Dynamic Antenna Matching Network Tuning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication devices face challenges in achieving optimal antenna matching for duplex operation and carrier aggregation, as existing solutions often compromise on performance between transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx) operations, leading to suboptimal results due to asymmetric link conditions and limited real-time tuning capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A communication device with a closed-loop tuning system that dynamically adjusts the weighting between Tx and Rx matching performance based on real-time conditions, using a processing system and tunable reactive elements to select optimal tuning states from predetermined groups, and interpolating between them to achieve improved duplex and carrier aggregation performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single tuning state is selected for duplex operation, then device complexity is reduced, but performance is compromised between Tx and Rx operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetuning system complexityVSAvoidantenna matching performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic tuning by switching between different tuning states based on operational mode (Tx or Rx). The system transitions from a static single tuning state to a dynamic multi-state system controlled by a tuning controller that monitors operational conditions and adjusts the matching network accordingly, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the tuning parameters of the matching network based on operational requirements. By storing multiple predetermined tuning states with different parameter configurations and selecting the appropriate state based on whether Tx or Rx is active, the system optimizes antenna matching performance for each mode without requiring a completely redundant system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If predetermined tuning states are used for duplex operation, then ease of operation is improved, but performance in carrier aggregation scenarios deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetuning control simplicityVSAvoidcarrier aggregation performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system enhances the static predetermined tuning states by introducing dynamic interpolation capability. When carrier aggregation is detected, the tuning controller interpolates between adjacent predetermined tuning states to generate optimized intermediate states, maintaining ease of operation through automated control while achieving superior performance in carrier aggregation scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an interpolation mechanism as an intermediary between the predetermined tuning states. This intermediary process generates optimized tuning states for carrier aggregation by combining adjacent predetermined states, allowing the system to maintain simple predetermined state storage while achieving enhanced performance through computational optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If asymmetric link conditions are not considered in tuning, then device complexity is reduced, but communication efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetuning system structureVSAvoidcommunication efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the tuning controller monitors link conditions and communication performance metrics. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts the selected tuning state or interpolates between states to optimize communication efficiency, resolving the contradiction by adding intelligent control that adapts to asymmetric link conditions without requiring complex hardware changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3276840B1Method and apparatus for dynamic tuning
Publication Date: 2024.03.20 NXP USA INC
  • EP3276840B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3276840B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3276840B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A system that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, adjusting a matching network utilizing a first tuning state resulting in a first tuning where the first tuning state is selected from among a first group of predetermined tuning states that increase performance in duplex operation, and responsive to a comparison of a first performance metric with a first reference metric, determining a weighted first tuning state and adjusting the matching network utilizing the weighted first tuning state resulting in a second tuning, where the weighted first tuning state is determined based on a weighting factor, the first tuning state, and a second tuning state selected from a second group of predetermined tuning states. Other embodiments are disclosed.