Antenna module and intelligent terminal
By adopting an integrated antenna radiator and frequency band switching design in the smart terminal, radio frequency signal radiation of multiple frequency bands can be achieved, solving the structural compactness problem caused by the segmentation of the metal frame, and improving antenna utilization and terminal compactness.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHONGQING TRANSSION COMM TECH LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-14
Smart Images
Figure CN224502341U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of antenna technology, and in particular to an antenna module and a smart terminal. Background Technology
[0002] With the rapid development of mobile communication, mobile terminal communication functions are becoming increasingly rich, and applications such as satellite communication, Global Positioning System (GPS), and WIFI 2.4GHz / 5G are gradually becoming more widespread, requiring more antennas to cover new frequency bands.
[0003] In conceiving and implementing this application, the inventors discovered at least the following problems: In some solutions, a portion of the metal frame of the smart terminal can be used as a radiator for an antenna of a communication frequency band. When the smart terminal has multiple communication frequency bands, the metal frame needs to be divided into multiple segments, with each segment serving as a radiator for an antenna of a communication frequency band. A single radiator of existing antennas cannot radiate radio frequency signals across multiple frequency bands, requiring multiple radiators, which occupies a significant portion of the smart terminal's metal frame and reduces the structural compactness of the smart terminal.
[0004] The preceding description is intended to provide general background information and does not necessarily constitute prior art. Utility Model Content
[0005] The main purpose of this application is to propose an antenna module and a smart terminal, which aims to improve the utilization rate of the antenna structure's radiating branches and enhance the structural compactness of the smart terminal.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application proposes an antenna module, comprising an integrated antenna radiator, a frequency band switching switch, and a radio frequency mount connected in sequence; the frequency band switching switch includes a first frequency band channel and a second frequency band channel, the first frequency band channel being configured to conduct an electrical connection between the integrated antenna radiator and the radio frequency mount, so that the antenna radiator operates in a first frequency band, and the second frequency band channel being configured to conduct an electrical connection between the integrated antenna radiator and the radio frequency mount, so that the antenna radiator operates in a second frequency band.
[0007] Optionally, the antenna module further includes a radio frequency (RF) circuit connected to the RF mount; the RF circuit includes a first RF circuit and a second RF circuit, wherein the first RF circuit is configured to receive / transmit RF signals in a first frequency band; or, the second RF circuit is configured to receive / transmit RF signals in a second frequency band; the RF signals in the second frequency band are satellite signals.
[0008] Optionally, the antenna module further includes a radio frequency path switching switch, the common terminal of which is connected to the radio frequency socket; the two switching terminals of the radio frequency path switching switch are respectively connected to the first radio frequency circuit and the second radio frequency circuit; the radio frequency path switching switch is configured to disconnect the electrical connection between the first radio frequency circuit and the antenna radiator when the second radio frequency circuit is in the transmitting state.
[0009] Optionally, the first frequency band includes a first sub-frequency band and a second sub-frequency band; the first radio frequency circuit includes a combiner, the common terminal of the combiner is connected to a switching terminal of the radio frequency path switching switch, and the two signal transmission terminals of the combiner are configured to transmit radio frequency signals of the first sub-frequency band and the second sub-frequency band respectively.
[0010] Optionally, the second radio frequency circuit includes a satellite communication chip, which is connected to another switching terminal of the radio frequency path switching switch.
[0011] Optionally, the antenna module further includes a first antenna radiator, which is disposed adjacent to the integrated antenna radiator.
[0012] Optionally, the antenna module further includes an antenna on / off switch, one end of which is connected to the first antenna radiator, and the antenna on / off switch is configured to transmit a third frequency band radio frequency signal when it is turned on.
[0013] Optionally, when the antenna on / off switch is off, the first antenna radiator is coupled to the integrated antenna radiator, so that the first antenna radiator acts as a parasitic element of the integrated antenna radiator.
[0014] Optionally, the antenna module includes a metal frame with a slit that divides the metal frame into the first antenna radiator and the integrated antenna radiator.
[0015] Optionally, the first antenna radiator and / or the integrated antenna radiator are integral with the metal frame.
[0016] Optionally, the antenna module includes a frame and a flexible circuit board fixed to the frame, wherein the first antenna radiator and / or the integrated antenna radiator are disposed on the flexible circuit board.
[0017] In one embodiment, the antenna module further includes a support, on which the first integrated antenna radiator and / or the first antenna radiator is disposed.
[0018] Optionally, the antenna module further includes a housing, on which the second integrated antenna radiator is disposed.
[0019] Optionally, the antenna module further includes a circuit board, on which the second integrated antenna radiator is disposed.
[0020] Optionally, the antenna module further includes a housing, wherein the first integrated antenna radiator and the housing are integrally formed.
[0021] Optionally, the antenna module further includes a flexible circuit board fixed to the housing, and the integrated antenna radiator is disposed on the flexible circuit board.
[0022] Optionally, the antenna module further includes a ground plane, which is electrically connected to the integrated antenna radiator.
[0023] This application also proposes a smart terminal, which includes the antenna module described above.
