Dynamic Antenna Switching for Wireless Modems

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication apparatuses with fixed corresponding relations between modems and antennas suffer from deteriorated information transceiving capability when the quality of one antenna's signal reduces, limiting overall device performance.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication apparatus with a switch that allows antennas to be dynamically switched between modems based on the quality of received radio-frequency signals, using control signals generated by the modems to determine and improve communication quality by selecting the best antenna for signal processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed corresponding relation between modems and antennas is used, then the device structure is simple, but the information transceiving capability deteriorates when antenna signal quality reduces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation transceiving capabilityVSAvoidantenna switching mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic antenna switching where the correspondence between modems and antennas changes based on real-time signal quality conditions. The switch dynamically reconfigures connections based on quality determination, transforming the static fixed correspondence into a dynamic adaptive system that responds to changing environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where signal quality information is continuously monitored and fed back to the control logic. The quality determination unit evaluates antenna signal quality and feeds this information back to the switch, which then adjusts the modem-antenna correspondence accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that improves reliability through adaptive response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If signal quality monitoring and switching control are added, then communication quality improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication qualityVSAvoidswitching control mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switch serves multiple functions: it acts as a signal routing component, a quality-based decision execution unit, and a reconfigurable connection manager. By making the switch multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby improving communication quality while minimizing the increase in device complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service through automatic quality monitoring and autonomous switching decisions. The quality determination unit automatically evaluates signal conditions and the switch autonomously reconfigures connections without requiring external intervention or complex control mechanisms, allowing the system to improve its own performance through self-managed adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9178557B2Wireless communication apparatus and antenna switching method thereof
Publication Date: 2015.11.03 HTC CORP
  • US9178557B2 patent drawing
  • US9178557B2 patent drawing
  • US9178557B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention provides an antenna switching method for a wireless communication apparatus. The wireless communication apparatus includes a first antenna, a second antenna, a first modem, a switch, and a second modem. The first modem generates a control signal; the switch is coupled to the first antenna, the second antenna, the first modem, and the second modem. The switch receives the control signal and performs switching according to the control signal to make the first antenna to be coupled to one of the first modem and the second modem, and to make the second antenna to be coupled to the other one of the first modem and the second modem.