Tunable Antenna Switcher Placement for Voltage Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tunable antennas with variable antenna element lengths face challenges in reducing high voltage application to electronic components, which can lead to degradation or destruction, especially when these components are placed at positions of maximum voltage on the antenna element.
Innovation Solution
The tunable antenna design includes a switcher connected at a distance other than (λm/4)×n from the end of the antenna element, with optional phase rotator, frequency selector, or impedance adjustor to manage voltage distribution and prevent high voltage application to electronic components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electronic components are placed at positions of maximum voltage on the antenna element to enable frequency tuning, then the resonance frequency can be switched dynamically, but the electronic components are subjected to high voltage that can lead to degradation or destruction
Solution Approach 1:
A phase rotator is introduced as an intermediary component between the antenna element and the electronic components. The phase rotator shifts the phase of voltage applied to the switcher, effectively transforming the voltage distribution so that electronic components are not subjected to maximum voltage while maintaining frequency tuning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameter (phase) of the voltage distribution along the antenna element by introducing a phase rotator. This parameter change allows the electronic components to be positioned at locations where the voltage is not maximum, thereby protecting them while preserving the resonant frequency switching function
2Adaptability or versatility
If the antenna element length is made variable by providing electronic components in the antenna element, then the resonance frequency can be switched dynamically, but the structure becomes more complex and electronic components are exposed to high voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The phase rotator serves as an intermediary that enables dynamic frequency switching without requiring complex reconfiguration of the antenna element itself. By placing the phase rotator between the antenna element and the electronic components, the patent achieves frequency tuning with a simpler overall structure compared to making the antenna element itself variable
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 effectively reduces the risk of voltage-induced degradation, enabling a compact and high-performance tunable antenna by ensuring electronic components are not subjected to maximum voltage, thereby maintaining performance across various frequency bands.
Implementation Method 1
a phase rotator connected between the antenna element and the switcher and configured to shift a phase of voltage applied to the switcher
Implementation Method 2
a frequency selector connected between the antenna element and the switcher and configured to allow passage of a signal at a predetermined frequency
Implementation Method 3
an impedance adjustor connected between the antenna element and the switcher and configured to lower an input impedance of the switcher
Data Source
AI summary
A tunable antenna includes an antenna element having a feed point at one end thereof, a feed line being connected to the feed point, and a switcher that switches the resonance frequency of the antenna element. The switcher is connected to the antenna element at a position that is at a distance other than (λm/4)×n from the one end towards another end of the antenna element, where λm represents the wavelength corresponding to any resonance frequency of the antenna element, and n is a positive, odd number.