Patent Application
20150048979
1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates in general to multi-antenna systems and in particular to multi-antenna systems in electronic devices.
2. Description of the Related Art
With an ever increasing demand for continuous wireless communication access and for various notification services, some portable devices that are traditionally not constructed as communicating devices, are being designed with integrated wireless communication capability. Some of these portable devices are re-designed as smart devices with limited access to specific types of data. These designs, which provide integrated wireless communication capability, are presented with a number of challenges, including a need to balance cosmetic features with functional features. In addition, designers of these portable devices with integrated wireless communication capability are challenged to satisfy high performance communication requirements. These requirements have to be satisfied despite the presence of components which do not necessarily support the functionality of each other and/or are intended to support un-related features of the portable device.
The described embodiments are to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
The illustrative embodiments provide a method and portable device configured for providing multi-band, multi-antenna signal communication in a portable device having wireless communication capability. The portable device comprises a single loop multi-feed (SLM) antenna system which includes a continuous conductive ring located along and adjacent to a first device periphery area. The SLM antenna system also comprises multiple communication feeds each respectively coupled to one of multiple transceivers and to the conductive ring. The SLM antenna system includes multiple ground connection points each of which is coupled to a ground plane. Each ground connection point is selectively positioned at a corresponding location on the continuous conductive ring in order to configure, within the SLM antenna system, multiple corresponding antenna elements. A corresponding ground connection sub-circuit may be utilized and may include a tunable impedance or a switchable impedance to enable antenna tuning. The SLM antenna system enables frequency tuning associated with a first antenna element to be performed independently of frequency tuning associated with a second antenna element and supports signal propagation via the multiple antennas using respective frequency bands.
In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, specific exemplary embodiments in which the various aspects of the disclosure may be practiced are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical, architectural, programmatic, mechanical, electrical and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
Within the descriptions of the different views of the figures, similar elements are provided similar names and reference numerals as those of the previous figure(s). The specific numerals assigned to the elements are provided solely to aid in the description and are not meant to imply any limitations (structural or functional or otherwise) on the described embodiment.
It is understood that the use of specific component, device and/or parameter names, such as those of the executing utility, logic, and/or firmware described herein, are for example only and not meant to imply any limitations on the described embodiments. The embodiments may thus be described with different nomenclature and/or terminology utilized to describe the components, devices, parameters, methods and/or functions herein, without limitation. References to any specific protocol or proprietary name in describing one or more elements, features or concepts of the embodiments are provided solely as examples of one implementation, and such references do not limit the extension of the claimed embodiments to embodiments in which different element, feature, protocol, or concept names are utilized. Thus, each term utilized herein is to be given its broadest interpretation given the context in which that terms is utilized.
As further described below, implementation of the functional features of the disclosure described herein is provided within processing devices and/or structures and can involve use of a combination of hardware, firmware, as well as several software-level constructs (e.g., program code and/or program instructions and/or pseudo-code) that execute to provide a specific utility for the device or a specific functional logic. The presented figures illustrate both hardware components and software and/or logic components.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the hardware components and basic configurations depicted in the figures may vary. The illustrative components are not intended to be exhaustive, but rather are representative to highlight essential components that are utilized to implement aspects of the described embodiments. For example, other devices/components may be used in addition to or in place of the hardware and/or firmware depicted. The depicted example is not meant to imply architectural or other limitations with respect to the presently described embodiments and/or the general invention.
The description of the illustrative embodiments can be read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements are exaggerated relative to other elements. Embodiments incorporating teachings of the present disclosure are shown and described with respect to the figures presented herein.
With specific reference now to
Portable device 100 also includes multiple transceivers, including first transceiver 150 and second transceiver 152, for sending and receiving communication signals. In at least some embodiments, the sending and receiving of communication signals occur wirelessly and are facilitated by multiple antennas, including first antenna element 140 and second antenna element 142, which are communicatively coupled to the multiple transceivers (150 and 152), respectively. Also included within portable device 100 are multiple antenna/communication feeds (or simply “feeds”) (shown and described below). In one embodiment, the multiple antennas and the multiple communication feeds collectively represent single loop multi-feed (SLM) antenna system 130. The number of antennas (i.e., antenna elements) can vary from device to device, ranging from a single antenna to two or more antennas, and the presentation within portable device 100 of two antenna elements 140 and 142 is merely for illustration. In one embodiment, portable device 100 comprises first antenna tuner 145 communicatively coupled to first antenna element 140 and second antenna tuner 147 communicatively coupled to second antenna element 142. The processor 105 controls the tuners 145 and 147 via logic signal lines, according to the frequency of operation.
In one embodiment, portable device 100 is able to wirelessly communicate to base-station or access node 170 via one or more antennas (e.g., antenna 140). Base station or access node 170 can be any one of a number of different types of network stations and/or antennas associated with the infrastructure of the wireless network and configured to support uplink and downlink communication via one or more of the wireless communication protocols, as known by those skilled in the art.
