communication equipment

Abstract

To provide a communication device.SOLUTION: A communication device includes an RF (Radio Frequency) module, an antenna structure, a first switch element, a second switch element, a plurality of first impedance elements, and a plurality of second impedance elements. The antenna structure is coupled to the RF module. The antenna structure includes a first radiation element and a second radiation element. The first switch element is coupled to the first radiation element. The first switch element is switchable between the first impedance elements. The second switch element is coupled to the second radiation element. The second switch element is switchable between the second impedance elements.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to communication devices, and more particularly to communication devices that support wideband operation. [Background technology]

[0002] With the development of mobile communication technology, mobile devices, such as portable computers, mobile phones, multimedia players, and other multifunctional portable electronic devices, have become increasingly common in recent years. To meet user needs, mobile devices typically have wireless communication capabilities. Some devices cover large wireless communication areas, such as mobile phones using 2G, 3G, and LTE (Long Term Evolution) systems and communicating in the 700 MHz, 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz, and 2700 MHz frequency bands. Other devices cover small wireless communication areas, such as mobile phones using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth systems and communicating in the 2.4 GHz, 5.2 GHz, and 5.8 GHz frequency bands.

[0003] Antennas are essential elements in wireless communications. If the operational bandwidth of an antenna used to transmit and receive signals is narrow, it will adversely affect the communication quality of mobile devices. Therefore, a new solution to the conventional problem is needed. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a communication device that supports wideband operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a communication device having an RF (Radio Frequency) module, an antenna structure, a first switch element, a second switch element, a plurality of first impedance elements, and a plurality of second impedance elements. The antenna structure is coupled to the RF module. The antenna structure has a first radiating element and a second radiating element. The first switch element is coupled to the first radiating element. The first switch element is coupled to the first impedance element. The second switch element is switchable between the second radiating elements. The second switch element is switchable between the second impedance elements.

[0006] In some embodiments, the antenna structure covers a first frequency band, a second frequency band, a third frequency band, and a fourth frequency band.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first frequency band is 700 MHz to 900 MHz, the second frequency band is 1700 MHz to 2200 MHz, the third frequency band is 3000 MHz to 4200 MHz, and the fourth frequency band is 4400 MHz to 5000 MHz.

[0008] In some embodiments, the vertical projection of the second radiating element at least partially overlaps the first radiating element.

[0009] In some embodiments, the antenna structure further comprises a feeding connection element coupled between the first radiating element and the second radiating element.

[0010] In some embodiments, the antenna structure has a feed point coupled to the RF module, the feed point being adjacent to the feed connection element.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first radiating element has a first end and a second end, the first end of the first radiating element is coupled to the feed connection element, and the second end of the first radiating element is coupled to the first switch element.

[0012] In some embodiments, the second radiating element has a first end and a second end, the first end of the second radiating element is coupled to the feed connection element, and the second end of the second radiating element is coupled to the second switch element.

[0013] In some embodiments, the communication device further comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) that provides a ground voltage, and the second radiating element is disposed between the first radiating element and the PCB.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first radiating element, the second radiating element, and the PCB are substantially parallel to one another.

[0015] In some embodiments, the PCB has a substantially circular or rectangular shape.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first radiating element has a substantially elongated arc or elongated L-shape and extends along the outer edge of the PCB.

[0017] In some embodiments, the second radiating element has a substantially short arc or short L-shape and extends along the outer edge of the PCB.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first impedance element comprises an inductive element, a capacitive element, an open-circuited element, and / or a short-circuited element, all of which are coupled to a ground voltage.

[0019] In some embodiments, the second impedance element comprises an inductive element, a capacitive element, an open circuit element, and / or a short circuit element, all of which are coupled to a ground voltage.

[0020] In some embodiments, the length of the first radiating element is substantially equal to 0.5 times the wavelength of the first frequency band.

[0021] In some embodiments, the width of the first radiating element is between 1 mm and 3 mm.

[0022] In some embodiments, the length of the second radiating element is substantially equal to 0.5 times the wavelength of the second frequency band.

[0023] In some embodiments, the width of the second radiating element is between 1 mm and 3 mm.

