Shared DC-DC Converter Layout for Lower-Profile Antenna Modules
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to reduce the height of an antenna module in electronic devices while maintaining efficient power management, as the size of elements driving the Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC) is difficult to minimize.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves disposing one DC-to-DC converter from the PMIC outside the antenna module, allowing for a reduction in the module's height by relocating other circuits and components within the space previously occupied by the DC-to-DC converter and its driving elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If two DC-to-DC converters are included in the PMIC within the antenna module, then power management capability is sufficient, but the height of the antenna module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts one DC-to-DC converter from the PMIC and relocates it to the main circuit board, outside the antenna module. This extraction reduces the number of power conversion components within the antenna module, thereby decreasing its height while maintaining the necessary power management functionality through the remaining converter and alternative power supply paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent redistributes power conversion components across different spatial dimensions - placing one DC-to-DC converter on the main circuit board and another within the antenna module. This dimensional redistribution allows the antenna module to achieve reduced height while the system as a whole maintains adequate power management capability.
2Length of stationary object
If the number of circuits in the antenna module is reduced, then the height of the antenna module decreases, but the size of elements driving the PMIC cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting one DC-to-DC converter from the antenna module and placing it on the main circuit board, the patent reduces the number of high-power elements within the antenna module. This extraction allows other circuits to be relocated into the freed space, achieving height reduction without compromising the power management functionality that requires larger elements.
3Area of stationary object
If one DC-to-DC converter is disposed outside the antenna module, then space within the module is optimized, but additional electrical paths must be established
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply system into two parts: one DC-to-DC converter remains in the antenna module while another is placed on the main circuit board. This segmentation requires establishing separate electrical paths for each converter, with the external converter connecting to the PMIC through defined signal lines. The segmentation enables space optimization within the antenna module while the electrical path complexity is managed through systematic connection design.
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
This approach effectively reduces the height of the antenna module, enables cost savings by removing unnecessary components, and allows for more efficient use of space within the module.
Implementation Method 1
a second DC-to-DC converter disposed outside the antenna module and configured to supply power to the low-dropout regulator
Implementation Method 2
an antenna module including a low-dropout regulator (LDO), a first DC-to-DC converter, an antenna array IC, and an antenna array
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may include a low drop output regulator (LDO); a first DC-to-DC converter; an antenna module including an antenna array IC and an antenna array; a second DC-to-DC converter disposed outside the antenna module and supplying power to the low drop output regulator; a power generation circuit for supplying power to the first DC-to-DC converter and the second DC-to-DC converter; and a processor operatively coupled to the antenna module, the second DC-to-DC converter, and the power generation circuit.