Configurable Antenna Arrangements for Signal Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna arrangements in mobile cellular devices face challenges in optimizing signal quality due to local interference, as they lack the ability to dynamically configure and interconnect antenna elements effectively for improved signal transmission and reception.
Innovation Solution
A configurable antenna system comprising a set of antenna elements and switching nodes that form a network, with a control means to manage the interconnects between switching nodes, allowing for adaptive configuration of antenna patterns, routing, and control of signal operations such as phase shift, amplitude, and frequency conversion, enabling flexible communication paths and signal distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple antenna elements are spatially separated to avoid local interference, then signal quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is divided into multiple independent antenna elements that can be individually controlled and configured. Each antenna element can operate independently or in combination with others, allowing the system to segment the antenna function across multiple spatial locations to avoid interference while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna arrangement incorporates dynamic switching capability that allows the system to reconfigure which antenna elements are active and how they are interconnected based on real-time signal conditions. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the system to adapt to changing interference patterns and optimize signal quality without requiring a fixed complex structure
2Device complexity
If antenna elements are fixed in configuration, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different signal conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is designed with universal switching nodes that can connect any antenna element to any other antenna element or to the transmitter/receiver. This multi-functional interconnection capability allows the same physical antenna structure to serve multiple different configuration purposes, achieving high adaptability without increasing physical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control mechanisms that enable real-time reconfiguration of antenna element connections based on signal quality metrics and interference patterns. This dynamic adaptability allows the antenna arrangement to optimize performance for different signal conditions while maintaining a relatively simple fixed physical structure
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided that includes a set of antenna elements and switching nodes. Each switching node has physical interconnects to a sub-set of the antenna elements for transferring communication signals and the switching nodes have physical interconnects to other switching nodes forming a network of switching nodes for transferring communication signals between switching nodes. The apparatus also includes a controller for controlling operation of switching nodes to control use of the physical interconnects between switching nodes and control creation of different patterns of antenna elements operationally interconnected via multiple operationally interconnected switching nodes.