Tunable Multi-Feed Antenna for Filter-Free Frequency Selection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-band transmitters use bulky wideband antennas and numerous filters, leading to increased size, cost, and power consumption, which is undesirable in small, low-power mobile communication devices.
Innovation Solution
A tunable multi-feed antenna configuration that adjusts frequency characteristics by varying the phase shift and amplitude of signals across multiple antenna feeds, allowing for efficient operation at multiple frequencies using a narrowband antenna and reducing the need for filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional wideband antennas and numerous filters are used in multi-band transmitters, then the transceiver can operate at multiple frequencies, but the size, cost, and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the antenna system adjustable and reconfigurable. A single narrowband antenna is used with multiple feeds that can be dynamically switched and tuned to different frequencies through phase shifters and signal generators, allowing the antenna to adapt its resonance characteristics rather than relying on fixed wideband structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the antenna system by using phase shifters to adjust the phase and amplitude of signals at different feeds. This allows a single narrowband antenna to be tuned to resonate at multiple different frequencies by changing the electrical parameters (phase, amplitude) of the input signals rather than using physically different wideband antenna structures
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional wideband antennas and numerous filters are used in multi-band transmitters, then the transceiver can operate at multiple frequencies, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for multiple expensive filters by using a single narrowband antenna with multi-feed capability. The filtering function is replaced by the antenna's selective resonance characteristics when excited at different feeds with specific phase relationships, removing the need for separate filter components for each frequency band
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes a single narrowband antenna perform multiple functions by enabling it to operate at multiple frequencies through the multi-feed architecture. Instead of requiring separate antennas and filters for each frequency band, one antenna structure with multiple feeds can be tuned to serve multiple frequency bands, reducing component count and manufacturing cost
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional wideband antennas and numerous filters are used in multi-band transmitters, then the transceiver can operate at multiple frequencies, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the power-hungry filter components from the system by replacing them with a passive narrowband antenna structure that provides frequency selectivity through its physical geometry and feed configuration. The antenna itself performs the frequency discrimination function that would otherwise require active filter circuits, reducing power consumption
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional wideband antennas are used, then multi-frequency operation is achieved, but the antenna size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a narrowband antenna with dynamic tuning capability through multiple feeds. Instead of a large fixed wideband antenna, a smaller narrowband antenna is used that can be electronically reconfigured to resonate at different frequencies by adjusting the phase and amplitude at different feeds, achieving frequency adaptability without increasing physical size
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 enables smaller, more efficient transmitters with reduced power consumption and cost by allowing the tunable multi-feed antenna to selectively resonate at specific frequencies, improving performance in multi-band communication devices.
Implementation Method 1
The specific phase shift and/or amplitude difference define an antenna input reflection coefficient that controls the frequency characteristics that the tunable multi-feed antenna operates at
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed invention relates to an antenna configuration that is configured to tune the frequency of transmission without using filters. The antenna configuration comprises a tunable multi-feed antenna configured to wirelessly transmit electromagnetic radiation. A signal generator is configured to generate a plurality of signals that collectively correspond to a signal to be transmitted. The plurality of signals have a phase shift or amplitude difference therebetween. The plurality of signals are provided to a plurality of antenna feeds connected to different spatial locations of the tunable multi-feed antenna. The values of the phase shift and/or amplitude difference define an antenna reflection coefficient that controls the frequency characteristics that the tunable multi-feed antenna operates at, such that by varying the phase shift and or amplitude difference, the frequency characteristics can be selectively adjusted.