RF Module U-Shape Antenna Design for Interference Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing RF modules are limited in size reduction, functionality, and performance due to linear alignment of antenna and matching/filtering components, and they face interference issues with Wi-Fi systems, particularly in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, restricting communication to single-point-to-single-point and requiring bi-directional handshaking.

Innovation Solution

A compact RF module design with a chip antenna and matching/filtering network forming a U-shape configuration, along with a radio frequency shield, that allows for point-to-multipoint communication and reduces interference by transmitting data packets on multiple frequencies, eliminating the need for acknowledgement handshaking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the antenna and matching/filtering components are in linear alignment, then the transmission/reception performance is maintained, but the module size cannot be reduced further

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule sizeVSAvoidtransmission/reception performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a linear alignment arrangement to a U-shaped configuration, bending the antenna and matching network components into a compact loop structure. This dimensional change allows the components to occupy less space while maintaining electrical continuity and performance characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The matching network components are positioned within or adjacent to the antenna structure, nesting the filtering and matching functions within the compact U-shaped antenna assembly. This nesting approach maximizes space utilization while maintaining all necessary electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If a bi-directional handshake system is used for Wi-Fi communication, then data transmission reliability is improved, but current consumption increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidcurrent consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the acknowledgment handshake protocol from the communication system. By using a unidirectional transmission approach with frequency diversity, the system achieves reliable data transmission without requiring the receiver to send back acknowledgments, thereby reducing current consumption and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a bi-directional handshake, the system transmits multiple copies of the same data packet at different frequencies. The receiver simply needs to detect any of the frequency copies, eliminating the need for complex bidirectional communication protocols and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If Wi-Fi systems use large bandwidth on the 2.4 GHz band, then data transmission speed is improved, but interference with other devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission speedVSAvoidRF interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data transmission across multiple frequency channels within the 2.4 GHz band. Instead of using a single wide bandwidth channel that causes interference, the system transmits the same data at multiple different frequencies, allowing other devices to use the remaining bandwidth while maintaining communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the frequency parameter dynamically by transmitting the same data packet at multiple different frequencies. This parameter variation allows the system to achieve high transmission speed through frequency diversity while minimizing interference with other 2.4 GHz devices that may be operating on specific channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The design achieves reduced module size, improved performance, and enables point-to-multipoint communication while minimizing interference from Wi-Fi systems, allowing for efficient data transmission without the need for bi-directional communication protocols.

Implementation Method 1

A chip antenna is located on the first surface of the printed circuit board outside of the shield and extends generally parallel with the matching/filtering network. A radio feed point extends between the chip antenna and the second end of the matching/filtering network.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A radio frequency shield is electrically coupled to the ground plane and covers at least a substantial portion of the transceiver assembly.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Implementation Method 3

A transceiver assembly is located on the printed circuit board and includes a transceiver and a matching/filtering network with first and second ends. The matching/filtering network has a plurality of series connected passive electrical components in a linear arrangement.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentUS8610573B2Radio frequency module and methods of transmitting/receiving data
Publication Date: 2013.12.17 ROCHESTER SENSORS LLC
  • US8610573B2 patent drawing
  • US8610573B2 patent drawing
  • US8610573B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A wireless module is configurable by a user to operate in different modes as a transmitter, receiver, transceiver, and repeater. A method of transmitting and receiving data while substantially reducing or eliminating interference from competing frequency bands, including Wi-Fi systems, as well as a method of transmitting data with a high degree of certainty without requiring an acknowledgement receipt, negotiation, or hand-shaking from a down line transceiver, receiver and/or repeater are disclosed.