Multi-feed Antenna Apparatus for Inter-band Carrier Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-band LTE antennas face challenges in supporting multiple frequency bands and legacy air interface standards within compact mobile devices, requiring additional circuitry and specific duplexer matching for inter-band carrier aggregation, which increases size, cost, and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A multi-feed antenna apparatus with separate radiator structures and matching networks that enable inter-carrier aggregation and eliminate the need for specific diplexer matching, using quarter-wavelength planar inverted-L antennas and half-wavelength loop antennas to achieve orthogonal radiation patterns and isolation between frequency bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-feed RF front-end is used to support multiple frequency bands, then the device complexity is reduced, but diplexer matching becomes specific and impractical for various band pair implementations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single-feed antenna into multiple independent feed ports (first feed port, second feed port, third feed port), each connected to separate diplexers. This segmentation allows each feed path to be independently matched and configured for different frequency bands, eliminating the diplexer matching specificity problem while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-feed antenna structure provides universal support for various band pair implementations through inter-band carrier aggregation. By enabling simultaneous connection of multiple diplexers to different feed ports, the system can adapt to different geographic regions and network operators without requiring hardware modifications, achieving versatility while keeping the RF front-end architecture relatively simple.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional circuitry is added to support more modes of operation, then the adaptability increases, but the device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple frequency band support capabilities into a single integrated antenna structure with multiple feed ports. Instead of using separate antennas or additional complex circuitry for each frequency band, the multi-feed design merges these functions into one compact component, supporting multiple modes of operation (single-band, dual-band, inter-band carrier aggregation) without proportionally increasing device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna structure serves multiple functions simultaneously - it can operate in single-band mode, dual-band mode, and support inter-band carrier aggregation. This multi-functionality is achieved through the shared ground plane and multiple feed ports that can be independently configured, allowing the same hardware to adapt to different operational requirements without adding separate dedicated circuits for each mode.
3Reliability
If hardwired duplexer matching is implemented for inter-band carrier aggregation, then the performance is optimized, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs tuning elements (such as variable capacitors or inductors) that allow adjustment of electrical parameters to achieve optimal matching for different band combinations. Instead of hardwiring specific matching values for each band pair, the tuning elements enable dynamic parameter adjustment during manufacturing or field operation, maintaining performance optimization while simplifying the manufacturing process through a universal tuning mechanism rather than multiple hardwired configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A space efficient multi-feed antenna apparatus, and methods for use in a radio frequency communications device. In one embodiment, the antenna assembly comprises three (3) separate radiator structures disposed on a common antenna carrier. Each of the three antenna radiators is connected to separate feed ports of a radio frequency front end. In one variant, the first and the third radiators comprise quarter-wavelength planar inverted-L antennas (PILA), while the second radiator comprises a half-wavelength grounded loop-type antenna disposed in between the first and the third radiators. The PILA radiators are characterized by radiation patterns having maximum radiation axes that are substantially perpendicular to the antenna plane. The loop radiator is characterized by radiation pattern having axis of maximum radiation that is parallel to the antenna plane. The above configuration of radiating patterns advantageously isolates the first radiator structure from the third radiator structure in at least one frequency band.