WO2014120154A1 - An apparatus for, at least, transmitting in a radio communications channel - Google Patents

An apparatus for, at least, transmitting in a radio communications channel Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2014120154A1
WO2014120154A1 PCT/US2013/023857 US2013023857W WO2014120154A1 WO 2014120154 A1 WO2014120154 A1 WO 2014120154A1 US 2013023857 W US2013023857 W US 2013023857W WO 2014120154 A1 WO2014120154 A1 WO 2014120154A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
radio
antenna
transmission signals
port
communications channel
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2013/023857
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Kevin Li
Pei Li
Ping Hui
Original Assignee
Nokia Corporation
Nokia, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nokia Corporation, Nokia, Inc. filed Critical Nokia Corporation
Priority to PCT/US2013/023857 priority Critical patent/WO2014120154A1/en
Publication of WO2014120154A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014120154A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
    • H04B1/02—Transmitters
    • H04B1/04—Circuits
    • H04B1/0458—Arrangements for matching and coupling between power amplifier and antenna or between amplifying stages
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
    • H04B1/38—Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving
    • H04B1/3827—Portable transceivers
    • H04B1/3833—Hand-held transceivers

Definitions

  • Embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus for, at least, transmitting in a radio communications channel.
  • some embodiments relate to an apparatus for transmitting and receiving.
  • Radio transmitters transmit radio waves for reception by radio receivers.
  • a radio transmitter uses an antenna to efficiently transmit the radio waves.
  • a radio receiver uses an antenna to efficiently receive the transmitted radio waves.
  • An antenna has a frequency dependent complex impedance.
  • the efficiency of the antenna at a particular frequency depends upon the impedance of the antenna at that frequency and the extent to which it is matched to an impedance of the adjacent medium e.g. free space.
  • the reactive component of the complex impedance may vary when stray capacitances and/or inductances couple to the antenna.
  • a particular problem can arise when a user comes close to or touches an apparatus comprising an antenna.
  • the presence of the user may vary the complex impedance of the antenna affecting its efficiency.
  • Fig 1 illustrates an example of an apparatus for transmitting radio transmission signals that has at least two antennas
  • Figs 2 and 3 illustrate different examples of a radio component for use in the apparatus
  • Fig 4 illustrates an example of an apparatus for transmitting radio transmission signals and for receiving radio signals
  • Fig 5 illustrates an example of an apparatus for transmitting radio transmission signals and for receiving radio signals that uses a circulator
  • Fig 6 illustrates an example of an apparatus for transmitting radio transmission signals and for receiving radio signals that uses a power divider
  • Fig 7 illustrates an example of an apparatus for transmitting radio transmission signals and also for receiving radio signals from two antennas
  • Figs 8, 9 and 10 illustrate different examples of circuitry for use in the apparatus of Fig 7;
  • Fig 11 illustrates an example of an apparatus for transmitting radio transmission signals and also for diversity reception of radio signals at two antennas
  • Fig 12 illustrates an example of a hand-portable mobile cellular telephone.
  • the Figures illustrate an apparatus 2 comprising: radio transmitter circuitry 4 configured to produce radio transmission signals 6 encoded for transmission in a radio communications channel 8; a first antenna 10 configured to transmit radio transmission signals 6 in the radio communications channel 8; a second antenna 20 configured to transmit the radio transmission signals 6 in the radio communications channel 8; and a radio component 30
  • Fig 1 illustrates an example of an apparatus 2 for transmitting radio transmission signals 6 using a first antenna 10, or if transmission from the first antenna 10 is sub-optimal, using a second antenna 20. The same radio transmission signals 6 are therefore transmitted from the first antenna 10 and/or the second antenna 20 depending upon the efficiency of the first antenna 10.
  • the radio transmitter circuitry 4 is configured to produce the radio transmission signals 6 encoded for transmission in the radio communications channel 8.
  • the radio transmission signals 6 are encoded in a form that defines the radio communications channel.
  • the radio transmission signals 6 may have a specific frequency or frequency range for a frequency division multiple access channel, occupy a specific time for a time division multiple access channel, use a particular spreading code for a code division multiple access channel, use a particular modulation for an orthogonal frequency division access channel etc.
  • the radio transmission signals 6 comprise an analog carrier signal modulated with digital data.
  • the digital data may encode an analog signal such as speech.
  • the carrier signal is an alternating electromagnetic wave in the radio frequency spectrum (3kHz to 300GHz).
  • the frequency of the carrier signal of the radio transmission signals 6 may be changed, for example, between an intermediate frequency and a transmission frequency.
  • the radio transmission signals 6 may be transferred between the radio transmitter circuitry 4 and the first antenna 10 or second antenna 20 using transmission lines.
  • the first antenna 10 is configured to transmit radio transmission signals 6 in the radio communications channel 8.
  • the first antenna is configured to have, during normal operation, an optimal impedance that is matched or closely matched, at a frequency or range of frequencies defined by the radio communications channel 8, to the adjacent medium into which the first antenna 10 transmits. Therefore, considering output to the radio communications channel 8, the input reflection coefficient Sl l of the antenna 10 is minimized and the antenna efficiency is maximized at the frequency or range of frequencies defined by the radio communications channel 8.
  • the impedance of the first antenna 10 changes because for example of coupling to a proximal conductive or dielectric object, such as a user's body, then the input reflection coefficient Sl l of antenna increases and the antenna efficiency decreases at the frequency or range of frequencies defined by the radio communications channel 8. This is a consequence of the first antenna 10 being optimally tuned for transmission into the radio communications channel 8.
  • the second antenna 20 is also configured to transmit the radio transmission signals 6 in the radio communications channel 8.
