors 11 and 12 of the second interface, i.e., RX = RX1 - RX2 or RX2 - RX1 (differential receiver), or one RX side (single-ended receiver). Figure 6 As shown, the RF sensing path 70 is active on the first antenna 30.

[0060] To select the first antenna 30, the controller 10 provides an in-phase signal to connectors 13 and 14 of the first interface, such that all power is routed to the first antenna 30, and very little power, ideally none, is routed to the second antenna 20. The controller 10 measures both inputs 11 and 12 (single-ended receiver) and decodes either or both of connectors 11 and 12.

[0061] This solution makes it possible to perform field detection simultaneously on both antennas 20 and 30, and external field sensing allows for the differentiation of which antenna is in the field. Any device using a loop antenna for power delivery and / or communicating with more than two antennas has a variety of use cases (NFC, A4WP, Qi charging, etc.).

[0062] Activities on either antenna 20 or 30 can be performed by sensing the status on the second interface of the controller 10.

[0063] This disclosure proposes that a single controller 10 feeds to only one of the two antennas at a time by setting the phase of its transmitted signal (differential or in-phase signal). The proposed dual-antenna communication device 100 can be any device with more than two antennas and NFC functionality, with various use cases.

[0064] Figure 8 The flowchart of the proposed method for operating the dual-antenna communication device 100 is shown.

[0065] In step 200, a transmission signal is provided on connectors 13 and 14 of the first interface of the controller 10 of the dual-antenna communication device 100.

[0066] In step 210, a received signal is provided on connectors 11 and 12 of the second interface of the controller 10 of the dual-antenna communication device 100.

[0067] In step 220, antennas 20 and 30 that are functionally connected to connectors 11, 12, 13 and 14 of the interface are selected according to the phase settings of the signals on the connectors 11, 12, 13 and 14 of the interface.

[0068] Figure 9 The flowchart illustrates a method according to one or more embodiments. In particular, the method shows a manner in which controller 10 determines which antenna the transmitter circuitry should use to provide optimal transmission of the output signal. The method is particularly suitable for NFC transmission. RF sensing circuitry (e.g., Figure 6 The sensing path 70 shown is used for signal sensing using only the first antenna 30. A threshold (“RFsenseT”) can be set by the controller. Similarly, thresholds can be set for the RSSI signal (Received Signal Strength Indicator) passing through each antenna: Ant1rssiT for the threshold RSSI value of the second antenna 20 and Ant2rssiT for the threshold RSSI value of the first antenna 30, respectively. Since the first and second antennas can have different configurations, or be in different locations, or both, it should be understood that the RSSI values ​​from the antennas can be different. This difference can indicate which antenna is optimal for NFC transmission in any given situation. Of course, it is possible that neither antenna is suitable for a particular intended transmission.

[0069] The threshold mentioned above can be used in conjunction with the algorithm described below so that the controller 10 can determine which antenna (if present) should be used for transmission, or in other words, determine whether the signal on the second interface connectors 13 and 14 of the second interface (TX interface) should be provided in phase or out of phase (that is, out of phase).

[0070] In the first step 910, a sensing path 70 is used, for example, to connect the two antennas to a common point (e.g., Figure 6 The strength of the RF signal (RF sense) is measured by the received signal strength indicator (RX_RSSI) value measured by node 80 shown.

[0071] In the next step 920, the strength of the RF signal (RFsense) is compared with a threshold (RFsenseT). If the condition is met, i.e.:

[0072] RFsense>RFsenseT,

[0073] If satisfied, proceed to the left branch of the flowchart. Remember, this only applies to the first antenna ( Figure 6 30) RF sense is measured. Therefore, if the value of this parameter exceeds the threshold (RF sense Ti), transmission will occur from the first antenna (if any) (“Ant1”).

[0074] Specifically, if this condition is met, the process proceeds to step 930, where the received RSSI (RX_RSSI) value is compared with the RSSI threshold (“Ant1rssiT”) of the second first antenna to determine whether the condition RX_RSSI is greater than or equal to Ant21rssiT is met.

[0075] RX_RSSI>=Ant1rssiT.

[0076] If the conditions are met, the process proceeds to step 940, where the RF signal to be transmitted is applied to the first antenna (“Ant21”). As described above, the RF signal is applied to the first antenna by providing in-phase signals at connectors 13 and 14.

[0077] If the conditions are not met, the process proceeds to step 950, where it is deduced that there are no available antennas for transmission.

[0078] Return to step 920, if the condition is:

[0079] RFsense>RFsenseT,

[0080] If not satisfied, follow the right branch of the flowchart. Only from the first antenna ( Figure 6 30) RF sense is measured. Therefore, if the value of this parameter does not exceed the threshold (RF sense Ti), the transmission should not occur from the first antenna, but will occur from the second antenna (if any) ("Ant12").

[0081] Therefore, if the condition is not met, the process proceeds to step 960, where the received RSSI (RX_RSSI) value is compared with the RSSI threshold (“Ant12rssiT”) of the first and second antennas to determine whether the condition RX_RSSI is greater than or equal to Ant1rssiT is met.

[0082] RX_RSSI>=Ant12rssiT.

[0083] If the conditions are met, the process proceeds to step 970, where the RF signal to be transmitted is applied to the second antenna (“Ant12”). As described above, the RF signal is applied to the second antenna by providing an anti-phase or opposite phase signal at connectors 13 and 14.