[0024] In some embodiments, the thickness of the first radiating element is greater than the thickness of the second radiating element. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] The communication device of the present invention is capable of supporting wideband operation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] The present invention can be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description and examples taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a communication device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] 1 is a top view of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2B] 1 is a side view of a communication device according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2C] FIG. 2 is a rear view of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3A] 3 is a diagram showing a first switch element and a first impedance element (or a second switch element and a second impedance element) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3B]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a first switch element and a first impedance element (or a second switch element and a second impedance element) according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4A] 3 is a diagram illustrating the return loss of an antenna structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4B] 3 is a diagram illustrating the return loss of an antenna structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4C] 3 is a diagram illustrating the return loss of an antenna structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5A] FIG. 2 is a top view of a communication device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5B] FIG. 10 is a side view of a communication device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5C] FIG. 10 is a rear view of a communication device according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] To illustrate the objects, features and advantages of the present invention, embodiments and drawings of the present invention are shown in detail below.

[0028] In the specification and claims, certain terms are used to refer to specific components. As those skilled in the art will understand, manufacturers may refer to an element by different names. This specification distinguishes elements by functional differences, not by differences in name. In the following description and claims, the terms "comprise" and "have" are used in an open-ended fashion and should be interpreted to mean "include, but not limited to." The term "substantially" means that a value is within an acceptable margin of error. Those skilled in the art can solve technical problems and achieve the proposed technical performance within a certain margin of error. Furthermore, the term "couple" refers to an indirect or direct electrical connection. Thus, when one device is coupled to another device, the communication may be through a direct electrical connection or through an indirect electrical connection via another device or connection.

[0029] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of the present invention. Below, specific examples of components and arrangements are described to simplify the present invention. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. For example, a description in which a first feature is formed on a second feature may include an embodiment in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact with each other, or an embodiment in which an additional feature is formed between the first and second features and the first and second features are not in direct contact with each other. In addition, the present invention may use repeated reference numerals and / or letters in various examples. This repetition is for the purposes of brevity and simplicity and does not dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or configurations.

[0030] Additionally, for ease of description, spatially relative terms such as, for example, "below," "lower," "bottom," "up," "above," "top," and the like may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element(s) or feature(s) as shown in the figures. The spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation shown in the figures. The device may be in other orientations (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may be similarly interpreted.

[0031] 1 is a diagram illustrating a communication device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The communication device 100 may be applied to a mobile device such as a smartwatch, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a wireless access point, a router, or any other device for communication. Alternatively, the communication device 100 may be applied to electronic communication, such as any unit operating in the Internet of Things (IOT).

[0032] 1, the communication device 100 includes an RF (Radio Frequency) module 110, an antenna structure 120, a first switch element 150, a plurality of first impedance elements 160, a second switch element 170, and a plurality of second impedance elements 180. It should be understood that although not shown in FIG. 1, the communication device 100 may further include other components, such as a processor, a power module, and / or a housing.

[0033] The antenna structure 120 includes a first radiating element 130 and a second radiating element 140. Both the first radiating element 130 and the second radiating element 140 may be formed of a metal material such as copper, silver, aluminum, iron, or an alloy thereof. The first radiating element 130 and the second radiating element 140 of the antenna structure 120 are respectively coupled to the RF module 110. It should be understood that the type and shape of the antenna structure 120 are not limited to the present invention. In some embodiments, the antenna structure 120 is a loop antenna, a monopole antenna, a dipole antenna, a helical antenna, a patch antenna, or a Planar Inverted F Antenna (PIFA), but is not limited thereto.

[0034] One end of the first switch element 150 is coupled to the first radiating element 130, and the other end of the first switch element 150 is switchable between the first impedance elements 160. The first impedance elements 160 may have different impedance values. One end of the second switch element 170 is coupled to the second radiating element 140, and the other end of the second switch element 170 is switchable between the second impedance elements 180. The second impedance elements 180 may have different impedance values. It should be understood that the total number of first impedance elements 160 and the total number of second impedance elements 180 are not limited in the present invention. In some embodiments, the first switch element 150 selects one of the first impedance elements 160 according to a first control signal, and the second switch element 170 selects one of the second impedance elements 180 according to a second control signal. The first control signal and the second control signal may be generated by a processor (not shown) according to user input.

