Antenna Switching Circuit Control During Communication Processor Shutdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
When the communication processor of an electronic device is deactivated, such as in airplane mode, the antenna switching circuit cannot be controlled, leading to degraded communication performance and increased power consumption for near-field wireless communication.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device includes an application processor that controls the antenna switching circuit to connect the antenna with the appropriate matching circuit, even when the communication processor is deactivated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the communication processor is deactivated to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but the antenna switching circuit cannot be controlled leading to degraded communication performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the processor functionality into two separate processors: a communication processor that handles communication tasks and can be deactivated to save power, and an application processor that remains active and can control the antenna switching circuit. This segmentation allows the system to maintain communication performance through the application processor while the communication processor is deactivated, thus resolving the contradiction between power consumption and communication performance.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the communication processor is deactivated, then power consumption is reduced, but the antenna cannot be connected to the appropriate matching circuit degrading near-field wireless communication performance
Solution Approach 1:
The application processor acts as an intermediary that takes over the control of the antenna switching circuit when the communication processor is deactivated. The application processor receives control signals and commands in place of the communication processor, ensuring that the antenna remains properly connected to the appropriate matching circuit for near-field wireless communication, thus maintaining productivity while allowing power savings from deactivation.
3Device complexity
If the antenna switching circuit is not controlled when the communication processor is deactivated, then the system structure remains simple, but the receiving and transmitting performance of the antenna is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The application processor is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the main application processor and as a backup controller for the antenna switching circuit. This universal design allows the application processor to perform its primary functions while also taking over antenna switching control when needed, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated controller and thus maintaining simple system structure while ensuring reliable antenna performance.
Data Source
AI summary
In an electronic device and a method of operating the electronic device according to various embodiments the electronic device may include a communication processor. The electronic device may include an application processor. The electronic device may include a first communication circuit electrically connected to the communication processor and configured to perform first communication. The electronic device may include a second communication circuit electrically connected to the application processor and configured to perform second communication. The electronic device may include an antenna configured to transmit and/or receive a signal for the first communication and/or the second communication. The electronic device may include a multiplexer configured to electrically connect the antenna and at least one of the first communication circuit and the second communication circuit. The electronic device may include an antenna switching circuit configured to connect at least one of a plurality of matching circuits to the antenna. The antenna switching circuit may be controlled by the application processor in case that the communication processor is deactivated. Various other embodiments are possible.