  • the second antenna 20 is configured to have, during normal operation, an optimal impedance that is matched or closely matched, at the frequency or range of frequencies defined by the radio communications channel 8, to an impedance of the broadcast medium.
  • the antenna efficiency of the second antenna 20, during normal operation may be less than the first antenna 10 at the frequency or range of frequencies defined by the radio communications channel 8 but greater in other circumstances, for example, when the impedance of the first antenna 10 becomes sub-optimal.
  • the second antenna 20 may be configured to have, during normal operation, a sub-optimal impedance that is not matched or closely matched, at the frequency or range of frequencies defined by the radio communications channel 8, to the impedance of the broadcast medium.
  • the second antenna 20 may be designed so that when the impedance of the first antenna 10 becomes sub-optimal, the impedance of the second antenna 20 becomes optimal and matches or closely matches, at the frequency or range of frequencies defined by the radio communications channel 8, to the impedance of the broadcast medium.
  • the efficiency of the second antenna 20 may be less than the first antenna 10 at the frequency or range of frequencies defined by the radio communications channel 8 during normal operation but greater in other circumstances.
  • the radio component 30 is a radio redistribution element. It operates automatically (autonomously) to redistribute transmission power, at the frequency or range of frequencies defined by the radio communications channel 8, from the first antenna 10 to the second antenna 20 when the input reflection coefficient Sl l of the first antenna 10 increases at the frequency or range of frequencies defined by the radio communications channel 8. Thus transmission signals 6 encoded for transmission in the radio communication channel 8 are automatically redistributed between the first antenna 10 and the second antenna 20.
  • the radio component 30 is operatively connected via a first port 31 to the radio transmitter circuitry 4 to receive radio transmission signals 6 encoded for transmission in the radio communications channel 8.
  • the radio component 30 is operatively connected via a second port 32 to the first antenna 10.
  • the radio component 30 is operatively connected via a third port 33 to the second antenna 20.
  • the radio component 30 is autonomous. It operates without receiving any external control signal and without changing states (i.e. operates autonomously).
  • the apparatus 2 may be configured to prevent back reflection, from the first antenna 10 to the radio transmitter circuitry 4, of radio transmission signals 6.
  • the gain of the radio component 30 may be independent of the change (decrease) of the antenna efficiency of the first antenna 10 from a first antenna efficiency to a second smaller antenna efficiency.
  • the apparatus in this example, comprises routing circuitry 12 configured to route radio transmission signals 6 from the radio component 30 to the first antenna 10.
  • the apparatus 2 in this example, comprises routing circuitry 22 configured to route radio transmission signals 6 from the radio component 30 to the second antenna 20.
  • Fig 2 illustrates an example of a radio component 30 illustrated in Fig 1 and Fig 5 illustrates an apparatus 2 using this radio component 30.
  • the radio component 30 is a circulator.
  • the circulator 30 sends radio transmission signals 6 received at the first port 31, from the first port 31 internally to the second port 32, but not to the third port 33.
  • the circulator 30 sends radio transmission signals 6 reflected from the first antenna 10 and received at the second port 32, from the second port 32 internally to the third port 33, but not to the first port 31.
  • the input reflection coefficient SI 1 of the first antenna 10 increases then more of the radio transmission signals 6 are reflected back from the first antenna 10 toward the second port 32.
  • the circulator 30 operates automatically (autonomously) to redistribute transmission power, at the frequency or range of frequencies defined by the radio communications channel 8, from the first antenna 10 to the second antenna 20 when the input reflection coefficient SI 1 of the first antenna 10 increases at the frequency or range of frequencies defined by the radio communications channel 8.
  • Transmission signals 6 encoded for transmission in the radio communication channel 8 are automatically redistributed between the first antenna 10 and the second antenna 20.
  • Fig 3 illustrates an example of a radio component 30 illustrated in Fig 1 and Fig 6 illustrates an apparatus 2 using this radio component 30.
  • the radio component 30 is a power divider.
  • the second port 32 of the power divider 30 is configured to have, during normal operation, an optimal impedance that is matched or closely matched, at the frequency or range of frequencies defined by the radio communications channel 8, to the first antenna 10.
  • the power divider 30 sends radio transmission signals 6 reflected from the first antenna 10 and received at the second port 32, from the second port 32 internally to the third port 33 and first port 31. This results in the internal redirection of some of the radio transmission signals 6 to the third port 33 by the power divider 30.
  • the power divider 30 operates automatically (autonomously) to redistribute transmission power, at the frequency or range of frequencies defined by the radio communications channel 8, from the first antenna 10 to the second antenna 20 when the input reflection coefficient Sl l of the first antenna 10 increases at the frequency or range of frequencies defined by the radio communications channel 8.
  • Transmission signals 6 encoded for transmission in the radio communication channel 8 are automatically redistributed between the first antenna 10 and the second antenna 20.
  • Fig 4 illustrates an apparatus 2 similar to that illustrated in Fig 1 and like reference numerals relate to like features.
  • the description of the apparatus 2 in relation to Fig 1 and the descriptions of the radio component 30 with reference to Figs 2 and 3 is also a relevant description of the apparatus 2 in Fig 4 and of the radio component 30 it comprises.
  • the apparatus 2 illustrated in Fig 4 additionally comprises radio receiver circuitry 14.
  • the radio receiver circuitry 14 is configured to convert radio signals 16 received by the first antenna 10 to data
  • the data may, for example, represent information such as speech.
  • the apparatus in this example, comprises routing circuitry 12 configured to route radio transmission signals 6 from the radio component 30 to the first antenna 10 and routing circuitry configured to route radio signals 16 received at the first antenna 10 to the radio receiver circuitry 14.
  • the routing circuitry 12 may, for example, comprise a dup lexer.
  • the apparatus 2 in this example, comprises additional routing circuitry 22 configured to route radio transmission signals 6 from the radio component 30 to the second antenna 20.
