Antenna Tuning Circuit with Variable Capacitance for Impedance Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile phone antennas are detuned by user interaction, leading to changes in input impedance and reduced efficiency across various frequencies, making it challenging to maintain optimal performance.

Innovation Solution

An antenna tuning circuit comprising an antenna, an inductor, and a variable capacitance, where the inductor and capacitance are coupled in a series circuit to the antenna's second terminal, allowing for electrical length adjustment using a tuning switch, enabling the antenna to sense trimming voltages and derive tuning information to maintain optimal performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the antenna is designed to operate at a fixed frequency, then the antenna structure is simple, but the antenna becomes detuned when users touch the phone or when operating across multiple frequencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency adaptabilityVSAvoidantenna circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the antenna circuit adjustable through variable inductance and capacitance elements. The switching mechanism allows the antenna to dynamically change its electrical characteristics to match different frequency bands and operating conditions, transforming a static antenna design into an adaptive one that can respond to user interaction and frequency changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by varying the inductance and capacitance values in the antenna circuit through switching between different component configurations. This allows the antenna impedance and resonant frequency to be adjusted across different bands, enabling the antenna to maintain optimal performance despite changes in operating conditions or user interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the antenna circuit includes tuning elements to maintain performance across frequencies, then the antenna efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna performance stabilityVSAvoidcircuit component count
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the antenna circuit into multiple discrete inductive and capacitive elements that can be independently switched. This modular approach allows selective activation of specific circuit configurations for different frequency bands, maintaining performance stability while managing complexity through organized component groups rather than a monolithic tuning circuit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by designing the antenna circuit to serve multiple frequency bands and operating modes using the same set of inductive and capacitive elements. The switching mechanism enables a single antenna structure to function across different frequencies and conditions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each band and thereby reducing overall device complexity.

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

3Reliability

If the antenna is tuned to compensate for user interaction, then the antenna efficiency is maintained, but the control mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna efficiencyVSAvoidtuning control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by implementing a control mechanism that automatically detects changes in antenna impedance caused by user interaction and adjusts the circuit configuration accordingly. The system monitors its own performance and autonomously selects appropriate inductance and capacitance values to maintain optimal tuning, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing the perceived control complexity for the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback through a control system that continuously monitors the antenna's electrical characteristics and uses this information to adjust the switching states of the inductive and capacitive elements. This closed-loop approach ensures the antenna remains tuned to the desired frequency despite changes in operating conditions, with the control mechanism adapting based on real-time performance data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 solution effectively tunes the antenna to maintain high efficiency across frequencies, reducing the impact of user interaction and ensuring optimal radiation patterns by dynamically adjusting capacitance or inductance to match the antenna's environment.

Implementation Method 1

The antenna is tunable in its electrical length by the variable capacitance which is electrically variable with the tuning switch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

The inductor and the variable capacitance are coupled in a series circuit to the second terminal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic resonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS10714832B2Antenna tuning circuit, method for tuning an antenna, antenna arrangement and method for operating the same
Publication Date: 2020.07.14 INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
  • US10714832B2 patent drawing
  • US10714832B2 patent drawing
  • US10714832B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An antenna tuning circuit is provided. The antenna tuning circuit includes an antenna, an inductor and a variable capacitor. The antenna includes a first terminal, which serves as a feed terminal, and a second terminal, which is separate from the first terminal. The inductor and the variable capacitor are coupled to the second terminal, to tune the antenna.