Antenna Module Layout for Longer Proximity Sensing Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
The proximity sensing circuit in electronic devices with integrated antenna structures has an insufficient sensing distance due to the limited design of the antenna structure, which restricts the radiating element's functionality.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates an antenna module with a first radiating element, a switching circuit, a proximity sensing circuit, a second radiating element, and a third radiating element. The third radiating element is electrically connected to the proximity sensing circuit and is designed to be independent from the other radiating elements, allowing for optimized antenna characteristics and dual low-frequency modes for wider-band operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the radiating element is used as the sensing electrode in the integrated antenna structure, then the antenna structure is compact and lightweight, but the sensing distance of the proximity sensing circuit is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into separate functional elements: the first radiating element for antenna operation and the third radiating element dedicated to proximity sensing. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between compact antenna structure and sufficient sensing distance
Solution Approach 2:
The second radiating element serves dual purposes: it functions as part of the antenna structure for wireless communication and simultaneously acts as a sensing electrode for the proximity sensing circuit. This multi-functionality approach allows the same structure to fulfill multiple roles, improving sensing distance without significantly increasing overall structure size
2Adaptability or versatility
If the third radiating element is separated from the second radiating element and coupled with the first radiating portion, then the antenna characteristics are optimized and wider-band operation is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the third radiating element (sensing electrode) with the first radiating element (antenna) through coupling, allowing them to work together as an integrated system. This merging enables the sensing element to benefit from the antenna's radiation characteristics while maintaining its sensing function, achieving wider-band operation without requiring completely separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The switching circuit dynamically configures the connections between different radiating elements based on operational requirements. The third radiating element can be selectively coupled to different parts of the antenna structure, allowing the system to adapt its characteristics for different frequency bands and operational modes, thereby achieving versatility without permanent complex wiring
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a housing and an antenna module. The antenna module is disposed in the housing. The antenna module includes a first radiating element, a switching circuit, a proximity sensing circuit, a second radiating element, and a third radiating element. The first radiating element includes a feeding portion, a radiating portion, and a grounding portion. The feeding portion and the grounding portion are connected to the radiating portion. The second radiating element is electrically connected to the switching circuit. The second radiating element and the radiating portion are separated from and coupled with each other. The third radiating element is electrically connected to the proximity sensing circuit. The third radiating element and the second radiating element are separated from each other, and the third radiating element and the radiating portion are separated from and coupled with each other.