Reconfigurable RF Impedance Matching Network Minimizing Losses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic impedance adaptation methods for radio frequency chains do not adequately account for losses introduced by impedance matching networks, leading to suboptimal performance and inefficiencies, particularly in applications with varying antenna impedances and high miniaturization constraints.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a matching network with reconfigurable topology and variable reactance elements, controlled by a processor to optimize impedance matching while minimizing losses, by measuring current and voltage, calculating complex impedances, and adjusting reactance values and network topology to achieve optimal impedance matching and power efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional impedance matching networks are used to adapt antenna impedance, then impedance matching is achieved, but losses are not minimized leading to suboptimal performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the matching network topology reconfigurable through switching elements that can change the network structure based on operating conditions. The processor dynamically selects from multiple possible topologies (series, parallel, L-network, Pi-network, T-network) to optimize both impedance matching and minimize losses for different antenna impedance states, rather than using a fixed topology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by adjusting both the topology configuration and the reactance values of elements in the matching network. The processor calculates optimal reactance values for each possible topology and selects the configuration that simultaneously achieves impedance matching and minimizes losses, adapting to varying antenna impedance conditions.
2Reliability
If iterative optimization algorithms are used to adjust reactance values, then impedance matching is achieved, but convergence is very slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating the optimal reactance values for all possible topologies using analytical methods based on measured antenna impedance. Instead of starting from an arbitrary configuration and iteratively optimizing, the system directly computes the optimal values beforehand, significantly reducing adaptation time while maintaining matching accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical/iterative optimization processes with analytical calculations. The processor uses closed-form mathematical expressions to directly determine optimal reactance values based on measured impedance parameters, replacing slow iterative numerical optimization with fast analytical solutions.
3Reliability
If reflected power measurement is used for servo-control, then impedance adaptation is achieved, but measurements are subject to parasitic interference and lack one-to-one relationship with optimal complex impedance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses current and voltage measurements at the matching network terminals as intermediary quantities to indirectly determine antenna impedance. Instead of directly measuring reflected power which is susceptible to interference, the system measures terminal currents and voltages, calculates impedance from these precise measurements, and uses this information to control the matching network, avoiding the pitfalls of direct reflected power measurement.
4Volume of moving object
If small antennas with high quality coefficient are used to meet miniaturization constraints, then antenna size is reduced, but impedance variations become more sensitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously measuring the antenna impedance through current and voltage measurements at the matching network terminals. The processor uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust the matching network topology and reactance values, compensating for impedance variations in miniaturized antennas and maintaining optimal performance despite their inherent sensitivity.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~5
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AI summary
A method for automatic impedance matching of a radio frequency chain comprising: an impedance matching network (IMN) having one input and one output, a first radio frequency device (RFD1) connected to said input and a second radio frequency device (RFD2) connected to said output, said impedance matching network having a reconfigurable topology and comprising a plurality of reactive elements (CA, LA, CB, LB, CC, LC) of which at least one has variable reactance, the method comprising the selection of the impedance matching network configuration enabling impedance matching while minimizing losses. An automatic impedance matching module for implementing such a method. Radio frequency transmission and reception chains comprising such a module.