Foldable Antenna Tuning for Phase-Balanced Radiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In foldable electronic devices, a fixed time constant for phase delay between antennas can cause phase deviation and performance imbalance, degrading radiation performance when in the folded state.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a hinge module, sensor circuit, and processor that detects the folding state and adjusts the time constant of the tuner circuit on the first antenna path based on the phase of the second antenna, and applies different power backoffs to balance antenna performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed time constant is used for phase delay between antennas, then the device structure is simple, but phase deviation occurs and radiation performance degrades in the folded state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed time constant to a variable time constant that adapts based on the folding state. The processor dynamically adjusts the time constant of the tuner circuit according to real-time feedback from the second antenna, enabling the system to maintain optimal phase relationship whether in folded or unfolded state, thus resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and performance reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the time constant parameter of the tuner circuit based on the detected folding state. When the device is in the folded state, the processor receives phase information from the second antenna and adjusts the time constant accordingly to compensate for phase deviations, thereby maintaining radiation performance without requiring complex structural modifications.
2Reliability
If different power backoffs are applied to first and second antennas, then antenna performance imbalance is corrected, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback by having the processor receive phase information from the second antenna and use this feedback to determine appropriate power backoff values for both antennas. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically balance antenna performance in the folded state without requiring complex manual calibration or additional hardware, as the processor intelligently adjusts power distribution based on real-time phase measurements.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a hinge module, a first housing at least partially coupled to a first side of the hinge module and including a first antenna, a second housing at least partially coupled to a second side of the hinge module, configured to be foldable and unfoldable with the first housing by using the hinge module, and including a second antenna, a sensor circuit configured to detect an unfolding state and/or a folding state of the first housing and the second housing, a processor operatively connected to the first antenna, the second antenna, and the sensor circuit, a first signal line configured to connect the processor and the first antenna, a tuner circuit disposed on the first signal line, and a second signal line configured to connect the processor and the second antenna, wherein the processor is configured to, in case that the first housing and the second housing are detected to be in the folding state by using the sensor circuit, receive feedback of a signal transmitted to the second antenna, detect a phase of the feedback signal, and determine a time constant of the tuner circuit disposed on the first signal line, based on the detected phase of the signal.