Programmable Antenna Assembly for Multi-Band Wireless Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antenna structures for wireless communication devices are impractical for multiple frequency band operations due to their large size and inability to be implemented on planar substrates, limiting their application in newer wireless communication systems that require smaller form factors with increased performance.
Innovation Solution
A programmable antenna assembly with a configurable antenna structure and interface that can adjust impedance matching and bandpass filtering to support multiple frequency bands, allowing for reconfiguration to accommodate different wireless protocols and frequency ranges, thereby reducing the physical space required on a printed circuit board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional antenna structures are used for multiple frequency band operations, then frequency versatility is improved, but device size and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single antenna structure that can operate across multiple frequency bands (e.g., 800 MHz, 1.9 GHz, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz) by using reconfigurable impedance matching networks and switching mechanisms. This universal antenna design eliminates the need for separate antennas for each frequency band, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining frequency versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system employs dynamic reconfiguration capabilities through switching networks that can adjust impedance matching and resonant frequencies in real-time based on the operating band requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the same physical antenna structure to optimize its electrical characteristics for different frequency bands without requiring multiple fixed-configuration antennas.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional antenna structures are used for multiple frequency bands, then frequency versatility is improved, but the area occupied on the printed circuit board increases
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a single multi-band antenna structure with reconfigurable impedance matching networks, the patent consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate antennas into one unified component. This universal antenna occupies significantly less PCB area while providing support for multiple frequency bands used in modern wireless communication standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple frequency-specific antennas and their respective impedance matching circuits into a single integrated antenna structure with a unified feeding network. This consolidation combines multiple antenna elements and matching networks into one compact assembly, reducing the total PCB footprint required for multi-band operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are used to support multiple frequency bands, then frequency versatility is improved, but the quantity of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces multiple frequency-specific antennas with a single universal antenna structure that can be electronically reconfigured to operate at different frequency bands. This single antenna performs the function of what would traditionally require 2-4 separate antennas, thereby reducing the quantity of antenna components while maintaining support for multiple frequency bands including 800 MHz, 1.9 GHz, 2.4 GHz, and 5 GHz.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system uses dynamic switching mechanisms controlled by a microcontroller to reconfigure the antenna's electrical characteristics based on the required operating band. This dynamic reconfiguration capability allows one antenna to replace multiple static antennas, reducing component quantity while preserving frequency versatility across different wireless communication standards.
Data Source
AI summary
A programmable antenna assembly includes a configurable antenna structure, a configurable antenna interface, and a control module. The configurable antenna structure includes a plurality of antenna elements that, in response to an antenna configuration signal, are configured elements into at least one antenna. The configurable antenna interface module is coupled to the at least one antenna and, based on an antenna interface control signal, provides at least one of an impedance matching circuit and a bandpass filter. The control module is coupled to generate the antenna configuration signal and the antenna interface control signal in accordance with a first frequency band and a second frequency band such that the at least one antenna facilitates at least one of transmitting and receiving a first RF signal within the first frequency band and facilitates at least one of transmitting and receiving a second RF signal within the second frequency band.