Tri-band Antenna Assembly for Mobile Wireless Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing antennas for mobile wireless communications devices that provide desired operating characteristics within the limited space available while accommodating multiple frequency bands and minimizing the impact of user hand effects on radiation patterns.
Innovation Solution
A tri-band antenna assembly comprising a horizontal conductor for GPS operations and a loop conductor for cellular and PCS frequencies, with additional conductors enhancing performance, is integrated into a mobile device's PCB, utilizing a flexible design and impedance matching circuit to optimize space utilization and radiation patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate antennas are used for different frequency bands, then each antenna can be optimized for its specific frequency, but the device size increases and space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna elements (first antenna element for GPS L1 frequency, second antenna element for GPS L2 frequency, and third antenna element for cellular frequencies) into a single integrated antenna assembly. These elements share common conductive structures and impedance matching circuits, allowing multiple frequency bands to be supported within a compact form factor while maintaining optimized performance for each band
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna assembly is designed with multi-functional capability where the same physical structure supports multiple frequency bands including GPS L1 (1575.42 MHz), GPS L2 (1227.60 MHz), and cellular frequencies (869-894 MHz, 1930-1990 MHz). The impedance matching network is configured to provide proper impedance transformation across all these different frequency ranges simultaneously
2Volume of moving object
If antenna elements are placed close together to save space, then device size is reduced, but hand effects and interference between elements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs different ground plane configurations for different antenna elements. The first antenna element has a first ground plane, the second antenna element has a second ground plane, and the third antenna element has a third ground plane. Each ground plane is locally optimized to reduce interference and hand effects for its specific frequency band while maintaining compact overall dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces impedance matching circuits as intermediary components between the antenna elements and the transceiver. These matching circuits (including inductors and capacitors) serve as mediators that isolate the antenna elements from each other and from the user's hand, reducing mutual interference and hand effects while enabling proper impedance transformation for each frequency band
3Adaptability or versatility
If antenna elements are electrically distant from ground points to create multiple resonance points, then multi-band operation is achieved, but the antenna structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna system into distinct antenna elements (first, second, and third antenna elements) with different resonant frequencies. Each element is designed with specific dimensions and configurations to resonate at its designated frequency band, while sharing common conductive structures and ground planes to maintain structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple impedance matching circuits into a unified network that serves all antenna elements. The matching network includes inductors and capacitors that are strategically placed to provide impedance transformation for GPS L1, GPS L2, and cellular frequencies simultaneously, reducing overall structural complexity while achieving multi-band operation
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
The antenna assembly effectively provides improved GPS and cellular radiation patterns, reduces hand effect interference, and efficiently utilizes limited device space, enhancing performance across multiple frequency bands.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna assembly 35 carried adjacent an upper portion 41 of the PCB 32. The antenna assembly 35 includes a horizontal conductor 36 extending along an upper portion 41 of the PCB 32 in spaced relation from the upper portion 41 of the PCB 32
Implementation Method 2
The loop conductor 37 may be configured to provide a diversity antenna for the cellular antenna 44 and configured to provide a Personal Communications Service (PCS) antenna
Implementation Method 3
utilizing a flexible design and impedance matching circuit to optimize space utilization and radiation patterns
Data Source
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AI summary
A mobile wireless communications device may include a portable housing, and a printed circuit board (PCB) carried by the housing and having opposing upper and lower portions. The device may also include at least one wireless transceiver carried by the portable housing, and a satellite positioning signal receiver carried by the portable housing. An antenna assembly may be carried adjacent the upper portion of the PCB. The antenna assembly may include a horizontal conductor extending along the upper portion of the PCB in spaced relation therefrom. The horizontal conductor may be coupled to the satellite positioning receiver. The antenna assembly may also include a loop conductor extending from the horizontal conductor toward the lower portion of the PCB and in spaced relation from the PCB. The loop conductor may be coupled to the wireless transceiver.