[0024] This application provides an antenna module. The antenna module connects the RF mount to the same contact point of the integrated antenna radiator via a frequency band switching switch. The frequency band switching switch includes two frequency band paths, each transmitting RF signals at different frequencies. By switching between different frequency band paths, the corresponding RF signal can be transmitted. This allows for the radiation of at least two frequency bands using the same integrated antenna radiator, improving the utilization rate of the integrated antenna radiator, reducing the metal frame footprint of the smart terminal, and enhancing the structural compactness of the smart terminal. This application proposes an antenna module that achieves dual-band radiation with a single integrated antenna radiator (single grounding and single opening slot) in a compact space. Compared to satellite communication, which requires separate design and adds an extra radiating stub, increasing physical space design difficulties, this application integrates satellite communication and other antennas through antenna design and RF path switching without affecting the overall layout. This does not increase the number of antennas or physical space, while meeting the antenna performance specifications for satellite communication. Attached Figure Description
[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.
[0026] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a mobile terminal to implement the various embodiments of this application;
[0027] Figure 2 A communication network system architecture diagram provided in this application embodiment;
[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first embodiment of the antenna module provided in this application.
[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second embodiment of the antenna module provided in this application;
[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the third embodiment of the antenna module provided in this application.
[0031] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation
[0032] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.
[0033] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element. Optionally, components, features, and elements with the same names in different embodiments of this application may have the same meaning or different meanings, the specific meaning of which needs to be determined by its interpretation in that specific embodiment or further in conjunction with the context of that specific embodiment.
[0034] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various information, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish information of the same type from one another. For example, without departing from the scope of this document, first information may also be referred to as second information, and similarly, second information may also be referred to as first information. Depending on the context, the word "if," as used herein, may be interpreted as "when," "when," or "in response to determination." Furthermore, as used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to also include the plural forms unless the context indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that the terms "comprising," "including," indicate the presence of the stated feature, step, operation, element, component, item, kind, and / or group, but do not exclude the presence, occurrence, or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, items, kinds, and / or groups. The terms "or," "and / or," "including at least one of the following," etc., as used in this application, may be interpreted as inclusive, or mean any one or any combination thereof. For example, "including at least one of the following: A, B, C" means "any one of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A and B and C." Similarly, "A, B, or C" or "A, B, and / or C" means "any one of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A and B and C." Exceptions to this definition only occur when the combination of elements, functions, steps, or operations is inherently mutually exclusive in some way.
[0035] Depending on the context, the words “if” or “suppose” as used here can be interpreted as “when” or “in response to determination” or “in response to detection.” Similarly, depending on the context, the phrases “if determination” or “if detection (of the stated condition or event)” can be interpreted as “when determination” or “in response to determination” or “when detection (of the stated condition or event)” or “in response to detection (of the stated condition or event).”
[0036] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of this application and are not intended to limit this application.
[0037] In the following description, the use of suffixes such as "module," "part," or "unit" to denote elements is solely for the purpose of illustrative purposes and has no specific meaning in itself. Therefore, "module," "part," or "unit" may be used interchangeably.
[0038] Smart terminals can be implemented in various forms. For example, the smart terminals described in this application may include mobile terminals such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, handheld computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable media players (PMPs), navigation devices, wearable devices, smart bracelets, pedometers, etc., as well as fixed terminals such as digital TVs and desktop computers.
[0039] The following description will use a mobile terminal as an example. Those skilled in the art will understand that, apart from elements specifically designed for mobile purposes, the construction according to the embodiments of this application can also be applied to fixed-type terminals.
[0040] Please see Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a mobile terminal implementing various embodiments of this application. The mobile terminal 100 may include: an RF (Radio Frequency) unit 101, a WiFi module 102, an audio output unit 103, an A / V (Audio / Video) input unit 104, a sensor 105, a display unit 106, a user input unit 107, an interface unit 108, a memory 109, a processor 110, and a power supply 111, etc. Those skilled in the art will understand that... Figure 1 The mobile terminal structure shown does not constitute a limitation on the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.
[0041] The following is combined with Figure 1 A detailed introduction to each component of the mobile terminal:
[0042] The radio frequency unit 101 can be used for receiving and transmitting signals during information transmission or calls. Specifically, it receives downlink information from the base station and processes it with the processor 110; additionally, it transmits uplink data to the base station. Typically, the radio frequency unit 101 includes, but is not limited to, an antenna, at least one amplifier, a transceiver, a coupler, a low-noise amplifier, and a duplexer. Furthermore, the radio frequency unit 101 can also communicate wirelessly with networks and other devices. The aforementioned wireless communications may use any communication standard or protocol, including but not limited to GSM (Global System of Mobile communication), GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), CDMA2000 (Code Division Multiple Access 2000), WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access), TD-SCDMA (Time Division-Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access), FDD-LTE (Frequency Division Duplexing-Long Term Evolution), TDD-LTE (Time Division Duplexing-Long Term Evolution), 5G, and 6G.
[0043] WiFi is a short-range wireless transmission technology. Mobile terminals, through the WiFi module 102, can help users send and receive emails, browse web pages, and access streaming media, providing users with wireless broadband internet access. Although Figure 1 WiFi module 102 is shown, but it is understood that it is not a necessary component of a mobile terminal and can be omitted as needed without changing the nature of the invention.
