Compact Antenna Layout Using Phase Cancellation for Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In terminal devices with multiple antennas operating in the same frequency band, signal coupling leads to low isolation and increased insertion loss due to close proximity, affecting communication performance.

Innovation Solution

An antenna combination system with a first antenna and a second antenna, where the distance between them is less than a threshold, and the first antenna includes a radiation branch with a specific length and grounding configuration, allowing signals to cancel each other out with a 180-degree phase difference, reducing interference and enabling closer placement of Wi-Fi chips.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the distance between two antennas is set large to increase isolation, then the degree of isolation between antennas is improved, but the insertion loss between the antenna and Wi-Fi chip increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal couplingVSAvoidinsertion loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the signal coupling effect between antennas to generate a cancellation signal. The first antenna receives both the original signal from the second antenna and a coupled signal, processes them to create a signal with 180-degree phase difference, and transmits it back to cancel the interfering signal. This converts the harmful coupling effect into a beneficial cancellation mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The first antenna acts as an intermediary between the second antenna and the Wi-Fi chip. It receives the interfering signal from the second antenna, processes it through phase inversion, and transmits the cancelled signal back to the second antenna, thereby mediating the interference problem without requiring physical separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If the distance between two antennas is set small to reduce device size, then the device compactness is improved, but the degree of isolation between antennas deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidsignal interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent embraces the strong signal coupling that occurs at small antenna distances and converts it into a benefit. The coupled signal is processed to create a cancellation signal with 180-degree phase difference, transforming the interference problem into a solution that works specifically because the antennas are close together.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the phase parameter of the signal by 180 degrees to create the cancellation effect. By adjusting the phase parameter rather than the physical distance, the system achieves isolation without requiring large separation between antennas, enabling compact device design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If filter circuit is used to block coupled signal, then the signal interference is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal couplingVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional filter circuit approach with a signal processing approach. Instead of using passive filter components to block coupled signals, the system uses active signal processing to generate a cancellation signal with inverted phase, substituting complex filtering hardware with a simpler phase inversion mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The system enhances antenna isolation and reduces signal interference, improving communication performance and throughput while allowing for more compact device design.

Implementation Method 1

a signal of one antenna is typically coupled to the other antenna due to a signal coupling effect

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal coupling:

Implementation Method 2

a first signal and a second signal having a phase difference of (180±X)° are coupled from the second antenna to the first antenna

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase difference:

Implementation Method 3

the first signal and the second signal can cancel each other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal cancellation: Interference

Data Source

PatentUS12573749B2Antenna combination system and terminal device

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 HONOR DEVICE CO LTD

AI summary

An antenna combination system and a terminal device. The antenna combination system includes a first antenna and a second antenna having a distance less than a first preset threshold. The first antenna includes a first radiation branch and a first feed point, a feed point of the second antenna is arranged on a side away from the first feed point, and a side of the first radiation branch away from the first feed point is grounded. The first feed point is arranged on a side close to the second antenna, and the length of the first radiation branch is an odd multiple of (½)λ. In a case that the second antenna transmits a signal in a first frequency band, a first signal and a second signal that cancel each other are coupled from the second antenna to the first antenna.