Reconfigurable PIFA Antenna for Multi-Band Mobile Bandwidth

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current PIFA antennas in mobile devices do not provide sufficient bandwidth to cover both low and high frequency bands used in mobile telecommunications standards, such as 4G and 5G, and are not adaptable for simultaneous frequency band coverage.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves modifying the PIFA antenna architecture by adding parallel and series inductive elements in conjunction with adjustable capacitive elements to improve the frequency range, allowing the antenna to operate effectively across a broader spectrum without requiring modifications to the existing transmission circuits or phone shell, thereby enabling coverage of multiple frequency bands including 4G and 5G standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional PIFA antenna is used, then the antenna structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the bandwidth is insufficient to cover both low and high frequency bands

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebandwidthVSAvoidantenna structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna structure is divided into multiple independent conductive strips (first conductive strip, second conductive strip, third conductive strip) that can be independently connected to ground through different paths. Each strip can be selectively activated or deactivated, allowing the antenna to operate across multiple frequency bands by combining different segments, thus increasing bandwidth without requiring a complete redesign of the antenna structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna incorporates switchable ground connections that allow dynamic reconfiguration of the electrical length of each conductive strip. By selectively connecting or disconnecting ground paths, the resonant frequency of each strip can be adjusted, enabling the antenna to adapt to different frequency bands (both low and high) and achieve broader overall bandwidth coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the antenna is positioned on the phone's casing to avoid metallic obstruction, then the antenna performance is improved, but the antenna cannot be adapted to cover multiple frequency bands

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency band coverageVSAvoidantenna configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna system is designed with multiple conductive strips that can function independently or in combination, allowing a single antenna structure to serve multiple frequency bands. The first, second, and third conductive strips can be activated based on the required frequency band, making the antenna universally applicable to both low and high frequency bands used in mobile telecommunications standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna utilizes switchable ground connections to change the electrical parameters (length, capacitance, inductance) of each conductive strip. By altering these parameters through selective grounding, the resonant frequency of each strip can be tuned to operate at different frequency bands, enabling the antenna to adapt to varying frequency requirements without physical reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If broadband and frequency-adjustable antennas are implemented to cover multiple frequency bands, then the frequency coverage is improved, but the antenna structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency coverageVSAvoidantenna fabrication
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple conductive strips with different resonant frequencies are merged into a single antenna assembly, sharing common support structures and ground connections. This combining approach allows the antenna to cover multiple frequency bands while avoiding the need for separate antenna modules, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing assembly complexity despite the increased functional capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 configuration enhances the antenna's bandwidth, allowing it to cover frequencies from approximately 470 MHz to 3 GHz, supporting carrier aggregation and ensuring compatibility with current mobile phone models without altering the electronic circuits or conductive strip.

Implementation Method 1

The increasing number of usable frequency bands in mobile phones and tablets leads to the need for broadband and/or frequency-adjustable antennas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

modifying the PIFA antenna architecture by adding parallel and series inductive elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Inductance: Inductor

Implementation Method 3

adding parallel and series inductive elements in conjunction with adjustable capacitive elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Capacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 4

An antenna for a mobile communication device includes an elongated conductive strip, an antenna socket connected to transmission circuits, and a ground connection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Radiation:

Data Source

PatentEP3352301B1Antenna for mobile communication device
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 STMICROELECTRONICS (TOURS) SAS
  • EP3352301B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2B
  • EP3352301B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The invention relates to an antenna (2) comprising: an elongated conductive strip (22); an antenna socket (24); a connection (26) to ground; at least one first capacitive element (28) of adjustable capacitance; and at least one first inductive element (32) connecting the conductive strip to ground or at least one first inductive element (34) in series with the first capacitive element.