Antenna Capacitance Sensing for Multi-Band Transmission Power Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices with conductive housings used as antennas face increased costs, reduced component space, and higher power consumption due to multiple sensor modules for transmission power control, especially when supporting various frequency bands.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device design that uses a signal connection member (coaxial cable or FPCB) to electrically connect PCBs and a single sensor module, with a processor controlling transmission power based on capacitance measurements and frequency information to manage wireless signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple sensor modules are used to control transmission power for each antenna supporting various frequency bands, then transmission power control accuracy is improved, but device cost increases, component mounting space decreases, and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission power control accuracyVSAvoidnumber of sensor modules
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes a single sensor module perform multiple functions by enabling it to measure capacitance values for multiple antennas across different frequency bands. The sensor module is configured to sequentially or simultaneously measure capacitance values for first and second antennas, replacing the need for separate sensor modules for each antenna while maintaining measurement accuracy for transmission power control.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the functionality of multiple sensor modules into a single sensor module that can serve multiple antennas. By merging the measurement functions into one module, the patent reduces component count, saves mounting space, and lowers overall system complexity while still providing accurate capacitance measurements for transmission power control across multiple frequency bands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensor modules are used to support various frequency bands with multiple antennas, then transmission power control capability is improved, but component mounting space decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency band support capabilityVSAvoidcomponent mounting space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The single sensor module is designed with universal measurement capability to handle multiple frequency bands and multiple antennas. It can measure capacitance values for different antennas operating in different frequency bands, providing the needed adaptability without requiring separate dedicated sensor modules for each frequency band or antenna, thus preserving valuable mounting space.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the space-consuming multiple sensor modules into one compact module that provides equivalent or superior functionality. This consolidation maintains full support for various frequency bands and multiple antennas while significantly reducing the area required for component mounting in the device housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple sensor modules are used for transmission power control in multi-antenna systems, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple power-consuming sensor modules into a single sensor module that performs measurements for all antennas. This consolidation inherently reduces total power consumption since only one module needs to be operated, while the merged module maintains the ability to provide reliable capacitance measurements for transmission power control across multiple antennas and frequency bands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single sensor module is designed to autonomously manage measurements for multiple antennas without requiring parallel operation of multiple modules. It can sequentially measure capacitance values for different antennas and frequency bands, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining communication reliability through accurate transmission power control based on the measured capacitance values.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Reduces costs, secures component mounting space, and optimizes power consumption by using a single sensor module to control transmission power effectively.

Implementation Method 1

measures capacitance for a path of the at least one of the first wireless transmission signal and the first wireless reception signal between the first antenna and the second connector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance measurement: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP4228161B1Electronic device and method for controlling transmission power of communication module
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4228161B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4228161B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4228161B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing; a first antenna for transmitting and receiving at least one of a first wireless transmission signal and a first wireless reception signal using the first portion of the housing; a first PCB electrically connected to the first antenna and including a first connector; a second PCB electrically connected to the first PCB and including a second connector; a signal connection member having a first end connected to the first connector and a second end connected to the second connector; a communication module electrically connected to the second connector and controlling the at least one of the first wireless transmission signal and the first wireless reception signal; a sensor module which is electrically connected to the second connector, and adjusts at least one sensing parameter based on frequency information of the at least one of the first wireless transmission signal and the first wireless reception signal, and measures capacitance for a path of the at least one of the first wireless transmission signal and the first wireless reception signal between the first antenna and the second connector; and a processor configured to control the transmission power of the communication module according to the capacitance measured by using the sensor module.