Tunable Matching Network for Wireless Communication Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
The quality of wireless communications in portable devices is impaired by environmental factors such as antenna placement and network topology, leading to inefficiencies in wireless device performance.
Innovation Solution
A communication device with a tunable matching network that adjusts its reactance based on profiles to optimize performance parameters like transmit power, receive signal strength, and power consumption, using a controller to manage the matching network and adjust settings according to specific communication system characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the antenna operates in a portable device with environmental factors (placement, hand covering, pocket placement), then the device can be used in various positions and scenarios, but the wireless communication quality deteriorates due to impaired antenna performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic antenna tuning system that automatically adjusts matching network parameters based on detected environmental conditions. The system transitions from static antenna design to dynamic adaptation, using sensors to detect hand proximity, device orientation, and placement conditions, then adjusting the matching network in real-time to maintain optimal communication quality across varying usage scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters of the antenna system by adjusting the matching network components (inductors, capacitors) to different values based on environmental conditions. This allows the antenna to adapt its electrical characteristics to compensate for harmful environmental factors, maintaining reliable communication despite changes in device placement or usage
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive calibration measurements are performed to optimize antenna performance across all conditions, then measurement accuracy improves, but the number of measurements required increases from thousands to millions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary characterization of antenna behavior under different environmental conditions during manufacturing or initial setup. This pre-characterization data is stored and used to guide real-time tuning decisions, avoiding the need to perform exhaustive million-point calibrations during each usage scenario while still achieving accurate optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates simplified models or lookup tables that represent the complex antenna-environment interactions. Instead of performing complete physical measurements for every condition, the system uses pre-computed models that replicate the expected performance and guide the tuning process, dramatically reducing measurement requirements while maintaining accuracy
3Device complexity
If a fixed matching network is used in the antenna design, then the device complexity is reduced, but the wireless communication efficiency deteriorates under varying environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static matching network components with dynamically adjustable elements controlled by microprocessors or programmable logic. This allows the system to adapt to environmental conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall architecture, using software control to manage the complexity of multiple tunable parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal tuning system that can handle multiple environmental conditions and usage scenarios through a single adaptive mechanism. Rather than designing separate fixed networks for different conditions, one multi-functional tuning system manages all scenarios, reducing overall device complexity while improving efficiency across the board
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 solution significantly improves wireless communication efficiency by optimizing performance parameters, reducing calibration measurements from millions to thousands, and providing smoother data contours, enhancing overall device performance across various use cases and frequency bands.
Implementation Method 1
tunable matching network that adjusts its reactance based on profiles to optimize performance parameters
Data Source
AI summary
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a communication device having a controller to provision a matching network that controls one or more operational characteristics of one of a receiver portion and a transmitter portion of the communication device according to a profile describing one or more characteristics of a communication system from which the communication device operates. Additional embodiments are disclosed.