[0044] The audio output unit 103 can convert audio data received by the radio frequency unit 101 or the WiFi module 102 or stored in the memory 109 into audio signals and output them as sound when the mobile terminal 100 is in call signal receiving mode, call mode, recording mode, voice recognition mode, broadcast receiving mode, etc. Furthermore, the audio output unit 103 can also provide audio output related to specific functions performed by the mobile terminal 100 (e.g., call signal receiving sound, message receiving sound, etc.). The audio output unit 103 may include a speaker, a buzzer, etc.
[0045] The A / V input unit 104 is used to receive audio or video signals. The A / V input unit 104 may include a graphics processing unit (GPU) 1041 and a microphone 1042. The GPU 1041 processes image data of still images or videos acquired by an image capture device (such as a camera) in video capture mode or image capture mode. The processed image frames can be displayed on the display unit 106. The image frames processed by the GPU 1041 can be stored in the memory 109 (or other storage media) or transmitted via the radio frequency unit 101 or the WiFi module 102. The microphone 1042 can receive sound (audio data) in operating modes such as telephone call mode, recording mode, and voice recognition mode, and can process such sound into audio data. The processed audio (voice) data can be converted into a format that can be transmitted to a mobile communication base station via the radio frequency unit 101 in telephone call mode. The microphone 1042 can implement various types of noise cancellation (or suppression) algorithms to eliminate (or suppress) noise or interference generated during the reception and transmission of audio signals.
[0046] The mobile terminal 100 also includes at least one sensor 105, such as a light sensor, a motion sensor, and other sensors. Optionally, the light sensor includes an ambient light sensor and a proximity sensor. Optionally, the ambient light sensor can adjust the brightness of the display panel 1061 according to the ambient light level, and the proximity sensor can turn off the display panel 1061 and / or backlight when the mobile terminal 100 is moved to the ear. As a type of motion sensor, the accelerometer sensor can detect the magnitude of acceleration in various directions (generally three axes), and can detect the magnitude and direction of gravity when stationary. It can be used for applications that recognize the phone's posture (such as landscape / portrait switching, related games, magnetometer posture calibration), vibration recognition related functions (such as pedometer, tapping), etc. Other sensors that may be configured in the phone, such as fingerprint sensors, pressure sensors, iris sensors, molecular sensors, gyroscopes, barometers, hygrometers, thermometers, and infrared sensors, will not be described in detail here.
[0047] The display unit 106 is used to display information input by the user or information provided to the user. The display unit 106 may include a display panel 1061, which may be configured in the form of a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), or the like.
[0048] User input unit 107 can be used to receive input numerical or character information, and generate key signal inputs related to user settings and function control of the mobile terminal. Optionally, user input unit 107 may include touch panel 1071 and other input devices 1072. Touch panel 1071, also known as touch screen, can collect touch operations on or near the user (such as operations performed by the user using a finger, stylus, or any suitable object or accessory on or near touch panel 1071), and drive corresponding connection devices according to a pre-set program. Touch panel 1071 may include two parts: a touch detection device and a touch controller. Optionally, the touch detection device detects the user's touch position and the signal generated by the touch operation, and transmits the signal to the touch controller; the touch controller receives touch information from the touch detection device, converts it into touch point coordinates, sends it to processor 110, and can receive and execute commands sent by processor 110. In addition, touch panel 1071 can be implemented using various types such as resistive, capacitive, infrared, and surface acoustic wave. In addition to the touch panel 1071, the user input unit 107 may also include other input devices 1072. Optionally, other input devices 1072 may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: physical keyboard, function keys (such as volume control buttons, power buttons, etc.), trackball, mouse, joystick, etc., without being specifically limited here.
[0049] Optionally, the touch panel 1071 may cover the display panel 1061. When the touch panel 1071 detects a touch operation on or near it, it transmits the information to the processor 110 to determine the type of touch event. Subsequently, the processor 110 provides corresponding visual output on the display panel 1061 based on the type of touch event. Although in Figure 1 In this embodiment, the touch panel 1071 and the display panel 1061 are two independent components to realize the input and output functions of the mobile terminal. However, in some embodiments, the touch panel 1071 and the display panel 1061 can be integrated to realize the input and output functions of the mobile terminal. The specific implementation is not limited here.
[0050] Interface unit 108 serves as an interface through which at least one external device can connect to mobile terminal 100. For example, the external device may include a wired or wireless headset port, an external power supply (or battery charger) port, a wired or wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for connecting a device including an identification module, an audio input / output (I / O) port, a video I / O port, a headphone port, and so on. Interface unit 108 may be used to receive input (e.g., data, power, etc.) from the external device and transmit the received input to one or more elements within mobile terminal 100, or it may be used to transmit data between mobile terminal 100 and the external device.
[0051] The memory 109 can be used to store software programs and various data. The memory 109 may primarily include a program storage area and a data storage area. Optionally, the program storage area may store the operating system, applications required for at least one function (such as sound playback, image playback, etc.), etc.; the data storage area may store data created based on the use of the mobile phone (such as audio data, phonebook, etc.). Furthermore, the memory 109 may include high-speed random access memory, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, or other volatile solid-state storage device.
