Antenna Coupler Configuration for Wireless Device Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern wireless devices face challenges in accommodating multiple antennas within limited space due to physical constraints and interference, which affects antenna performance in terms of reflection coefficient and radiated efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The use of antenna configurations with couplers allows multiple antennas to operate within the same or adjacent volumes of a device body, utilizing indirect or direct couplers to facilitate electromagnetic coupling, thereby improving isolation and efficiency across different frequency ranges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple antennas are added to support new cellular bands and MIMO, then communication capability is improved, but device volume and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoiddevice volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple antenna functions into a single integrated antenna structure that supports multiple cellular bands (600 MHz to 3800 MHz) and MIMO operations. This merging approach allows the device to maintain enhanced communication capabilities while reducing the overall volume required for antenna systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated antenna is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously, including support for different cellular bands, MIMO transmissions, and diverse reception. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate antennas for each function, thereby reducing device volume while maintaining adaptability.

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

2Reliability

If antenna volume is increased to improve performance, then reflection coefficient and radiated efficiency are improved, but available space in mobile device is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna performanceVSAvoidavailable space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter changes in the antenna design, including adjustable resonant frequencies and impedance matching parameters, to optimize antenna performance within a compact volume. By tuning these parameters, the antenna achieves good reflection coefficient and radiated efficiency without requiring increased physical size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated antenna structure utilizes three-dimensional space more efficiently by transitioning from traditional planar antenna layouts to volumetric configurations. This dimensional approach allows the antenna to achieve sufficient performance metrics while occupying less overall space within the mobile device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Volume of moving object

If antennas are placed close to outer casing to reduce volume, then device compactness is improved, but coupled interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoidcoupled interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an integrated antenna structure that acts as an intermediary between the signal source and the external environment. This unified antenna design manages electromagnetic coupling and interference internally, preventing harmful interactions even when placed close to the outer casing, thus maintaining device compactness without sacrificing performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This configuration enables efficient operation of multiple antennas within a compact space, enhancing communication performance by reducing parasitic coupling and interference, and covering a wide range of frequencies from 600 MHz to 3800 MHz.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing indirect or direct couplers to facilitate electromagnetic coupling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3073571B1Antenna configuration with coupler(s) for wireless communication
Publication Date: 2019.03.27 INTEL IP CORP
  • EP3073571B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3073571B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3073571B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A cellular low band antenna is indirectly coupled to communication signals via a first coupler that is located within a same volume of a body as one or more wireless local area network (WLAN) antennas. Various antenna configurations can include the one or more WLAN antennas being indirectly coupled to communication signals via a second coupler within the same volume as the cellular low band antenna. A high band antenna is located in a different volume that is adjacent to the volume of the cellular low band antenna and the one or more WLAN antennas. Another similar antenna system can be provided in a separate volume for diversity communications in a communication device, such as a tablet, laptop or other such communication device.