Mobile Millimeter-Wave Power Limits via Proximity Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current certification processes for millimeter-wave antenna modules in mobile devices do not adequately address safety regulations for Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) in FR1 and Power Density (PD) in FR2, necessitating a specific certification process for distance sensing to ensure compliance with safety regulations and improve the transmitting power of millimeter-wave antenna modules.

Innovation Solution

A method involving measuring the first transmitting power of the antenna module, obtaining a power density design target contour, and adjusting the power until the distance sensing plane coverage surrounds this contour, determining the transmitting power upper limit based on the adjusted power to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the transmitting power of millimeter-wave antenna modules is increased to improve performance, then the coverage and signal quality are improved, but the safety compliance becomes more difficult to ensure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmitting powerVSAvoidsafety compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the transmitting power of the antenna module based on distance sensing results. The system dynamically modifies the power parameter according to the detected distance, ensuring that power remains within safe limits while maximizing performance when appropriate. This resolves the contradiction by making power a variable parameter rather than a fixed value.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback through the proximity sensor that continuously monitors distance and provides information back to the power control system. This feedback loop enables the system to adjust transmitting power in real-time based on actual conditions, ensuring safety compliance while maintaining optimal performance. The feedback mechanism allows the system to respond to changing conditions and maintain the balance between power and safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If a specific certification process for distance sensing is implemented to ensure safety compliance, then safety regulations are met, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety complianceVSAvoidcertification process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by integrating the proximity sensor function with the existing antenna module or using the same hardware component for multiple purposes. The distance sensing capability serves both the safety certification requirement and the overall device functionality. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while ensuring safety compliance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the trigger distance of the proximity sensor is reduced to lower transmitting power, then safety compliance is improved, but the distance sensing plane coverage decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower densityVSAvoiddistance sensing plane coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the transmitting power adjustable and variable rather than fixed. The system dynamically changes the power level based on the trigger distance and sensing conditions. When the trigger distance is reduced, the system can compensate by adjusting other parameters or using the dynamic power control to maintain adequate coverage while respecting the reduced trigger distance safety margin.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4580091A1Safety regulation verification method for a mobile device, and method for determining a transmitting power upper limit thereof
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 MEDIATEK INC
  • EP4580091A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4580091A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4580091A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A safety regulation verification method comprises: measuring a first transmitting power of the antenna module at a trigger distance of a proximity sensor of the mobile device; obtaining a power density design target contour based on the first transmitting power at a predetermined distance from the mobile device on a chosen surface; obtaining a distance sensing plane coverage of the proximity sensor at the predetermined distance from the mobile device on the chosen surface; comparing whether the distance sensing plane coverage surrounds the power density design target contour; and when the distance sensing plane coverage of the proximity sensor fails to surround the power density design target contour, adjusting the first transmitting power as a second transmitting power until the distance sensing plane coverage surrounds the power density design target contour.