  • the routing circuitry 22 may, for example, comprise a duplexer.
  • Fig 5 illustrates the apparatus 2 of Fig 4 when the radio component 30 is a circulator.
  • Fig 6 illustrates the apparatus 2 of Fig 4 when the radio component 30 is a power divider.
  • Fig 7 illustrates an apparatus 2 similar to that illustrated in Fig 4 except that the additional routing circuitry 22 is configured to route radio signals 16' received at the second antenna 20 to the radio receiver circuitry 14.
  • the radio signals 16' received at the second antenna 20 are routed along the same path as signals received from the first antenna 10 are routed.
  • the routing circuitry 12 may, for example, comprise a duplexer.
  • the additional routing circuitry 22 may, for example, comprise a duplexer.
  • the apparatus 2 additionally comprises further routing circuitry 40 that receives at a first port 41 signals 16, from the first antenna 10, routed by routing circuitry 12 and receives at a second port 42 signals 16', from the second antenna 20, routed by the additional routing circuitry 22.
  • the circuitry 40 outputs at a third port 43, the signals it receives from both the first antenna 10 and the second antenna 20 via the first and second ports 41, 42 to the radio receiver circuitry 14 as resultant signals 16" .
  • the circuitry 40 is a combiner that combines signals 16 output by routing circuitry 12 and received at a first port 41 with signals 16' output from additional routing circuitry 22 and received at a second port 42 to produce, at a third port 43, a resultant signal 16" provided to the radio receiver circuitry 14.
  • the circuitry 40 is a circulator that routes signals 16 output by routing circuitry 12 towards the radio receiver circuitry 14 as resultant signals 16" .
  • the circuitry 40 is a switch that selects either signals 16 output by routing circuitry 12 received at a first port 41 or signals 16' output from routing circuitry 22 received at a second port 42,
  • Fig 11 illustrates an apparatus 2 similar to that illustrated in Fig 7 except that it is configured for diversity reception.
  • the radio receiver circuitry 14 comprises a first port 51 for receiving signals 16 from the first antenna 10 and a second different port 52 for receiving signals 16' from the second antenna 20.
  • the second port 52 enables diversity reception.
  • the additional routing circuitry 22 of the apparatus 2 is configured to route radio signals 16' received at the second antenna 20 to the second port 52 of the radio receiver circuitry 14 along a separate path to the radio signals 16 from the first antenna 10.
  • Fig 12 illustrates the apparatus 2 configured as a hand-portable apparatus 60.
  • the apparatus 2 comprises a handset housing 50 having a top 51, a base 53 and sides 55.
  • the apparatus 2 may operate as a portable electronic device such as, for example, a mobile cellular telephone or other hand-portable communication device.
  • the first antenna 10 is located at the base 53 and the second antenna 20 is located at a side 55 or at the top 51.
  • the first antenna 10 and the second antenna 20 may be physically separated by a distance D. In some but not necessarily all examples the distance D may be between 5cm and 15cm. In another example, the first antenna 10 and second antenna 20 are both located at the base 53 and may only be separated by a few mm.
  • the apparatus 2 is configured to operate as a hand-portable mobile cellular telephone then it typically comprises an audio output 52 and an audio input 54.
  • An audio output 52 may be located at or near the top 51 of the handset housing 50. This may provide audio output during a telephone call controlled by the apparatus 2.
  • An audio input 54 may be located at or near the base 53 of the handset housing 50. This may provide audio input during a telephone call controlled by the apparatus 2.
  • the apparatus 2 is configured to be raised to a user's head during a telephone conversation such that the audio output 52 is proximal to a user's ear and the audio input 54 is oriented towards a user's mouth.
  • a path of radio transmission signals 6 from the radio component 30 to the second antenna 20 for transmission may comprise an attenuator for reducing power of the radio transmission signals 6 before transmission by the second antenna 20.
  • the attenuator may be comprised in the additional routing circuitry 22.
  • a hand-portable apparatus 2 may often be in close proximity to a user when it is receiving radio signals and/or transmitting radio signals. For example, the user may grip the apparatus 2 in their hand or hold it next to their head. The proximity of the user's body may affect the impedance of the first antenna 10 and consequentially increase the input reflection coefficient of the first antenna 10. According to the previously described embodiments, when the input reflection coefficient of the first antenna 10 increases, the radio component 30 automatically redistributes, between the first antenna 10 and the second antenna 20, radio transmission signals 6 encoded for transmission in the radio communication channel 8.
  • the term 'operatively connected' is used to mean that there is a functional interconnection.
  • the physical connection may be direct (without any intervening elements) or indirect (with any number or combination of intervening elements).
  • the following list provides examples of frequency bands of communication channels 8.
  • the antennas 10, 20 may be configured to operate in a one or more of a plurality of operational resonant frequency bands.
  • the operational frequency bands may include (but are not limited to) Long Term Evolution (LTE) (US) (699 to 746 MHz, 746-787 MHz, and 824 to 894 MHz), Long Term Evolution (LTE) (rest of the world) (791 to 862 MHz, 880 to 960 MHz, and 2500 to 2690 MHz), amplitude modulation (AM) radio (0.535-1.705 MHz); frequency modulation (FM) radio (76-108 MHz); Bluetooth (2400-2483.5 MHz); wireless local area network (WLAN) (2400-2483.5 MHz); hiper local area network (HiperLAN) (4915-5850 MHz); global positioning system (GPS) (1570.42-1580.42 MHz); US - Global system for mobile communications (US-GSM) 850 (824-894 MHz) and 1900 (1850 - 1990 MHz); European global system for mobile communications (EGSM) 900 (880-960 MHz) and 1800 (1710 - 1880 MHz); European wideband code division multiple access (EU)
  • a frequency band over which an antenna can efficiently operate is a frequency range where the antenna's return loss is less than an operational threshold. For example, efficient operation may occur when the antenna' s return loss is better than (that is, less than) -4dB or -6dB.
  • module' refers to a unit or apparatus that excludes certain parts/components that would be added by an end manufacturer or a user.
  • the apparatus 2 may be a module, for example, a modem module for a user device.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Transceivers (AREA)