[0035] According to the design of the present invention, the antenna structure 120 of the communication device 100 can cover multiple operating frequency bands by appropriately controlling the first switch element 150 and the second switch element 170. Therefore, the communication device 100 can support the wideband operation of LTE (Long Term Evolution) and next-generation 5G (5th Generation Mobile Networks) communications without excessively increasing the overall device size. The following embodiments will describe different layouts and detailed structures of the communication device 100. It should be noted that these drawings and descriptions are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 2A is a top view of a communication device 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2B is a side view of the communication device 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2C is a rear view of the communication device 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C will be described together. In the embodiment of FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, the communication device 200 includes an RF module 210, an antenna structure 220, a first switch element 250, a plurality of first impedance elements 260, a second switch element 270, a plurality of second impedance elements 280, and a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 290. The antenna structure 220 includes a first radiating element 230, a second radiating element 240, and a feed connection element 295.

[0037] The PCB 290 may have a substantially circular shape. The PCB 290 provides a ground voltage VSS. The second radiating element 240 is disposed between the first radiating element 230 and the PCB 290. For example, the first radiating element 230, the second radiating element 240, and the PCB 290 may be substantially parallel to each other (i.e., they may be located in three parallel planes, respectively).

[0038] The first radiating element 230 may have a substantially elongated arc shape and may extend along the outer edge of the PCB 290. Specifically, the first radiating element 230 has a first end 231 and a second end 232. The first end 231 of the first radiating element 230 is coupled to the feed connection element 295. The second end 232 of the first radiating element 230 is coupled to the first switch element 250.

[0039] The second radiating element 240 may have a substantially short arc shape and may extend along the outer edge of the PCB 290. Specifically, the second radiating element 240 has a first end 241 and a second end 242. The first end 241 of the second radiating element 240 is coupled to the feed connection element 295. The second end 242 of the second radiating element 240 is coupled to the second switch element 270. In some embodiments, the second radiating element 240 has a vertical projection with respect to the PCB 290, and this vertical projection at least partially overlaps with the first radiating element 230.

[0040] The feed connection element 295 may have a substantially cylindrical, rectangular, or triangular prism shape, but is not limited thereto. The feed connection element 295 is coupled between the first end 231 of the first radiating element 230 and the first end 241 of the second radiating element 240. In some embodiments, the antenna structure 220 has a feeding point FP coupled to the RF module 210, and the feeding point FP is adjacent to the feed connection element 295. It should be noted that the terms "adjacent" and "close" in this disclosure mean that the distance (spacing) between two corresponding elements is less than a predetermined distance (e.g., 5 mm or less) or that the two corresponding elements are in direct contact with each other (i.e., the distance / spacing between them is reduced to zero). Therefore, the first radiating element 230 and the second radiating element 240 of the antenna structure 220 can be mutually excited by the RF module 210 using the feed connection element 295.

[0041] 3A illustrates a first switch element 250 and a first impedance element 260 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 3A, one end of the first switch element 250 is coupled to the first radiating element 230, and the other end of the first switch element 250 is switchable between the first impedance element 260. The first impedance element 260 includes an inductive element 261, a capacitive element 262, an open circuit element 263, and / or a short circuit element 264, all of which may be coupled to a ground voltage VSS of the PCB 290.

[0042] 3A illustrates a second switch element 270 and a second impedance element 280 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 3A, one end of the second switch element 270 is coupled to the second radiating element 240, and the other end of the second switch element 270 is switchable between the second impedance element 280. The second impedance element 280 includes an inductive element 281, a capacitive element 282, an open circuit element 283, and / or a short circuit element 284, all of which may be coupled to a ground voltage VSS of the PCB 290.

[0043] 3B is a diagram illustrating a first switch element 250 and a first impedance element 260 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 3B, one end of the first switch element 250 is coupled to the first radiating element 230, and the other end of the first switch element 250 is switchable between the first impedance element 260. The first impedance element 260 includes a first inductive element 265, a second inductive element 266, and a third inductive element 267, which may all be coupled to a ground voltage VSS of the PCB 290.

[0044] 3B illustrates a second switch element 270 and a second impedance element 280 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 3B, one end of the second switch element 270 is coupled to the second radiating element 240, and the other end of the second switch element 270 is switchable between the second impedance elements 280. The second impedance element 280 includes a first inductive element 285, a second inductive element 286, and a third inductive element 287, which may all be coupled to a ground voltage VSS of the PCB 290.

