UWB Signal Up-Conversion for Antenna Isolation in Compact Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
In small electronic devices with multiple components, securing isolation and signal straightness between UWB antennas is challenging, leading to reduced accuracy and difficulty in implementing sensing functions like motion and gesture detection.
Innovation Solution
Up-converting UWB signals to an mmWave frequency band using an mmWave module within the device, while not utilizing it for wireless communication, to enhance antenna isolation and signal straightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If UWB signals are transmitted at the original frequency band (3-10 GHz), then the device can maintain simple antenna design, but the signal straightness is low and sensing accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the UWB signal from the original 3-10 GHz band to the mmWave band (24-300 GHz). This parameter change improves signal straightness and sensing accuracy while utilizing the characteristics of higher frequency signals for better directional transmission and reception.
2Reliability
If multiple UWB antennas are mounted in a small electronic device, then the device can implement radar sensing functions, but sufficient isolation between transmit and receive antennas cannot be secured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions to mmWave frequency band which enables better antenna isolation in compact spaces. The higher frequency signals at 24-300 GHz allow for smaller antenna elements and improved spatial separation between transmit and receive antennas within the same device form factor.
3Measurement precision
If UWB signals are transmitted at 3-10 GHz frequency band, then the device can operate with existing communication modules, but the signal straightness is lower compared to mmWave signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter from 3-10 GHz to mmWave band (24-300 GHz). This improvement in signal straightness is achieved by utilizing the inherent properties of millimeter wave signals which provide better directional characteristics and reduced multipath interference, despite requiring specialized mmWave communication modules.
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 approach improves UWB performance by securing isolation and increasing sensing accuracy, enabling functions such as motion and gesture detection.
Implementation Method 1
up-converting the UWB signal generated from a UWB integrated circuit (IC) into an mmWave frequency band signal through an mmWave module
Data Source
AI summary
According to various embodiments, an electronic device may comprise a communication processor; an intermediate frequency integrated circuit (IFIC) to convert a baseband signal received from the communication processor into an intermediate frequency (IF) signal; a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) convert the received IF signal into a first radio frequency (RF) signal; an ultra-wideband (UWB) integrated circuit (IC) generating a UWB signal corresponding to a first frequency; at least one UWB antenna to transmit/receive the UWB signal corresponding to the first frequency; and at least one first switch connected between the UWB IC and the UWB antenna. The at least one first switch may be controlled so that the UWB signal corresponding to the first frequency, generated by the UWB IC, is transmitted to the RFIC in a state in which a communication operation, for a signal transmitted/received from the communication processor, by the RFIC is inactivated.