Abstract

An apparatus comprising: radio transmitter circuitry configured to produce radio transmission signals encoded for transmission in a radio communications channel; a first antenna configured to transmit radio transmission signals in the radio communications channel; a second antenna configured to transmit the radio transmission signals in the radio communications channel; and a radio component connected via a first port to the radio transmitter circuitry, via a second port to the first antenna and via a third port to the second antenna, and configured to receive at the first port radio transmission signals encoded for transmission in the radio communications channel by the radio transmitter circuitry, and configured, when an input reflection coefficient of the first antenna increases, to automatically redistribute between the first antenna and the second antenna radio transmission signals encoded for transmission in the radio communication channel.

Description

An apparatus for, at least, transmitting in a radio communications channel
TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD
Embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus for, at least, transmitting in a radio communications channel. In particular, some embodiments relate to an apparatus for transmitting and receiving. BACKGROUND
Radio transmitters transmit radio waves for reception by radio receivers. A radio transmitter uses an antenna to efficiently transmit the radio waves. A radio receiver uses an antenna to efficiently receive the transmitted radio waves.
An antenna has a frequency dependent complex impedance. The efficiency of the antenna at a particular frequency depends upon the impedance of the antenna at that frequency and the extent to which it is matched to an impedance of the adjacent medium e.g. free space. The reactive component of the complex impedance may vary when stray capacitances and/or inductances couple to the antenna.
A particular problem can arise when a user comes close to or touches an apparatus comprising an antenna. The presence of the user may vary the complex impedance of the antenna affecting its efficiency.
BRIEF SUMMARY
According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided BRIEF DESCRIPTION
For a better understanding of various examples of embodiments of the present invention, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig 1 illustrates an example of an apparatus for transmitting radio transmission signals that has at least two antennas;
Figs 2 and 3 illustrate different examples of a radio component for use in the apparatus;
Fig 4 illustrates an example of an apparatus for transmitting radio transmission signals and for receiving radio signals;
Fig 5 illustrates an example of an apparatus for transmitting radio transmission signals and for receiving radio signals that uses a circulator;
Fig 6 illustrates an example of an apparatus for transmitting radio transmission signals and for receiving radio signals that uses a power divider;
Fig 7 illustrates an example of an apparatus for transmitting radio transmission signals and also for receiving radio signals from two antennas;
Figs 8, 9 and 10 illustrate different examples of circuitry for use in the apparatus of Fig 7;
Fig 11 illustrates an example of an apparatus for transmitting radio transmission signals and also for diversity reception of radio signals at two antennas; and
Fig 12 illustrates an example of a hand-portable mobile cellular telephone.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The Figures illustrate an apparatus 2 comprising: radio transmitter circuitry 4 configured to produce radio transmission signals 6 encoded for transmission in a radio communications channel 8; a first antenna 10 configured to transmit radio transmission signals 6 in the radio communications channel 8; a second antenna 20 configured to transmit the radio transmission signals 6 in the radio communications channel 8; and a radio component 30
connected via a first port 31 to the radio transmitter circuitry 4, via a second port 32 to the first antenna 10 and via a third port 33 to the second antenna 20, and configured to receive at the first port 31 radio transmission signals 6 encoded for transmission in the radio communications channel 8 by the radio transmitter circuitry 4, and configured, when an input reflection coefficient of the first antenna 10 increases, to automatically redistribute between the first antenna 10 and the second antenna 20 radio transmission signals 6 encoded for transmission in the radio communication channel 8. Fig 1 illustrates an example of an apparatus 2 for transmitting radio transmission signals 6 using a first antenna 10, or if transmission from the first antenna 10 is sub-optimal, using a second antenna 20. The same radio transmission signals 6 are therefore transmitted from the first antenna 10 and/or the second antenna 20 depending upon the efficiency of the first antenna 10.
In a hand-portable apparatus 2 the efficiency of the first antenna 10 may, for example, be compromised if the apparatus is proximal to a conductor or dielectric such as, for example, a human hand or head. The radio transmitter circuitry 4 is configured to produce the radio transmission signals 6 encoded for transmission in the radio communications channel 8. The radio transmission signals 6 are encoded in a form that defines the radio communications channel. For example, the radio transmission signals 6 may have a specific frequency or frequency range for a frequency division multiple access channel, occupy a specific time for a time division multiple access channel, use a particular spreading code for a code division multiple access channel, use a particular modulation for an orthogonal frequency division access channel etc.
The radio transmission signals 6 comprise an analog carrier signal modulated with digital data. The digital data may encode an analog signal such as speech. The carrier signal is an alternating electromagnetic wave in the radio frequency spectrum (3kHz to 300GHz). The frequency of the carrier signal of the radio transmission signals 6 may be changed, for example, between an intermediate frequency and a transmission frequency. The radio transmission signals 6 may be transferred between the radio transmitter circuitry 4 and the first antenna 10 or second antenna 20 using transmission lines.
The first antenna 10 is configured to transmit radio transmission signals 6 in the radio communications channel 8.
The first antenna is configured to have, during normal operation, an optimal impedance that is matched or closely matched, at a frequency or range of frequencies defined by the radio communications channel 8, to the adjacent medium into which the first antenna 10 transmits. Therefore, considering output to the radio communications channel 8, the input reflection coefficient Sl l of the antenna 10 is minimized and the antenna efficiency is maximized at the frequency or range of frequencies defined by the radio communications channel 8. When the impedance of the first antenna 10 changes because for example of coupling to a proximal conductive or dielectric object, such as a user's body, then the input reflection coefficient Sl l of antenna increases and the antenna efficiency decreases at the frequency or range of frequencies defined by the radio communications channel 8. This is a consequence of the first antenna 10 being optimally tuned for transmission into the radio communications channel 8.
The second antenna 20 is also configured to transmit the radio transmission signals 6 in the radio communications channel 8. The second antenna 20 is configured to have, during normal operation, an optimal impedance that is matched or closely matched, at the frequency or range of frequencies defined by the radio communications channel 8, to an impedance of the broadcast medium. The antenna efficiency of the second antenna 20, during normal operation, may be less than the first antenna 10 at the frequency or range of frequencies defined by the radio communications channel 8 but greater in other circumstances, for example, when the impedance of the first antenna 10 becomes sub-optimal.