[0045] FIG. 4A illustrates the return loss of the antenna structure 220 of the communication device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The horizontal axis represents the operable frequency (MHz), and the vertical axis represents the return loss (dB). As shown in FIG. 4A, the first curve CC1 represents the operating characteristics of the antenna structure 220 when the first switch element 250 and the second switch element 270 select impedance elements with large inductances. The second curve CC2 represents the operating characteristics of the antenna structure 220 when the first switch element 250 and the second switch element 270 select impedance elements with medium inductances. The third curve CC3 represents the operating characteristics of the antenna structure 220 when the first switch element 250 and the second switch element 270 select impedance elements with small inductances. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited thereto. In alternative embodiments, the first switch element 250 and the second switch element 270 can achieve the same level of performance by selecting capacitive elements, open-circuit elements, and / or short-circuit elements.

[0046] 4B and 4C are diagrams illustrating the return loss of the antenna structure 220 of the communication device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The horizontal axis represents the operable frequency (MHz), and the vertical axis represents the return loss (dB). According to the measurement results of FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, the antenna structure 220 of the communication device 200 can cover a first frequency band FB1, a second frequency band FB2, a third frequency band FB3, and a fourth frequency band FB4. For example, the first frequency band FB1 may be 700 MHz to 900 MHz, the second frequency band FB2 may be 1700 MHz to 2200 MHz, the third frequency band FB3 may be 3000 MHz to 4200 MHz, and the fourth frequency band FB4 may be 4400 MHz to 5000 MHz. Therefore, the communication device 200 can support at least the wideband operation of the original LTE and next-generation 5G communications.

[0047] In some embodiments, the operation principle of the communication device 200 is explained as follows: The first radiating element 230 is excited to generate a fundamental resonant mode, thereby forming a first frequency band FB1 of the antenna structure 220. The second radiating element 240 is excited to generate another fundamental resonant mode, thereby forming a second frequency band FB2 of the antenna structure 220. The first radiating element 230 and the second radiating element 240 are further excited together to generate a higher-order resonant mode, thereby forming a third frequency band FB3 of the antenna structure 220. The second radiating element 240 is further excited alone to generate another higher-order resonant mode, thereby forming a fourth frequency band FB4 of the antenna structure 220. According to actual measurement results, when the thickness H1 of the first radiating element 230 is designed to be larger than the thickness H2 of the second radiating element 240, the radiation efficiency of the first frequency band FB1 can be improved. In addition, the distance D1 between the first radiating element 230 and the second radiating element 240 can be designed in a suitable range so that the coupling amount is not too high (when the distance D1 is too short) and the device size is not too large (when the distance D1 is too long). It should be noted that the first radiating element 230, the second radiating element 240, and the PCB 290 are well integrated with each other, which can effectively reduce the overall size of the communication device 200 and its antenna structure 220.

[0048] In some embodiments, the element sizes of the communication device 200 are described as follows: The length L1 of the first radiating element 230 may be substantially equal to 0.5 times the wavelength (λ / 2) of the first frequency band FB1 of the antenna structure 220. The width W1 of the first radiating element 230 may be 1 mm to 3 mm. The thickness H1 of the first radiating element 230 may be 2 mm to 4 mm. The length L2 of the second radiating element 240 may be substantially equal to 0.5 times the wavelength (λ / 2) of the second frequency band FB2 of the antenna structure 220. The width W2 of the second radiating element 240 may be 1 mm to 3 mm. The thickness H2 of the second radiating element 240 may be 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. The radius R1 of the PCB 290 may be 20 mm to 25 mm. The thickness H3 of the PCB 290 may be 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. The distance D1 between the first radiating element 230 and the second radiating element 240 may be 3 mm to 5 mm. The distance D2 between the first radiating element 230 and the PCB 290 may be 8 mm to 12 mm. The above element size ranges are calculated and obtained according to many experimental results, and they can optimize the operating bandwidth and impedance matching of the antenna structure 220 of the communication device 200.

