Multi-frequency range antenna with bandstop energy coupler

Abstract

A method for coupling energy between an antenna element and an RF circuit of a UE includes: coupling a first energy between the antenna element and the RF circuit at a first location along the length of the antenna element, wherein the antenna element is positioned at least close to at least one of a plurality of edges of a body; coupling a second energy between the antenna element and the RF circuit at a second location along the length of the antenna element, the first location and the second location being separated along the length of the antenna element; suppressing frequencies in a first frequency band coupled between the first location and the RF circuit along the length of the antenna element; and suppressing frequencies in a second frequency band separated from the first frequency band coupled between the second location and the RF circuit along the length of the antenna element.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Wireless communication devices are becoming increasingly widespread and complex. For example, mobile telecommunications devices have evolved from simple telephones to devices with multiple communication capabilities (e.g., multiple cellular communication protocols, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth). ® Smartphones, supercomputing processors, cameras, etc. (and other short-range communication protocols). Wireless communication devices have antennas that support various functions such as communication within a certain frequency range and receiving Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals (also known as satellite positioning signals (SPS signals)).

[0002] When multiple antennas are housed in a single wireless communication device, the available volume of the antennas is extremely limited. For example, a smartphone may have many antennas (e.g., eight, ten, or more), and these antennas have a very limited volume due to the device size expected by consumers. Therefore, antenna assemblies (e.g., modules) may be limited to a very small volume, for example, a width of 4 mm or less.

[0003] Despite limitations in antenna size, the desired functionality of antennas continues to increase. With the advent of fifth-generation (5G) wireless communication technology, mmW (millimeter-wave) phased array antennas have received widespread attention, addressing propagation loss and aperture obstruction barriers by introducing higher antenna gain and beamforming characteristics. Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems are one of the key enablers of 5G technology, improving spectral efficiency and system capacity by efficiently streaming transmit / receive data in the desired direction using two orthogonally polarized signals (cross-polarized signals). A trend in consumer electronics is the development of RF assemblies with small form factors, which can be easily accommodated within the limited space of emerging smart devices, including mobile phones and tablets.

[0004] The physical requirements of antennas make it difficult to maintain or improve performance (e.g., in terms of coverage, latency, bandwidth, radiation efficiency, and / or quality of service). For example, adding a low-frequency antenna, such as for the GPS (Global Positioning System) L1 and L5 bands, may be necessary when antenna space is limited. Furthermore, tuning an existing antenna without adding another antenna may not achieve the desired bandwidth. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An example user equipment (UE) includes: a body including a rear panel and a front panel, the body including a plurality of edges; an antenna element configured to be at least close to at least one of the plurality of edges of the body; RF (radio frequency) circuitry configured to perform at least one of the following operations: providing an RF transmit signal to the antenna element, or processing an RF receive signal received by the antenna element; a first energy coupler coupled to the antenna element at a first position along the length of the antenna element; a second energy coupler coupled to the antenna element at a second position along the length of the antenna element, the first position and the second position being separate along the length of the antenna element; a first band-stop filter communicatively coupled to the RF circuitry and the first energy coupler, and configured to suppress frequencies in a first frequency band; and a second band-stop filter communicatively coupled to the RF circuitry and the second energy coupler, and configured to suppress frequencies in a second frequency band separate from the first frequency band.

[0006] An example method for coupling energy between an antenna element and an RF circuit of a UE includes: coupling a first energy between the antenna element and the RF circuit at a first location along the length of the antenna element, wherein the antenna element is positioned at least close to at least one of a plurality of edges of a body; coupling a second energy between the antenna element and the RF circuit at a second location along the length of the antenna element, the first location and the second location being separate along the length of the antenna element; suppressing frequencies in a first frequency band coupled between the first location and the RF circuit along the length of the antenna element; and suppressing frequencies in a second frequency band separated from the first frequency band coupled between the second location and the RF circuit along the length of the antenna element.

[0007] Another example UE includes: a body including a rear panel and a front panel, the body including a plurality of edges; an antenna element configured to be at least close to at least one of the plurality of edges of the body; an RF (radio frequency) signal component for at least one of the following operations: providing an RF transmit signal to the antenna element, or processing an RF receive signal received by the antenna element; a component for coupling a first energy between itself and an RF circuit at a first position along the length of the antenna element; a component for coupling a second energy between itself and the RF circuit at a second position along the length of the antenna element, the first position and the second position being separate along the length of the antenna element; a component for suppressing the coupling of frequencies in a first frequency band between itself and the RF circuit at the first position along the length of the antenna element; and a component for suppressing the coupling of frequencies in a second frequency band separate from the first frequency band between itself and the RF circuit at the second position along the length of the antenna element. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of a communication system.

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the simplified components of the mobile device shown.

[0010] Figure 3 It is a block diagram of user equipment that includes one or more multi-range antennas.

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The diagram shown is a plan view of an example of user equipment including a multi-range antenna and a printed circuit board.

[0012] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A block diagram of a portion of an example of a multi-frequency range antenna.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a block diagram as part of another example of a multi-frequency range antenna.

