Sectional matching microwave radio frequency front-end module architecture

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of microwave radio frequency front ends, in particular to a sectional type matching microwave radio frequency front end module framework. Comprising a radio frequency input, a power amplifier, a multi-path adjustable switch matching array, a filter bank and an antenna device, and the radio frequency input is connected to the input end of the power amplifier; the output end of the power amplifier is connected with one end of the multi-path adjustable switch matching array; the other end of the multi-path adjustable switch matching array is connected with one end of the filter bank; the other end of the filter bank is connected with the antenna device; the power amplifier is configured to work in a low impedance window; the multi-path adjustable switch matching array is used for selecting a filter; the filter bank is configured to have a low input impedance characteristic and spectrally shaped. Through a sectional matching architecture, the matching network is separated from the filter and the switch module, so that the system can automatically select an optimal impedance path according to different working modes, and high-efficiency matching between low impedance and standard impedance is realized.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of microwave radio frequency front-end, and in particular to a segmented matching microwave radio frequency front-end module architecture. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the development of wireless communication systems towards higher frequency bands, wider bandwidths and higher linearity, the design of radio frequency front-end modules is facing the challenges of high integration, low power consumption and adaptation to multi-standard communication. The traditional radio frequency module is usually composed of a power amplifier, a low noise amplifier, a switch and a matching or filtering network. These modules are designed independently, resulting in a large system size, high loss, and difficulty in effectively suppressing intermodulation interference and reflection loss between frequency bands.

[0003] Most existing radio frequency matching and filtering circuits use fixed impedance networks, and their input and output impedances are designed as standard 50Ω to facilitate matching with other modules. However, in high-power, high-frequency applications, the output impedance of the power amplifier often deviates from the standard value, and fixed 50Ω matching will cause power reflection, gain rollback and efficiency decline. In particular, in a multi-band reconfigurable system, the output impedances of power amplifiers at different frequency bands differ greatly, and a fixed matching network cannot take into account the performance of the entire frequency band, resulting in limited system performance.

[0004] In addition, most existing radio frequency switches are implemented using SOI or GaAs technology. When they are directly connected to high-power amplifiers, the switch needs to withstand high radio frequency voltage swings, resulting in increased on-current, increased drive voltage demand and decreased reliability. In order to improve the voltage withstand capability of the switch device, designers usually increase the number of switch stacks, but this increases control complexity and chip area, which is not conducive to integration and miniaturization.

[0005] Therefore, how to realize a front-end architecture with adaptive impedance matching in a radio frequency module, so that it can adapt to different input and output impedance environments, reduce the voltage withstand pressure and power consumption of the switch, and enable the system to automatically select the best impedance path according to different working modes, to achieve efficient matching between low impedance and standard impedance, has become an important research direction in the field of radio frequency front-end design. SUMMARY

[0006] The present application aims to at least solve one of the technical problems in the related art. To this end, the present application provides a segmented matching microwave radio frequency front-end module architecture, which realizes that the power amplifier works in a low impedance window, the filter port is matched with the window, and finally the impedance is smoothly transformed to the system reference impedance by a switch array or a terminal match, to reduce loss and voltage stress, improve efficiency and linearity, and simplify multi-band switching.

[0007] The application provides a segmented matching microwave radio frequency front-end module architecture, comprising: a radio frequency input, a power amplifier, a multi-path adjustable switch matching array, a filter set and an antenna device, The radio frequency input is connected to an input end of the power amplifier. An output end of the power amplifier is connected to one end of the multi-path adjustable switch matching array. The other end of the multi-path adjustable switch matching array is connected to one end of the filter set. The other end of the filter set is connected to the antenna device. The power amplifier is configured to work in a low impedance window. The multi-path adjustable switch matching array is used for selecting a filter of the filter set. The filter set performs spectrum shaping and has the characteristics of low input impedance.

[0008] The segmented matching microwave radio frequency front-end module architecture provided by the application further comprises a first segmented matching network and a second segmented matching network, One end of the first segmented matching network is connected to the other end of the multi-path adjustable switch matching array. The other end of the first segmented matching network is connected to one end of the filter set. One end of the second segmented matching network is connected to the other end of the filter set. The other end of the second segmented matching network is connected to the antenna device. The first segmented matching network is used for transforming the output impedance of the multi-path adjustable switch matching array into the input impedance of the filter set. The second segmented matching network is used for transforming the output impedance of the filter set into a system reference impedance.

[0009] The first segmented matching network of the segmented matching microwave radio frequency front-end module architecture provided by the application is a switchable L / π / T network, a variable capacitor or inductor or a coupling transformer.

[0010] The second segmented matching network of the segmented matching microwave radio frequency front-end module architecture provided by the application is a switchable L / π / T network, a variable capacitor or inductor or a coupling transformer.

[0011] The transistor of the multi-path adjustable switch matching array of the segmented matching microwave radio frequency front-end module architecture provided by the application adopts an SOI or GaAs process, which is used for reducing the number of stacks in the low impedance window to reduce the on-resistance and driving power consumption.

