Shared Antenna Switching for Sensor and Wireless Signal Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electronic devices with both wireless communication transceivers and sensors, existing technologies require separate antennas for each function, leading to idle antennas when one function is not in use, which increases power consumption and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a processor that dynamically allocates a shared set of antennas between a sensor and a wireless communication transceiver based on the device scenario, using a switch to connect the most suitable antenna for each function, prioritizing directional antennas for the sensor and optimizing signal strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate antennas are disposed for sensor and wireless communication transceiver, then each function has dedicated antenna, but idle antennas increase when one function is not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling antennas to serve multiple functions - they can be dynamically allocated to either the sensor or the wireless communication transceiver based on operational needs. The switch circuit allows any antenna to be connected to either component, transforming dedicated antennas into multi-functional resources that eliminate idle states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through the switch circuit that dynamically reconfigures antenna connections based on real-time operational scenarios. When the sensor needs to operate, the switch connects appropriate antennas to it; when wireless communication is active, antennas are connected to the transceiver. This dynamic allocation ensures antennas are always utilized effectively without remaining idle.
2Reliability
If separate antennas are disposed for sensor and wireless communication transceiver, then each function has dedicated antenna, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By making antennas universal resources that can serve either the sensor or wireless communication transceiver, the system eliminates the need to maintain separate dedicated antenna sets. This reduces overall power consumption as fewer antennas need to be continuously powered and managed, while still ensuring reliable signal detection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies discarding and recovering by temporarily disconnecting antennas from one component and reallocating them to another based on current operational requirements. When the sensor is not active, its antennas are discarded (disconnected) and recovered (reallocated) to the wireless communication transceiver, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining functionality.
3Productivity
If multiple antennas are used for wireless communication transceiver, then communication speed and stability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switch circuit serves as an intermediary that simplifies antenna management. Instead of requiring complex control logic within each component to manage multiple antennas, the switch circuit centrally manages all antenna connections, receiving control signals from the processor and routing antennas to the appropriate component. This intermediary approach maintains high communication speed while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
By making all antennas universal and controllable through a single switch circuit, the system avoids the complexity of having separate dedicated antenna management systems for the sensor and wireless communication transceiver. The unified approach allows multiple antennas to be used for high-speed communication while simplifying control through centralized management.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided, including: a plurality of antennas, a switch, a sensor, a wireless communication transceiver, and a processor, electrically connected to antennas, the switch, the sensor, and the wireless communication transceiver, and configured to execute an antenna selection procedure according to a scenario of the electronic device, to connect at least one of the antennas to the sensor or the wireless communication transceiver through the switch.