Multi-Antenna Switching Circuit for In-Vehicle Signal Reception

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless mobile devices experience degraded antenna performance when placed in vehicles due to metal structures, necessitating improved signal transmission and reception quality, and the ability to switch between network signals based on environment.

Innovation Solution

An antenna signal switching system with multiple network modules, switching circuits, and antennas, including internal and external antennas, allows selective switching between WLAN and WWAN signals, utilizing duplexers and extractors to manage frequency signals, controlled by a processing circuit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If wireless mobile devices are placed in vehicles with metal structures, then the device structure is compact and portable, but antenna performance deteriorates due to signal blocking and interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidantenna performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the antenna function into multiple independent antennas (first antenna for WLAN, second antenna for WWAN, third external antenna) with separate network modules and switching circuits, allowing each antenna to operate independently and select the best signal source based on environment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces switching circuits as intermediary components that mediate between multiple network modules/antennas and the mobile device, enabling selective connection to different signal sources (internal or external antennas) based on signal quality requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If external antennas are used to improve signal quality, then antenna performance improves, but device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission and reception qualityVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switching circuits are designed to handle multiple functions: selecting between internal and external antennas, switching between WLAN and WWAN networks, and adapting to different environmental conditions, thereby reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each function

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic switching capabilities where the switching circuits can automatically or manually transition between different antenna configurations and network modes based on real-time signal quality assessment and environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple network modules and switching circuits are added to enable signal switching, then network signal adaptability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork signal switching capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides more network connectivity options and switching capabilities than strictly necessary for basic operation, allowing users to benefit from enhanced signal quality and network adaptability when needed, while maintaining compatibility with simpler single-antenna configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4672620A1Antenna signal switching system
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 GETAC TECH CORP
  • EP4672620A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4672620A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4672620A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An antenna signal switching system includes a first network module; a first switching circuit coupled to the first network module; a first antenna coupled to the first switching circuit, used to transmit and receive a first network signal; a second network module; a second switching circuit coupled to the second network module; a second antenna coupled to the second switching circuit, used to transmit and receive a second network signal; a third switching circuit coupled to the first and second switching circuits; an antenna port group coupled to the third switching circuit, used to transmit and receive the first network signal or second network signal; and a third antenna coupled to the antenna port group, used to transmit and receive the first network signal or second network signal. The third switching circuit is selectively switched to transmit and receive the first network signal or second network signal.