Antenna Module Distance Sensing for MPE Compliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
As 5G mobile communication technology is commercialized, electronic devices need to satisfy both maximum permissible exposure (MPE) and specific absorption rate (SAR) restrictions, requiring a distance sensing function different from SAR, which can be achieved without additional distance sensors by using an antenna module to measure distance to a target object and adjust power levels accordingly.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device includes an antenna module with a first and second antenna element and a processor that transmits a signal, receives a reflected signal, and calculates distance based on the signal's phase, reducing power when the distance is within a specific range to comply with MPE restrictions without needing an additional distance sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an additional distance sensor is used to satisfy MPE restrictions, then distance sensing accuracy is improved, but device size and internal space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna module is designed to perform multiple functions: both 5G signal transmission/reception and distance sensing for MPE compliance. By using the same antenna elements for both communication and sensing purposes, the patent eliminates the need for separate distance sensors, thereby saving internal device space while maintaining accurate distance measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the distance sensing function with the existing antenna module structure. The first and second antenna elements are used jointly for both 5G communication and time-of-flight distance measurement, merging two previously separate functions into a single integrated system that reduces overall device complexity and space requirements
2Power
If antenna module power is increased to improve communication performance, then signal transmission quality is improved, but MPE restriction compliance deteriorates when target objects are close
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously measures the distance to target objects using the time-of-flight method with the antenna module. Based on the measured distance, the processor dynamically adjusts the antenna module's power level - reducing power when objects are within the MPE restriction distance threshold and maintaining higher power when objects are farther away, thus ensuring continuous MPE compliance while optimizing communication performance
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna module power level is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system adapts the power level in real-time based on the detected distance to target objects, allowing the antenna to operate at high power when safe and reduce power when necessary to comply with MPE restrictions, thereby resolving the contradiction between communication performance and safety compliance
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 solution allows for effective distance sensing and power adjustment within the electronic device, enhancing compliance with MPE restrictions without increasing size or requiring additional internal space, thus optimizing antenna performance and device design.
Implementation Method 1
transmit a first signal through a first antenna element, receive a second signal including a signal obtained as the first signal is reflected by a target object, through a second antenna element
Implementation Method 2
calculate a distance from the antenna module to a target object based on a phase of the second signal
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an electronic device including an antenna module including a first antenna element and a second antenna element, and a processor operatively connected to the antenna module. The processor may be configured to transmit a first signal through the first antenna element, to receive a second signal including a signal obtained as the first signal is reflected by a target object, through the second antenna element, to calculate a distance from the antenna module to the target object based on a phase of the second signal, and to reduce a power level of the antenna module when the distance to the target object is smaller than a reference distance. In addition, various embodiments as understood from the specification are also possible.