Multi-Output Antenna Matching Circuits for Simultaneous Services
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile devices face challenges in accommodating multiple antennas due to space constraints, limiting their ability to support simultaneous access to multiple services and future cognitive radio systems requiring multi-resolution spectrum sensing.
Innovation Solution
A multi-output antenna design featuring one or more radiating elements coupled with multiple matching circuits, allowing each radiating element to operate at separate resonant frequencies, thereby providing multiple outputs simultaneously while occupying less space and reducing the need for complex circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate antennas are used to support multiple services simultaneously, then the number of supported services increases, but the space occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna functions into a single radiating element by using multiple independent matching circuits that are permanently coupled to the same radiating structure. This allows one antenna to provide multiple outputs for different services (GSM, GPS, WiFi, etc.) simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate antennas and reducing the space required in mobile terminals.
Solution Approach 2:
The single antenna system is designed to be universal and multi-functional by incorporating multiple matching circuits that can be independently tuned to different frequency bands. The same radiating element serves multiple purposes by supporting different communication services through its multiple outputs, making the antenna system adaptable to various services without requiring separate dedicated antennas.
2Area of stationary object
If reconfigurable antennas are used to reduce space, then the number of antennas is reduced, but the number of simultaneously accessible services is limited to two
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna system into multiple independent matching circuits (first matching circuit, second matching circuit, etc.), each capable of independently controlling the resonant frequency for a specific output. This segmentation allows each matching circuit to be tuned to different frequency bands simultaneously, enabling the single antenna to access more than two services at the same time while maintaining a compact form factor.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple radiating elements are used to provide multiple outputs, then the number of services supported increases, but the coupling between elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple separate radiating elements that would be subject to mutual coupling effects, the patent merges all antenna functions into a single radiating element. The multiple outputs are achieved through multiple matching circuits that are permanently coupled to this single radiating structure, thereby eliminating the harmful coupling between multiple radiating elements while still providing multiple service outputs.
4Adaptability or versatility
If switches and complex circuitry are used to select outputs, then flexible service selection is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically tunable matching circuits with variable capacitors that can be electrically adjusted to change resonant frequencies. This dynamic tuning capability provides flexible service selection without requiring mechanical switches or complex relay-based circuitry. The permanent coupling of multiple matching circuits to the radiating element allows seamless switching between services through electrical tuning, reducing overall device complexity.
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
Enables simultaneous access to multiple services and frequencies, offering independent frequency control and wide operating frequency ranges, making it suitable for small terminals and cognitive radio systems without the need for additional space or spectrum.
Implementation Method 1
radiating elements are configured to excite multiple resonance modes of the radiating chassis to provide multiple outputs
Implementation Method 2
tunable splitter circuit comprising an LC circuit to optimize frequency range and isolation
Data Source
AI summary
A reconfigurable multi-output antenna (16) is disclosed comprising: one or more radiating elements (12, 14), at least two matching circuits (42, 44, 50, 52) coupled to the or each radiating element (12, 14) via e.g. a splitter (30, 32) or a diplxer; and wherein each matching circuit (42, 44, 50, 52) is associated with a separate port (38, 40, 46, 48) arranged to drive a separate resonant frequency so that the or each radiating element (12, 14) is operable to provide multiple outputs simultaneously. The resonant frequency of each output is independently controllable by each matching circuit, with good isolation with each other port, thereby offering very wide operating frequency range with simultaneous multi- independent output operations. Also described is a multi-output antenna control module for coupling to one or more radiating elements, an antenna structure and an antenna interface module. A reconfigurable multi-output antenna is disclosed comprising: one or more radiating