AiM Placement and Passive Wake Circuits for Thin IoT Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Determining optimal antenna-in-module (AiM) placement in user devices to achieve adequate coverage while maintaining thin and light form factors and minimizing thermal impact, particularly in fanless systems, and addressing power consumption issues in IoT devices by reducing idle mode power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Optimizing AiM placement parameters to minimize the number of antennas used while ensuring coverage, and implementing passive circuitry to remotely wake devices using specific RF signals for communication, thereby reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple antennas are placed in user device chassis, then antenna gain and coverage are improved, but device weight and thickness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna elements into a single integrated antenna-in-module (AiM) assembly that can be placed within the user device chassis. This merging approach provides multiple antenna functions (improved gain and coverage) while consolidating the physical structure to minimize weight and thickness impact on the device.
2Reliability
If multiple antennas are placed in user device chassis, then antenna gain and coverage are improved, but thermal profile is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna system into a separate antenna-in-module (AiM) assembly that is integrated into the user device chassis. This segmentation allows for optimized thermal management by isolating the antenna elements from other heat-generating components while maintaining adequate gain and coverage performance.
3Ease of operation
If devices remain powered on to maintain accessibility, then communication responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring passive circuitry (antenna, filter, capacitor) to remain in standby mode with minimal power consumption. The active modem circuitry can be quickly activated when needed, providing responsive communication while minimizing overall power usage through advance preparation of the receive path.
4Reliability
If devices are kept in idle mode to maintain connectivity, then network availability is improved, but idle mode power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential receive functionality (antenna, filter, capacitor) from the main powered-on system and places it in a separate passive circuitry block that can operate with minimal power. This extraction allows the device to maintain network availability through the passive receive path while eliminating the need for continuous power to the full modem system during idle periods.
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
Achieves efficient antenna placement that maintains device thinness and thermal performance while significantly reducing power consumption in IoT devices by minimizing idle mode power usage.
Implementation Method 1
The passive circuitry is configured to: store electrical charge upon reception of the signal at the center frequency, and provide power to wake active circuitry upon stored charge reaching or exceeding a threshold charge.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for defining antenna in module (AiM) placement within a user device can include configuring a simulation of antenna gain of antenna in module (AiM) components. The simulation can include as an output a cumulative distribution function (CDF) representing AiM coverage. The method can include identifying a first parameter of a set of antenna in module (AiM) placement parameters that has a largest effect on an antenna performance criterion observed in the simulation. The method can include adjusting other parameters based on the first parameter and specifying final placement of the AiM. An apparatus can include antennas and a radio front end including active circuitry and passive circuitry. The passive circuitry can be energized by a signal at a center frequency for the apparatus. The passive circuitry can store electrical charge and power on the active circuitry when charge reaches a threshold.