[0052] The processor 110 is the control center of the mobile terminal. It connects various parts of the mobile terminal via various interfaces and lines. By running or executing software programs and / or modules stored in the memory 109, and by calling data stored in the memory 109, it performs various functions and processes data of the mobile terminal, thereby providing overall monitoring of the mobile terminal. The processor 110 may include one or more processing units; preferably, the processor 110 may integrate an application processor and a modem processor. Optionally, the application processor mainly handles the operating system, user interface, and applications, while the modem processor mainly handles wireless communication. It is understood that the modem processor may not be integrated into the processor 110.
[0053] The mobile terminal 100 may also include a power supply 111 (such as a battery) that supplies power to various components. Preferably, the power supply 111 can be logically connected to the processor 110 through a power management system, thereby enabling functions such as charging, discharging, and power consumption management through the power management system.
[0054] although Figure 1 As not shown, the mobile terminal 100 may also include a Bluetooth module, etc., which will not be described in detail here.
[0055] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the communication network system on which the mobile terminal of this application is based is described below.
[0056] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 2 This application provides a communication network system architecture diagram. The communication network system is an LTE system based on the universal mobile communication technology. The LTE system includes a UE (User Equipment) 201, an E-UTRAN (Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network) 202, an EPC (Evolved Packet Core) 203, and the operator's IP services 204, which are connected in sequence.
[0057] Optionally, UE201 can be the aforementioned terminal 100, which will not be described in detail here.
[0058] E-UTRAN202 includes eNodeB2021 and other eNodeB2022s. Optionally, eNodeB2021 can connect to other eNodeB2022s via backhaul (e.g., X2 interface). eNodeB2021 connects to EPC203 and can provide UE201 with access to EPC203.
[0059] EPC203 may include an MME (Mobility Management Entity) 2031, an HSS (Home Subscriber Server) 2032, other MMEs 2033, an SGW (Serving Gateway) 2034, a PGW (Packet Data Network Gateway) 2035, and a PCRF (Policy and Charging Rules Function) 2036, etc. Optionally, MME2031 is the control node that handles signaling between UE201 and EPC203, providing bearer and connection management. HSS2032 is used to provide registers to manage functions such as the Home Location Register (not shown in the figure) and stores user-specific information such as service characteristics and data rates. All user data can be sent through SGW2034. PGW2035 can provide UE 201 IP address allocation and other functions. PCRF2036 is the policy and charging control decision point for service data flow and IP bearer resources. It selects and provides available policy and charging control decisions for the policy and charging enforcement function unit (not shown in the figure).
[0060] IP services 204 may include the Internet, intranet, IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem), or other IP services.
[0061] Although the above description uses the LTE system as an example, those skilled in the art should know that this application is not only applicable to the LTE system, but also to other wireless communication systems, such as GSM, CDMA2000, WCDMA, TD-SCDMA, 5G and future new network systems (such as 6G), etc., without limitation.
[0062] Based on the above-described mobile terminal hardware structure and communication network system, various embodiments of this application are proposed.
[0063] First Embodiment
[0064] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna module structure according to the first embodiment. The antenna module of this application embodiment can be applied to a smart terminal (such as a mobile phone). The antenna module includes an integrated antenna radiator 10, a frequency band switching switch S1, and a radio frequency mount 20 connected in sequence.
[0065] Optionally, the frequency band switching switch S1 includes a first frequency band channel and a second frequency band channel. The first frequency band channel is configured to conduct the electrical connection between the integrated antenna radiator 10 and the radio frequency base 20, so that the antenna radiator operates in the first frequency band f1. The second frequency band channel is configured to conduct the electrical connection between the integrated antenna radiator 10 and the radio frequency base 20, so that the antenna radiator operates in the second frequency band f2.
[0066] Optionally, in this embodiment, the integrated antenna radiator 10 can be disposed on the frame of the smart terminal, on the housing of the smart terminal, on a circuit board, or on other carriers; no limitation is imposed here. When the integrated antenna radiator 10 is disposed on the frame of the smart terminal, it can be disposed at the top of the frame, and the overall structure can be an L-shaped component or a straight strip component. The specific placement depends on the position of the integrated antenna radiator 10 on the metal frame; no limitation is imposed here. Optionally, when the integrated antenna radiator 10 is disposed on the frame of the smart terminal, the two ends of the integrated antenna radiator 10 can be spaced apart from other frames by opening gaps. The integrated antenna radiator 10 includes a first end that is suspended and a second end that is grounded, both of which can be physically connected to other frames using insulating material.
[0067] Optionally, in this embodiment, the integrated antenna radiator 10 can be an integrated design of a GPS L1 antenna, a WIFI MIMO antenna, a Sub6G MIMO antenna and a satellite communication antenna. Of course, in other embodiments, the integrated antenna radiator 10 can also be an integrated design of a GPS L2, GPS L5 and WIFI 2.4G antenna and a satellite communication antenna.
[0068] Optionally, the smart terminal can be equipped with a motherboard and a ground plane. The motherboard can integrate components such as a control chip, a signal processing chip, a control switch interface, and indicator lights. The matching circuit can be set on the motherboard, and both the matching circuit and the feed point are set on the motherboard. The integrated antenna radiator 10 is provided with a feed contact and a ground contact. The integrated antenna radiator 10 is electrically connected to the frequency band switching switch S1, the matching circuit, and the RF socket 20 on the motherboard through the feed contact. The integrated antenna radiator 10 is electrically connected to the ground plane through the ground contact. When the RF socket 20 is connected to the feed source, the feed current flows into the ground plane through the current path formed by the RF socket 20, the feed contact of the first or second frequency band channel of the frequency band switching switch S1, and the ground contact of the integrated antenna radiator 10, thereby realizing the radiation and reception of RF signals.
