Optimum Power Transfer in RF Front End Systems Using Adaptive Impedance Matching Technique

Alibakhshikenari, Mohammad; Virdee, Bal S.; Azpilicueta, Leyre; See, Chan H.; Abd-Alhameed, Raed; Althuwayb, Ayman A.; Falcone, Francisco; Huynen, Isabelle; Denidni, Tayeb A.; Limiti, Ernesto

Abstract

Matching the antenna’s impedance to the RF-front-end of a wireless communications system is challenging as the impedance varies with its surround environment. Autonomously matching the antenna to the RF-front-end is therefore essential to optimize power transfer and thereby maintain the antenna’s radiation efficiency. This paper presents a theoretical technique for automatically tuning an LC impedance matching network that compensates antenna mismatch presented to the RF-front-end. The proposed technique converges to a matching point without the need of complex mathematical modelling of the system comprising of non-linear control elements. Digital circuitry is used to implement the required matching circuit. Reliable convergence is achieved within the tuning range of the LC-network using control-loops that can independently control the LC impedance. An algorithm based on the proposed technique was used to verify its effectiveness with various antenna loads. Mismatch error of the technique is less than 0.2%. The technique enables speedy convergence (

Citation

Alibakhshikenari, M., Virdee, B. S., Azpilicueta, L., See, C. H., Abd-Alhameed, R., Althuwayb, A. A., Falcone, F., Huynen, I., Denidni, T. A., & Limiti, E. (2021). Optimum Power Transfer in RF Front End Systems Using Adaptive Impedance Matching Technique. Scientific Reports, 11, Article 11825 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-91355-4

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 19, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Jun 3, 2021
• Publication Date: Jun 3, 2021
• Deposit Date: May 19, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 3, 2021
• Electronic ISSN: 2045-2322
• Publisher: Nature Publishing Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 11
• Article Number: 11825 (2021)
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-91355-4
• Keywords: LC circuits, impedance matching networks, optimum power transfer, antenna impedance, RF front-end, transceiver
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/2773710