Phased Array Antenna Module With Capacitance Sensing Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication terminals face challenges in accurately measuring and compensating for impedance mismatch in ultra-high frequency bands, such as millimeter wave, due to obstacles and hand grip, leading to reduced transmission/reception sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A phased array antenna module with a capacitance sensing part and module control unit that detects capacitance changes between antenna electrodes and ground electrodes, allowing for real-time adjustment of antenna units to maintain optimal sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional impedance matching circuits are used to compensate for antenna impedance mismatch, then transmission/reception sensitivity can be optimized, but measurement precision deteriorates in ultra-high frequency bands due to obstacles and hand grip
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional impedance matching circuits with a capacitance sensing system that uses sensing electrode parts to detect capacitance changes between antenna electrode parts and ground electrode parts. This substitution enables accurate detection of antenna obstruction states without relying on impedance measurement circuits that fail in ultra-high frequency bands, thereby maintaining transmission/reception sensitivity while improving measurement reliability.
2Reliability
If impedance compensation design is performed to achieve optimal transmission/reception sensitivity, then communication performance improves, but device complexity and design time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of impedance compensation by removing complex impedance matching circuits and retaining only the necessary capacitance sensing functionality. The sensing electrode parts detect capacitance changes to identify antenna obstruction states, and the module control unit selectively deactivates affected antenna units, achieving optimal transmission/reception sensitivity without the complexity of conventional impedance compensation designs.
3Area of stationary object
If all antenna units are activated to maximize coverage, then communication coverage improves, but transmission/reception sensitivity deteriorates when some antennas are obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where capacitance sensing parts continuously monitor capacitance changes between antenna electrode parts and ground electrode parts. When an obstruction is detected through capacitance change, the module control unit receives the sensing signal and selectively deactivates the affected antenna unit while maintaining operation of unobstructed units. This feedback-based selective deactivation preserves communication coverage while optimizing transmission/reception sensitivity by excluding obstructed antennas from active operation.
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 effective identification and compensation for reduced sensitivity, optimizing transmission/reception efficiency even when antennas are obstructed, by selectively deactivating or adjusting antenna units based on capacitance sensing signals.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitance sensing part connected to the sensing electrode part to output a capacitance sensing signal by detecting at least one of a capacitance change between the first antenna electrode part and the second antenna electrode part, a capacitance change between the first antenna electrode part and the ground electrode part, and a capacitance change between the second antenna electrode part and the ground electrode part
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a phased array antenna module. The phased array antenna module comprises: multiple antenna units, each of which comprises a first antenna electrode part, a second antenna electrode part spaced apart from the first antenna electrode part, a sensing electrode part electrically connected to the second antenna electrode part, and a ground electrode part spaced apart from the first antenna electrode part with the second antenna electrode part interposed therebetween; a capacitance sensing part to which the sensing electrode part is connected and which senses at least one among the capacitance change between the first antenna electrode part and the second antenna electrode part, the capacitance change between the first antenna electrode part and the ground electrode part, and the capacitance change between the second antenna electrode part and the ground electrode part, and outputs a capacitance sensing signal; and a module control part which is electrically connected to the capacitance sensing part and the second antenna electrode part of each of the antenna units, and controls the antenna units on the basis of the capacitance sensing signal generated by the capacitance sensing part.