Reconfigurable Antenna Tuning Conductor and Switch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current radio frequency (RF) communication systems face challenges in dynamically tuning antenna characteristics such as bandwidth and polarization direction, which are essential for efficient signal transmission and reception, especially in diverse communication environments like 5G networks.

Innovation Solution

A radio frequency module with a tuning conductor and a switch connected to a ground voltage, allowing for selective control of antenna characteristics by grounding or floating the tuning conductor, thereby adjusting the antenna's bandwidth and polarization direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If antenna characteristics are fixed for manufacturing simplicity, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability to different communication environments deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidcomplexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic antenna characteristics by introducing switching mechanisms that allow the antenna to change its electrical properties in real-time. The switchable tuning conductors and ground connections enable the antenna to adapt between different bandwidth and polarization states, transforming a static structure into a dynamic system that responds to communication environment requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes physical parameters of the antenna system by introducing controllable electrical connections. The switching elements modify the electrical length, impedance, and resonant frequency of the antenna by selectively connecting tuning conductors to ground or floating them, thereby achieving parameter variation without physical reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If tuning conductors are added to enable dynamic control, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The tuning conductors serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as parasitic elements for bandwidth control, as polarization steering mechanisms when switched to ground, and as impedance transformation elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each tuning function, thereby mitigating the manufacturing complexity increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the tuning function with the existing antenna structure by integrating switching elements directly into the antenna substrate or nearby circuitry. The tuning conductors are positioned adjacent to the radiating elements and share the same substrate plane, combining multiple functions into a compact integrated structure that minimizes additional manufacturing steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If switches are integrated in internal layers of laminate, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidprecision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The switching elements are nested within the multi-layer laminate structure, with switches placed in internal layers and connected to external tuning conductors through vias. This nesting approach protects the switching elements while maintaining electrical connectivity, allowing easy operation through external control signals while accommodating the precision requirements within the manufactured laminate structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

This solution enables flexible and adaptive antenna performance, improving signal strength and coverage in various communication scenarios by dynamically tuning antenna characteristics in real-time.

Implementation Method 1

A tuning conductor adjacent to and spaced apart from the antenna element... The tuning conductor is operable to load the antenna element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

a switch electrically connected between the tuning conductor and a ground voltage... selectively connect the tuning conductor to the ground voltage to control an antenna characteristic

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical grounding: Earthing

Data Source

PatentUS11424541B2Frequency and polarization reconfigurable antenna systems

Publication Date: 2022.08.23 SKYWORKS SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

Apparatus and methods for reconfigurable antenna systems are provided herein. In certain configurations, an antenna system includes an antenna element, a tuning conductor adjacent to and spaced apart from the antenna element, and a switch electrically connected between the tuning conductor and a reference voltage, such as ground. The tuning conductor is operable to load the antenna element, and the switch selectively connects the tuning conductor to the reference voltage to provide tuning to the antenna element.