[0012] According to the segmented matching microwave RF front-end module architecture provided by the present invention, the filters in the filter bank are one of LC filters, SAW filters or BAW filters, and the filters are one of low-pass, high-pass, band-pass or band-stop filters.

[0013] According to the segmented matching microwave RF front-end module architecture provided by the present invention, the input port and output port impedance of the filters in the filter bank are equal, or the input port and output port impedance of the filters are taken as impedance values ​​between 5 and 50Ω.

[0014] According to the present invention, a segmented matching microwave RF front-end module architecture is provided, wherein the multi-channel adjustable switch matching array includes an equivalent π network formed by cascaded and parallel switching transistors; the multi-channel adjustable switch matching array includes an equivalent T network formed by cascaded and parallel switching transistors, which is used to provide impedance transformation while completing channel selection.

[0015] According to the present invention, a segmented matching microwave RF front-end module architecture is provided, wherein the power amplifier is integrated in any one of CMOS, GaAs and GaN processes, and the multi-channel adjustable switch matching array is integrated in any one of CMOS, GaAs and GaN processes, so as to achieve the integrated effect brought by the low-impedance link window.

[0016] The segmented matching microwave RF front-end module architecture provided by the present invention further includes a multi-channel adjustable switch matching array with a single-pole multi-throw structure, and supports more than two multi-band selections.

[0017] The above-described one or more technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention have at least one of the following technical effects: This invention provides a segmented matching microwave RF front-end module architecture that allows for flexible switching between different operating modes (such as high-power transmission, low-power standby, bypass, etc.). By separating the matching and switching control modules, not only is the overall link matching accuracy improved, but the system efficiency and reliability are also significantly enhanced. This architecture is particularly suitable for the design requirements of broadband, multi-band RF front-end modules and has broad application prospects in 5G, satellite communication, radar, and millimeter-wave systems. It has at least the following advantages: 1. Significantly improved matching flexibility: Through a segmented matching architecture, the matching network is designed separately from the filter and switch modules, enabling the system to automatically select the optimal impedance path according to different operating modes, achieving efficient matching between low impedance and standard impedance, and is suitable for wideband and multi-standard transmission scenarios.

[0018] 2. Reduce switching conduction losses and drive power consumption: By setting a low-impedance switch array after the filter stage, the conduction resistance of a single switch and the number of stacked switches are significantly reduced, thereby reducing switching conduction losses and control circuit power consumption and improving overall energy efficiency.

[0019] 3. Reduce voltage stress and improve reliability: The segmented matching structure ensures that high-power signals are partially impedance-transformed before entering the switching array, reducing the voltage stress on the switching devices and improving the electrical stability and long-term reliability of the system.

[0020] 4. Improved overall system performance: By optimizing impedance matching and switching control logic, this invention improves transmission efficiency while maintaining high linearity and effectively reduces link loss. It is particularly suitable for front-end module designs in high-frequency broadband communication systems (such as 5G NR, satellite communication, millimeter-wave radar, etc.) that require a balance between efficiency and linearity.

[0021] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a segmented matching microwave radio frequency front-end module architecture according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a circuit diagram illustrating the cascaded connection of the pre-matching network and the filter in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a circuit diagram illustrating the combination of matching network and filter cascaded connection in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the modular implementation of the present invention in a multi-band transmission system.

[0024] Figure label: 101. RF input; 102. Power amplifier; 103. Multiplex adjustable switch matching array; 104. Filter bank; 105. Antenna device; 106. First segmented matching network; 107. Second segmented matching network. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention. The following embodiments are used to illustrate this invention but cannot be used to limit the scope of this invention.

[0026] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0027] Example like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a segmented matched microwave RF front-end module architecture, including: an RF input 101, a power amplifier 102, a multi-channel adjustable switch matching array 103, a filter bank 104, and an antenna device 105. The radio frequency input 101 is input to the input terminal of the power amplifier 102; The output terminal of the power amplifier 102 is connected to one end of the multi-channel adjustable switch matching array 103; The other end of the multi-channel adjustable switch matching array 103 is connected to one end of the filter bank 104; The other end of the filter bank 104 is connected to the antenna device 105; The power amplifier 102 is configured to operate within a low impedance window; The multi-channel adjustable switch matching array 103 is used to select the filters of the filter bank 104; The filter bank 104 performs spectrum shaping and has low input impedance.

[0028] The radio frequency signal enters through power amplifier 102, is amplified by power amplifier 102, passes directly through multi-channel adjustable switch matching array 103, then enters filter bank 104, and is finally transmitted through antenna device 105. This link has the structure of power amplifier → switch → filter → antenna. The filter is usually designed with 50Ω at both input and output or the system reference impedance.