In an alternative embodiment, the second antenna 20 may be configured to have, during normal operation, a sub-optimal impedance that is not matched or closely matched, at the frequency or range of frequencies defined by the radio communications channel 8, to the impedance of the broadcast medium. However, the second antenna 20 may be designed so that when the impedance of the first antenna 10 becomes sub-optimal, the impedance of the second antenna 20 becomes optimal and matches or closely matches, at the frequency or range of frequencies defined by the radio communications channel 8, to the impedance of the broadcast medium. The efficiency of the second antenna 20 may be less than the first antenna 10 at the frequency or range of frequencies defined by the radio communications channel 8 during normal operation but greater in other circumstances.
The radio component 30 is a radio redistribution element. It operates automatically (autonomously) to redistribute transmission power, at the frequency or range of frequencies defined by the radio communications channel 8, from the first antenna 10 to the second antenna 20 when the input reflection coefficient Sl l of the first antenna 10 increases at the frequency or range of frequencies defined by the radio communications channel 8. Thus transmission signals 6 encoded for transmission in the radio communication channel 8 are automatically redistributed between the first antenna 10 and the second antenna 20. The radio component 30 is operatively connected via a first port 31 to the radio transmitter circuitry 4 to receive radio transmission signals 6 encoded for transmission in the radio communications channel 8. The radio component 30 is operatively connected via a second port 32 to the first antenna 10.
The radio component 30 is operatively connected via a third port 33 to the second antenna 20.
It should be noted that the radio component 30 is autonomous. It operates without receiving any external control signal and without changing states (i.e. operates autonomously).
The apparatus 2 may be configured to prevent back reflection, from the first antenna 10 to the radio transmitter circuitry 4, of radio transmission signals 6. The gain of the radio component 30 may be independent of the change (decrease) of the antenna efficiency of the first antenna 10 from a first antenna efficiency to a second smaller antenna efficiency.
The apparatus 2, in this example, comprises routing circuitry 12 configured to route radio transmission signals 6 from the radio component 30 to the first antenna 10.
The apparatus 2, in this example, comprises routing circuitry 22 configured to route radio transmission signals 6 from the radio component 30 to the second antenna 20. Fig 2 illustrates an example of a radio component 30 illustrated in Fig 1 and Fig 5 illustrates an apparatus 2 using this radio component 30. In these examples, the radio component 30 is a circulator.
The circulator 30 sends radio transmission signals 6 received at the first port 31, from the first port 31 internally to the second port 32, but not to the third port 33.
The circulator 30 sends radio transmission signals 6 reflected from the first antenna 10 and received at the second port 32, from the second port 32 internally to the third port 33, but not to the first port 31. When the input reflection coefficient SI 1 of the first antenna 10 increases then more of the radio transmission signals 6 are reflected back from the first antenna 10 toward the second port 32.
In this way, the circulator 30 operates automatically (autonomously) to redistribute transmission power, at the frequency or range of frequencies defined by the radio communications channel 8, from the first antenna 10 to the second antenna 20 when the input reflection coefficient SI 1 of the first antenna 10 increases at the frequency or range of frequencies defined by the radio communications channel 8. Transmission signals 6 encoded for transmission in the radio communication channel 8 are automatically redistributed between the first antenna 10 and the second antenna 20.
Fig 3 illustrates an example of a radio component 30 illustrated in Fig 1 and Fig 6 illustrates an apparatus 2 using this radio component 30. In these examples, the radio component 30 is a power divider.
The second port 32 of the power divider 30 is configured to have, during normal operation, an optimal impedance that is matched or closely matched, at the frequency or range of frequencies defined by the radio communications channel 8, to the first antenna 10. When the input reflection Sl l of the first antenna 10 increases then more of the radio transmission signals 6 are reflected back from the first antenna 10 into the second port 32 of the power divider 30. The power divider 30 sends radio transmission signals 6 reflected from the first antenna 10 and received at the second port 32, from the second port 32 internally to the third port 33 and first port 31. This results in the internal redirection of some of the radio transmission signals 6 to the third port 33 by the power divider 30.
In this way, the power divider 30 operates automatically (autonomously) to redistribute transmission power, at the frequency or range of frequencies defined by the radio communications channel 8, from the first antenna 10 to the second antenna 20 when the input reflection coefficient Sl l of the first antenna 10 increases at the frequency or range of frequencies defined by the radio communications channel 8. Transmission signals 6 encoded for transmission in the radio communication channel 8 are automatically redistributed between the first antenna 10 and the second antenna 20.
Fig 4 illustrates an apparatus 2 similar to that illustrated in Fig 1 and like reference numerals relate to like features. The description of the apparatus 2 in relation to Fig 1 and the descriptions of the radio component 30 with reference to Figs 2 and 3 is also a relevant description of the apparatus 2 in Fig 4 and of the radio component 30 it comprises.
The apparatus 2 illustrated in Fig 4 additionally comprises radio receiver circuitry 14. The radio receiver circuitry 14 is configured to convert radio signals 16 received by the first antenna 10 to data The data may, for example, represent information such as speech.
The apparatus 2, in this example, comprises routing circuitry 12 configured to route radio transmission signals 6 from the radio component 30 to the first antenna 10 and routing circuitry configured to route radio signals 16 received at the first antenna 10 to the radio receiver circuitry 14.
The routing circuitry 12 may, for example, comprise a dup lexer. The apparatus 2, in this example, comprises additional routing circuitry 22 configured to route radio transmission signals 6 from the radio component 30 to the second antenna 20.
The routing circuitry 22 may, for example, comprise a duplexer. Fig 5 illustrates the apparatus 2 of Fig 4 when the radio component 30 is a circulator.
Fig 6 illustrates the apparatus 2 of Fig 4 when the radio component 30 is a power divider.
Fig 7 illustrates an apparatus 2 similar to that illustrated in Fig 4 except that the additional routing circuitry 22 is configured to route radio signals 16' received at the second antenna 20 to the radio receiver circuitry 14. In this example, the radio signals 16' received at the second antenna 20 are routed along the same path as signals received from the first antenna 10 are routed.
The routing circuitry 12 may, for example, comprise a duplexer.
The additional routing circuitry 22 may, for example, comprise a duplexer.
The apparatus 2 additionally comprises further routing circuitry 40 that receives at a first port 41 signals 16, from the first antenna 10, routed by routing circuitry 12 and receives at a second port 42 signals 16', from the second antenna 20, routed by the additional routing circuitry 22. The circuitry 40, outputs at a third port 43, the signals it receives from both the first antenna 10 and the second antenna 20 via the first and second ports 41, 42 to the radio receiver circuitry 14 as resultant signals 16" .
