Antenna Module Power Control Using Distance Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices emitting electromagnetic waves for wireless communication, particularly in the 5G mmWave band, face challenges in complying with safety standards such as SAR, PD, and TER, which can be harmful to human health, and require efficient power management to minimize exposure.
Innovation Solution
An antenna module with a first antenna group for radar sensing and a second antenna group for wireless communication, controlled by a processor to adjust transmit power based on distance from an external object, ensuring compliance with safety standards and minimizing electromagnetic exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If transmit power is increased to improve wireless communication performance, then data transfer rate is improved, but electromagnetic wave absorption by the human body increases causing SAR, PD, and TER regulation violations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic transmit power adjustment based on real-time distance measurement between the electronic device and external objects. The processor continuously monitors distance using sensing antennas and dynamically modifies the transmit power of communication antennas accordingly, transitioning from static to adaptive power control to maintain compliance while optimizing performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a feedback mechanism where the processor receives distance information from sensing antennas, processes this information to determine external object locations, and uses this feedback to adjust transmit power levels. This closed-loop control ensures that power adjustment decisions are based on actual environmental conditions rather than predetermined settings
Solution Approach 3:
The patent changes the operating parameter of transmit power dynamically based on distance measurements. By adjusting this critical parameter according to real-time spatial relationships, the system adapts its electromagnetic radiation characteristics to match environmental conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining high data transfer rates and reducing human body absorption
2Object-affected harmful factors
If transmit power is reduced to comply with SAR, PD, and TER regulations, then electromagnetic exposure is reduced, but wireless communication performance and data transfer rate deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different transmit power levels to different spatial zones rather than using a uniform power setting. By dividing the operational space into regions based on distance from the device and applying appropriate power levels to each region, the system maintains high performance when external objects are far away while reducing exposure when objects are nearby, thus resolving the contradiction locally rather than globally
3Measurement precision
If distance measurement accuracy is improved to enable precise power control, then transmit power adjustment precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing antenna group serves multiple functions: it measures distance to external objects, determines their spatial locations, and provides feedback for power control decisions. By making the sensing antennas multi-functional rather than dedicated to a single purpose, the system achieves precise measurement capabilities without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system is segmented into distinct functional groups: sensing antennas for detection and communication antennas for data transmission. This segmentation allows each group to be optimized for its specific function while working together in an integrated system, managing complexity through functional separation rather than requiring all antennas to perform all functions
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 antenna module effectively manages transmit power to comply with safety standards, improving power efficiency and reducing electromagnetic exposure while maintaining communication performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first antenna group including a first sensing antenna and a second sensing antenna disposed on a first surface of the printed circuit board and transmitting and receiving a first signal
Implementation Method 2
the processor may transmit a second signal through the second antenna group with a first transmit power less than or equal to a first maximum power set to correspond to the first distance when the external object is within a first distance from the antenna module
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Disclosed is an antenna module which includes a printed circuit board, a first antenna group including first and second sensing antennas disposed on a first surface of the printed circuit board and transmitting and receiving a first signal, a second antenna including antenna elements disposed on the first surface between the first and second sensing antennas, and a processor coupled to the printed circuit board, the first antenna group, and the second antenna group. The processor obtains information about a distance between an external object and the antenna module, based on the first signal transmitted and received through the first antenna group and transmits a second signal through the second antenna group with a first transmit power less than or equal to a first maximum power set to correspond to the first distance when the external object is within a first distance from the antenna module.