[0014] Figure 7 This is the circuit diagram of an LC band-stop filter.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for coupling energy between the antenna elements and RF circuitry of a UE. Detailed Implementation

[0016] This paper discusses techniques for transducing signals across different frequency ranges using a single antenna of a UE (User Equipment). For example, different energy couplers may be electrically connected to the antenna element at different locations along the length of a slender conductive antenna element. Each energy coupler may be communicatively coupled to RF (Radio Frequency) circuitry via a corresponding band-stop filter. The band-stop filter may be configured to suppress frequencies in a corresponding individual frequency band. The band-stop filter may be configured to suppress corresponding maximum rejection frequencies to a greater extent than to suppress other frequencies within the corresponding frequency band, and these maximum rejection frequencies may be separated from the lower of these maximum rejection frequencies by at least one-fifth. A single impedance matching circuit may be provided to provide impedance matching between the RF circuitry and the two energy couplers. As another example, a dual-feed structure may be coupled to the antenna, where each feed terminal includes an LC resonator. The resonators may be included on the motherboard (e.g., a printed circuit board) rather than between the board and the antenna. The antenna may be used, for example, GPS frequencies, such as L5 and L1 frequencies. However, other configurations may be used.

[0017] The items and / or techniques described herein can provide one or more of the following capabilities, as well as others not mentioned. Signals in different frequency bands can be efficiently transduced using a single antenna element in a space-constrained environment for the UE, thus avoiding the need to dedicate space to two antenna elements. Signals in different frequency bands can be efficiently transduced using a single antenna element that covers a frequency span greater than that achievable using a tuned antenna element (e.g., by adding an LC band-stop filter circuit to the corresponding energy coupler connection to the antenna element), for example, without additional cost. Other capabilities can be provided, and not every specific embodiment of this disclosure is required to provide any, let alone all, of the capabilities discussed. Furthermore, it is possible to achieve the above effects in ways other than those indicated, and the indicated items / techniques may not necessarily produce the indicated effects.

[0018] refer to Figure 1 The communication system 100 includes mobile devices 112, a network 114, a server 116, access points (APs) 118 and 120, and a satellite 130. The communication system 100 is a wireless communication system because its components can communicate with each other directly or indirectly (at least sometimes via wireless connections) using one or more of the networks 114 and / or access points 118 and 120 (and / or one or more other devices not shown, such as one or more base transceivers) using wireless connections. For indirect communication, the communication can be altered during transmission from one entity to another, for example, by changing the header information of data packets, changing the format, etc. The mobile devices 112 shown are mobile wireless communication devices (although they can communicate wirelessly and via wired connections), including mobile phones (including smartphones), laptops, and tablets. Other mobile devices, whether currently existing or developed in the future, may also be used. Furthermore, other wireless devices (whether or not mobile devices) can be implemented within the communication system 100 and can communicate with each other and / or with mobile devices 112, network 114, server 116, and / or APs 118 and 120. For example, such other devices may include Internet of Things (IoT) devices, medical devices, home entertainment and / or automation devices, automotive devices, etc. Mobile devices 112 or other devices can be configured to communicate in different networks and / or for different purposes (e.g., 5G, Wi-Fi communication, Wi-Fi communication on multiple frequencies, satellite communication and / or positioning, one or more types of cellular communication (e.g., GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), etc.), Bluetooth). ®(Communications, etc.). Satellite 130 is one of a plurality of satellites constituting one or more satellite positioning systems (SPS) (such as the Global Positioning System (GPS)). One or more mobile devices in mobile device 112 include appropriate components (e.g., one or more antennas) for signal transmission with other devices in system 100, such as one or more antennas for receiving signals from satellite 130, and / or one or more antennas for transmitting signals to and / or receiving signals from other mobile devices in mobile device 112 and / or one or more APs in APs 118, 120.

[0019] Reference Figure 2 Mobile devices 200 ( Figure 1 An example of one of the mobile devices 112 shown includes a top cover 210, a display layer 220, a printed circuit board (PCB) layer 230, and a bottom cover 240. The mobile device 200 shown may be a smartphone or a tablet computer, but the embodiments described herein are not limited to such devices (e.g., in other specific embodiments of the concepts described herein, the device may be a router or customer premises equipment (CPE)). The top cover 210 includes a screen 214. The bottom cover 240 has a bottom surface 244. The sides 212, 242 of the top cover 210 and bottom cover 240 provide edge surfaces. The top cover 210 and bottom cover 240 constitute a housing that holds the display layer 220, the PCB layer 230, and other components of the mobile device 200 that may or may not be located on the PCB layer 230. For example, the housing may hold (e.g., accommodate, contain), or integrate with the antenna system, front-end circuitry, intermediate frequency circuitry, and processor discussed below. The housing may be substantially rectangular, having two sets of parallel edges in the illustrated embodiment, and may be configured to bend or fold. In this example, the housing has rounded corners, but the housing can be substantially rectangular with other corner shapes (e.g., corners at straight angles (e.g., 45°), 90°, other non-straight angles, etc.). Furthermore, the size and / or shape of the PCB layer 230 may be disproportionate to the size and / or shape of either the top or bottom cover, or otherwise disproportionate to the perimeter of the device. For example, the PCB layer 230 may have a cutout for receiving a battery. Additionally, the PCB layer 230 may include a mezzanine board and / or a PCB sub-board. The sub-board may be selected to facilitate design and / or manufacturing processes, for example, to enhance functional separation or better utilize space within the housing. Embodiments of the PCB layer 230 other than those illustrated are possible.

