Shared Antenna System for WLAN and LTE MIMO Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication devices, the limited internal space poses a challenge for accommodating multiple antennas required for advanced communication protocols like MIMO, leading to inefficiencies in antenna usage and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a shared antenna system where LTE and WLAN antennas are paired for MIMO operation, allowing the LTE diversity antenna to be used by WLAN when idle, and switching to SISO mode for mobile calls, thereby optimizing antenna usage and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate antennas are provided for LTE and WLAN communications, then communication performance for both protocols is improved, but device space requirements increase and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines LTE and WLAN antenna functions into a single shared antenna structure. The antenna system includes a first antenna element for LTE communication and a second antenna element for WLAN communication, merged into one physical antenna assembly that serves both communication protocols through time-division and frequency-division multiplexing techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared antenna system is designed to perform multiple functions: it supports both LTE and WLAN communication protocols, provides MIMO capability for LTE, and enables WLAN data transmission. The antenna elements can be dynamically allocated to different protocols based on communication needs, making the antenna system universal rather than dedicated to a single function.
2Reliability
If multiple separate antennas are provided for LTE and WLAN communications, then communication performance for both protocols is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines LTE and WLAN antenna functions into a single shared antenna structure. The antenna system includes a first antenna element for LTE communication and a second antenna element for WLAN communication, merged into one physical antenna assembly that serves both communication protocols through time-division and frequency-division multiplexing techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs discontinuous reception (DRX) cycles and periodic time-division multiplexing where the shared antenna alternates between LTE and WLAN operations. During DRX idle periods, the antenna is allocated to WLAN communication, while during active LTE periods, it serves LTE traffic. This periodic allocation reduces overall power consumption by avoiding continuous operation of separate antenna systems.
3Area of stationary object
If antenna sharing is implemented between LTE and WLAN, then device space is reduced and power consumption is reduced, but antenna usage efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic antenna allocation where the shared antenna elements are dynamically assigned to LTE or WLAN based on real-time communication requirements. The system monitors traffic conditions and actively switches antenna usage between protocols, optimizing performance for the active communication mode while maintaining space efficiency through the shared structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuous useful action by implementing seamless handover between LTE and WLAN modes. During DRX cycles, when LTE is in idle state, the antenna immediately transitions to WLAN operation without interruption, maintaining continuous productive usage of the antenna resource and avoiding idle time that would reduce overall efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for sharing antennas of a wireless communication device is provided. The wireless communication device leverages cellular antennas to improve data throughput by creating a multiple-in, multiple out (MIMO) operation for a wireless local area network (WLAN) connection. Antenna resources are dynamically allocated between the cellular antennas and the wireless antenna to provide improved throughput.