UWB Patch Antenna AoA Correction Under Environmental Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices face challenges in accurately determining the angle of arrival of wireless signals due to antenna sensitivity to external objects, leading to inaccurate location detection and performance issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a wireless circuitry system with multiple patch antennas and control circuitry that measures phase differences and adjusts for environmental loading conditions using predetermined curves and offset values to accurately determine the angle of arrival and location of external wireless equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple antennas are used for angle of arrival detection, then location detection capability is improved, but sensitivity to external objects increases causing measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary characterization of environmental loading conditions by measuring phase differences across multiple antennas and comparing them against predetermined curves. This preliminary action identifies the presence and type of external objects before they significantly degrade measurement accuracy, allowing for compensatory adjustments to be made proactively
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors phase differences between antenna elements and uses this feedback to detect environmental loading conditions. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts angle of arrival calculations by applying offset values corresponding to the detected loading condition, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy despite the presence of external objects
2Volume of moving object
If antennas are placed close to external objects, then device compactness is improved, but antenna performance deteriorates due to detuning and loading effects
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-characterizes the phase difference behavior of antennas under various environmental loading conditions by measuring against predetermined curves. This preliminary characterization allows the system to anticipate and compensate for performance degradation before it occurs, enabling compact antenna placement without sacrificing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the parameters used in angle of arrival calculations based on the detected environmental loading condition. By applying condition-specific offset values to the phase difference measurements, the system compensates for antenna detuning and loading effects, maintaining reliable performance even when antennas are placed in compact configurations near external objects
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 solution enables precise location determination of wireless communications equipment relative to the electronic device, regardless of external object interference, by correcting for phase differences caused by environmental loading, thus enhancing the accuracy and reliability of angle of arrival measurements.
Implementation Method 1
The first, second, and third antennas may receive radio-frequency signals such as ultra-wideband signals from external wireless equipment
Implementation Method 2
Control circuitry in the electronic device may measure a first phase difference between the first and second antennas and may measure a second phase difference between the second and third antennas from the received ultra-wideband signals
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may be provided with wireless circuitry that includes first, second, and third antennas used to determine the position and orientation of the electronic device relative to external equipment. The antennas may include patch elements on respective substrates mounted to a flexible printed circuit. Each substrate may include fences of conductive vias that are coupled to ground and that laterally surround the corresponding patch element. Control circuitry may identify phase differences between the first and second antennas and between the second and third antennas and may identify an angle of arrival of received ultra-wideband signals using the phase differences. The control circuitry may compare the phase differences to a set of predetermined surfaces of phase differences to identify environmental loading conditions for the antenna. The control circuitry may correct the angle of arrival using offsets identified based on the environmental loading conditions.