Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Antenna Disconnect Detection via Parasitic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Detecting antenna or cable disconnections in multi-protocol communication devices is challenging, especially in automotive applications where transceiver chips are located far from their antennas, requiring costly and resource-intensive physical inspections to rule out disconnections.
Innovation Solution
A method using a parasitic signal transmitted via parasitic or spatially designed coupling between co-located transceivers to determine the amplitude of the signal over a predetermined bandwidth, allowing classification of antenna/cable disconnection scenarios without dedicated hardware, utilizing a processing device to analyze the amplitude ratio for different disconnect scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical inspection methods are used to detect antenna/cable disconnections, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own existing transceivers to generate and detect parasitic signals for diagnosing antenna/cable connections. The transceivers serve dual purposes: normal communication and self-diagnosis, eliminating the need for external inspection equipment or additional dedicated hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The existing transceivers are made multi-functional by enabling them to perform both their primary communication function and the secondary function of antenna/cable connection detection through parasitic signal analysis, thereby eliminating the need for separate dedicated detection hardware
2Measurement precision
If dedicated hardware is added for disconnect detection, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own existing transceivers to generate and detect parasitic signals for diagnosing antenna/cable connections. The transceivers serve dual purposes: normal communication and self-diagnosis, eliminating the need for external inspection equipment or additional dedicated hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual model of the signal path by analyzing parasitic signals that replicate the behavior of actual antenna/cable connections. This virtual diagnostic model allows precise disconnect detection without physical inspection hardware
3Adaptability or versatility
If transceiver chips are located far from antennas, then adaptability is improved, but detection difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The parasitic signal acts as an intermediary that carries diagnostic information from the antenna/cable connection point back to the transceiver. This intermediary signal enables remote diagnosis of connection status without requiring the transceiver to be physically close to the antenna
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces physical proximity-based detection with electromagnetic field-based parasitic signal detection. Instead of requiring mechanical closeness between transceiver and antenna for effective coupling, the system uses parasitic electromagnetic coupling that can occur over larger distances through shared ground paths and power supply networks
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
Enables efficient detection of antenna/cable disconnections without the need for additional hardware, reducing costs and resource consumption, and allowing precise identification of disconnection points in cables.
Implementation Method 1
a first device to transmit a reference signal over a predetermined bandwidth and a second device to receive a parasitic signal corresponding to the reference signal via parasitic or spatially designed coupling
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments described herein are directed at techniques to perform antenna/cable disconnection using co-located communication devices. A first device may transmit a reference signal over a predetermined bandwidth. A parasitic signal corresponding to the reference signal may be received via coupling at a second device that is co-located with the first device. The second device may be coupled to a first end of a cable via a port, with the second end of the cable configured to connect to an antenna. A processing device may determine a ratio of amplitudes of the parasitic signal over a predefined bandwidth. The processing device may then determine, based on the amplitude of the parasitic signal over the predefined bandwidth, a disconnect status of one or more of the antenna and the cable.