Antenna Switching Circuit for Interference Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic devices with multiple antennas face challenges in reducing inter-antenna interference and optimizing PCB layout due to the need for numerous transmission lines and switches, leading to increased space requirements and costs.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device that selectively connects multiple antennas via a small number of transmission lines and switches, using a signal distribution coupler and RF signal processor to filter signals and reduce interference, allowing for better antenna performance and efficient part mounting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple antennas are equipped in the electronic device, then communication signal reliability is improved, but inter-antenna interference increases and PCB space is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication signal reliabilityVSAvoidinter-antenna interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the antenna system into multiple independent antenna elements (first antenna, second antenna, third antenna, fourth antenna) that can be selectively activated. Each antenna is connected to the RF circuit through separate transmission lines, allowing the system to segment the communication function across multiple physical elements while managing interference through selective usage based on signal quality metrics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes operational parameters by measuring signal quality metrics (such as RSRP, RSSI, SINR) for each antenna and selecting which antennas to activate based on these measurements. The system adjusts the set of active antennas according to environmental conditions, thereby optimizing communication reliability while minimizing interference from inactive antenna elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple transmission lines are wired for multiple antennas, then antenna connectivity is improved, but PCB wiring complexity and parts layout limitations increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna connectivityVSAvoidPCB wiring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal RF circuit that can interface with multiple antenna elements through a standardized connection architecture. The RF circuit is designed to handle signals from any combination of the four antennas, providing multi-functional capability that reduces the need for dedicated wiring paths for each antenna configuration, thereby simplifying PCB layout while maintaining connectivity flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If coaxial cables are used for antenna signal lines, then signal isolation is improved, but device space and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal isolationVSAvoiddevice space
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the signal isolation function from physical cable implementations (such as coaxial cables) and implements it through electromagnetic filtering and shielding structures integrated into the PCB and antenna design. This approach removes the need for bulky external isolation components while maintaining the necessary signal separation between antenna elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple switches are used for antenna switching, then antenna selection capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna selection capabilityVSAvoidswitching component complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the antenna switching function into the RF circuit architecture itself, combining multiple antenna selection capabilities into a unified signal path management system. Rather than using separate switches for each antenna element, the system integrates switching functionality within the RF front-end, reducing the total number of discrete switching components while maintaining the ability to selectively connect any antenna to the processing circuitry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3344005B1Electronic apparatus and control method therefor
Publication Date: 2022.11.30 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3344005B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3344005B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3344005B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic apparatus, according to various embodiments of the present invention, comprises: a first antenna of a first bandwidth; a second antenna of a second bandwidth which partially overlaps with the first bandwidth; a third antenna of the first bandwidth; a fourth antenna of the second bandwidth; a transmission/reception path corresponding to each of a plurality of bandwidths; a reception path corresponding to each of the plurality of bandwidths; and a path formation unit which forms a path such that any one of the first antenna and the third antenna is connected to the transmission/reception path, the other of the first antenna and the third antenna is connected to the reception path, and any one of the second antenna and the fourth antenna is connected to the transmission/reception path, and the other of the second antenna and the fourth antenna is connected to the reception path.