Reconfigurable Antenna Array Switching for Flexible 5G Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing demands of 5G mobile communication networks require more flexible and efficient antenna structures in electronic devices, as traditional antenna arrays with fixed elements fail to adapt to varying communication requirements effectively.

Innovation Solution

The proposed antenna structure incorporates a radio frequency switch that can reconfigure feed ports to connect with different array elements, allowing for the formation of multiple antenna arrays, enhancing flexibility and coverage by shifting the feed object of each feed port.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple antenna arrays are arranged in an electronic device to meet 5G communication requirements, then communication performance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication performanceVSAvoidantenna array configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic reconfigurability by introducing a radio frequency switch that can dynamically change the connection state between feed ports and array elements. This allows the antenna array to adapt its configuration based on communication requirements, transforming a static complex structure into a dynamic one that can be optimized for different scenarios, thereby improving communication performance without permanently increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal antenna array system where a single set of array elements can serve multiple functions by being reconfigured through the radio frequency switch. The same physical elements can form different antenna arrays for different communication modes, frequencies, or beam directions, replacing the need for multiple dedicated antenna arrays and thus improving performance while reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If fixed array elements are used in traditional antenna arrays, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying communication requirements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna structureVSAvoidcommunication requirement adaptation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static fixed array element configuration into a dynamic reconfigurable system by introducing the radio frequency switch. This switch enables the array elements to be dynamically assigned to different feed ports based on communication requirements, allowing the same physical structure to adapt to varying needs without increasing physical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the antenna system by enabling dynamic control over which array elements are activated and how they are connected to feed ports. This parameter reconfiguration allows the system to adapt its electrical characteristics and radiation patterns without changing the physical structure, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3748773B1Antenna structure, electronic device and arraying method and device for antenna structure
Publication Date: 2024.02.07 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP3748773B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3748773B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3748773B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An antenna structure, an electronic device and an arraying method and device for the antenna structure are provided. The antenna structure includes: a plurality of array elements; a radio frequency component, including a plurality of feed ports; and a radio frequency switch, wherein the radio frequency switch is connected to at least two array elements and at least two feed ports of the radio frequency component, the radio frequency switch is configured to switch a feed object of each feed port connected to the radio frequency switch to form a preset antenna array, and the feed object is any array element of the at least two array elements connected to the radio frequency switch.