In one embodiment, illustrated in Fig 8, the circuitry 40 is a combiner that combines signals 16 output by routing circuitry 12 and received at a first port 41 with signals 16' output from additional routing circuitry 22 and received at a second port 42 to produce, at a third port 43, a resultant signal 16" provided to the radio receiver circuitry 14.
In another embodiment, illustrated in Fig 9, the circuitry 40 is a circulator that routes signals 16 output by routing circuitry 12 towards the radio receiver circuitry 14 as resultant signals 16" .
In a further embodiment, illustrated in Fig 10, the circuitry 40 is a switch that selects either signals 16 output by routing circuitry 12 received at a first port 41 or signals 16' output from routing circuitry 22 received at a second port 42,
to produce, at a third port 43, a resultant signal 16" provided to the radio receiver circuitry 14.
Fig 11 illustrates an apparatus 2 similar to that illustrated in Fig 7 except that it is configured for diversity reception. The radio receiver circuitry 14 comprises a first port 51 for receiving signals 16 from the first antenna 10 and a second different port 52 for receiving signals 16' from the second antenna 20. The second port 52 enables diversity reception.
The additional routing circuitry 22 of the apparatus 2 is configured to route radio signals 16' received at the second antenna 20 to the second port 52 of the radio receiver circuitry 14 along a separate path to the radio signals 16 from the first antenna 10.
Fig 12 illustrates the apparatus 2 configured as a hand-portable apparatus 60. The apparatus 2 comprises a handset housing 50 having a top 51, a base 53 and sides 55. The apparatus 2 may operate as a portable electronic device such as, for example, a mobile cellular telephone or other hand-portable communication device.
In this example, the first antenna 10 is located at the base 53 and the second antenna 20 is located at a side 55 or at the top 51. The first antenna 10 and the second antenna 20 may be physically separated by a distance D. In some but not necessarily all examples the distance D may be between 5cm and 15cm. In another example, the first antenna 10 and second antenna 20 are both located at the base 53 and may only be separated by a few mm.
If the apparatus 2 is configured to operate as a hand-portable mobile cellular telephone then it typically comprises an audio output 52 and an audio input 54.
An audio output 52 may be located at or near the top 51 of the handset housing 50. This may provide audio output during a telephone call controlled by the apparatus 2. An audio input 54 may be located at or near the base 53 of the handset housing 50. This may provide audio input during a telephone call controlled by the apparatus 2.
The apparatus 2 is configured to be raised to a user's head during a telephone conversation such that the audio output 52 is proximal to a user's ear and the audio input 54 is oriented towards a user's mouth.
A path of radio transmission signals 6 from the radio component 30 to the second antenna 20 for transmission, may comprise an attenuator for reducing power of the radio transmission signals 6 before transmission by the second antenna 20. Referring back to Figs 7 and 11, for example, the attenuator may be comprised in the additional routing circuitry 22.
It will be appreciated that a hand-portable apparatus 2 may often be in close proximity to a user when it is receiving radio signals and/or transmitting radio signals. For example, the user may grip the apparatus 2 in their hand or hold it next to their head. The proximity of the user's body may affect the impedance of the first antenna 10 and consequentially increase the input reflection coefficient of the first antenna 10. According to the previously described embodiments, when the input reflection coefficient of the first antenna 10 increases, the radio component 30 automatically redistributes, between the first antenna 10 and the second antenna 20, radio transmission signals 6 encoded for transmission in the radio communication channel 8.
The term 'operatively connected' is used to mean that there is a functional interconnection. There may be a physical connection. The physical connection may be direct (without any intervening elements) or indirect (with any number or combination of intervening elements). The following list provides examples of frequency bands of communication channels 8. The antennas 10, 20 may be configured to operate in a one or more of a plurality of operational resonant frequency bands. For example, the operational frequency bands may include (but are not limited to) Long Term Evolution (LTE) (US) (699 to 746 MHz, 746-787 MHz, and 824 to 894 MHz), Long Term Evolution (LTE) (rest of the world) (791 to 862 MHz, 880 to 960 MHz, and 2500 to 2690 MHz), amplitude modulation (AM) radio (0.535-1.705 MHz); frequency modulation (FM) radio (76-108 MHz); Bluetooth (2400-2483.5 MHz); wireless local area network (WLAN) (2400-2483.5 MHz); hiper local area network (HiperLAN) (4915-5850 MHz); global positioning system (GPS) (1570.42-1580.42 MHz); US - Global system for mobile communications (US-GSM) 850 (824-894 MHz) and 1900 (1850 - 1990 MHz); European global system for mobile communications (EGSM) 900 (880-960 MHz) and 1800 (1710 - 1880 MHz); European wideband code division multiple access (EU-WCDMA) 900 (880-960 MHz); personal communications network (PCN/DCS) 1800 (1710-1880 MHz); US wideband code division multiple access (US-WCDMA) 850 (824-894 MHz), 1700 (transmit: 1710 to 1755 MHz , receive: 2110 to 2155 MHz) and 1900 (1850-1990 MHz); US code division multiple access (US-CDMA) 850 (824-894 MHz), 1700 (transmit: 1710 to 1755 MHz , receive: 2110 to 2155 MHz) and 1900 (1850-1990 MHz); wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) 2100 (transmit: 1920- 1980 MHz, receive: 2110-2180 MHz); personal communications service (PCS) 1900 (1850-1990 MHz); time division synchronous code division multiple access (TD-SCDMA) (1900 MHz to 1920 MHz, 2010 MHz to 2025 MHz), ultra wideband (UWB) Lower (3100-4900 MHz); UWB Upper (6000-10600 MHz); digital video broadcasting - handheld (DVB-H) (470-702 MHz); DVB-H US (1670-1675 MHz); digital radio mondiale (DRM) (0.15-30 MHz); worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMax) (2300-2400 MHz, 2305-2360 MHz, 2496-2690 MHz, 3300-3400 MHz, 3400-3800 MHz, 5250-5875 MHz); digital audio broadcasting (DAB) (174.928-239.2 MHz, 1452.96- 1490.62 MHz); radio frequency identification low frequency (RFID LF) (0.125-0.134 MHz); radio frequency identification high frequency (RFID HF) (13.56- 13.56 MHz); radio frequency identification ultra high frequency (RFID UHF) (433 MHz, 865-956 MHz, 2450 MHz). A frequency band over which an antenna can efficiently operate is a frequency range where the antenna's return loss is less than an operational threshold. For example, efficient operation may occur when the antenna' s return loss is better than (that is, less than) -4dB or -6dB.
As used here 'module' refers to a unit or apparatus that excludes certain parts/components that would be added by an end manufacturer or a user. The apparatus 2 may be a module, for example, a modem module for a user device.
Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed.
Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described. Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.
Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.
Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:
radio transmitter circuitry configured to produce radio transmission signals encoded for transmission in a radio communications channel;
a first antenna configured to transmit radio transmission signals in the radio communications channel;
a second antenna configured to transmit the radio transmission signals in the radio communications channel; and
a radio component
