Plug-and-play antenna module dynamic impedance tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antennas in mobile devices face performance deviations due to manufacturing tolerances and environmental factors, leading to inefficiencies and suboptimal transmission and reception, and are costly and time-consuming to design for various form factors.
Innovation Solution
A dynamically configurable plug-and-play antenna module that adjusts resonance and impedance to accommodate different form factors and environmental conditions, using a waveform generator, impedance-tuning component, and calibration control module to change antenna responses without altering the antenna structure, enabling multi-band and broadband operations and self-calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional antennas are specifically designed for various form factors, then antenna performance is improved, but development costs and time-to-market increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal antenna module that can be installed in multiple mobile device form factors without requiring specifically designed antennas for each device. The antenna module includes a housing that accommodates the antenna element and associated circuitry, allowing it to function across different device types while maintaining performance through its standardized design and adjustable characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna module employs variable parameters such as adjustable resonant frequency and impedance tuning capabilities to adapt to different form factors and installation environments. By changing these parameters rather than redesigning the entire antenna, the system maintains optimal performance across various devices without incurring additional development costs or time delays.
2Ease of manufacture
If antennas are installed at locations offset from specified positions, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but antenna performance and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna module incorporates feedback mechanisms through its calibration control module that monitors antenna performance and adjusts operating parameters accordingly. This feedback loop compensates for installation location variations, allowing the antenna to maintain optimal performance even when installed at positions offset from the originally specified locations due to manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system uses dynamic adjustment capabilities where the resonant frequency and impedance can be tuned in real-time based on actual installation conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the antenna to compensate for manufacturing variations and maintain performance across different installation scenarios without requiring precise placement.
3Device complexity
If conventional antennas are fully integrated with the transceiver, then device integration is improved, but post-installation efficiency improvement becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into a separate module that interfaces with the transceiver through standardized connections. This segmentation allows the antenna module to be independently calibrated and adjusted without affecting the transceiver integration, enabling post-installation efficiency improvements while maintaining device integration benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna module includes preliminary calibration capabilities that can be performed during installation and subsequent adjustments. The calibration control module enables efficiency improvements to be made after installation by adjusting operating parameters, allowing optimization without requiring complete reintegration of the antenna with the transceiver.
4Reliability
If specifically designed antennas are used, then initial performance is improved, but performance degradation from environmental factors cannot be dynamically improved
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna module employs dynamic tuning capabilities where resonant frequency and impedance can be adjusted in real-time in response to environmental factors such as body proximity, temperature changes, or humidity. This dynamic adaptation allows the antenna to maintain optimal performance across varying conditions, overcoming the static nature of specifically designed antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operating parameters such as resonant frequency and impedance based on detected environmental conditions. By monitoring factors like body proximity and adjusting parameters accordingly, the antenna module maintains performance despite environmental degradation, providing adaptability that specifically designed static antennas cannot achieve.
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
The plug-and-play antenna module enhances performance by dynamically adapting to manufacturing errors and environmental influences, reducing development costs and improving efficiency across various mobile devices without requiring specific antenna designs for each device model.
Implementation Method 1
controlling an impedance of an impedance-varying component (IVC) of the antenna module with a voltage waveform generated by the waveform generator (108) to produce controlled variations of a characteristic resonant frequency of the antenna (112)
Implementation Method 2
dynamically tunable to match impedances between the antenna module (102) and a corresponding transceiver (118)
Data Source
AI summary
A plug-and-play antenna may be used with many different types of wireless communication devices. An antenna may be coupled to an impedance tuning component and a waveform generator. A calibration control module receives radio status information, controls the waveform generator to vary a response of the antenna, and tunes the impedance tuning component to match impedances between a radio and the antenna.