Communication Module Impedance Control via Variable Capacitor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Tunable antenna-based electronic devices cannot control their impedance during idle modes when not performing data communication with external devices, leading to potential mismatches and inefficiencies due to changes in resonant frequencies caused by nearby objects.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a communication control module that determines and adjusts the impedance of its communication module based on signal return loss and object proximity, even during idle states, using a variable capacitor to maintain optimal communication quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the electronic device does not perform data communication with external devices during idle mode, then power consumption is reduced, but impedance control is lost leading to communication quality degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcommunication quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing impedance measurement and adjustment during idle mode before actual data communication begins. The communication control module measures return loss and adjusts the impedance matching circuit in advance, ensuring optimal impedance is established before communication starts, thus preventing communication quality degradation while maintaining power savings during truly idle periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring return loss during idle mode and using this information to dynamically adjust the impedance matching circuit. The communication control module measures the return loss signal, determines impedance status, and controls the impedance matching circuit accordingly, creating a closed-loop feedback system that maintains communication quality without continuous high-power operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the impedance matching circuit is continuously controlled during idle mode, then communication quality is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication qualityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by performing impedance measurement and adjustment at specific intervals during idle mode rather than continuously. The communication control module measures return loss periodically and adjusts impedance at these periodic intervals, maintaining communication quality while avoiding the power consumption of continuous control operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Adaptability or versatility

If objects with permittivity are in proximity to the antenna, then resonant frequency shifts occur, but impedance matching becomes inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental adaptationVSAvoidimpedance matching accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting impedance matching parameters based on measured return loss. When objects with permittivity are in proximity causing resonant frequency shifts, the communication control module measures the changed return loss characteristics and adjusts the impedance matching circuit parameters accordingly, adapting to environmental changes while maintaining matching accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables efficient impedance control and improved communication quality by adjusting the communication module's characteristics in response to object proximity and idle states, reducing signal interference and power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

using a variable capacitor to maintain optimal communication quality

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

obtain a return loss for the transmitted signal to control an impedance of the impedance matching circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation and reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2903168B1Apparatus and method for providing communication
Publication Date: 2021.06.23 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2903168B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2903168B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2903168B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A method for communication in an electronic device is provided. The method includes determining whether to control a communication module of the electronic device based on at least a part of information related to communication between the electronic device and an external device, determining a control value for the communication module based on the determination, and controlling the communication module using at least a part of the control value.