[0020] Limited available space in UEs (e.g., smartphones, tablets, etc.) presents challenges for antenna design. For example, in a mobile phone with 10 or more antennas for LTE, sub-6 GHz bands, and SPS (Satellite Positioning System) (e.g., GPS), there may be no additional space available for another antenna. Since antenna frequency bandwidth varies with antenna size, with small antennas typically having narrow bandwidths, designing a single antenna to cover a wide frequency bandwidth is challenging.

[0021] As used herein, the terms “user equipment” and “UE” are not specific to or otherwise limited to any particular radio access technology (RAT) unless otherwise specified. Generally, a UE can be any wireless communication device (e.g., mobile phone, router, tablet computer, laptop computer, consumer asset tracking device, Internet of Things (IoT) device, etc.) used by a user to communicate over a wireless communication network. A UE can be mobile or can (e.g., at certain times) be stationary and can communicate with a radio access network (RAN). As used herein, the term “UE” can be interchangeably referred to as “access terminal” or “AT,” “client device,” “wireless device,” “subscriber equipment,” “subscriber terminal,” “subscriber station,” “user terminal” or “UT,” “mobile terminal,” “mobile station,” “mobile device,” or variations thereof. Generally, a UE can communicate with a core network via the RAN, and through the core network, a UE can connect to external networks such as the Internet and to other UEs. Of course, other mechanisms for connecting to the core network and / or the Internet are also possible for a UE, such as via a wired access network, a WiFi network (e.g., based on IEEE 802.11, etc.). In addition, two or more UEs can communicate directly in some configurations, with or without exchanging information with each other over the network.

[0022] Also refer to Figure 3 The UE 300 includes a main body 310, a multi-range antenna 320, and RF circuitry 330. Although in Figure 3A multi-range antenna 320 is shown, but the UE 300 may include more than one multi-range antenna. Antenna 325 can be any of various antenna configurations, such as an IFA (inverted-F antenna), a PIFA (planar IFA), etc. Antenna 320 includes energy couplers 321, 322, band-stop filters 323, 324, and antenna element 325. Antenna 320 is communicatively coupled to RF circuitry 330. RF circuitry 330 is configured to provide RF transmit signals to antenna 320 (e.g., to antenna element 325) and / or is configured to process RF receive signals received by antenna element 325 and provided to RF circuitry 330. For example, RF circuitry 330 may be disposed on a PCB (printed circuit board) (e.g., include a portion of the PCB) and include a transmit component for generating and transmitting transmit signals to antenna 320, and / or a receive component for receiving and processing receive signals received by antenna 320. The transmitting component may include an oscillator, a power amplifier, a mixer, and a processor for providing a signal to be mixed by the mixer with a signal from the oscillator. The receiving component may include an LNA (low-noise amplifier), a mixer, an oscillator, and a processor for decoding the received signal amplified by the LNA and down-converted in frequency by the mixer and oscillator.

[0023] Also refer to Figure 4 As an example of UE 300, UE 400 may include multiple antenna elements 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417 corresponding to respective antennas (including one or more multi-range antennas), and PCB 420. PCB 420 may include circuitry for one or more antennas, for example, circuitry for an antenna including antenna element 416 (which is an example of antenna element 325). The circuitry in PCB 420 for the antenna including antenna element 416 (e.g., RF circuitry 330) may be coupled to antenna element 416 via energy couplers 431, 432, which may be conductive traces electrically connected to antenna element 416 and PCB 420.

[0024] Also refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The antenna element 325 of the multi-range antenna 320 may be positioned at least close to at least one of the plurality of edges 311, 312, 313, 314 of the body 310. For example, as Figure 3As shown, antenna element 325 is positioned close to edge 312 (near but separated from the edge). For example, the separation distance 430 between antenna element 325 and edge 312 may be within 3 mm, but the separation distance 430 may depend on the application. As another example, antenna element 325 may form part of one or more edges 311 to 314, or be positioned close to multiple edges 311 to 314 (e.g., two edges). Figure 5 As shown, antenna element 500, as an example of antenna element 325, is configured to be positioned near edge 312. Figure 6 As shown, antenna element 600, which is an example of antenna element 325, is configured to be located near edges 312 and 313.

