Reconfigurable Antenna Switch Array for Multi-Wavelength Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antenna technologies face challenges in supporting higher speed communications, particularly in next-generation mobile devices, as they need to operate across a wide range of radio frequencies from centimeter-wave to millimeter-wave, while being compact and efficient, and existing solutions struggle to coordinate between these frequencies in limited physical spaces.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable antenna system comprising an antenna patch array and a switch array with electronically controllable switches, controlled by control circuitry to transition between conducting and non-conducting states, allowing the antenna to dynamically change its physical dimensions and operate at different wavelengths, including centimeter-wave and millimeter-wave frequencies without requiring separate components for each mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate antenna components are used for centimeter-wave and millimeter-wave frequencies, then each frequency can be optimized independently, but the physical space requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single antenna component that can operate across both centimeter-wave and millimeter-wave frequencies by dynamically reconfiguring its physical dimensions through controlled expansion and contraction of dielectric material, allowing one component to perform multiple frequency bands that would traditionally require separate antennas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple antenna functions into a single integrated component that can be reconfigured between different operational states, merging what would traditionally be separate centimeter-wave and millimeter-wave antenna components into one versatile structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If antenna physical dimensions are increased to support lower frequencies, then centimeter-wave operation is improved, but millimeter-wave operation requires smaller dimensions creating a conflict
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic reconfiguration of the antenna's physical dimensions by controlling the expansion and contraction of dielectric material through voltage application, allowing the antenna to adapt its size in real-time between large dimensions for centimeter-wave operation and small dimensions for millimeter-wave operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and dimensions of the dielectric material by applying different voltage levels, transforming the antenna from a fixed-dimension structure to a variable-dimension structure that can optimize its size for different frequency bands
3Volume of moving object
If compact antenna design is implemented to reduce physical space, then device size is reduced, but the ability to support multiple frequencies is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains a compact overall form factor while enabling multi-frequency capability through dynamic reconfiguration, allowing the antenna to expand its effective radiating dimensions when needed for centimeter-wave operation and maintain compact dimensions for millimeter-wave operation
Data Source
AI summary
A reconfigurable antenna apparatus may include an antenna assembly and control circuitry. The antenna assembly may include an antenna patch array having a plurality of antenna patches and a switch array having plurality of switches. Each switch of the plurality switches may be electronically controllable to transition between states including a conducting state and a non-conducting state. Each switch may be electrically connected between two of the antenna patches of the antenna array. The control circuitry may be configured to control the states of the switches of the switch array to operate the antenna patch array in a first communications mode at a first wavelength, and control the states of the switches of the switch array to operate the antenna patch array in a second communications mode at a second wavelength.