[0069] Optionally, when the integrated antenna radiator 10 is mounted on a carrier other than the motherboard, it can be electrically connected to the motherboard via electrical connectors such as spring contacts mounted on the motherboard. The ground plane can be located between the motherboard and the display screen of the smart terminal. As the main ground of the smart terminal, the antenna module can be directly connected to the ground plane using a grounding isolation rib, or it can be indirectly connected to the ground plane via grounding connectors, filtering circuits, and the system ground of the motherboard.
[0070] In some embodiments, the antenna module may also be provided with a matching circuit. The matching circuit may be connected in series between the frequency band switching switch S1 and the RF socket 20. The matching circuit may be selected as an L-type matching circuit, a T-type matching circuit, a π-type matching circuit, or other matching circuits with capacitors, inductors, or combinations of capacitors and inductors. The matching circuit is configured to adjust the impedance matching between the integrated antenna radiator 10 and the RF circuit 30 provided on the motherboard, and to filter out noise signals other than the frequency band of the RF signal. The number of matching circuits can be two or more. This embodiment uses two as an example for explanation. Optionally, one of the two matching circuits is the first matching circuit and the other is the second matching circuit. When the frequency band switching switch S1 is connected to the first matching circuit, the second matching circuit 30 receives the feed current signal from the RF socket 20, so that the integrated antenna radiator 10 excites the first mode to generate the radiation signal of the first frequency band f1. The first mode is the GPS L1 antenna mode or the N77 / N78 antenna mode. The first frequency band f1 is the frequency band corresponding to the GPS L1 antenna or the N77 / N78 antenna. The frequency band of the GPS L1 antenna is specifically (1559MHz~1620MHz), the frequency band of the N77 antenna can be N77 (3300~4200MHz), and the frequency band of the N78 antenna is specifically (3300~3800MHz). When the frequency band switching switch S1 is connected to the second matching circuit, the second matching circuit receives a feed current signal from the radio frequency base 20, causing the integrated antenna radiator 10 to excite the second mode to generate a radiation signal of the second frequency band f2; the second mode is the satellite communication antenna mode, and the second frequency band f2 is the frequency band corresponding to the satellite communication antenna, specifically the satellite communication L band: (UL: 1626.5MHz-1660.5MHz; DL: 15225MHz-1559MHz) or the satellite communication S band: (UL: 1980MHz-2010MHz; DL: 2170MHz-2200MHz).
[0071] This application provides an antenna module. The antenna module connects the RF mount 20 to the same contact point of the integrated antenna radiator 10 via a frequency band switching switch S1. The frequency band switching switch S1 includes two frequency band paths, each transmitting RF signals at different frequencies. By switching between different frequency band paths using the frequency band switching switch S1, RF signals of the corresponding frequency band can be transmitted. This allows for the radiation of at least two frequency bands of RF signals using the same integrated antenna radiator 10, improving the utilization rate of the integrated antenna radiator 10, reducing the occupancy of the metal frame of the smart terminal, and improving the structural compactness of the smart terminal. Compared to satellite communication, which requires separate design and adds an extra radiating stub, increasing physical space design difficulties, this application integrates satellite communication and other antennas through antenna design and RF path switching without affecting the overall layout. This does not increase the number of antennas or physical space, while meeting the antenna performance specifications of satellite communication.
[0072] Second Embodiment
[0073] Reference Figure 4 In this embodiment, the antenna module further includes a radio frequency (RF) circuit 30, which is connected to the RF socket 20. The RF circuit 30 includes a first RF circuit 31 and a second RF circuit 32. The first RF circuit 31 is configured to receive / transmit RF signals of a first frequency band f1; or, the second RF circuit 32 is configured to receive / transmit RF signals of a second frequency band f2. The RF signals of the second frequency band are satellite signals.
[0074] In this embodiment, the radio frequency (RF) circuit 30 may include a transceiver, an RF power amplifier, a filter, a power divider, a multiplexer, etc. The transceiver can be configured to modulate / demodulate the RF signal, the RF power amplifier can be configured to amplify the RF signal, and the multiplexer can be configured to isolate the RF signal transmission and reception. The filter is configured to filter the RF signal, retaining signals within a specific frequency band and filtering out unwanted interference signals. The power divider can split the received RF signal energy into two or more paths before outputting them to the transceiver.
[0075] Optionally, the antenna module further includes an RF path switching switch S2, the common terminal of which is connected to the RF socket 20; the two switching terminals of the RF path switching switch S2 are respectively connected to the first RF circuit 31 and the second RF circuit 32; the RF path switching switch S2 is configured to disconnect the electrical connection between the first RF circuit 31 and the antenna radiator when the second RF circuit 32 is in the transmitting state.