[0025] Antenna 320 is configured to operate in, for example, multiple non-overlapping frequency bands (e.g., with a radiation efficiency above a threshold efficiency). Antenna element 325 is configured for (e.g., sized for) radiation / reception in multiple frequency ranges. Band-stop filters 323, 324 are configured, and energy couplers 321, 322 are connected to antenna element 325 at locations facilitating radiation / reception in the respective frequency ranges. The description herein focuses on the GPS frequency range, but antenna 320 can be configured to operate in other frequency ranges. For example, the length 502 of antenna element 500 or the length 602 of antenna element 600 may be approximately one-quarter of the wavelength in free space of the desired lower frequency, and the distance 506 or the distance 606 (from the midpoint of the respective energy coupler to the end of the respective antenna element 500, 600) may be approximately one-quarter of the wavelength in free space of the desired higher frequency. For example, band-stop filters 523 and 524 can be configured to block a first frequency and a second frequency, respectively, and the length 502 of antenna element 500 can be approximately one-quarter of the wavelength of the higher of the first and second frequencies (e.g., between 20% and 30% of that higher frequency). For example, if filter 523 is configured to block signals at approximately 1.5 GHz (e.g., with maximum suppression at approximately 1.5 GHz (e.g., between 1.45 GHz and 1.55 GHz)) and filter 524 is configured to block signals at approximately 1.1 GHz (e.g., between 1.05 GHz and 1.15 GHz), the length 502 can be approximately 50 mm. Filters 523 and 524 can be configured such that the difference between the first and second frequencies is approximately one-fifth or more of the lower of the first and second frequencies (e.g., at least 200 MHz (e.g., 300 MHz or more) for the first and second frequencies of approximately 1.1 GHz and 1.5 GHz). Filter 523 can be configured to block the higher of the first and second frequencies, and filter 524 can be configured to block the lower of the first and second frequencies. Power couplers 521 and 522 electrically connect filters 523 and 524 to antenna element 500 at corresponding positions 551 and 552 along the length 502 of antenna element 500. Positions 551 and 552 are selected to allow antenna element 500 to transduce signals at desired frequencies. The length 502 of antenna element 500 can be approximately ¼ of the wavelength of the lower frequency to be radiated and / or received, and the distance 506 from position 552 to the end 540 of antenna element 500 can be approximately ¼ of the wavelength of the higher frequency to be radiated and / or received.For examples of filters 523 and 524 configured to block frequencies of approximately 1.5 GHz (e.g., 1.575 GHz) and approximately 1.1 GHz (e.g., 1.174 GHz), the length 502 of antenna element 500 and the distance 506 from position 552 to end 540 of antenna element 500 can be approximately 54 mm and 39 mm, respectively. Therefore, a frequency of approximately 1.5 GHz can be radiated (and / or received) from the distance 506 of antenna element 500, and a frequency of approximately 1.1 GHz can be radiated (and / or received) from the length 502. The separation distance 508 between positions 551 and 552 can be less than approximately 5% of the wavelength of the higher of the first and second frequencies. For examples of filters 523 and 524 configured to block frequencies of approximately 1.5 GHz and approximately 1.1 GHz, the separation distance 508 can be less than approximately 10 mm, for example, between 5 mm and 10 mm.

[0026] Matching circuitry can be provided between the energy couplers 521, 522 and the RF circuitry 330. For example, a single impedance matching circuit 560 can be coupled to a transmit line 570, which connects the RF circuitry 580 in the PCB 590 to both the energy couplers 521 and 522 via band-stop filters 523, 524. Matching circuitry 560 can tune the impedance presented to the RF circuitry 580 to help the antenna 320 operate efficiently at the desired frequency. Although filters 523, 524 are shown as being located outside the PCB 590, filters 523, 524 can be located on the PCB 590 (e.g., including a portion of the PCB).

[0027] Also refer to Figure 6 Band-stop filters 323 and 324 (e.g., filters 523 and 524) may include LC circuitry. For example, LC circuitry 700 may be an example of either filter 323 or 324, including an inductor 710 connected in parallel with capacitor 720. The inductance value of inductor 710 and the capacitance value of capacitor 720 are selected to block corresponding frequencies. The inductance value of inductor 710 and / or the capacitance value of capacitor 720 will be different in different filters 323 and 324.

[0028] refer to Figure 7 For further reference Figures 1 to 6 Method 800, which couples energy between the antenna elements of the UE and the RF circuitry, includes the stages shown. However, method 800 is illustrative and not limiting. Method 800 may be modified, for example, by adding, removing, rearranging, combining, performing one or more stages concurrently, and / or splitting one or more individual stages into multiple stages.

[0029] At stage 810, method 800 includes coupling a first energy between a first location along the length of an antenna element and RF circuitry, wherein the antenna element is positioned at least close to at least one of a plurality of edges of a body. For example, a transmit signal or receive signal is transmitted between energy coupler 321 and RF circuitry 330, or between energy coupler 431 and PCB 420, or between energy coupler 521 and RF circuitry 580. Energy coupler 321, or energy coupler 431, or energy coupler 521 may include components for coupling the first energy between the first location along the length of the antenna element and RF circuitry.

[0030] At stage 820, method 800 includes coupling a second energy between a second location along the length of the antenna element and RF circuitry. For example, a transmit signal or a receive signal is transmitted between energy coupler 322 and RF circuitry 330, or between energy coupler 432 and PCB 420, or between energy coupler 522 and RF circuitry 580. Energy coupler 322, or energy coupler 432, or energy coupler 522 may include components for coupling the second energy between the second location along the length of the antenna element and RF circuitry.

[0031] At stage 830, method 800 includes suppressing frequencies in a first frequency band coupled between the antenna element and RF circuitry at a first location along the length of the antenna element. For example, band-stop filter 323 or band-stop filter 523 (or a band-stop filter in PCB 420) may suppress frequencies within a first frequency range (e.g., attenuating the signal within the first frequency range by at least a threshold attenuation, such as 3dB, 5dB, 10dB, or another amount). Band-stop filter 323 or band-stop filter 523 may include components for suppressing frequencies in the first frequency band.

