Bandgap Structure for Collocated Radio Antenna Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless devices with collocated radios, such as game controllers, interference between closely spaced antennae reduces throughput and increases latency, degrading user experience, especially in handheld devices where physical space is limited and antennae must be closely positioned.
Innovation Solution
A bandgap structure with conductive components on a circuit board is used to increase antenna isolation by acting as a filter to trap current between collocated radios, improving isolation from less than 10 dB to 18 dB or more, even when antennae are within 15 millimeters apart, without requiring increased physical separation or frequency adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If multiple antennae are placed close to each other in handheld devices, then device size is reduced and portability is improved, but antenna isolation deteriorates causing interference between radios
Solution Approach 1:
A bandgap structure is introduced as an intermediary element positioned between the Wi-Fi antenna and Bluetooth antenna. This structure acts as a electromagnetic shield that blocks interference between the two antennas while allowing both to function within the compact handheld device form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The bandgap structure is selectively positioned only in the region where electromagnetic interference occurs between antennas, rather than throughout the entire device. This localized approach provides targeted interference reduction while minimizing impact on overall device design and other functional areas.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If physical separation between antennae is increased, then antenna isolation is improved reducing interference, but device size increases and portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bandgap structure serves as a compact electromagnetic shield that provides effective antenna isolation without requiring increased physical distance between antennas. This allows handheld devices to maintain small form factors while achieving adequate interference reduction.
3Device complexity
If shared antennae are used among multiple radios, then hardware complexity is reduced, but latency increases when antennae must wait between communication types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into dedicated segments - separate Wi-Fi antennas and separate Bluetooth antennas - rather than sharing a single antenna resource. This segmentation eliminates the latency that would occur when a shared antenna must switch between different communication protocols, while the bandgap structure manages the electromagnetic interaction between these dedicated antenna groups.
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 bandgap structure effectively reduces interference and latency, allowing for reliable and efficient wireless communication in overlapping frequency bands, enhancing user experience by ensuring timely signal transmission and reception in applications like cloud-based gaming.
Implementation Method 1
A bandgap structure with conductive components on a circuit board is used to increase antenna isolation by acting as a filter to trap current between collocated radios
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods are provided for improving antenna isolation for collocated antennae. A device may include a first radio associated with a first antenna to transmit and receive first wireless signals using a first wireless communication technique. The device may include associated with a second antenna to transmit and receive second wireless signals using a second wireless communication technique. The device may include a multi-antenna isolation structure having a first portion and a second portion separated from the first portion, the first portion and the second portion are able to prevent the first antenna from receiving a portion of current associated with the second antenna.