Multi-Band Antenna Arrangement With Shared RF Circuitry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radio frequency circuitry and antenna arrangements are often configured for specific frequency bands, leading to increased manufacturing costs and energy consumption when operating in multiple frequency bands.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with first and second radio frequency circuitry and antenna arrangements, along with a frequency converter, allows for signal transfer between different frequency bands by assessing bandwidth and sub-carrier spacing, and using a frequency converter for frequency conversion when necessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate radio frequency circuitry and antenna arrangements are used for each frequency band, then the apparatus can operate in multiple frequency bands, but manufacturing costs and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-frequency band operation capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The first radio frequency circuitry is configured to handle multiple frequency bands (first and second bands) by receiving signals from both the first antenna arrangement (for first band) and the second antenna arrangement (for second band). This universal circuitry eliminates the need for separate dedicated circuitry for each frequency band, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining multi-band operation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the signal processing functions for different frequency bands into a single radio frequency circuitry unit. The first radio frequency circuitry processes signals from both the first antenna arrangement (first band) and second antenna arrangement (second band), consolidating what would traditionally require separate circuitry units, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate radio frequency circuitry and antenna arrangements are used for each frequency band, then the apparatus can operate in multiple frequency bands, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-frequency band operation capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The first radio frequency circuitry is designed as a universal component that can process signals across multiple frequency bands (both first and second bands). This multi-functional design reduces the total number of circuitry units required, directly lowering manufacturing costs while preserving the ability to operate in multiple frequency bands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the signal processing capabilities for different frequency bands into a single shared radio frequency circuitry unit. Instead of manufacturing separate dedicated circuitry for each band, the merged universal circuitry handles all bands, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing overall production costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If a frequency converter is used to transfer signals between different frequency bands, then component sharing is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent sharingVSAvoidsignal transfer architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frequency converter acts as an intermediary component that enables signal transfer between the second antenna arrangement (second band) and the first radio frequency circuitry (first band). This mediator allows different frequency band components to communicate through a standardized interface, facilitating component sharing while managing the complexity through a dedicated conversion stage rather than direct integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 efficient operation in multiple frequency bands by sharing components, reducing costs and energy consumption, and optimizing signal transfer based on bandwidth and availability.

Implementation Method 1

via a frequency converter configured to enable, for the signal, frequency conversion between the one or more second radio frequency bands and the one or more first radio frequency bands

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS12418315B2Multiple antenna arrangements

Publication Date: 2025.09.16 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

AI summary

An apparatus comprising includes first and second radio frequency circuitry configured for operation at least in one or more first and second radio frequency bands, respectively; and first and second antenna arrangements configured for operation in the one or more first and second radio frequency bands, respectively. The apparatus also includes first and second radio frequency coupling for transferring of a signal between the first and second antenna arrangements, respectively, and the first and second radio frequency circuitry, respectively. The apparatus further includes a controller for assessing whether a signal can be transferred between the second antenna arrangement and the first radio frequency circuitry and, in dependence upon the assessment, for transferring the signal therebetween, via a frequency converter configured to enable, for the signal, frequency conversion between the one or more second radio frequency bands and the one or more first radio frequency bands.