[0032] At stage 840, the method includes suppressing frequencies in a second frequency band separated from the first frequency band that are coupled between the antenna element and the RF circuit at a second location along the length of the antenna element. For example, a band-stop filter 324 or band-stop filter 524 (or a band-stop filter in PCB 420) may suppress frequencies within the second frequency range (e.g., attenuating the signal within the second frequency range by at least a threshold attenuation, such as 3dB, 5dB, 10dB, or another amount). Band-stop filter 324 or band-stop filter 524 may include components for suppressing frequencies in the second frequency band.

[0033] Specific implementations of method 800 may include one or more of the following features. In an example implementation, suppressing frequencies coupled in a first frequency band between the antenna element and RF circuitry at a first location along the length of the antenna element includes suppressing the first frequency to a greater extent than other frequencies in the first frequency band, and suppressing frequencies coupled in a second frequency band between the antenna element and RF circuitry at a second location along the length of the antenna element includes suppressing the second frequency to a greater extent than other frequencies in the second frequency band, and the first and second frequencies differ by at least one-fifth of the lower of the first and second frequencies. For example, band-stop filters 323, 324 or band-stop filters 523, 524 may each have a maximum attenuation frequency, and the maximum attenuation frequencies of band-stop filters 323, 324 may differ by one-fifth or more of the lower frequency, or the maximum attenuation frequencies of band-stop filters 523, 524 may differ by one-fifth or more of the lower frequency. In another example implementation, for example for a GPS antenna, the first frequency is between 1.05 GHz and 1.15 GHz, and the second frequency is between 1.45 GHz and 1.55 GHz. In yet another example embodiment, the second frequency is higher than the first frequency, and the first position is separated from the second position by at least two percent of the wavelength of the second frequency in free space. For example, the separation distance 508 may be at least 0.02λ, where λ is the free space wavelength of the second frequency. For example, in the case where the first frequency is 1.1 GHz and the second frequency is 1.5 GHz, the separation distance 508 may be at least 4 mm. In yet another example embodiment, the second frequency is higher than the first frequency, and the antenna element includes an elongated conductor, and the length of the antenna element is between 20% and 30% of the wavelength of the second frequency in free space. For example, the length 502 may be between 0.2λ and 0.3λ, where λ is the free space wavelength of the second frequency. For example, the length 502 may be between 40 mm and 60 mm, where the first frequency is 1.1 GHz and the second frequency is 1.5 GHz.

[0034] Alternatively or additionally, implementations of method 800 may include providing impedance matching between the RF circuitry and the antenna element via a single impedance matching circuit. For example, matching circuit 560 may provide impedance matching between the RF circuitry 580 and the antenna element via band-stop filter 523 and band-stop filter 524. Matching circuit 560 may include components for providing impedance matching between the RF circuitry and the antenna element via a single impedance matching circuit.

[0035] Specific implementation examples Specific implementation examples are provided in the following numbered clauses.

[0036] Clause 1. A user equipment (UE) comprising: A main body, the main body including a rear panel and a front panel, the main body including multiple edges; An antenna element, wherein the antenna element is configured to be at least close to at least one of the plurality of edges of the body; An RF (radio frequency) circuit configured to perform at least one of the following operations: providing an RF transmission signal to the antenna element, or processing an RF reception signal received by the antenna element; A first energy coupler is coupled to the antenna element at a first position along the length of the antenna element; A second energy coupler is coupled to the antenna element at a second position along the length of the antenna element, the first position and the second position being separated along the length of the antenna element; A first band-stop filter, communicatively coupled to the RF circuit and the first energy coupler, and configured to suppress frequencies in a first frequency band; and A second band-stop filter is communicatively coupled to the RF circuit and the second energy coupler, and is configured to suppress frequencies in a second frequency band separate from the first frequency band.

[0037] Clause 2. The UE according to Clause 1, wherein the first band-stop filter is configured to suppress a first frequency to a greater extent than to suppress other frequencies in the first frequency band, the second band-stop filter is configured to suppress a second frequency to a greater extent than to suppress other frequencies in the second frequency band, and the first frequency and the second frequency differ from the lower of the first frequency and the second frequency by at least one-fifth.

[0038] Clause 3. The UE according to Clause 2, wherein the first band-stop filter includes a first LC circuit and the first frequency is between 1.05 GHz and 1.15 GHz, and wherein the second band-stop filter includes a second LC circuit and the second frequency is between 1.45 GHz and 1.55 GHz.

[0039] Clause 4. The UE according to Clause 2 or Clause 3, wherein the second frequency is higher than the first frequency, and wherein the first position is separated from the second position by at least two percent of the wavelength of the second frequency in free space.

[0040] Clause 5. The UE according to any one of Clauses 2 to 4, wherein the antenna element comprises an elongated conductor, and the length of the antenna element is between 20% and 30% of the wavelength of the second frequency in free space.

[0041] Clause 6. The UE according to any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein a single impedance matching circuit is coupled between the RF circuit and both the first band-stop filter and the second band-stop filter.

