Integrated Antenna for Wireless Charging and Communications
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Solution Overview
Problem
The design of multi-antenna systems in mobile devices faces challenges such as increased device size due to theoretical limits on antenna performance and interference between antennas, which complicates configuration and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An integrated antenna system that combines high-frequency antennas for wireless communication with low-frequency antennas for wireless charging and NFC, using isolation circuitry like low-pass and high-pass filters to decouple these functions, allowing the same antenna elements to serve multiple purposes and reduce spatial requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate antennas are used for wireless communication and wireless charging functions, then signal quality and functional reliability are improved, but device size and antenna volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single antenna structure that performs multiple functions: it serves as both a high-frequency antenna for wireless communication and a low-frequency antenna for wireless charging/NFC operations. The antenna elements are designed to operate across a broad frequency range, eliminating the need for separate antennas for different functions and thereby reducing device size while maintaining signal quality through proper impedance matching and isolation techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate antenna systems (wireless communication antenna and wireless charging antenna) into a single integrated antenna structure. The antenna elements are physically merged and electrically coupled through isolation circuitry, allowing both functions to coexist in the same spatial footprint, thus reducing the overall antenna volume required in the device
2Volume of moving object
If multiple antennas are placed in close proximity to reduce device size, then device miniaturization is achieved, but antenna coupling and interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces isolation circuitry as an intermediary component between the high-frequency and low-frequency antenna elements. This isolation circuitry includes filtering components that selectively pass desired frequency ranges while blocking unwanted frequencies, thereby preventing coupling and interference between the two antenna functions while allowing them to operate in close proximity within the same antenna structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs frequency-selective parameter changes through the use of filters and impedance matching networks. The isolation circuitry is designed with frequency-dependent characteristics that change the electrical parameters (impedance, coupling coefficient) based on the operating frequency, allowing the antenna to function independently at high frequencies for communication and at low frequencies for charging without mutual interference
3Reliability
If separate antenna systems are used for different frequency ranges, then functional performance is maintained, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal antenna structure that can operate across both high-frequency (wireless communication) and low-frequency (wireless charging/NFC) ranges. This single multi-functional antenna system reduces the number of separate antenna components needed, simplifying the overall antenna configuration, reducing manufacturing steps, and lowering assembly complexity while maintaining functional performance through careful design of the antenna elements and isolation circuitry
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 approach enables simultaneous operation of wireless communication and wireless charging/NFC functions without significant size or efficiency penalties, enhancing data rates and device miniaturization while minimizing interference.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one common antenna element is (when receiving wireless charging signals) de-coupled from one or more of the plurality of functional modules operating at the wireless communication frequencies using at least one high-pass filter
Implementation Method 2
The at least one common antenna element (when receiving wireless charging signals) may be coupled to one or more of the second plurality of antenna elements using at least one low-pass filter
Data Source
AI summary
Antennas, antenna systems, and components used in antenna systems are provided herein. In various examples, an integrated antenna for receiving signals for a plurality of functional modules in a computing device may include a first plurality of antenna elements for receiving signals at wireless communication frequencies and a second plurality of antenna elements for receiving signals at wireless charging frequencies. The first and the second pluralities of antenna elements may have at least one common antenna element, which may be coupled to one or more of the second plurality of antenna elements using at least one low-pass filter. The at least one common antenna element is de-coupled from one or more of the plurality of functional modules operating at the wireless communication frequencies using at least one high-pass filter.