Switchable Multi-Antenna RF Chain for Coverage and Gain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart antennas have limited coverage area and antenna gain, failing to meet use requirements in diverse environments.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus with a multiplexer and multiple antenna structures, including phased array, omnidirectional, and directional antennas, is used to selectively switch between different directional capabilities, enhancing signal strength and coverage area through adjustable phase shift circuits and multiplexing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single antenna structure (phased array or omnidirectional) is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the signal coverage area and antenna gain are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into multiple independent antenna structures (phased array antenna and omnidirectional antenna), each optimized for specific coverage patterns. The multiplexer segments the signal paths, allowing selective activation of different antenna segments based on coverage requirements, thereby achieving extensive coverage without requiring a single complex omnidirectional array.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication device implements a universal antenna system that can perform multiple functions through the multiplexer: omnidirectional coverage mode, directional beamforming mode, and hybrid mode. This multi-functional design allows the same antenna structures to adapt to different coverage scenarios, achieving versatile coverage area without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple antennas with different directional capabilities are used, then the antenna gain and signal strength are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiplexer introduces dynamic switching capability that adapts antenna selection and configuration based on real-time communication conditions. The system dynamically adjusts between omnidirectional and directional modes, and selects appropriate antenna elements based on channel quality feedback, thereby maintaining high signal strength without requiring permanently complex control circuitry for all possible configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system implements self-service through automatic antenna selection and configuration based on channel quality metrics. The system autonomously determines the optimal antenna combination and switching states without manual intervention, reducing the operational complexity burden on users while maintaining high signal strength through intelligent self-optimization.
3Measurement precision
If a phased array antenna with adjustable phase shifter is used, then the beam pointing precision is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial phase shifting action by using the adjustable phase shifter only when directional beamforming is required, rather than continuously adjusting all phase elements. The multiplexer enables selective activation of phase shifting functionality, reducing the cumulative precision requirements across all circuit elements while maintaining sufficient beam pointing precision for targeted applications.
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
Improves signal coverage area and antenna gain by optimizing antenna selection based on channel quality, reducing interference and enhancing throughput in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
Combinations of different antennas in the antenna array may form different signal radiation directions
Implementation Method 2
The adjustable phase shift circuit is configured to perform multi-phase shift selection
Data Source
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AI summary
This application provides a communication apparatus, a communication method, a communication system, an electronic device, and a storage medium, applied to the field of communication technologies, to resolve a problem that a coverage area and an antenna gain of an existing smart antenna cannot meet use requirements in different use environments. The communication apparatus includes a multiplexer and a plurality of antenna structures. The multiplexer includes a common terminal and a plurality of selection terminals. The common terminal of the multiplexer is coupled to a radio frequency chain, and the common terminal is configured to switchably connect to different selection terminals of the plurality of selection terminals to form a plurality of paths. The plurality of antenna structures include a phased array antenna. The plurality of selection terminals include a first selection terminal. The phased array antenna is coupled to the first selection terminal. The plurality of antenna structures further include an omnidirectional antenna, the plurality of selection terminals further include a second selection terminal, and the omnidirectional antenna is coupled to the second selection terminal; and/or the plurality of antenna structures further include a directional antenna, the plurality of selection terminals further include a third selection terminal, and the directional antenna is coupled to the third selection terminal.