Proximal Antenna Tuning for Closed-Loop 5G Receive Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dedicated receive antennas in communication devices, particularly in 5G devices, face inefficiencies due to suboptimal impedance tuning, as they are not used for transmission and thus lack opportunities for closed-loop tuning, resulting in reduced radiated total isotropic sensitivity and system efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A communication device with a radio frequency frontend that includes a transmitter, receiver, and an antenna tuning module, utilizing a controller to execute a proximal antenna association tuning application to measure impedance of a transmit antenna and tune both the transmit and receive antennas based on this measurement, enabling closed-loop impedance tuning without the need for capacitive sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated receive antennas are used without transmission capability, then antenna diversity and receive performance are improved, but closed-loop tuning opportunities are lost resulting in suboptimal impedance matching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the transmit antenna serve multiple functions: it acts as both a transmit antenna for data transmission and as a proxy for impedance measurement to tune the receive antenna. By measuring impedance on the transmit antenna and applying the same tuning parameters to the receive antenna, the system achieves closed-loop tuning capability for receive antennas without requiring them to transmit, thus resolving the contradiction between receive-only operation and tuning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the transmit antenna as an intermediary to enable tuning of the receive antenna. Since the transmit antenna has transmission capability and can be used for impedance measurement, it serves as a mediator that provides the tuning information needed for the receive antenna, allowing the receive antenna to benefit from closed-loop tuning without needing to transmit itself
2Volume of moving object
If physical antenna dimension is reduced to fit device form factor, then device compactness is improved, but antenna electrical length and impedance matching become suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses impedance measurement and tuning to electrically adjust the antenna parameters. By measuring the impedance of the transmit antenna and determining appropriate tuning parameters, the system can electrically lengthen or adjust the effective electrical length of the antenna without physically changing its dimensions. This allows compact physical antennas to achieve optimal electrical characteristics through parameter adjustment
3Device complexity
If open-loop tuning is used for receive antennas, then device complexity is reduced, but radiated total isotropic sensitivity falls several decibels below optimum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by measuring the impedance of the transmit antenna during transmission and using this measured information to determine tuning parameters for the receive antenna. This closed-loop feedback approach allows the system to dynamically adjust antenna tuning based on actual operating conditions, achieving optimal sensitivity without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the transmit antenna's impedance characteristics as a copy or proxy for the receive antenna's tuning requirements. By measuring the transmit antenna and applying the same tuning parameters to the receive antenna, the system creates a simplified feedback path that achieves optimal tuning without requiring direct measurement of the receive antenna, thus maintaining low complexity while improving sensitivity
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 enhances antenna efficiency by dynamically adjusting impedance, improving system performance and overcoming limitations of existing open-loop tuning methods, thereby maximizing power delivery and radiation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
transmit a reference signal by the transmitter using the first antenna of the more than one antenna
Implementation Method 2
measure an impedance value of the first antenna based on the transmission of the reference signal
Implementation Method 3
tune, via the antenna tuning module, the first antenna and the second antenna based on the impedance value of the first antenna
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device, method, and computer program product provide an antenna subsystem including a first antenna positioned proximate to a second antenna. A radio frequency (RF) frontend includes a transmitter, a receiver, and an antenna tuning module coupled to the antenna(s). A controller is communicatively coupled to the RF frontend and a memory containing a proximal antenna association tuning (PAAT) application. The controller executes the PAAT application to enable the communication device to: (i) transmit a reference signal by the transmitter using the first antenna of the more than one antenna; (ii) measure an impedance value of the first antenna based on the transmission of the reference signal; (iii) identify a second antenna of the more than one antenna that is proximate to the first antenna; and (iv) tune, via the antenna tuning module, the first and the second antenna based on the impedance value of the first antenna.