Replaceable Antenna Card for Multiband Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable communication devices face challenges in achieving multiband functionality due to size constraints and efficiency issues, with existing designs often requiring separate antennas for different frequency bands and struggling to accommodate additional bands after product release.
Innovation Solution
A modular antenna configuration featuring a primary section integrated into the device and interchangeable secondary sections on replaceable cards, allowing for customizable multiband operation by electronically coupling the sections for optimized efficiency across various frequency ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate antennas are used for different frequency bands, then multiband functionality is achieved, but device size increases beyond portability limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple frequency band antennas into a single integrated antenna structure. The antenna element is designed with multiple radiating sections that can operate across different frequency bands (e.g., 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1900 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2.3 GHz, 2.5 GHz, 3.5 GHz, 4.9 GHz) simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate antennas for each band and reducing overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated antenna is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting operation across numerous frequency bands and wireless technology standards (LTE, GSM, WCDMA, CDMA2000, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth). This universal antenna replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized antennas, achieving multiband functionality within compact dimensions suitable for portable devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate antennas are incorporated for multiband operation, then frequency coverage is expanded, but device complexity and interference issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple antenna functions into a single integrated structure with unified feeding and grounding systems. The antenna includes multiple radiating sections (first, second, third, and fourth sections) that are electrically connected through a common feed point, reducing the complexity of having multiple separate antenna systems while maintaining comprehensive frequency band coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs matching networks and grounding structures as intermediary elements that facilitate coherent operation across different frequency bands. These intermediaries enable the integrated antenna to maintain proper impedance matching and reduce mutual interference between different frequency band operations, simplifying the overall system while achieving multiband functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed antenna designs are used at product release, then manufacturing is simplified, but adding frequency bands after release becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an integrated antenna design with adjustable matching networks that can be dynamically configured to support different frequency bands. The antenna structure includes variable capacitors and inductors that can be reconfigured through software control or manual adjustment, allowing the antenna to adapt to new frequency bands after product release without requiring hardware modifications or complete antenna replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes adjustable electrical parameters within the antenna system, including variable capacitance and inductance values in the matching networks. These parameter changes allow the antenna to be retuned for different frequency bands, enabling post-manufacturing updates to frequency band coverage while maintaining the same physical antenna structure, thus balancing manufacturing simplicity with future adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved antenna configuration for a communication device is provided that enables ultra wideband operation. The antenna may be formed of two sections, a primary section built into the communication device and a replaceable secondary section disposed on a data card. The primary section is common for all frequency bands of operation which the antenna is intended to cover. The replaceable secondary section is unique to predetermined frequency bands and provides tuning for the overall antenna. A data card tray antenna configuration is also provided which is suitable for a stand-alone antenna or as part of a sectional antenna.