Tunable Antenna Circuit for Slim Electronic Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Slim electronic devices face challenges in accommodating multiple antennas for various frequency bands due to limited space, which complicates meeting operator specifications and minimizing human influence while maintaining radiation performance.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a tunable circuit with a low-resistance circuit connected in parallel to the antenna structure, featuring a resistor and inductor, to facilitate easy frequency shifting without degrading performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a tunable IC with FET module is used for frequency shift, then frequency shifting capability is achieved, but parasitic capacitance increases making frequency shift difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency shifting capabilityVSAvoidfrequency shift ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the electrical parameters of the antenna system by introducing a tunable circuit that adjusts capacitance values. The tunable IC modifies the resonant frequency of the antenna by changing the capacitance parameter, enabling frequency shifting from a first frequency band to a second frequency band while managing the parasitic capacitance effect through controlled parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a matching circuit as an intermediary component between the antenna and the tunable IC. This matching circuit includes inductors and capacitors that mediate the interaction between the antenna structure and the tunable elements, optimizing the frequency shift process and reducing the negative impact of parasitic capacitance in the FET module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If element with low internal resistance is used in tunable IC, then frequency shift becomes easier, but parasitic capacitance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency shift easeVSAvoidfrequency band coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent carefully selects and adjusts the resistance parameter of the elements in the tunable IC. By optimizing the internal resistance value of the FET module, the patent achieves a balance between ease of frequency shifting and maintaining adequate frequency band coverage, preventing excessive parasitic capacitance while enabling smooth frequency transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different quality characteristics to different parts of the tunable circuit. The FET module uses elements with specific resistance values optimized for local frequency shifting operations, while the overall antenna system maintains properties suitable for broad frequency band coverage through the matching circuit design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If tunable IC with particular internal resistance is used, then parasitic capacitance is controlled, but antenna gain is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency shift capabilityVSAvoidantenna gain
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The matching circuit acts as an intermediary that compensates for the gain reduction caused by the tunable IC. The inductors and capacitors in the matching circuit are designed to optimize the impedance matching and minimize losses, thereby recovering antenna gain that would otherwise be reduced by the presence of the tunable IC with controlled internal resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the electrical parameters of the matching circuit components to compensate for the gain loss. By adjusting the inductance and capacitance values in the matching circuit, the system recovers antenna performance while maintaining the frequency shifting capability provided by the tunable IC with controlled internal resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 configuration enhances antenna gain and radiation performance by lowering the total resistance value, allowing for efficient frequency shifting across different bands.

Implementation Method 1

the inductor having a constant inductance value and disposed between the resistor and the ground

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field energy storage: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3977561B1Antenna and electronic device including the same
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3977561B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3977561B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3977561B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In an embodiment, an electronic device may include a housing having an inner space, a first printed circuit board including a wireless communication circuit, an antenna structure connected to the wireless communication circuit through a first electrical path, and a tunable circuit having a first resistance value and disposed on a second electrical path. The electronic device may further include a low-resistance circuit disposed on a third electrical path branched from the second electrical path, and including a resistor and an inductor, the resistor having a second resistance value determined based on the first resistance value, and the inductor having a constant inductance value and disposed between the resistor and the ground. The electronic device may also include at least one processor configured to control the tunable circuit.