Adaptively Tuned Antenna With External Probe
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electrically small antennas face efficiency challenges due to environmental changes, and existing technologies fail to adaptively optimize antenna efficiency in real-time.
Innovation Solution
An adaptively tuned antenna system with a variable reactance network connected to the antenna, an RF field probe, and a controller that senses RF voltage and adjusts bias signals to maximize RF voltage, using algorithms to optimize antenna efficiency and minimize input return loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If an electrically small antenna is used, then the device size is reduced, but the antenna efficiency deteriorates due to environmental changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the antenna reactance tunable and adjustable in real-time. A variable reactance network is incorporated into the antenna system that can be dynamically adjusted to compensate for environmental changes. The system includes a controller that monitors antenna efficiency and adjusts the reactance accordingly, transforming a static antenna into a dynamic system that adapts to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through an external probe that monitors radiated power and feeds this information back to a controller. The controller uses this feedback signal to adjust the variable reactance network, creating a closed-loop control system. This feedback mechanism enables the antenna to automatically optimize its performance in response to environmental changes, resolving the efficiency deterioration problem.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing antenna technologies are used, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to adaptively optimize antenna efficiency in real-time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external probe as an intermediary element that measures radiated power without being part of the main antenna structure. This probe serves as a mediator between the antenna system and the controller, providing measurement information without significantly increasing the overall system complexity. The variable reactance network also acts as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between the antenna and the control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the antenna system into distinct functional components: the antenna element itself, the variable reactance network, the external probe for measurement, and the controller for coordination. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture, making the adaptive optimization capability achievable without excessive complexity.
3Loss of energy
If the variable reactance network is adjusted to maximize RF voltage, then the antenna efficiency is improved, but the DC power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using an external probe to monitor only a portion of the radiated power rather than measuring the entire system. This selective measurement approach allows the feedback control to achieve sufficient optimization without requiring full-system intervention, thereby reducing the power consumption of the control mechanism while still improving antenna efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system improves antenna efficiency and reduces DC power consumption by automatically adjusting reactance to match changing environmental conditions, enhancing radiation efficiency and minimizing harmonic distortion.
Implementation Method 1
an external probe to monitor radiated power
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the present invention an apparatus, comprising an apparatus, comprising an adaptively-tuned antenna including a variable reactance network connected to the antenna, an RF field probe located near the antenna, an RF detector to sense voltage from the field probe, a controller that monitors the RF voltage and supplies control signals to a driver circuit and wherein the driver circuit converts the control signals to bias signals for the variable reactance network.