Common Patch Antenna with Multiple Feed Points for Multi-Band RF
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing antennas for mobile wireless communications devices that can operate across multiple frequency bands within the limited space of handheld devices is challenging, especially when requiring multi-frequency band operation over a large range of frequencies, often necessitating multiple antennas which can lead to space constraints and electromagnetic interference issues.
Innovation Solution
A common patch antenna with multiple signal feed points on a dielectric substrate, allowing shared use by multiple wireless RF transceivers, which are selectively operated by a controller to cover frequencies from 900 MHz to 6 GHz, providing a compact and efficient multi-frequency band operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are used to cover multiple RF bands, then frequency band coverage is improved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna functions into a single shared antenna structure. The antenna is designed with multiple feed points that can be selectively activated through switching mechanisms, allowing one physical antenna to serve multiple frequency bands that would traditionally require separate antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The single antenna is designed to be multi-functional by incorporating multiple feed points and using switching mechanisms that allow the same antenna structure to operate across different frequency bands. This universal design enables the antenna to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate dedicated antennas for each frequency band.
2Volume of moving object
If a single antenna is used to cover multiple frequency bands, then device size is reduced, but antenna performance and match across all bands deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is segmented into multiple functional sections with distinct feed points, each optimized for specific frequency ranges. The antenna structure includes multiple radiating elements and feed points that can be independently activated, allowing each segment to contribute to overall performance across different bands without compromising total system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system incorporates dynamic switching mechanisms that allow selective activation of different feed points based on the required frequency band. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the antenna to optimize its performance for the currently active frequency band, maintaining high reliability across all bands rather than compromising performance for a static multi-band design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are installed for multi-frequency operation, then frequency coverage is improved, but electromagnetic interference between antennas increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple antenna functions into a single shared antenna structure, the patent eliminates the electromagnetic interference problems that arise from having multiple separate antennas in close proximity. The single antenna design ensures that all radiating elements are properly integrated and isolated through the antenna's inherent structure and switching mechanisms, preventing the interference issues that would occur with multiple independent antennas.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the number of operating frequency bands increases, then communication versatility is improved, but the number of required antennas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal antenna design that can operate across multiple frequency bands through a single multi-functional antenna structure. This antenna incorporates multiple feed points and switching mechanisms that enable it to serve multiple communication functions and frequency bands, eliminating the need to increase the number of antennas as communication versatility requirements grow.
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 efficient multi-frequency band operation in a compact form factor, reducing the need for multiple antennas and minimizing electromagnetic interference, while maintaining performance across a wide range of frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
a common antenna (33) carried by the housing (32) and having a plurality of spaced apart signal feed points (34a-34n) thereon
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5C
AI summary
A mobile wireless communications device may include a housing and a common antenna carried by the housing and having a plurality of spaced apart signal feed points thereon. The device may further include a plurality of wireless radio frequency (RF) transceivers carried by the housing and coupled to respective ones of the signal feed points of the common antenna. Each wireless RF transceiver may also have a respective different operating frequency associated therewith. Furthermore, the device may also include a controller selectively operating at least some of the wireless RF transceivers to advantageously use the common antenna at a same time.