Variable Inductor With Integrated Magnetic Material For Multi-Band Wireless
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless devices face challenges in supporting multiple frequency bands due to design constraints related to size, cost, and the number of components, particularly when roaming between networks and frequency bands, necessitating the development of devices and components that can efficiently operate across various frequency ranges.
Innovation Solution
A variable inductor design incorporating a signal wire and a control wire with integrated magnetic material, where a direct current (DC) control current adjusts the inductance by altering the magnetic flux density, allowing the device to tune inductance values and thereby support operation across different frequency bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless devices support multiple frequency bands through separate hardware components, then frequency band coverage is improved, but device size and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single variable inductor that can operate across multiple frequency bands by dynamically adjusting its inductance value through DC control current, replacing the need for multiple fixed inductors for different frequency bands. This multi-functional approach allows one component to perform what previously required several separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a variable inductor with dynamically adjustable inductance rather than fixed inductors. The inductance can be changed in real-time by applying different DC control currents, enabling the same hardware to adapt to different frequency bands without physical reconfiguration or additional components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless devices support multiple frequency bands through separate hardware components, then frequency band coverage is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single variable inductor component serves multiple frequency bands, eliminating the need for multiple separate inductor components that would increase device area. The unified component design reduces the overall space required while maintaining broad frequency coverage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple frequency-specific inductors into a single variable inductor component. By combining what would have been separate components into one integrated unit with adjustable inductance, the device footprint is reduced while preserving multi-band operation capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If variable inductance is achieved through traditional designs, then inductance tuning range is improved, but Q-value decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies magnetic material selectively and locally around the signal wire to enhance magnetic flux density in specific regions. This localized magnetic enhancement improves the Q-value by concentrating magnetic effects where needed, while the variable inductance is achieved through controlled DC current affecting the overall magnetic environment.
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
Enables efficient operation across multiple frequency bands by electronically tuning the inductance of the variable inductor, enhancing the flexibility and adaptability of wireless devices to varying network frequencies without significant increases in size or component count.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic material to conduct a magnetic flux density that varies linearly with magnetic field strength in different ranges
Implementation Method 2
If a DC magnetic field applied to the magnetic material is in a first range of magnetic field strength, the magnetic material may operate according to a first permeability. If the DC magnetic field is in a second range of magnetic field strength, the magnetic material may operate according to a second permeability
Implementation Method 3
a control wire to receive a direct current (DC) control current... Applying a first DC control current value to the control wires may generate a first inductance value
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of a variable inductor and a communication device are generally described herein. The variable inductor may comprise a signal wire and a control wire to receive a direct current (DC) control current. The variable inductor may further comprise a magnetic material integrated with the signal wire and the control wire. When a DC control current applied to the control wires takes a first current value, an inductance between an input node and an output node on the signal wire may take a first inductance value. When the DC control current takes a second current value, the inductance between the input node and the output node may take a second inductance value.