Shared Antenna Switch Module for Wireless and Bluetooth Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication systems with separate wireless network and Bluetooth modules on different printed circuit boards suffer from inefficiencies due to the use of a single antenna for each module, leading to interference and reduced transmission efficiency when both are active simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A communication system with a shared antenna and a switch module that allows either the wireless network module or the Bluetooth module to utilize the antenna for transmission, reducing the number of antennas required and minimizing interference by optimizing antenna placement and signal switching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate wireless network and Bluetooth modules are installed on different printed circuit boards, then each module can operate independently, but the system complexity increases and interference occurs when both are active simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent operationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the wireless network module and Bluetooth module onto a single printed circuit board, integrating two previously separate systems into one unified structure. This merging reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the ability of each module to operate independently through dedicated circuit paths and a shared antenna system with switching mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The printed circuit board is designed to support multiple communication functions simultaneously, serving as a universal platform for both wireless network and Bluetooth operations. The board includes integrated components and a shared antenna system that can be dynamically allocated to different modules, enabling one structure to fulfill multiple communication roles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If a single antenna is used for each module, then each module has dedicated transmission capability, but interference occurs when both modules are active simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission capabilityVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the antenna resources of the wireless network module and Bluetooth module into a shared antenna system. Instead of each module having completely separate antennas, both modules share common antenna elements, reducing the total number of antennas while maintaining transmission capability through time-division multiplexing and switching mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic switching mechanisms that allow the antenna system to adaptively allocate resources between the wireless network module and Bluetooth module based on current operational needs. The switching circuit dynamically connects or disconnects antenna elements to different modules, enabling flexible resource allocation and preventing simultaneous interference while maintaining dedicated transmission capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If wireless network and Bluetooth modules are installed on the same printed circuit board, then system complexity is reduced, but antenna placement becomes more difficult and signal quality decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidantenna placement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the printed circuit board into distinct functional zones, allocating specific areas for the wireless network module, Bluetooth module, and antenna elements. This spatial segmentation allows for optimized antenna placement within constrained spaces, ensuring proper spacing and orientation to minimize interference while maintaining integration benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality optimization by designing specific antenna elements with tailored characteristics for different regions of the circuit board. Each antenna element is optimized for its local position and function, with adjusted geometry, orientation, and impedance matching to compensate for nearby components and achieve optimal performance despite the integrated layout.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS7991429B2Communication system equipped with shared antenna and circuit board thereof
Publication Date: 2011.08.02 ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC
  • US7991429B2 patent drawing
  • US7991429B2 patent drawing
  • US7991429B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A communication system equipped with a shared antenna includes an antenna, a first communication module, a second communication module, and a switch module. The first communication module processes a first communication signal and transmits the first communication signal to the switch module. The second communication module processes a second communication signal and transmits the second communication signal to the switch module. Additionally, the first communication module controls the switch module to transmit the first communication signal or the second communication signal to the antenna, and the antenna emits the first communication signal or the second communication signal.