In addition to the above described hardware components of portable device 100, various features of the invention may be completed or supported via software or firmware code and/or logic stored within at least one of memory 106 and a local memory of a corresponding transceiver, and respectively executed by DSP 126 or processor 105, or a local processor of the transceiver. Thus, for example, included within system memory 106 and/or local memory associated with the multiple transceivers can be a number of software, firmware, logic components, or modules, including single loop multi-feed (SLM) antenna system utility 110 and applications 112.
The various components within portable device 100 can be electrically and/or communicatively coupled together as illustrated in
With specific reference now to
In one embodiment, portable device 100 also comprises rear metal/conductive housing 222 and insulator 206, which can be a plastic component. Insulator 206 physically and electrically separates continuous conductive ring 212 from rear metal/conductive housing 222. Conductive device rear housing 222 is adjacent to and surrounds a second device periphery area 226 that does not intersect with the first device periphery area 224. In one embodiment, conductive device housing 222 represents the second device periphery area of portable device 100. In one embodiment, the conductive housing 222 is coupled to the ground plane of the portable device 100. The insulator 206 can be eliminated if the rear housing 222 is made of other non conductive material (e.g., plastic). Also illustrated within portable device 100 are protective display lens 214 and functional button 218.
In an example embodiment, in which the SLM antenna system comprises two feeds and two ground connection points, as illustrated in
In one embodiment, first antenna element 140 is a Bluetooth (BT) antenna element and the first ground connection point 208 couples the BT antenna element (e.g., antenna element 140) to ground. In a related embodiment, second antenna element 142 is a global positioning system (GPS) antenna element and the second ground connection point 216 couples the GPS antenna element to ground. In portable device 100, each of the communication feeds is one of a direct feed and a capacitive feed. In one or more embodiments, a capacitive coupler is coupled to the second feed to enable propagation of GPS signals via the GPS antenna element (e.g., second antenna element 142) using a capacitive feed technology. In one implementation, portable device 100 comprises an internal antenna (e.g., internal antenna element 328 of
In one or more embodiments, portable device 100 is a smart device that communicates with a second wireless communication device (e.g., UE 160) while portable device 100 operates as a functional extension of the second wireless communication device by at least one of (a) providing/receiving notifications and (b) receiving emails, from the second wireless communication device. The UE 160 is communicatively coupled to BS 170.
SLM antenna system 302 includes a first ground connection point 308, a second ground connection point 316, third ground connection point 318 and a fourth ground connection point 326, each of which is coupled to printed circuit board/ground plane 330 via either a direct lead or a tunable matching circuit (i.e., similar to tunable matching circuit 240 of
As illustrated within SLM antenna system 302, first antenna element 350 represents a first section of continuous conductive ring 312 and is located between first ground connection point 308 and fourth ground connection point 326. Second antenna element 354 represents a second section of continuous conductive ring 312 and is located between second ground connection point 316 and third ground connection point 318. Third antenna element 356 represents a third section of continuous conductive ring 312 and is located between first ground connection point 308 and third ground connection point 318. Fourth antenna element 352 represents a fourth section of continuous conductive ring 312 and is located between second ground connection point 316 and fourth ground connection point 326. The locations of the ground connection points on continuous conductive ring 312 are selectively determined to create various antenna elements having specific shapes from respective sections of continuous conductive ring 312. Each of the multiple sections corresponding to a respective antenna element can be characterized as having a corresponding degree of curvature or bending based on a shape of continuous conductive ring 312 and the selected placement of adjacent ground connection points. As a result, an antenna element can be described as being one of (a) substantially linear shaped, (b) arc shaped, (c) semi-circular shaped and (c) partially linear and partially circular or arc shaped, among others.
In an example embodiment, in which the SLM antenna system comprises four feeds and four ground connection points, which are placed in relative positions as illustrated in
More generally, the first antenna element 350 is adjacent to a first pair of ground connection points which include the first and the fourth ground connection points (308 and 326). The second antenna element 354 is adjacent to a second pair of ground connection points which include the second and third ground connection points (316 and 318). The first pair of ground connection points isolates the first feed 304, corresponding to the first antenna element 350, from any other antenna element besides the first antenna element 350. The second pair of ground connection points isolates the second feed 310, corresponding to the second antenna element, from any other antenna element besides the second antenna element 354.
Isolation enables frequency tuning associated with the first antenna element to be performed independently of frequency tuning associated with any other antenna element from among the multiple antenna elements including the second antenna element. Furthermore, isolation enables frequency tuning associated with the second antenna element to be performed independently of frequency tuning associated with any other antenna element from among the multiple antenna elements including the first antenna element.
Although four communication feeds and four corresponding ground connection points are illustrated within SLM antenna system 302, the number of feeds and/or corresponding ground connection points is not limited to a specific number. SLM antenna system 302 is capable of propagating communication signals via multiple antenna elements using multiple frequency bands, including a first frequency band, a second frequency band, a third frequency band and a fourth frequency band, respectively.
