Multi-coil Antenna with Tunable Inductance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing near-field communication antennas are inefficient due to low quality factors and large sizes, leading to unreliable and inefficient wireless power and data transfer, especially when multiple modes of operation are required, as they demand precise alignment and proximity between transmitting and receiving antennas.
Innovation Solution
A single structure multi-mode antenna with at least two inductor coils electrically connected in series, capable of operating across various frequency bands, including Qi, Rezence, and PMA standards, featuring a compact design that dynamically adjusts its operating frequency and inductance through strategic electrical connections and magnetic shielding to enhance performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If prior art antennas are used for near-field communication, then wireless power and data transfer can be achieved, but the transfer efficiency is low and the quality factor is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is divided into multiple separate coils (first coil, second coil, third coil, fourth coil) that can be independently connected in series or parallel configurations. This segmentation allows the system to optimize performance for different operating modes and frequency bands, improving both energy transfer efficiency and reliability by selecting the appropriate coil configuration for each specific application.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna incorporates a switching mechanism that dynamically reconfigures the coil connections between series and parallel arrangements based on the desired operating frequency and mode. This dynamic reconfiguration optimizes the quality factor and inductance for each operating condition, thereby improving wireless power transfer efficiency and communication reliability across multiple frequency bands.
2Productivity
If prior art antennas are used for near-field communication, then wireless transmission can occur, but the antenna size is large which hinders efficient operation
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna design places the second coil within the inner perimeter of the first coil, and the fourth coil within the inner perimeter of the third coil, creating a nested configuration. This nesting arrangement allows multiple coils to occupy overlapping spatial regions, significantly reducing the overall antenna footprint while maintaining the necessary inductance values for efficient wireless transmission across multiple frequency bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes multi-layer substrate structures to arrange coils in three-dimensional space rather than purely two-dimensional layouts. By stacking coils on different substrate layers and using via connections, the design achieves compact spatial arrangement that reduces the planar area occupied while maintaining efficient magnetic coupling and transmission performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If prior art antennas are used for multi-mode operation, then multiple frequency bands can be supported, but precise alignment and proximity between transmitting and receiving antennas are required
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna incorporates four coils that can be connected in various series and parallel configurations to support multiple operating frequency bands including NFC, inductive charging, and resonant inductive coupling modes. This multi-functional design allows a single antenna structure to replace multiple specialized antennas, providing versatility across different wireless power and data transfer standards while reducing alignment sensitivity through optimized magnetic field distribution.
4Length of stationary object
If prior art antennas are used for near-field communication, then wireless power transfer can occur, but the transmission range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna enables dynamic adjustment of inductance values by switching between series and parallel coil configurations, which changes the resonant frequency and impedance characteristics. This parameter adjustment allows optimization of the magnetic coupling coefficient and resonant frequency matching between transmitting and receiving antennas, thereby extending transmission range while maintaining power transfer efficiency across different operating conditions and distances.
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
The solution enables efficient wireless transfer of power and data over multiple frequencies with improved reliability and flexibility, reducing the need for precise alignment and increasing the transmission range while maintaining a compact form factor, suitable for small electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
Near-field communication enables the transfer of electrical energy and/or data wirelessly through magnetic field induction between a transmitting antenna and a corresponding receiving antenna
Implementation Method 2
Resonant inductive coupling is defined herein as the near field wireless transmission of electrical energy between two magnetically coupled coils that are part of two spaced apart resonant circuits that are tuned to resonate at the same frequency
Data Source
AI summary
A method of providing a single structure multiple mode antenna having a unitary body construction is described. The antenna is preferably constructed having a first inductor coil portion that is electrically connected in series with a second inductor coil portion. The antenna is constructed having a plurality of electrical connections positioned along the first and second inductor coils. A plurality of terminals facilitates connection of the electrical connections having numerous electrical connection configurations and enables the antenna to be selectively tuned to various frequencies and frequency bands.