[0042] Clause 7. A method for coupling energy between an antenna element and an RF (radio frequency) circuit in a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: A first energy is coupled between the antenna element and the RF circuit at a first location along the length of the antenna element, wherein the antenna element is positioned at least close to at least one of a plurality of edges of the UE; A second energy is coupled between the first position and the RF circuit at a second position along the length of the antenna element, the first position and the second position being separated along the length of the antenna element; Suppressing frequencies in a first frequency band coupled between the first position along the length of the antenna element and the RF circuit; and Suppress frequencies in a second frequency band that are separated from the first frequency band and coupled between the second position along the length of the antenna element and the RF circuit.

[0043] Clause 8. The method according to Clause 7, wherein suppressing frequencies coupled in the first frequency band between the first location and the RF circuit along the length of the antenna element comprises: suppressing a first frequency to a greater extent than suppressing other frequencies in the first frequency band, and suppressing frequencies coupled in the second frequency band between the second location and the RF circuit along the length of the antenna element comprises: suppressing a second frequency to a greater extent than suppressing other frequencies in the second frequency band, and the first frequency and the second frequency differ from the lower of the first frequency and the second frequency by at least one-fifth.

[0044] Clause 9. The method according to Clause 8, wherein the first frequency is between 1.05 GHz and 1.15 GHz, and the second frequency is between 1.45 GHz and 1.55 GHz.

[0045] Clause 10. The method according to Clause 8 or Clause 9, wherein the second frequency is higher than the first frequency, and wherein the first position is separated from the second position by at least two percent of the wavelength of the second frequency in free space.

[0046] Clause 11. The method according to any one of Clauses 8 to 10, wherein the second frequency is higher than the first frequency, and wherein the antenna element comprises an elongated conductor, and the length of the antenna element is between 20% and 30% of the wavelength of the second frequency in free space.

[0047] Clause 12. The method according to any one of Clauses 7 to 11, the method further comprising providing impedance matching between the RF circuit and the antenna element via a single impedance matching circuit.

[0048] Clause 13. A user equipment (UE) comprising: A main body, the main body including a rear panel and a front panel, the main body including multiple edges; An antenna element, wherein the antenna element is configured to be at least close to at least one of the plurality of edges of the body; An RF (radio frequency) signal component, the RF (radio frequency) signal component being used for at least one of the following operations: providing an RF transmission signal to the antenna element, or processing an RF reception signal received by the antenna element; A component for coupling a first energy between the antenna element and the RF circuit at a first location along the length of the antenna element; A component for coupling a second energy between the antenna element and the RF circuit at a second location along the length of the antenna element, the first location and the second location being separated along the length of the antenna element; Components for suppressing frequencies in a first frequency band coupled between the antenna element and the RF circuit at the first position along the length of the antenna element; and A component for suppressing frequencies in a second frequency band separate from the first frequency band that are coupled between the second position along the length of the antenna element and the RF circuit.

[0049] Clause 14. The UE according to Clause 13, wherein the component for suppressing frequencies coupled in the first frequency band between the first position along the length of the antenna element and the RF circuitry comprises: a component for suppressing a first frequency to a greater extent than the extent to which other frequencies in the first frequency band are suppressed; the component for suppressing frequencies coupled in the second frequency band between the second position along the length of the antenna element and the RF circuitry comprises: a component for suppressing a second frequency to a greater extent than the extent to which other frequencies in the second frequency band are suppressed; and the first frequency and the second frequency differ from the lower of the first frequency and the second frequency by at least one-fifth.

[0050] Clause 15. The UE as described in Clause 14, wherein the first frequency is between 1.05 GHz and 1.15 GHz, and the second frequency is between 1.45 GHz and 1.55 GHz.

[0051] Clause 16. The UE according to Clause 14 or Clause 15, wherein the second frequency is higher than the first frequency, and wherein the first position is separated from the second position by at least two percent of the wavelength of the second frequency in free space.

[0052] Clause 17. The UE according to any one of Clauses 14 to 16, wherein the second frequency is higher than the first frequency, and wherein the antenna element comprises an elongated conductor, and the length of the antenna element is between 20% and 30% of the wavelength of the second frequency in free space.

[0053] Clause 18. The UE according to any one of Clauses 13 to 17, the UE further includes a single component for providing impedance between the RF circuit and the antenna element.

[0054] Other considerations Other examples and specific implementations are within the scope of this disclosure and the appended claims. For example, features that perform the function may also be physically located in various locations, including portions that are distributed such that they perform the function at different physical locations.

[0055] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” also include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Therefore, references to devices in the singular form (e.g., “device,” “the device”) include one or more such devices, as well as in the claims. The phrases “at least one” and “one or more” are used interchangeably, and cause the object referred to by “at least one” and the object referred to by “one or more” to include embodiments having one referred object and embodiments having multiple referred objects. For example, “at least one device” and “one or more devices” each include embodiments having one device and embodiments having multiple devices.

