Antenna Selection via Signal Strength Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless devices with multiple antennae face challenges in determining the optimal antenna for different wireless technologies sharing common resources, leading to suboptimal signal strength and performance due to varying radiation patterns and locations.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented to determine the optimal antenna by storing configuration data and signal strength data for each wireless technology, using switching circuitry to periodically test signal strength with alternate antennae and modify configuration data based on relative signal strength values, ensuring efficient antenna switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple antennae are used for different wireless technologies, then signal strength and performance can be optimized for each technology, but determining the optimal antenna becomes complex due to varying radiation patterns and shared resources
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing configuration data and signal strength data for each wireless technology and antenna combination before actual communication occurs. This pre-characterization of antenna performance allows the system to quickly determine optimal antenna selection without complex real-time analysis, resolving the contradiction between achieving reliable signal strength and managing selection complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by periodically testing signal strength with alternate antennas and using this feedback to modify configuration data. This continuous monitoring and adjustment process enables the system to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining optimized antenna selection, balancing performance optimization with manageable complexity through iterative improvement.
2Productivity
If antenna configuration is dynamically adjusted based on signal strength, then communication performance improves, but system complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Configuration data and signal strength data are stored in advance for each wireless technology and antenna combination. This pre-computed information eliminates the need for complex real-time calculations during data transmission, allowing the system to achieve high productivity by simply querying pre-analyzed performance data rather than performing complex optimization calculations on the fly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts antenna configuration based on stored signal strength data, but this dynamics is managed efficiently by relying on pre-characterized performance data rather than continuous complex optimization. The configuration can adapt to changing conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through the use of pre-computed benchmarks for comparison.
Data Source
AI summary
Described are techniques for determining optimal antennae for use by wireless radios that share communication resources, such as a radio frequency chain. When communication is initiated using a first wireless radio of a communication device having at least two antennae, configuration data for the first wireless radio may indicate a default antenna. When communication is not taking place using the default antenna, an alternate antenna may be used to communicate test data. Signal strength data for communication by each antenna may be used to determine the default antenna indicated by the configuration data. When communication is initiated using a second wireless radio, separate configuration data for the second technology may indicate a default antenna. Separate signal strength data for communications, by the second wireless radio, using each antenna may determine the default antenna indicated by the configuration data.