[0076] In this embodiment, the RF path switching switch S2 can be implemented using an integrated RF switch chip. When the antenna module is configured as a smart terminal, the RF path switching switch S2 can be connected to the processor in the smart terminal, and the processor controls the RF path switching switch S2. Optionally, when the RF path switching switch S2 is activated, it can select the antenna frequency band connected to the corresponding RF path for transmitting or receiving RF signals. The RF path switching switch S2 can switch the electrical connection between the first RF circuit 31 and the second RF circuit 32 and the RF socket 20. When the RF path switching switch S2 is connected to the first RF circuit 31, the first RF circuit 31, through the RF path switching switch S2 and the RF socket 20, is electrically connected to the integrated antenna radiator 10 via the first frequency band path of the frequency band switching switch S1 that receives or transmits the corresponding first frequency band f1 RF signal, forming a first frequency band f1 RF path. This allows the integrated antenna radiator 10 to output the first frequency band f1 RF signal to be transmitted, or to receive the first frequency band f1 RF signal from the integrated antenna radiator 10. When the RF path switching switch S2 is connected to the second RF circuit 32, the second RF circuit 32 is electrically connected to the integrated antenna radiator 10 through the RF path switching switch S2 and the RF base 20, and the second frequency band path of the frequency band switching switch S1 that receives or transmits the RF signal of the corresponding second frequency band f2, forming the second frequency band f2 RF path, thereby outputting the second frequency band f2 RF signal to be transmitted to the integrated antenna radiator 10, or the second frequency band f2 RF signal received from the integrated antenna radiator 10.
[0077] In one embodiment, the radio frequency signal of the first frequency band f1 can be selected as the antenna frequency band corresponding to the GPSL1+N77 / N78 antenna, and the radio frequency signal of the second frequency band f2 can be selected as a satellite signal. The radio frequency paths corresponding to the first frequency band f1 of the GPSL1+N77 / N78 antenna and the second frequency band f2 of the satellite communication antenna are switched by the radio frequency path switching switch S2. This switches the connection state between different radio frequency circuits 30 and the antenna in different scenarios, achieving functional matching in different scenarios. Optionally, when the second radio frequency circuit 32 is connected to the antenna, it can support the reception of satellite positioning signals in satellite positioning scenarios and transmit satellite communication signals to the target communication satellite in satellite communication transmission scenarios. By selecting and blocking the radio frequency path through the radio frequency path switching switch S2, the first radio frequency circuit 31 can also disconnect from the antenna in time when the second radio frequency circuit 32 is in the transmission state, thereby avoiding the problem of path blockage or even device damage caused by the transmission of satellite communication signals by the first radio frequency circuit 31.
[0078] Optionally, refer to Figure 5In one embodiment, the first frequency band f1 includes a first sub-frequency band f1 and a second sub-frequency band f2; the first radio frequency circuit 31 includes a combiner 311, the common terminal of which is connected to one switching terminal of the radio frequency path switching switch S2, and the two signal transmission terminals of the combiner 311 are configured to transmit radio frequency signals of the first sub-frequency band f1 and the second sub-frequency band f2, respectively. Optionally, the second radio frequency circuit 32 includes a satellite communication chip 321, which is connected to the other switching terminal of the radio frequency path switching switch S2.
[0079] In this embodiment, the first sub-band f1 can be the frequency band corresponding to the GPS L1 antenna, which can be (1559MHz~1620MHz), and the second sub-band f2 can correspond to the frequency band corresponding to the N77 / N78 antenna, specifically N77 (3300~4200MHz). The combiner 311 can implement the combining processing function (when receiving signals, the combining processing function can be understood as splitting the received signals to obtain signals of different frequency bands), so as to transmit the obtained signals of different frequency bands to each of the first radio frequency circuits 31 respectively.
[0080] The satellite communication chip 321 can integrate a radio frequency transceiver, a satellite communication power amplifier (PA), a filter, and a low noise amplifier (LNA). When connected to an antenna, the satellite communication chip 321 can support the reception of satellite positioning signals in satellite positioning scenarios, and can transmit satellite communication signals to the target communication satellite in satellite communication transmission scenarios.
[0081] Third Embodiment
[0082] Reference Figure 5 In this embodiment, the antenna module further includes a first antenna radiator 40, which is disposed adjacent to the integrated antenna radiator 10.
[0083] In this embodiment, the first antenna radiator 40 can be designed as an antenna operating in a different frequency band than the integrated antenna radiator 10. Optionally, it can be a WIFI 2.4G antenna (2400MHz~2500MHz), a GPS L2 / L5 antenna, a Bluetooth antenna, etc. The first antenna radiator 40 is provided with a feed terminal, and a corresponding antenna feed point is also provided on the motherboard. The antenna body 10 is electrically connected to the RF circuit 30 on the motherboard through the feed terminal and the ground terminal to realize the radiation and reception of RF signals. Optionally, in this embodiment, the first antenna radiator 40 and the integrated antenna radiator 10 can be spaced apart on the frame of the smart terminal, or they can be placed on the casing of the smart terminal. The ground terminals 11 of the first antenna radiator 40 and the integrated antenna radiator 10 can each be connected to the system ground of the circuit board through a grounding connector. The first antenna radiator 40 can be designed to be spatially adjacent to the integrated antenna radiator 10. The first antenna radiator 40 can be designed to have a different radiation frequency band than the integrated antenna radiator 10, so as to realize different communication functions of the smart terminal and meet different communication needs.
[0084] Optionally, the antenna module further includes an antenna on / off switch S3, one end of which is connected to the first antenna radiator 40, and the antenna on / off switch S3 is configured to transmit a radio frequency signal of the third frequency band f3 when it is turned on.