[0049] FIG. 5A is a top view of a communication device 500 according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5B is a side view of a communication device 500 according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5C is a rear view of a communication device 500 according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are similar to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C. In the embodiments of FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, a PCB 590 of the communication device 500 has a substantially rectangular or square shape, and an antenna structure 520 of the communication device 500 includes a first radiating element 530, a second radiating element 540, and a feed connection element 595. The first radiating element 530 may have a substantially long L-shape and may extend along two vertical edges of the PCB 590. The second radiating element 540 may have a substantially short L-shape and may extend along the two vertical edges of the PCB 590. A feed connection element 595 is coupled between the first radiating element 530 and the second radiating element 540. The feed connection element 595 is further coupled to the RF module 210. In some embodiments, the second radiating element 540 has a vertical projection with respect to the PCB 590, where the vertical projection at least partially overlaps the first radiating element 530. Other features of the communications device 500 of Figures 5A, 5B, and 5C are similar to the communications device 200 of Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C. Thus, the two embodiments can achieve the same level of performance.

[0050] The present invention provides a novel communication device and a novel antenna structure, which, compared with conventional designs, has at least the advantages of small size, wide bandwidth, and low manufacturing cost, making it suitable for various wearable devices, mobile devices, or IoT applications.

[0051] It should be noted that the above element size, element shape, and frequency range are not limitations of the present invention. Antenna designers can adjust these settings according to different needs. It should be understood that the communication device of the present invention is not limited to the configurations of FIGS. 1 to 5. The present invention may simply have any one or more features of any one or more of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 5. In other words, not all of the features shown in the drawings are implemented in the communication device of the present invention.

[0052] The use of sequential terms, such as "first," "second," etc. in the claims to modify a claimed element, does not, by itself, imply any priority, precedence, or ordering of one element with another, or the temporal order in which the actions of a method are performed, but is used to distinguish one named element from another element having the same name.

[0053] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed as described above, these are by no means intended to limit the scope of the present invention, and anyone familiar with the art can make various modifications within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 100, 200, 500...Communication equipment 110, 210...RF modules 120, 220, 520...antenna structure 130, 230, 530...First radiating element 140, 240, 540...Second radiating element 150, 250...First switch element 160, 260...first impedance element 170, 270...Second switch element 180, 280...second impedance element 231...First end of first radiating element 232...Second end of first radiating element 241...First end of second radiating element 242...Second end of second radiating element 261, 281...inductive elements 262, 282...capacitive elements 263, 283...open circuit elements 264, 284...Short circuit element 265, 285...First inductive element 266, 286...Second inductive element 267, 287...Third inductive element 290, 590...Printed circuit board 295, 595...supply connection element CC1…first curve CC2…Second curve CC3…Third curve D1, D2…interval FB1: First frequency band FB2: Second frequency band FB3: Third frequency band FB4: Fourth frequency band FP…Feeding point H1, H2, H3...Thickness L1, L2...length R1…radius VSS: Ground voltage W1, W2...Width

Claims

1. A communication device, an RF (Radio Frequency) module; an antenna structure coupled to the RF module, the antenna structure having a first radiating element and a second radiating element; a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) that provides a ground voltage; a first switch element coupled to the first radiating element; a plurality of first impedance elements; a second switch element coupled to the second radiating element; a plurality of second impedance elements; and the second radiating element is disposed between the first radiating element and the PCB; the first switch element is switchable between the first impedance elements; the second switch element is switchable between the second impedance elements; the distance between the first radiating element and the second radiating element is 3 mm to 5 mm; the PCB has a substantially circular shape; A communication device characterized in that the radius of the PCB is 20 mm to 25 mm, and the thickness of the PCB is 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm.

2. 2. The communication device of claim 1, wherein the first radiating element, the second radiating element, and the PCB are substantially parallel to each other, the first radiating element has a substantially long arc shape and extends along the outer edge of the PCB, and the second radiating element has a substantially short arc shape and extends along the outer edge of the PCB.

3. 2. The communication device of claim 1, wherein the second radiating element has a vertical projection onto the PCB, the vertical projection at least partially overlapping the first radiating element.

4. 2. The communication device of claim 1, wherein the antenna structure further comprises a feed connection element, the feed connection element being coupled between the first radiating element and the second radiating element, and the antenna structure has a feed point coupled to the RF module, the feed point being adjacent to the feed connection element.

5. 5. The communication device of claim 4, wherein the first radiating element has a first end and a second end, the first end of the first radiating element is coupled to the supply connection element and the second end of the first radiating element is coupled to the first switch element, and the second radiating element has a first end and a second end, the first end of the second radiating element is coupled to the supply connection element and the second end of the second radiating element is coupled to the second switch element.

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