[0056] As used herein, the term "comprising" indicates the presence of the described features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0057] Furthermore, as used herein, the "or" (possibly followed by "at least one of" or "one or more of") used in the item enumeration indicates a disjunctive enumeration such that an enumeration of, for example, "at least one of A, B, or C," or an enumeration of "one or more of A, B, or C," or an enumeration of "A or B or C" represents A or B or C or AB (A and B) or AC (A and C) or BC (B and C) or ABC (i.e., A and B and C), or a combination having more than one feature (e.g., AA, AAB, ABBC, etc.). Therefore, a statement that an item (e.g., a processor) is configured to perform a function relating to at least one of A or B, or a statement that an item is configured to perform function A or function B, indicates that the item can be configured to perform a function relating to A, or can be configured to perform a function relating to B, or can be configured to perform a function relating to both A and B. For example, the phrase "a processor configured to measure at least one of A or B" or "a processor configured to measure A or measure B" means that the processor can be configured to measure A (and may or may not be configured to measure B), or can be configured to measure B (and may or may not be configured to measure A), or can be configured to measure both A and B (and can be configured to select which of A and B or measure both). Similarly, a description of a component for measuring at least one of A or B includes: a component for measuring A (which may or may not be able to measure B), or a component for measuring B (which may or may not be configured to measure A), or a component for measuring A and B (which may be able to select which of A and B or measure both). As another example, a description of an item (e.g., a processor) being configured to perform at least one of function X or function Y means that the item can be configured to perform function X, or can be configured to perform function Y, or can be configured to perform both functions X and Y. For example, the phrase "processor configured to measure at least one of X or Y" means that the processor can be configured to measure X (and may or may not be configured to measure Y), or can be configured to measure Y (and may or may not be configured to measure X), or can be configured to measure both X and Y (and can be configured to select which of X and Y or measure both).

[0058] As used herein, unless otherwise stated, a description of a function or operation as “based on” an item or condition means that the function or operation is based on the described item or condition and may be based on one or more items and / or conditions other than the described item or condition.

[0059] Substantial changes can be made depending on specific requirements. For example, custom hardware may be used, and / or specific elements may be implemented in the hardware, in software executed by the processor (including portable software such as applets), or both. Furthermore, connections to other computing devices, such as network input / output devices, may be employed. Unless otherwise specified, components shown in the figures and / or discussed herein that are connected or communicate with each other (functionally or otherwise) are communicatively coupled. That is, these components may be connected directly or indirectly to enable communication between them.

[0060] The systems and devices discussed above are examples. Various configurations may appropriately omit, substitute, or add various processes or components. For example, features described with respect to certain configurations may be combined in various other configurations. Different aspects and elements of configurations may be combined in a similar manner. Furthermore, technology is constantly evolving, and therefore many elements are examples and do not limit the scope of this disclosure or the claims.

[0061] A wireless communication system is a system in which communication is transmitted wirelessly between wireless communication devices (also called wireless communication devices), that is, through the propagation of electromagnetic waves and / or sound waves through the atmosphere rather than through wires or other physical connections. A wireless communication system (also called a wireless communication system or wireless communication network) may not transmit all communication wirelessly, but is configured to allow at least some communication to be transmitted wirelessly. Furthermore, the term "wireless communication device" or similar terms do not require that the device be functionally exclusive or even primarily used for communication, do not require that communication using the wireless communication device be exclusive or even primarily wireless, and do not require that the device be a mobile device, but rather indicate that the device includes wireless communication capabilities (one-way or two-way), for example, including at least one radio component (each radio component being part of a transmitter, receiver, or transceiver) for wireless communication.

[0062] Specific details are provided in this description to offer a thorough understanding of the example configurations, including specific implementations. However, the configurations can be practiced without these specific details. For example, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques have been shown without unnecessary detail to avoid obscuring these configurations. The description herein provides example configurations and does not limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the claims. Rather, the preceding description of the configurations provides a description for implementing the described techniques. Various changes can be made to the function and arrangement of the elements.

[0063] Having described several example configurations, various modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents can be used. For example, the above elements can be components of a larger system, where other rules may take precedence over or otherwise modify the application of this disclosure. Furthermore, several operations may be performed before, during, or after considering the above elements. Accordingly, the above description does not limit the scope of the claims.

[0064] Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "about" and / or "approximately" as used herein when referring to measurable values ​​(such as quantities, durations of time, etc.) cover variations of ±20%, ±10%, ±5%, or ±0.1% from the specified value, as appropriate in the context of the systems, devices, circuits, methods, and other specific embodiments described herein. Similarly, unless otherwise indicated, the term "substantially" as used herein when referring to measurable values ​​(such as quantities, durations of time, physical properties (such as frequencies), etc.) also covers variations of ±20%, ±10%, ±5%, or ±0.1% from the specified value, as appropriate in the context of the systems, devices, circuits, methods, and other specific embodiments described herein.

[0065] A statement that a value exceeds (or is greater than or higher than) a first threshold is equivalent to a statement that a value meets or exceeds a second threshold slightly greater than the first threshold. For example, in the resolution of the computing system, the second threshold is one value higher than the first threshold. A statement that a value is less than the first threshold (or within or below the first threshold) is equivalent to a statement that a value is less than or equal to a second threshold slightly lower than the first threshold. For example, in the resolution of the computing system, the second threshold is one value lower than the first threshold.

Claims

1. A user equipment (UE), the user equipment (UE) comprising: A main body, the main body including a rear panel and a front panel, the main body including multiple edges; An antenna element, wherein the antenna element is configured to be at least close to at least one of the plurality of edges of the body; An RF (radio frequency) circuit configured to perform at least one of the following operations: providing an RF transmission signal to the antenna element, or processing an RF reception signal received by the antenna element; A first energy coupler is coupled to the antenna element at a first position along the length of the antenna element; A second energy coupler is coupled to the antenna element at a second position along the length of the antenna element, the first position and the second position being separated along the length of the antenna element; A first band-stop filter, communicatively coupled to the RF circuit and the first energy coupler, and configured to suppress frequencies in a first frequency band; and A second band-stop filter is communicatively coupled to the RF circuit and the second energy coupler, and is configured to suppress frequencies in a second frequency band separate from the first frequency band.

