Multi-band Patch Antenna with Voltage-Controlled Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication devices with single antennas face impaired performance across multiple frequency bands due to suboptimal sizing, and existing multi-band antenna systems require complex switch control networks, which are undesirable for smaller devices.
Innovation Solution
A multi-band antenna system with at least two patch antenna elements that can be automatically coupled in response to a voltage component, allowing orthogonal transmission of RF signals across different frequency bands without a separate switch control network, using diode switches and input circuits to manage the coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single antenna is used for multiple frequency bands, then the device structure is simple, but the wireless communication performance at one or both frequency bands is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is segmented into multiple antenna elements (first antenna element and second antenna element), each optimized for specific frequency bands. The first antenna element handles first frequency band signals while the second antenna element handles second frequency band signals, allowing each segment to be independently optimized for its designated frequency range, thus resolving the performance impairment issue while maintaining structural simplicity through integrated design.
2Reliability
If a multi-band antenna system with multiple antenna elements and switches is used, then wireless communication performance across frequency bands is improved, but a physically separate switch control network is required which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The control network is merged with the signal transmission path by using the same physical infrastructure (transmission lines and circuit board traces) to carry both RF signals and control signals. The first and second transmission lines are used dually for both signal transmission and switch control, eliminating the need for a physically separate control network and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining multi-band performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission lines and circuit board traces are designed to serve multiple functions: they simultaneously transmit RF signals from the antenna elements to the receiver and carry control signals from the processor to the switches. This multi-functionality eliminates redundant components and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining the ability to switch between frequency bands.
3Reliability
If a physically separate switch control network is used to operate switches, then switch control is reliable, but the system is not desirable for smaller devices such as laptop computers and smart phones
Solution Approach 1:
The control network is merged with the signal transmission path by using the same physical infrastructure (transmission lines and circuit board traces) to carry both RF signals and control signals. The first and second transmission lines are used dually for both signal transmission and switch control, eliminating the need for a physically separate control network and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission lines and circuit board traces are designed to serve multiple functions: they simultaneously transmit RF signals from the antenna elements to the receiver and carry control signals from the processor to the switches. This multi-functionality eliminates redundant components and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining the ability to switch between frequency bands.
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 efficient multi-band antenna control in smaller devices like smartphones and laptops, optimizing performance across various frequency bands without the need for a complex switch control network, thereby enhancing wireless communication efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna receives and orthogonally transmits the radio frequency signals over a first patch antenna element that is resonant at the first frequency band
Implementation Method 2
The antenna orthogonally transmits the radio frequency signals over the coupled patch antenna elements that together are resonant at the second frequency band
Data Source
AI summary
In a wireless communication device, circuitry selects a first frequency band for a first wireless communication and transfers a pair of radio frequency signals at the first frequency band. An antenna receives and orthogonally transmits the radio frequency signals over a first patch antenna element that is resonant at the first frequency band. The circuitry selects a second frequency band for a second wireless communication and transfers a pair of radio frequency signals at the second frequency band and including a voltage component. The antenna receives the radio frequency signals including the voltage component, couples a second patch antenna element to the first patch antenna element in response to the voltage component, and orthogonally transmits the radio frequency signals over the coupled patch antenna elements that together are resonant at the second frequency band.