Dynamic Tuning Weighting for Antenna Matching Networks

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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 transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx) performance, leading to suboptimal results due to asymmetric link conditions and limited real-time tuning capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A communication device with a dynamic tuning system that adjusts weighting between Tx and Rx matching based on real-time conditions, using a closed loop tuning algorithm to converge to optimal or compromise solutions, and dynamically changing the tuning configuration for carrier aggregation operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fixed tuning configuration is used for duplex operation, then the device can maintain simple operation, but the matching performance compromises between transmit and receive operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetuning operation simplicityVSAvoidmatching performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic weighting factors that adjust the balance between transmit and receive matching performance in real-time based on operational conditions. The system transitions from a fixed tuning configuration to a dynamic one where the weighting between Tx and Rx performance can be adjusted according to actual link conditions, application type, and radio measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of weighting factors between transmit and receive matching. By varying these weighting parameters based on operational conditions (such as data throughput, link margin, and operational function), the system optimizes matching performance for different scenarios without requiring complex manual tuning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If real-time tuning is implemented to optimize matching performance, then the matching performance improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematching performanceVSAvoidtuning system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor operational conditions (data throughput, link margin, operational function) and use this information to adjust the weighting factors between transmit and receive matching. This closed-loop feedback allows the system to automatically optimize performance without requiring complex manual intervention or overly sophisticated tuning algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The tuning system performs self-optimization by automatically adjusting weighting factors based on monitored operational conditions. The system serves itself by using built-in sensors and processors to detect current operating state and autonomously modify matching parameters, reducing the need for external intervention or complex user-configurable options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If asymmetric weighting is applied based on operational function, then the matching performance for specific operations improves, but the adaptability to changing conditions decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation-specific matching performanceVSAvoidadaptability to changing operational conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts weighting factors based on real-time operational conditions such as data throughput, link margin, and current operational function. Rather than using fixed asymmetric weighting, the system can transition between different weighting configurations as conditions change, maintaining optimal performance across diverse scenarios including voice, data, and carrier aggregation operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3276841B1Method and apparatus for dynamic tuning
Publication Date: 2024.05.29 NXP USA INC
  • EP3276841B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3276841B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3276841B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A system that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, determining first and second tuning states based on selections from first and second groups of tuning states, respectively, detecting an operational function of the communication device, adjusting weighting between the first and second tuning states according to the operational function resulting in an adjusted weighting, and determining a tuning configuration for a matching network of the communication device according to interpolation that utilizes the first and second tuning states in conjunction with the adjusted weighting. Other embodiments are disclosed.