Split Multi-Band Internal Antenna Architecture for Mobile Devices

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional internal antenna designs for mobile computing devices face challenges in achieving efficient multi-band operation while maintaining compliance with SAR limits and compact form factors, often resulting in reduced performance and increased SAR values above regulatory limits.

Innovation Solution

A split multi-band/single sub-band internal antenna architecture is implemented, comprising two internal antenna elements: one for downlink UMTS operations in the 2100 MHz frequency band and another for tri-band GSM operation in the 850/1800/1900 MHz frequency bands, or 900/1800/1900 MHz frequency bands, allowing for efficient coverage of all four frequency bands with improved SAR performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional internal antenna designs (PIFA or paper-clip) are used, then the device can achieve basic antenna functionality, but the SAR value exceeds the FCC limit of 1.6 mW/g

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSAR valueVSAvoidregulatory compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the antenna system into multiple separate antenna elements (first internal antenna element, second internal antenna element, third internal antenna element) instead of using a single conventional antenna. Each element is optimized for specific frequency bands, allowing better control of electromagnetic radiation distribution and SAR reduction while maintaining multi-band functionality and regulatory compliance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different design configurations to different antenna elements positioned at different locations within the device. Each antenna element has optimized characteristics for its specific position and frequency band requirements, enabling localized optimization of radiation patterns to reduce SAR while maintaining overall system performance and compliance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If antenna elements are added to cover all four frequency bands, then frequency band coverage is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency band coverageVSAvoidantenna architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs antenna elements that can operate across multiple frequency bands (GSM 850/1800/1900 and UMTS 2100) to provide universal coverage. The second internal antenna element specifically supports tri-band GSM operation, while the first and third elements handle downlink UMTS and other bands, allowing the system to achieve multi-band functionality through specialized elements working together rather than requiring all elements to cover all bands.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the frequency band coverage responsibility among different antenna elements. Instead of one complex antenna trying to cover all bands, each element is optimized for specific bands (e.g., first element for downlink UMTS 2100, second element for GSM 850/1800/1900, third element for other bands), simplifying the design of individual elements while achieving comprehensive multi-band coverage collectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Volume of moving object

If compact form factor is maintained, then device size is reduced, but antenna performance and SAR compliance become more difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice form factorVSAvoidantenna performance and SAR compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes three-dimensional space within the compact device by positioning antenna elements at different locations and orientations (first element near top, second element near bottom, third element at different position). This spatial distribution allows each element to have adequate radiation space despite the compact overall device form factor, maintaining performance and SAR compliance through intelligent 3D arrangement rather than increasing device size.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent integrates multiple antenna elements within the compact device housing by nesting them in different internal spaces. The antenna elements are positioned to coexist within the limited volume, with each element utilizing different spatial zones and radiation patterns to achieve adequate performance without increasing the external dimensions of the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS8213982B2Enhanced internal antenna architecture for a mobile computing device
Publication Date: 2012.07.03 QUALCOMM INC
  • US8213982B2 patent drawing
  • US8213982B2 patent drawing
  • US8213982B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Various embodiments of an internal multi-band antenna architecture for a mobile computing device are described. An internal antenna architecture for a mobile computing device may include multiple antenna elements, including a first internal antenna element configured to operate in a downlink frequency sub-band of at least one frequency band for communication in a first mode, and a second internal antenna element configured to operate in an uplink frequency sub-band of the at least one frequency band for communication in the first mode. Other embodiments are described and claimed.