Tunable Antenna Switching Frequency Bands via Coupling Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional wireless communication devices face challenges in supporting multiple operating frequencies within a limited antenna dimension, particularly due to the requirement of larger antenna sizes for lower frequency operations, which restricts their ability to operate effectively across different frequency bands.
Innovation Solution
A tunable antenna design that includes a ground element, a signal feed-in terminal, a radiation unit, a coupling unit, and a switch unit, which allows the antenna to change its radiation frequencies by adjusting the coupling relationship between the coupling unit and the ground element, enabling operation in multiple frequency bands through switching between different current routes or coupling effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the antenna size is increased to support lower frequency operations, then the radiation efficiency is improved, but the device profile and weight are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically reconfigurable antenna structure using switch units that can connect or disconnect different antenna elements based on the operating frequency band. This allows a compact antenna structure to adapt its electrical characteristics dynamically, achieving efficient radiation at lower frequencies without physically increasing the antenna size. The switch units enable the antenna to transform between different configurations, optimizing performance for each frequency band while maintaining a small form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the antenna by selectively connecting different antenna elements to the feed network through switch units. By altering the active antenna elements and their coupling relationships, the antenna's resonant frequency and impedance characteristics are adjusted to match different operating bands. This parameter transformation allows the same physical structure to achieve optimal radiation efficiency across multiple frequency ranges without size increase.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple frequency bands are supported, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into multiple independent antenna elements, each optimized for specific frequency characteristics. Switch units are used to selectively connect these segmented elements to the feed network based on the desired operating band. This segmentation allows each element to be relatively simple in design while the overall system achieves multi-band support through selective combination, reducing the complexity compared to designing a single complex multi-band element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal antenna structure where the same physical antenna elements and feed network can serve multiple frequency bands through reconfiguration. The switch units enable the antenna system to perform multiple functions by selecting different operational modes, allowing a single compact structure to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate antennas for different frequency bands.
3Volume of moving object
If the antenna dimension is limited, then the device portability is improved, but the lower frequency operation capability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA) elements arranged in a compact planar configuration, utilizing the XY plane efficiently. By stacking elements and using vertical spacing between the radiating and ground planes, the design achieves lower frequency operation through increased electrical path length in the vertical dimension while maintaining a small footprint in the horizontal plane. This dimensional optimization allows lower frequency resonance without increasing the overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where multiple antenna elements are positioned in overlapping or adjacent configurations within a compact space. The first and second antenna elements are arranged to share portions of the feed network and ground structure, allowing multiple radiating elements to coexist in a reduced volume. This nesting enables the antenna system to achieve the electrical length required for lower frequency operation without proportionally increasing the physical dimensions.
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 tunable antenna effectively switches between different frequency bands, such as 800 MHz and 900 MHz, maintaining optimal radiation efficiency and VSWR, thereby enabling seamless communication across various wireless communication standards within a compact antenna structure.
Implementation Method 1
a coupling unit for coupling the long side
Implementation Method 2
a switch unit for connecting or disconnecting the coupling unit to the ground element to change a coupling relationship between the coupling unit and the long side, such that the tunable antenna respectively operates in a first frequency band and a second frequency band
Data Source
AI summary
A tunable antenna is disclosed. The tunable antenna includes a ground element for providing grounding, a signal feed-in terminal, a radiation unit electrically connected to the signal feed-in terminal and including a long side extended from the signal feed-in terminal along a first direction, a short side extended from the signal feed-in terminal along a second direction, and a branch electrically connected between the signal feed-in terminal and the ground element, a coupling unit for coupling to the long side, and a switch unit for connecting or disconnecting the coupling unit to/from the ground element to change a coupling relationship between the coupling unit and the long side, such that the tunable antenna respectively operates in a first frequency band and a second frequency band.