[0085] In this embodiment, the antenna on / off switch S3 can control the working state of the first antenna radiator 40. When the antenna on / off switch S3 is turned on, the first antenna radiator 40 is connected to the corresponding radio frequency circuit 30 through the antenna on / off switch S3 to realize the reception / transmission of radio frequency signals.
[0086] Optionally, the on / off state of the antenna switch S3 can also enable the first antenna radiator 40 to cooperate with the integrated antenna radiator 10 to transmit / receive radio frequency signals in the second frequency band f2. When the antenna switch S3 is off, the first antenna radiator 40 is coupled to the integrated antenna radiator 10, so that the first antenna radiator 40 acts as a parasitic element of the integrated antenna radiator 10.
[0087] In this embodiment, when the antenna on / off switch S3 is open, the first antenna radiator 40 is not working, meaning it will not receive or transmit the radio frequency signal of the third frequency band f3. At this time, the first antenna radiator 40 is coupled to the integrated antenna radiator 10, and the first antenna radiator 40 can serve as a parasitic element of the integrated antenna radiator 10, adjusting the second frequency band f2 of the antenna, thereby coupling the parasitic waveform to cover the frequency band of the satellite antenna. This embodiment uses the method of multiplexing antenna radiating branches, where the radiating branches of the first antenna radiator 40 serve as parasitic branches of the satellite communication antenna, causing the current direction of the parasitic branches to flow clockwise or counterclockwise, thereby improving the radiation efficiency of the satellite communication antenna.
[0088] In one embodiment, the antenna module includes a metal frame with a slit that divides the metal frame into a first antenna radiator 40 and an integrated antenna radiator 10. Optionally, the first antenna radiator 40 and / or the integrated antenna radiator 10 and the metal frame can be an integral structure.
[0089] In one embodiment, the antenna module includes a frame and a flexible circuit board fixed to the frame, wherein the first antenna radiator 40 and / or the integrated antenna radiator 10 are disposed on the flexible circuit board.
[0090] In this embodiment, the metal frame can serve as the exterior surface of the mobile terminal, such as the side frame and part or all of the back cover. The gaps can be used for tuning, with tuning performed based on changes in the gap width. The gaps can also be used to distinguish different antennas. Optionally, the gaps are filled with an insulating material, which can be achieved using nano-injection molding technology to isolate and differentiate different antennas.
[0091] Reference Figure 4 The first antenna radiator 40 and the integrated antenna radiator 10 can be directly implemented using the metal frame of the smart terminal, or they can be implemented by fixing an FPC (flexible printed circuit board) antenna to the frame of the smart terminal, or they can be manufactured directly on the metal frame using LDS (laser stencil) technology, making the first antenna radiator 40 and the integrated antenna radiator 10 an integral structure with the metal frame. When connecting the FPC antenna to the metal frame, the FPC antenna can be attached to the metal frame using adhesive or other methods, or the antenna FPC can be attached to the metal frame by welding steel sheets.
[0092] Optionally, the integrated antenna radiator 10 and the first antenna radiator 40 are physically spaced apart. Optionally, a gap may be provided between the integrated antenna radiator 10 and the first antenna radiator 40, isolating them by the gap or by other insulating materials. When the antenna switching switch is on, the first antenna radiator 40 operates in the third frequency band f3, radiating the radio frequency signal received from the feed point to an external terminal, or outputting the received radio frequency signal to the feed point, thus realizing the radiation and reception of radio frequency signals. When the antenna switching switch is off, the integrated antenna radiator 10 can achieve parasitic effects through electric field coupling via the gap, or through electric field coupling via other insulators, allowing the first antenna radiator 40 to act as a parasitic element, achieving coupling with the integrated antenna radiator 10, and acting as a parasitic branch of the integrated antenna radiator 10, enabling it to operate in the second frequency band f2.
[0093] Optionally, in one embodiment, the antenna module includes a support, on which the first integrated antenna radiator 10 and / or the first antenna radiator 40 are disposed.
[0094] In this embodiment, the bracket can be an antenna bracket configured to house an antenna. When the antenna module is configured as a smart terminal, the antenna bracket is located inside the smart terminal housing, the circuit board is located inside the smart terminal housing, and the antenna bracket is located between the housing and the circuit board. There may or may not be a gap between the antenna bracket and the housing. Optionally, the antenna bracket is made of insulating material. Optionally, the bracket can also be a support bracket for the circuit board, or a protective bracket for functional devices mounted on the circuit board; no limitation is made here. The antenna circuit and feed terminal of the first antenna radiator 40 and / or the integrated antenna radiator 10 can be mounted on the bracket using one or more combinations of spraying, printing, and 3D printing processes to form the first antenna radiator 40 and / or the integrated antenna radiator 10.
[0095] Optionally, the antenna module further includes a housing, and the integrated antenna radiator 10 is disposed on the housing. Optionally, the antenna module further includes a circuit board, and the integrated antenna radiator 10 is disposed on the circuit board.
