Configurable Antenna Structure for Multi-Band Wireless
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antenna structures are impractical for newer wireless communication applications due to their large size and inability to support multiple frequency bands and standards, which is a challenge in achieving smaller form factors with increased performance.
Innovation Solution
A configurable antenna structure that includes a plurality of antenna components and switches, along with a configuration module, which can be adjusted to support multiple frequency bands and standards by configuring the antenna components to provide desired properties such as gain, bandwidth, and center frequency, allowing for efficient operation across various wireless communication standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional antenna structures are used, then antenna performance is achieved, but the physical size becomes large and cannot support multiple frequency bands
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna structure is divided into multiple discrete antenna elements that can be independently configured. Each element can be selectively activated or deactivated through switching mechanisms, allowing the antenna system to adapt to different frequency bands and communication standards by using only the necessary elements, thereby reducing the effective area occupied on the printed circuit board.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna structure incorporates dynamic reconfiguration capabilities through switching networks and control circuits that allow the antenna elements to be dynamically connected or disconnected. This enables the antenna system to change its electrical characteristics and physical configuration in real-time based on the required frequency band or communication standard, optimizing performance while minimizing the occupied area.
2Area of stationary object
If antenna structure is reduced to achieve smaller form factor, then physical size decreases, but the ability to support multiple frequency bands and standards is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna structure is designed as a universal platform that can support multiple frequency bands and communication standards through a single integrated design. By incorporating multiple antenna elements with different geometries and electrical characteristics, along with switching mechanisms, the system can function as different types of antennas (e.g., dipole, monopole, patch) depending on the configuration, thereby achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated antennas for each band.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system utilizes parameter changes in the form of switching different antenna elements into or out of the active configuration. By changing which elements are connected and how they are interconnected, the electrical parameters such as resonant frequency, impedance, and radiation pattern can be adjusted to match the requirements of different frequency bands and communication standards, maintaining versatility while using a compact physical structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A configurable antenna structure includes a plurality of switches, a plurality of antenna components, and a configuration module. The configuration module is operable to configure the plurality of switches and the plurality of antenna components into a first antenna for receiving a multiple frequency band multiple standard (MFBMS) signal. The configuration module continues processing by identify a signal component of interest of a plurality of signal components of interest within the MFBMS signal. The configuration module continues processing by configuring the plurality of switches and the plurality of antenna components into a second antenna.