[0084] If the conditions are not met, the process is similar to the left-hand branch proceeding to 950. At 950, it is deduced that there is no available antenna for transmission.

[0085] As another example, where the specification may refer to a structure of type "first" and a structure of type "second," the adjectives "first" and "second" are not used to imply any description of the structure or to provide any substantial meaning; in fact, such adjectives are only used in English antecedents to distinguish one such structure named in a similar manner from another structure named in a similar manner.

[0086] Based on the foregoing discussion and description, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that various modifications and changes can be made to the various embodiments without strictly adhering to the exemplary embodiments and applications shown and described herein. For example, the method illustrated in the figures may involve steps performed in various orders, wherein one or more aspects of the embodiments herein are retained, or may involve fewer or more steps.

[0087] It should be noted that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, elements described in different embodiments may be combined. It should also be noted that the reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0088] The systems and methods described herein may be embodied, at least in part, by one or more computer programs, which may exist in various forms, both active and inactive, either within a single computer system or across multiple computer systems. For example, the computer program may exist as a software program consisting of program instructions in the form of source code, object code, executable code, or other formats for performing certain steps. Any of these formats may be embodied in compressed or uncompressed form on a computer-readable medium, which may include storage devices and signals.

[0089] As used herein, the term "computer" refers to any electronic device that includes a processor, such as a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a dedicated processor, or a microcontroller. A computer is capable of receiving data (input), performing a series of predetermined operations on the data, and thereby producing results (output) in the form of information or signals. Depending on the context, the term "computer" will specifically refer to a processor or more generally to a processor associated with an assembly of related components contained within a single chassis or housing.

[0090] It should be noted that the above embodiments have been described with reference to different subjects. In particular, some embodiments may have been described with reference to claims of the method class, while others may have been described with reference to claims of the device class. However, those skilled in the art will understand from the foregoing that, unless otherwise stated, any combination of features related to different subjects, in particular a combination of features of claims of the method class and features of claims of the device class, is also considered to be disclosed with this document, except for any combination of features belonging to one type of subject matter.

[0091] Figure Labels

[0092] 10 Controllers

[0093] 11...14 Connectors

[0094] 15 Inputs

[0095] 20 Second Antenna

[0096] 21 The first end of the second antenna

[0097] 22 The second end of the second antenna

[0098] 30 First Antenna

[0099] 31 First end of antenna #1

[0100] 32 The second end of the first antenna

[0101] 40 First Matching Network

[0102] 50 Second Matching Network

[0103] 60 Third Matching Network

[0104] 70 RF sensing path

[0105] 80 common nodes

[0106] 100 Dual-Antenna Communication Device

[0107] 200……220 Method Steps

[0108] 910……970 Method and steps.

Claims

1. A dual-antenna communication device (100), characterized in that, include: The controller (10) has a first output interface including a first connector (13) and a second connector (14); The first antenna (30) is coupled between the first connector (13) and ground; as well as A second antenna (20) is coupled between the first connector (13) and the second connector (14); The controller (10) is configured to: An output signal is transmitted from the first antenna (30) by providing a signal at the first connector (13) and an in-phase copy of the signal at the second connector (14), and The output signal is transmitted from the second antenna (20) by providing the signal at the first connector (13) and an inverted copy of the signal at the second connector (14).

2. The dual-antenna communication device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Additionally, a first matching network (40) is included to adapt the second antenna (20) to the first interface of the controller (10).

3. The dual-antenna communication device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Additionally, a second matching network (50) is included to adapt the first antenna (30) to the first interface of the controller (10).

4. The dual-antenna communication device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Additionally, a third matching network (60) is included to remove harmonics from the output signal.

5. The dual-antenna communication device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Additionally, an RF sensing path (70) is included between the second antenna and the controller for sensing the RF sensing voltage on the first antenna (30).

6. The dual-antenna communication device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The controller is configured to determine the receiver signal strength indication RSSI at a node (80) coupled to the second antenna (20) and the first antenna (30).

7. The dual-antenna communication device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The dual-antenna communication device is a near-field communication (NFC) device, and the controller is an NFC controller.

8. A controller (10) as defined in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, It is configured for use in a dual-antenna communication device, wherein a first antenna (30) is coupled between the first connector (13) and ground; and a second antenna (20) is coupled between the first connector (13) and the second connector (14).

9. A method of operating the dual-antenna communication device (100) according to claim 6 when dependent on claim 5, characterized in that, The method includes: Measure the RF sensing voltage; Measure the RSSI at the node; In response to the RF sensing voltage being greater than a first threshold: In response to the RSSI being greater than or equal to the second threshold, The output signal is transmitted from the first antenna (30) by providing the signal at the first connector (13) and providing an in-phase copy of the signal at the second connector (14). Otherwise, the output signal is not sent; and In response to the RF sensing voltage not being greater than the first threshold: In response to the RSSI being greater than or equal to a third threshold, The output signal is transmitted from the second antenna (20) by providing the signal at the first connector (13) and providing an inverted copy of the signal at the second connector (14). Otherwise, the output signal will not be sent.

10. A computer-implemented method, characterized in that, Includes executable instructions that, when executed by the arrangement (100), cause the dual-antenna communication device (100) to perform the method according to claim 9.

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