Closed-Loop Tuner Using LO Leakage for Antenna Impedance

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing number of wireless communication standards and the trend towards smaller, slimmer portable devices pose design challenges for antennas, particularly in achieving efficient miniaturization and impedance matching for multiple radio frequency bands.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a closed-loop tuner in the receiver circuitry of portable devices using local oscillator (LO) leakage power for antenna impedance measurement and adjustment, enabling dynamic tuning to achieve matched impedance for maximum power transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If antenna size is reduced for miniaturization, then device size is reduced, but impedance matching performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna volumeVSAvoidimpedance matching performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic tuning mechanism using variable capacitors and inductors that allow the antenna's electrical characteristics to be adjusted in real-time. This dynamic adjustment compensates for the performance limitations imposed by miniaturization, enabling the small antenna to maintain optimal impedance matching across different operating conditions and frequency bands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical parameters of the antenna system by introducing可调 capacitors and inductors that modify the resonant frequency and impedance characteristics. This parameter adjustment allows the miniaturized antenna to achieve and maintain proper impedance matching despite its reduced physical dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple RF bands are supported, then communication versatility is improved, but antenna design complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-band supportVSAvoidantenna design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal antenna system that can operate across multiple RF bands by implementing a tuning mechanism capable of adjusting to different frequency ranges. The same antenna structure and tuning circuitry serve multiple functions, eliminating the need for separate antennas for each band and thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the multi-band capability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic tuning mechanism allows the antenna to adapt its electrical characteristics to match different frequency bands as needed. This dynamic reconfiguration capability enables a single antenna design to serve multiple bands without requiring complex multi-element antenna structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If active tuning is implemented, then impedance matching is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpedance matchingVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism that monitors the antenna's impedance and automatically adjusts the tuning elements to maintain optimal matching. This closed-loop feedback system ensures reliable impedance matching while minimizing unnecessary adjustments, thereby reducing overall power consumption compared to continuously active tuning systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The tuning mechanism operates periodically rather than continuously, adjusting the antenna parameters at intervals or in response to detected changes in operating conditions. This periodic action maintains effective impedance matching while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous active tuning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 allows for efficient antenna tuning in both active and inactive receiver modes, ensuring optimal power transfer and maintaining matched impedance across multiple antennas, thereby addressing the design challenges of miniaturization and multi-band support.

Implementation Method 1

measuring a local oscillator (LO) leakage power produced by at least one LO in the receiver portable device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLO leakage:

Data Source

PatentEP3032749B1Method for closed-loop tuner in a receiver antenna
Publication Date: 2020.04.08 INTEL CORP
  • EP3032749B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3032749B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3032749B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Described herein are architectures, platforms and methods for implementing a closed-loop tuner in a receiver circuitry of a portable device. For example, the closed-loop tuner is based upon a configured or an inherent local oscillator (LO) leakage power in the receiver circuitry of the portable device.