Integrated Air Loop Antenna and Transformer Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional AM radio devices face challenges with size increase and performance degradation due to the presence of transformers on printed circuit boards, which pick up noise and require shielding, making them bulky and prone to interference.
Innovation Solution
An integrated air loop antenna and transformer assembly is proposed, where the transformer is moved outside the printed circuit board and integrated with the air loop antenna, reducing noise interference and allowing for a smaller device form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the transformer is mounted on the PCB close to the radio IC, then the device size is reduced, but the transformer picks up noise from radio electronics degrading performance
Solution Approach 1:
The transformer is extracted from the PCB and integrated with the air loop antenna to form a separate integrated antenna assembly. This physical separation removes the transformer from the noisy PCB environment while maintaining electrical connection through the antenna structure, thereby reducing noise pickup without significantly increasing device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The transformer is merged with the air loop antenna to create an integrated antenna assembly. This combination allows the transformer to be positioned away from the PCB while maintaining a compact overall structure, as the transformer and antenna work together as a unified component rather than separate elements.
2Area of stationary object
If the transformer is placed on the PCB, then the PCB area is utilized, but the device requires additional shielding increasing complexity and size
Solution Approach 1:
The transformer is extracted from the PCB and relocated to an integrated antenna assembly. This eliminates the need for shielding around the transformer on the PCB, as it is now positioned outside the noisy electronic environment. The PCB area is freed up while avoiding the complexity of implementing shields.
3Reliability
If the transformer is separated from the air loop antenna, then the antenna performance is improved, but the device size increases due to additional space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The transformer and air loop antenna are merged into a single integrated assembly. This allows the antenna to be positioned optimally for performance while the transformer is housed within or adjacent to the antenna structure, avoiding additional space requirements. The integration ensures they work together as a coordinated system rather than separate components requiring individual mounting spaces.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances radio performance by reducing noise pickup and enabling smaller device designs while maintaining effective AM broadcast channel reception, suitable for applications in compact devices like MP3 players and USB radios.
Implementation Method 1
The transformer acts to increase the inductance and reduce the capacitance as well as increase the magnetically coupled voltage signal seen by the radio device from the air loop antenna
Implementation Method 2
These prior radio devices have used receive antennas to receive broadcast channels. In particular, prior AM radio receiver systems have used air loop antennas to receive AM broadcast channels
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for an integrated air loop antenna and transformer antenna assembly that provides improved performance in receiving RF signals and AM broadcast channels, in particular. In one embodiment, an air loop antenna is coupled to a transformer to form an integrated antenna assembly. This integrated air loop antenna and transformer antenna assembly can then be connected to a radio device having antenna connections.