Switchable PCB Antenna Matching for Adaptive Radiation Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna systems for Wi-Fi, LTE, and 5GNR radios face challenges in controlling radiation patterns without using moving parts, mechanical techniques, or altering signal phases, which are space-consuming and environment-dependent, making them unsuitable for Internet access gateways.
Innovation Solution
A radio frequency system comprising a main antenna and a radiation pattern matching device with a printed circuit board, radiating elements, and a switching circuit that modifies the radiation pattern by blocking or allowing current flow between elements to create different gain patterns without direct intervention on the antenna or signals, using a compact solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical techniques are used to modify radiation pattern, then radiation pattern can be changed, but the system becomes complex and unreliable due to moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical moving parts with an electronic switching circuit that can change the radiation pattern by switching between different antenna elements or configurations. This eliminates mechanical components while maintaining the ability to adapt the radiation pattern, thereby improving reliability while preserving adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If beamforming techniques are used to modify radiation pattern, then gain can be increased in specific directions, but the radiation pattern becomes uncontrollable and random due to environmental dependence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes physical parameters of the antenna system by using a switching circuit to select between different antenna elements or configurations with predetermined radiation patterns. This provides deterministic control over the radiation pattern by relying on fixed geometric and electrical parameters rather than environment-dependent signal processing, ensuring stable and controllable radiation patterns.
3Adaptability or versatility
If beamsteering with phased antenna array is used to shift radiation pattern, then radiation pattern can be directed precisely, but the device size becomes too large for access points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna system into multiple discrete antenna elements or configurable regions that can be independently activated or deactivated through the switching circuit. This allows the system to achieve directional radiation patterns by selectively energizing specific segments, providing directionality without requiring a large phased array, thus reducing the overall area while maintaining adaptability.
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 system allows for adaptable radiation patterns with increased or decreased gain in specific directions, requiring minimal space and no moving parts, while maintaining antenna efficiency across various environments and regulatory regions.
Implementation Method 1
when the switching circuit is in a blocked mode, a current flow between the two radiating strands is blocked and the radiofrequency system has a first radiation pattern; when the switching circuit is in a passing mode, the current flow between the two radiating strands is not blocked
Implementation Method 2
the two radiating strands form a half-wave dipole antenna, the radiofrequency system then having a second radiation pattern
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Radio frequency system comprising a main antenna and a radiation pattern matching device (6) comprising a printed circuit board (8) on which are printed two radiating elements (10) and a reflector (25), and on which is mounted a switching circuit (17) connected to the two radiating elements and arranged to be driven such that: - when the switching circuit is in a blocked mode, the radio frequency system (1) presents a first radiation pattern; - when the switching circuit is in a passing mode, the two radiating elements form a half-wave dipole antenna (18), the radio frequency system (1) then presenting a second radiation pattern having an increased or decreased gain in at least one predetermined direction.