Radio Receiver Antenna Tuning With Auto-Selected Capacitor Bank
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wideband radio receiver applications, existing technologies face challenges in maintaining optimal antenna tuning across varying frequencies, leading to poor signal reception due to mismatches in antenna length and capacitance values, which complicates manufacturing and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize an adjustable capacitor bank within the radio receiver to automatically determine the optimal capacitance value for highest signal quality by measuring signal strength across a range of frequencies, eliminating the need for external adjustments and accounting for manufacturing variations and component aging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed antenna resonance circuit is used for wideband applications, then the device complexity is reduced, but the signal reception quality deteriorates due to large mismatch across frequency bands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the antenna resonance circuit adjustable rather than fixed. A bank of capacitors with different capacitance values is provided, and the appropriate capacitor is selected and connected based on the desired frequency band, allowing the resonance circuit to adapt to different frequency ranges while maintaining proper tuning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the capacitance function by providing a bank of discrete capacitors with different capacitance values instead of using a single fixed capacitor. This segmentation allows the system to select the most appropriate capacitance value for each frequency band, improving signal reception quality across wideband applications
2Reliability
If manual tuning adjustments are required for optimal signal reception, then the signal quality can be optimized, but the ease of operation deteriorates and production time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by incorporating a microprocessor that automatically determines the optimal capacitor value based on the desired frequency. The microprocessor controls the switching mechanism to connect the appropriate capacitor from the bank, eliminating the need for manual tuning adjustments by the user while maintaining optimal signal reception quality
3Reliability
If manual tuning adjustments are performed during manufacturing, then the signal reception quality is optimized, but the productivity deteriorates due to increased production time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring a bank of capacitors with different capacitance values during manufacturing. The microprocessor is pre-programmed with the capability to select the appropriate capacitor based on frequency requirements. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming manual tuning adjustments during the manufacturing process, thereby improving productivity while maintaining optimized signal reception quality
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 ensures improved signal reception across wideband frequencies by dynamically adjusting capacitance values, simplifying the manufacturing process and enhancing user experience by optimizing signal quality without requiring manual tuning adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a bank of capacitors can be provided. The values of the capacitors are chosen to cover the MW and LW bands as necessary
Implementation Method 2
The ferroceptor is a coil-shape magnetic antenna with a ferrite core
Implementation Method 3
The radio front end is also known as a resonance circuit
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method of configuring a radio receiver, the radio receiver comprising signal receiving means, and at least one adjustable component coupled to the signal receiving means; the method comprising setting the at least one component to a first value selected from a plurality of values; measuring the quality of a signal received via the signal receiving means and the at least one adjustable component; repeating the steps of setting and measuring for at least a second value selected from the plurality of values; and determining the value of the at least one adjustable component that provides the highest measured signal quality.