Smart watch 400 is a computerized wristwatch that can communicate with a second wireless communication device (e.g., UE 160) while smart watch 400 operates as a functional extension of the second wireless communication device by providing associated signal transmission and reception capabilities, which can be associated with at least one of (a) receiving notifications, (b) propagation of position or location based signals, (c) propagating sensor data and (d) receiving emails.
In one embodiment, smart watch 400 is able to run mobile applications and can include complete mobile phone capability. In one or more embodiments, smart phone 400 functions as a mobile media player and can provide playback of frequency modulation (FM) radio and audio and video files. In one implementation, smart phone 400 can provide sound to a user via a Bluetooth headset.
In one or more related embodiments, smart watch 400 includes features associated with use or operation and/or include components of any one of a camera, an accelerometer, a thermometer, an altimeter, a barometer, a compass, a chronograph, a calculator and a touch screen. In addition, smart watch 400 can provide features and/or includes components associated with any one of GPS navigation, map display, graphical display, a speaker, a scheduler, Secure Digital (SD) cards that are recognizable as mass storage devices, and a rechargeable battery. In various embodiments, smart watch 400 can communicate with a wireless headset, a heads-up display, an insulin pump, a microphone, a modem, or other electronic devices.
Smart watch 400 can also provide “sport watch” functionality. Sport watch functionality can be provided through the use of GPS signals and by enabling the measurement of distances and corresponding intervals of time during various sports training exercises such as diving and sprint or long distance racing. As a result, in one embodiment, smart watch 400 can provide a functionality of a speed display, a GPS tracking unit and a dive computer, and can perform route tracking and speed tracking.
In one or more embodiments, smart watch 400 can be equipped to provide heart rate monitor compatibility, cadence sensor compatibility, and compatibility with “sport transitions” tracking. Sports transition tracking involves monitoring the change or “transition” from one sport to another as found in a triathlon.
Smart watch 400 may collect information from internal or external sensors which may represent other portable devices. Smart watch 400 may control, or retrieve data from, other instruments or computers. Smart watch 400 may support wireless technologies like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS. However, smart watch 400 operating as a “wristwatch computer” may serve as a front end for a remote system to which smart watch 400 is wirelessly connected.
Table 500 further comprises first row 502, second row 504 and third row 506. First row 502 indicates that for a “free-space” use case (i.e., when portable device 100 is not being worn), the average antenna system efficiency for a BT antenna utilized in an SLM antenna system is 19.3%.
Second row 504 indicates that for a “left-arm” use case (i.e., when portable device 100 is being worn on a user's left arm), the average antenna system efficiency for a BT antenna utilized in an SLM antenna system is 17%. Third row 506 indicates that for a “right-arm” use case (i.e., when portable device 100 is being worn on a user's right arm), the average antenna system efficiency for a BT antenna utilized in an SLM antenna system is 17%.
As table 500 indicates, for a direct feed BT antenna, the average antenna efficiency values (column 2) for the more common use cases in which portable device 100 is worn on the left-arm or right arm, are similar to the values for the free space use case. This similarity in values indicates that the radiated energy dissipation in the user's arm is negligible. In addition to providing acceptable antenna system efficiency performance, portable device 100, which includes the SLM antenna system, is specifically designed to limit RF energy exposure of the user's arm to a negligible or low absorption level. This low RF energy absorption satisfies the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) limits that are established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Second row 604 indicates that for a “left-arm” use case (i.e., when portable device 100 is being worn on a user's left arm), the average antenna system efficiency for a BT antenna utilized in an SLM antenna system is 14.6%. Third row 606 indicates that for a “right-arm” use case (i.e., when portable device 100 is being worn on a user's right arm), the average antenna system efficiency for a BT antenna utilized in an SLM antenna system is 14.7%.
As table 600 indicates, for a capacitive feed BT antenna, average antenna efficiency values (column 2) for the more common use cases in which portable device 100 is worn on the left-arm or right arm, are similar to the values for the free space use case. This similarity in values indicates that the radiated energy dissipation in the user's arm is negligible. In addition to providing acceptable antenna system efficiency performance, portable device 100, which is designed with the SLM antenna system, exposes the user's arm to negligible or low absorption of RF energy. This low RF energy absorption satisfies the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) limits that are established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). From the results provided in tables 500 and 600, one can conclude that for use cases in which portable device 100 is worn on the left arm or right arm, both the direct feed and capacitive feed systems provide acceptable antenna system efficiency performance. It is reasonable to expect that acceptable antenna system efficiency performance can be achieved for portable devices that are designed to be worn on other body parts including on a right leg, a left leg or on or around the neck, for example.
The method of
The flowchart and block diagrams in the various figures presented and described herein illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. Thus, while the method processes are described and illustrated in a particular sequence, use of a specific sequence of processes is not meant to imply any limitations on the disclosure. Changes may be made with regards to the sequence of processes without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Use of a particular sequence is therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure extends to the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
In some implementations, certain processes of the methods are combined, performed simultaneously or in a different order, or perhaps omitted, without deviating from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.
While the disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular system, device or component thereof to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61867331 | Aug 2013 | US |