2. The UE of claim 1, wherein the first band-stop filter is configured to suppress a first frequency to a greater extent than to suppress other frequencies in the first frequency band, the second band-stop filter is configured to suppress a second frequency to a greater extent than to suppress other frequencies in the second frequency band, and the first frequency and the second frequency differ from the lower of the first frequency and the second frequency by at least one-fifth.

3. The UE according to claim 2, wherein the first band-stop filter includes a first LC circuit and the first frequency is between 1.05 GHz and 1.15 GHz, and wherein the second band-stop filter includes a second LC circuit and the second frequency is between 1.45 GHz and 1.55 GHz.

4. The UE of claim 2, wherein the second frequency is higher than the first frequency, and wherein the first position is separated from the second position by at least two percent of the wavelength of the second frequency in free space.

5. The UE of claim 2, wherein the antenna element comprises an elongated conductor, and the length of the antenna element is between 20% and 30% of the wavelength of the second frequency in free space.

6. The UE of claim 1, wherein a single impedance matching circuit is coupled between the RF circuit and both the first band-stop filter and the second band-stop filter.

7. A method for coupling energy between an antenna element and an RF (radio frequency) circuit in a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: A first energy is coupled between the antenna element and the RF circuit at a first location along the length of the antenna element, wherein the antenna element is positioned at least close to at least one of a plurality of edges of the UE; A second energy is coupled between the first position and the RF circuit at a second position along the length of the antenna element, the first position and the second position being separated along the length of the antenna element; Suppress frequencies in a first frequency band coupled between the first position along the length of the antenna element and the RF circuit; as well as Suppress frequencies in a second frequency band that are separated from the first frequency band and coupled between the second position along the length of the antenna element and the RF circuit.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein suppressing frequencies in the first frequency band coupled between the first position along the length of the antenna element and the RF circuit comprises: Suppressing a first frequency to a greater extent than suppressing other frequencies in the first frequency band, and suppressing frequencies in the second frequency band coupled between the second location along the length of the antenna element and the RF circuit, includes suppressing a second frequency to a greater extent than suppressing other frequencies in the second frequency band, wherein the first frequency and the second frequency differ from the lower of the first frequency and the second frequency by at least one-fifth.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the first frequency is between 1.05 GHz and 1.15 GHz, and the second frequency is between 1.45 GHz and 1.55 GHz.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the second frequency is higher than the first frequency, and wherein the first position is separated from the second position by at least two percent of the wavelength of the second frequency in free space.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the second frequency is higher than the first frequency, and wherein the antenna element comprises an elongated conductor, and the length of the antenna element is between 20% and 30% of the wavelength of the second frequency in free space.

12. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: Impedance matching is provided between the RF circuit and the antenna element through a single impedance matching circuit.

13. A user equipment (UE), the user equipment (UE) comprising: A main body, the main body including a rear panel and a front panel, the main body including multiple edges; An antenna element, wherein the antenna element is configured to be at least close to at least one of the plurality of edges of the body; An RF (radio frequency) signal component, the RF (radio frequency) signal component being used for at least one of the following operations: providing an RF transmission signal to the antenna element, or processing an RF reception signal received by the antenna element; A component for coupling a first energy between the antenna element and the RF circuit at a first location along the length of the antenna element; A component for coupling a second energy between the antenna element and the RF circuit at a second location along the length of the antenna element, the first location and the second location being separated along the length of the antenna element; A component for suppressing the coupling of frequencies in a first frequency band between the first position along the length of the antenna element and the RF circuit; and A component for suppressing frequencies in a second frequency band separate from the first frequency band that are coupled between the second position along the length of the antenna element and the RF circuit.

14. The UE of claim 13, wherein the component for suppressing the coupling of frequencies in the first frequency band between the first position along the length of the antenna element and the RF circuit comprises: The component for suppressing a first frequency to a greater extent than the suppression of other frequencies in the first frequency band, and the component for suppressing frequencies in the second frequency band coupled between the second position along the length of the antenna element and the RF circuit, include: a component for suppressing a second frequency to a greater extent than the suppression of other frequencies in the second frequency band, and the first frequency and the second frequency differ from the lower of the first frequency and the second frequency by at least one-fifth.

15. The UE of claim 14, wherein the first frequency is between 1.05 GHz and 1.15 GHz, and the second frequency is between 1.45 GHz and 1.55 GHz.

16. The UE of claim 14, wherein the second frequency is higher than the first frequency, and wherein the first position is separated from the second position by at least two percent of the wavelength of the second frequency in free space.

17. The UE of claim 14, wherein the second frequency is higher than the first frequency, and wherein the antenna element comprises an elongated conductor, and the length of the antenna element is between 20% and 30% of the wavelength of the second frequency in free space.

18. The UE of claim 13, further comprising a single component for providing impedance between the RF circuit and the antenna element.

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