External Antenna Tuning for IoT Module Frequency Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radio modules in IoT devices often result in suboptimal antenna performance due to installation and mechanical design issues, leading to reduced communication range, increased power consumption, and EMC problems, with the antenna being difficult to modify for compliance with regional certifications.
Innovation Solution
The use of external tuning components coupled to the antenna components within a surface mountable module allows for adjustment of the antenna's center frequency without physical access to the internal antenna structures, enabling optimization of antenna performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a module with integrated antenna is used to speed up time to market, then time to market is reduced, but antenna performance becomes suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into two independent parts: the integrated module antenna and external tuning components. This segmentation allows the module to be pre-certified while enabling post-manufacturing optimization through external components coupled to the antenna feed point or ground plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the otherwise fixed module antenna by adding external tuning components (such as variable capacitors or inductors) that can be adjusted after manufacturing to optimize antenna performance for specific installation environments and regional certifications.
2Loss of time
If the antenna in a module is not optimized for the end product assembly, then time to market is reduced, but communication range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the module with antenna components and basic tuning capabilities during manufacturing, then performing final optimization adjustments after the module is installed in the end product, ensuring both quick deployment and optimal communication range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter changes by allowing adjustment of antenna electrical characteristics (such as resonant frequency and impedance) through external tuning components, thereby optimizing communication range for different installation environments without redesigning the entire module.
3Loss of time
If the module installation affects the antenna performance, then time to market is reduced, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically or manually tune the antenna performance after installation, allowing the antenna to adapt to its specific installation environment and minimize power consumption without requiring complete module redesign or replacement.
4Loss of time
If the antenna is not compliant with regional certifications, then time to market is reduced, but the module cannot be modified by the end product manufacturer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the certification compliance function from the core module by adding external, removable tuning components. This allows the base module to be pre-certified while enabling end product manufacturers to add regional-specific tuning components to achieve local certifications without modifying the certified module itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing the module with a universal antenna structure that can support multiple regional certifications through interchangeable or adjustable external tuning components, allowing a single module design to serve multiple markets with different regulatory requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a module comprising an antenna having at least one antenna component. The apparatus further includes at least one tuning component coupled to the at least one antenna component. The at least one tuning component is external to the module.