Mains Conductor RF Antenna Matching Without a PCB Coupler
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing radiofrequency signal control devices for domestic electrical apparatuses face issues with cluttered printed circuit boards due to couplers, leading to increased size and cost, as well as radiofrequency losses in power and sensitivity, and unnecessary supply current flow through the coupler.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves relocating the connection point to the second end of the electrical conductor and using an adaptation line section to adapt impedance between the electrical conductor and the antenna, eliminating the need for a coupler and reducing radiofrequency losses while minimizing the printed circuit board dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a coupler is arranged between the first electrical conductor and the radiofrequency unit on the printed circuit board, then the impedance of the antenna can be adapted, but the printed circuit board becomes cluttered and its size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is extracted from the printed circuit board and integrated directly into the first electrical conductor. This removes the clutter from the PCB surface while maintaining the impedance adaptation function, thereby reducing the required PCB area without sacrificing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler functionality is merged with the first electrical conductor by forming the coupler as an integral part of the conductor trace on the PCB. This combination eliminates separate components and reduces the overall space required on the printed circuit board.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a coupler is arranged between the first electrical conductor and the radiofrequency unit, then impedance adaptation is achieved, but radiofrequency losses in power and sensitivity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is extracted from being a separate discrete component and integrated directly into the electrical conductor path. This reduces the number of connection points and interfaces where radiofrequency signals can be lost, thereby reducing power and sensitivity losses while maintaining impedance adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the coupler functionality into the electrical conductor itself, the patent minimizes the number of separate components and connections in the RF signal path. This reduces cumulative losses at each interface while preserving the essential impedance matching function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a coupler is used for impedance adaptation, then the antenna impedance can be matched, but the supply current of the domestic electrical apparatus flows through the coupler unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical conductor is segmented into different functional zones: one portion forms the coupler for RF impedance adaptation, while another portion serves as the power supply conductor. This segmentation allows RF signals and power current to use different paths, preventing power current from flowing through the coupler section and reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptation line section acts as an intermediary structure that provides impedance adaptation for RF signals while being configured to exclude power supply current from flowing through it. This mediator function allows the system to achieve impedance matching without the penalty of power loss through the adaptation structure.
4Ease of operation
If the connection point is arranged at the first end of the first electrical conductor, then the radiofrequency unit can be connected, but the printed circuit board requires larger dimensions to accommodate the coupler
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the connection point at the first end of the conductor as in conventional designs, the patent inverts this arrangement by placing the connection point at the second end of the first electrical conductor. This inversion, combined with integrating the coupler into the conductor, allows for more compact PCB layout while maintaining ease of connection.
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 configuration reduces radiofrequency losses and board size, lowers costs by eliminating the coupler, and enhances the efficiency of radiofrequency signal transmission and reception.
Implementation Method 1
the adaptation line section electrically connected to said first connection point arranged at said second end of said first electrical conductor allows to adapt an impedance on said first electrical conductor with respect to an impedance of said antenna
Implementation Method 2
a radiofrequency unit configured to receive and/or emit radiofrequency signals
Data Source
AI summary
A radiofrequency signal control device of a domestic electrical apparatus, configured to be supplied with electrical energy by a mains electrical supply network, comprises a first electrical conductor, a second electrical conductor, a radiofrequency unit, a printed circuit board and an antenna. A first end of each of the first and second electrical conductors is configured to be electrically connected to the mains electrical supply network. The radiofrequency unit is electrically connected to a connection point. The connection point is arranged at a second end of the first electrical conductor. The radiofrequency signal control device further comprises an adaptation line section. A first end of the adaptation line section is electrically connected to the connection point. Furthermore, a second end of the adaptation line section is either electrically connected to a reference voltage or is devoid of an electrical connection.