connected via a first port to the radio transmitter circuitry, via a second port to the first antenna and via a third port to the second antenna, and configured to receive at the first port radio transmission signals encoded for transmission in the radio communications channel by the radio transmitter circuitry, and configured, when an input reflection coefficient of the first antenna increases, to automatically redistribute between the first antenna and the second antenna radio transmission signals encoded for transmission in the radio communication channel.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the radio component is a circulator.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the circulator is configured to send radio transmission signals from the first port internally to the second port and wherein the circulator is configured to send radio transmission signals reflected from the first antenna from the second port internally to the third port.
4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the circulator is configured to send radio transmission signals reflected back from the first antenna to the second antenna.
5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the radio component is a power divider.
6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the power divider is configured such that when the input reflection coefficient of the first antenna increases, more of the radio transmission signals, encoded for transmission in the radio communication channel received by the first port of the power divider, are reflected back from the first antenna into the second port of the power divider and directed to the third port and the first port.
7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the power divider is configured to send radio transmission signals received from the radio transmitter circuitry to the second antenna instead of the first antenna.
8. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the gain of the radio component is independent of the change of the input reflection coefficient of the first antenna.
9. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is configured to prevent back reflection, from the first antenna to the radio transmitter circuitry, of radio transmission signals.
10. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the radio transmission signals encoded for transmission in a radio communications channel have a predetermined frequency range and a predetermined modulation.
11. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising:
radio receiver circuitry configured to convert received radio signals to at least one of voice and data; and routing circuitry configured to route radio signals received at the first antenna to the radio receiver circuitry and configured to route radio signals received at the second antenna to the radio receiver circuitry.
12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the routing circuitry comprises a circulator.
13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the routing circuitry comprises a combiner configured to combine a radio signal received from the first antenna with a radio signal received from the second antenna.
14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the routing circuitry comprises a switch configured to select either a radio signal received from the first antenna or a radio signal received from the second antenna.
15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the routing circuitry comprises a first route to a first reception port of the radio receiver circuitry and comprises a second route to a diversity reception port of the radio receiver circuitry.
16. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising in a path of radio transmission signals from the radio component to the second antenna, an attenuator for reducing power of the radio transmission signals before transmission by the second antenna.
17. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first antenna and the second antenna are physically separated by at least 5 cm.
18. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a handset housing having a top, a base and sides, wherein the first antenna is located at the base and the second antenna is located at side or at the top.
19. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 to 16, wherein the first antenna and the second antenna are physically separated by at least 3 mm.
20. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 16 and claim 19, comprising a handset housing having a top, a base and sides, wherein the first antenna and second antenna are located at the base.
21. An apparatus as claimed in claim 18 or 20, comprising an audio output located at or near the top of the handset housing and an audio input located at or near the base of the handset housing and configured to be raised to a user's head such that the audio output is proximal to a user's ear and the audio input is oriented towards a user's mouth.
22. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, configured for operation as a portable electronic device.
23. An apparatus comprising:
radio transmitter circuitry configured to produce radio transmission signals for transmission in a radio communications channel;
a first antenna configured to transmit the radio transmission signals in the radio communications channel;
a second antenna configured to transmit the radio transmission signals in the radio communications channel; and
a radio component configured to receive at a first port the radio transmission signals from the radio transmitter circuitry encoded for the radio communications channel,
configured to autonomously provide from a second port, radio transmission signals received from the radio transmitter circuitry to the first antenna when the first antenna has a low input reflection coefficient with respect to the radio communications channel, and
configured to autonomously provide, from a third port, the radio transmission signals to the second antenna when the first antenna has a higher input reflection coefficient with respect to the radio communications channel.
24. An apparatus comprising:
radio transmitter circuitry configured to produce radio transmission signals for transmission in a radio communications channel;
a first antenna configured to transmit the radio transmission signals produced by the radio transmitter circuitry in the radio communications channel;
a second antenna configured to transmit the radio transmission signals produced by the radio transmitter circuitry in the radio communications channel; and
a radio component
configured to receive at a first port the radio transmission signals from the radio transmitter circuitry encoded for the radio communications channel, configured to provide from a second port, received radio transmission signals to the first antenna,
configured to provide, from a third port, received radio transmission signals to the second antenna when the first antenna has a second output impedance different to the first output impedance, and configured to automatically redistribute, between the first antenna and the second antenna, radio transmission signals when the output impedance of the first antenna changes.
25. An apparatus comprising:
radio transmitter circuitry configured to produce radio transmission signals for transmission in a radio communications channel;
a first antenna configured to transmit the radio transmission signals produced by the radio transmitter circuitry in the radio communications channel;
a second antenna configured to transmit the radio transmission signals produced by the radio transmitter circuitry in the radio communications channel; and
a radio component
configured to receive at a first port the radio transmission signals from the radio transmitter circuitry encoded for the radio communications channel, configured to autonomously provide from a second port, radio transmission signals received from the radio transmitter circuitry to the first antenna when the first antenna has a first output impedance, and
configured to autonomously provide, from a third port, the radio transmission signals to the second antenna when the first antenna has a second output impedance different to the first output impedance.
PCT/US2013/023857 2013-01-30 2013-01-30 An apparatus for, at least, transmitting in a radio communications channel WO2014120154A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2013/023857 WO2014120154A1 (en) 2013-01-30 2013-01-30 An apparatus for, at least, transmitting in a radio communications channel