[0096] In this embodiment, the housing can be a plastic housing or a metal housing. The plastic housing includes a housing body and an antenna fixing part, and is configured as a fixed housing. The frame, circuit board, etc. of the smart terminal are fixed to the housing body. Optionally, the integrated antenna radiator 10 can be disposed on the back cover of the housing. The circuit board and the integrated antenna radiator 10 can be electrically connected by means of spring clips, FPCs, etc., or by means of screws. Optionally, fixing holes can be made in the circuit board, and studs can be provided in the housing. Screws pass through the fixing holes to lock the circuit board to the housing, thereby achieving a fixed connection of the circuit board. The screws can abut against the antenna disposed on the housing, thereby achieving an electrical connection.
[0097] Optionally, the housing may include a front housing and a rear housing. The rear housing may be a non-conductive housing, with the integrated antenna radiator 10 mounted on a flexible circuit board, and the flexible circuit board then fixed to the rear housing. Optionally, the rear housing may be a metal housing, formed directly on the rear housing using LDS technology, so that the integrated antenna radiator 10 and the housing are designed as an integral structure.
[0098] This application also proposes a smart terminal, which includes the antenna module as described in any of the above embodiments.
[0099] The detailed structure of the antenna module can be referred to in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here. It is understood that since the above antenna module is used in the smart terminal of this application, the embodiments of the smart terminal of this application include all the technical solutions of all the embodiments of the above antenna module, and the technical effects achieved are exactly the same, and will not be repeated here.
[0100] The smart terminal also includes a terminal display screen, a terminal motherboard, a housing, and a frame. The housing, display screen, and frame together form a cavity for housing the smart terminal. Circuit boards and battery panels are housed within the cavity. The frame is configured to support and fix the terminal display screen embedded within the housing. In this embodiment, the antenna module can be disposed on the housing, on the frame, or partially on both. This application is applicable to smart terminals with metal frames 300, such as mobile phones, watches, wristbands, tablets, and laptops. However, it is not limited to metal frames; it can also be configured to form an integrated antenna radiator on a metal housing using FPC or LDS technology, as long as a similar grounding method is used.
[0101] In this application, the same or similar terms, concepts, technical solutions and / or application scenario descriptions are generally described in detail only when they appear for the first time. When they appear again, they are generally not repeated for the sake of brevity. When understanding the technical solutions and other contents of this application, the same or similar terms, concepts, technical solutions and / or application scenario descriptions that are not described in detail later can be referred to their previous relevant detailed descriptions.
[0102] In this application, the descriptions of the various embodiments have different focuses. For parts that are not described in detail or recorded in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.
[0103] The technical features of the present application can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of the present application.
[0104] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and do not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this application.
Claims
1. An antenna module, characterized in that, Includes an integrated antenna radiator, a frequency band switching switch, and an RF mount connected in sequence; The frequency band switching switch includes a first frequency band channel and a second frequency band channel. The first frequency band channel is configured to conduct the electrical connection between the integrated antenna radiator and the radio frequency base, so that the antenna radiator operates in the first frequency band. The second frequency band channel is configured to conduct the electrical connection between the integrated antenna radiator and the radio frequency base, so that the antenna radiator operates in the second frequency band.
2. The antenna module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The antenna module also includes a radio frequency circuit, which is connected to the radio frequency socket. The radio frequency circuit includes a first radio frequency circuit and a second radio frequency circuit. The first radio frequency circuit is configured to receive / transmit radio frequency signals in a first frequency band; or, the second radio frequency circuit is configured to receive / transmit radio frequency signals in a second frequency band, wherein the radio frequency signals in the second frequency band are satellite signals.
3. The antenna module as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The antenna module also includes an RF path switching switch, the common terminal of which is connected to the RF socket; The two switching terminals of the radio frequency path switching switch are respectively connected to the first radio frequency circuit and the second radio frequency circuit; The radio frequency path switching switch is configured to disconnect the electrical connection between the first radio frequency circuit and the antenna radiator when the second radio frequency circuit is in the transmitting state.
4. The antenna module as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The first frequency band includes a first sub-frequency band and a second sub-frequency band; The first radio frequency circuit includes a combiner, the common terminal of which is connected to a switching terminal of the radio frequency path switching switch, and the two signal transmission terminals of the combiner are configured to transmit radio frequency signals of the first sub-band and the second sub-band, respectively.
5. The antenna module as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The second radio frequency circuit includes a satellite communication chip, which is connected to another switching terminal of the radio frequency path switching switch.
6. The antenna module as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The antenna module further includes a first antenna radiator, which is disposed adjacent to the integrated antenna radiator.
7. The antenna module as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The antenna module also includes an antenna on / off switch, one end of which is connected to the first antenna radiator. The antenna on / off switch is configured to transmit a third frequency band radio frequency signal when it is turned on.
8. The antenna module as described in claim 7, characterized in that, When the antenna on / off switch is off, the first antenna radiator is coupled to the integrated antenna radiator, so that the first antenna radiator acts as a parasitic element of the integrated antenna radiator.
9. The antenna module as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The antenna module includes at least one of the following: A metal frame, wherein the metal frame has a slit that divides the metal frame into the first antenna radiator and the integrated antenna radiator; The first antenna radiator and / or the integrated antenna radiator are integrally formed with the metal frame; A frame and a flexible circuit board fixed to the frame, wherein the first antenna radiator and / or the integrated antenna radiator are disposed on the flexible circuit board.
10. A smart terminal, characterized in that, The smart terminal includes the antenna module as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.