Multi-Port Amplifier Admittance Control for Antenna Matching

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

There is no general procedure for designing multiple-input and multiple-output passive linear matching networks with arbitrary characteristics, which are hypothetical and likely to be complex, leading to non-negligible losses in radio reception systems using multiple antennas.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using multiple-input-port and multiple-output-port amplifiers with a loaded input admittance matrix that approximates a non-diagonal and invertible wanted admittance matrix, characterized by specific admittance matrices, to optimize signal processing and power transfer in radio reception systems with multiple antennas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If multiple-input and multiple-output passive linear matching networks are used to optimize power transfer, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases and losses become non-negligible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer efficiencyVSAvoidmatching network complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the active function from the passive matching network by using multiple low-noise amplifiers with controlled admittance matrices to perform the impedance matching function, thereby eliminating the need for complex passive matching networks and reducing associated losses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach from using fixed passive network parameters to dynamically controlling amplifier admittance matrix parameters, allowing optimization of both power transfer and noise performance through adjustable electrical parameters rather than fixed physical structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If multiple independent analog channels are used for each antenna, then signal processing capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal processing capabilityVSAvoidanalog channel complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple independent analog channels into a unified processing architecture where multiple low-noise amplifiers feed into shared subsequent processing stages, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to process signals from multiple antennas simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal signal processing architecture where the admittance-controlled amplifiers can handle multiple functions including impedance matching, signal amplification, and noise optimization, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of moving object

If antennas are placed closer to each other, then space utilization is improved, but antenna interactions increase causing impedance matrix to become non-diagonal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna array spaceVSAvoidimpedance matching complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses feedback control through electronically adjustable admittance matrices that sense and compensate for antenna interactions, allowing close antenna placement while maintaining optimal impedance matching through active control rather than passive isolation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from static passive impedance matching to dynamic active control where the admittance matrix of the amplifiers can be adjusted in real-time to compensate for changing antenna interaction conditions, enabling flexible space utilization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This approach enables improved radio reception by approximating the wanted admittance matrix, reducing noise spectral density, and achieving maximum power transfer, while accounting for antenna interactions and characteristics, thus enhancing directivity and correlation coefficients between signals.

Implementation Method 1

converting electromagnetic signals to electrical signals using the N antennas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

reducing noise spectral density

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNoise filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentUS7983645B2Method and device for radio reception using a plurality of antennas

Publication Date: 2011.07.19 APPLE INC

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for radio reception using a plurality of antennas and to a receiver for radio transmission using a plurality of antennas. In a receiver for radio transmission with multiple antennas of the invention, 3 antennas are connected to the input ports of a device for transmission which transmits the electrical signals stemming from the 3 antennas to the input terminals of a multiple-input-port and multiple-output-port amplifier having 3 input ports and 3 output ports. Each output port of the multiple-input-port and multiple-output-port amplifier is connected to the input of an analog processing and conversion circuit which outputs digital signals. The output of each analog processing and conversion circuit is connected to an input of a multiple-input signal processing device, whose output is connected to the destination.