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2013/023857 WO2014120154A1 (en) 2013-01-30 2013-01-30 An apparatus for, at least, transmitting in a radio communications channel

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2014120154A1 true WO2014120154A1 (en) 2014-08-07

Family

ID=51262721

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2013/023857 WO2014120154A1 (en) 2013-01-30 2013-01-30 An apparatus for, at least, transmitting in a radio communications channel

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2014120154A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN111224703A (en) * 2018-11-27 2020-06-02 三星电子株式会社 Apparatus and method for controlling exposure in wireless communication

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2004070877A1 (en) * 2003-02-05 2004-08-19 Sony Ericsson Mobile Communication Ab Radiation efficient antenna circuit
US20060240790A1 (en) * 2005-03-24 2006-10-26 Paul Timmis Wireless transmitter
US20090274072A1 (en) * 2005-06-22 2009-11-05 Knox Michael E Antenna feed network for full duplex cummunication

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2004070877A1 (en) * 2003-02-05 2004-08-19 Sony Ericsson Mobile Communication Ab Radiation efficient antenna circuit
US20060240790A1 (en) * 2005-03-24 2006-10-26 Paul Timmis Wireless transmitter
US20090274072A1 (en) * 2005-06-22 2009-11-05 Knox Michael E Antenna feed network for full duplex cummunication

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN111224703A (en) * 2018-11-27 2020-06-02 三星电子株式会社 Apparatus and method for controlling exposure in wireless communication
US11129115B2 (en) * 2018-11-27 2021-09-21 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Apparatuses and methods for controlling exposure to wireless communication
US11924783B2 (en) 2018-11-27 2024-03-05 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Apparatuses and methods for controlling exposure to wireless communication

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
JP6227686B2 (en) Adaptable antenna system
EP1483836B1 (en) System and method for a gps enabled antenna
CN103004021B (en) Apparatus, methods, computer programs and computer readable storage mediums for wireless communication
CN102882539B (en) For receiving the radio-circuit of the radio frequency transmission in different frequency bands simultaneously
US7872547B2 (en) Wireless communication device
US7142824B2 (en) Antenna device with a first and second antenna
US9037190B2 (en) Adaptive repeater for improved communication system performance
US6826391B2 (en) Transmission and reception antenna system for space diversity reception
US7542727B2 (en) Method for receiving a signal on a single multi-band antenna
US9161386B1 (en) Hybrid LMR transceiver with LTE and dynamic antenna control
TWI526005B (en) Concurrent access dual-band terminal operating in two adjacent bands
CN102480804A (en) Dual-mode mobile terminal system
EP2134000B1 (en) Multi-band mobile communication device
US20110249599A1 (en) Shared RF Front-End Module For Cellular Application
WO2005093897A1 (en) Antenna device
CN112425082B (en) Adjustable antenna and communication terminal
WO2014120154A1 (en) An apparatus for, at least, transmitting in a radio communications channel
EP2109230A1 (en) An antenna device having receiver diversity and a portable radio communication device comprising such an antenna device
US9680555B2 (en) Apparatus and method for multiple antenna systems
KR101442063B1 (en) The using Module and Methods of Switchable And Tunable Mobile Antenna
JP2012147304A (en) Antenna device and portable radio unit
KR20080068359A (en) Mobile telecommunication device having bluetooth module

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 13873394

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 13873394

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1