[0029] This design is suitable for applications with lower power levels or systems already cascaded at 50Ω. However, it has significant drawbacks in high-power applications or those requiring reduced switching conduction losses: placing the switch at a high-voltage swing port necessitates increasing the number of switches stacked, worsening Ron and insertion loss, and increasing drive power consumption and voltage stress. If this structure is adopted, high-voltage switching technology, such as GaN or high-voltage SOI, should be prioritized, and heat dissipation should be considered.

[0030] Specifically, it also includes a first segmentation matching network 106 and a second segmentation matching network 107. One end of the first segmented matching network 106 is connected to the other end of the multiple adjustable switch matching array 103; The other end of the first segmented matching network 106 is connected to one end of the filter bank 104; One end of the second segmented matching network 107 is connected to the other end of the filter bank 104; The other end of the second segmented matching network 107 is connected to the antenna device 105; The first segmented matching network 106 is used to transform the output impedance of the multi-channel adjustable switch matching array 103 into the input impedance of the filter bank 104; The second segmented matching network 107 is used to transform the output impedance of the filter bank 104 into the system reference impedance.

[0031] Specifically, the first segmented matching network 106 is a switchable L / π / T network, a variable capacitor or inductor, and a coupling transformer.

[0032] Specifically, the second segmented matching network 107 is a switchable L / π / T network, a variable capacitor or inductor, and a coupling transformer.

[0033] Specifically, the transistors of the multi-channel adjustable switch matching array 103 are manufactured using SOI or GaAs technology to reduce the number of stacks in the low impedance window, thereby reducing on-resistance and drive power consumption.

[0034] Specifically, the filters in the filter bank 104 are one of LC filters, SAW filters, or BAW filters, and the filters are one of low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, or band-stop filters.

[0035] Specifically, the filter port impedances in the filter bank 104 are equal or take impedance values ​​between 5 and 50 Ω.

[0036] Specifically, the multi-channel adjustable switch matching array 103 includes an equivalent π network formed by cascaded and parallel switching transistors; the multi-channel adjustable switch matching array 103 includes an equivalent T network formed by cascaded and parallel switching transistors, which is used to provide impedance transformation while completing channel selection.

[0037] Specifically, the power amplifier 102 is integrated in any one of CMOS, GaAs, and GaN processes, and the multi-channel adjustable switch matching array 103 is integrated in any one of CMOS, GaAs, and GaN processes to achieve the integrated effect brought about by the low-impedance link window.

[0038] Specifically, it also includes a multi-channel adjustable switch matching array 103 with a single-pole multi-throw structure, and supports more than two multi-band selections.

[0039] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, after gain amplification by power amplifier 102, the signal first passes through a multi-path adjustable switch matching array 103 for path selection or switch control, then enters the first segmented matching network 106 for impedance transformation, then enters the filter bank 104 for spectrum shaping, and finally feeds into antenna device 105. Figure 1 In contrast, the matching network is positioned after or interacts with the switch to achieve finer impedance transformation. Placing the matching network after the switch reduces the single burden of impedance transformation on the filter; if the first segment matching network is designed as an adjustable structure, the matching ratio can be dynamically adjusted according to the frequency band or power, improving bandwidth and efficiency. The transformation ratio of the first segment matching network needs to be selected according to the output impedance of the power amplifier and the target input impedance of the filter; the multi-channel adjustable switch matching array 103 is in a low voltage swing state, which can effectively reduce the number of transistors stacked, and the filter adopts a low input impedance mode, achieving the effect of impedance transformation, and finally matching the system impedance of the transmitting antenna.

[0040] like Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, a first segmented matching network 106 and a second segmented matching network 107 are arranged before and after the filter to complete segmented matching: the first segmented matching network 106 is responsible for smoothly converting the low impedance of the power amplifier and the switch side to the low intermediate impedance required by the filter or matching with the filter port. The filter allocates a portion of the conversion ratio and completes the spectrum selection within it. The second segmented matching network 107 completes the remaining conversion on the filter output side to match to 50Ω. The collaborative design of the first segmented matching network 106 and the second segmented matching network 107 can significantly reduce the conversion ratio at a single point, increase bandwidth, and reduce peak loss. Distributing the overall conversion ratio to the first segmented matching network, the filter, and the second segmented matching network can reduce the Q value burden of each segment and improve bandwidth and linearity. If the multi-channel adjustable switch matching array 103 is arranged on the side closer to the power amplifier, the voltage swing it experiences is smaller, which can reduce the number of MOSFET stacks and the on-resistance requirements.

[0041] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown in the figure, this is the core array implementation of the present invention: after the power amplifier is a multi-channel adjustable switch matching array 103, used to route the power amplifier output to different filter bank sub-unit groups 104. Each filter sub-unit can be designed with a different center frequency or different impedance mode to cover multiple frequency bands or meet different power or linearity requirements. After the filter banks, the output-side switch array combines or selects paths, and then the final matching network transforms the impedance to the system reference impedance and feeds it into the antenna device 105.

[0042] The output-side switches can be combined in parallel or selected to output to the final matching network as needed to achieve the required output impedance and isolation performance. The array structure supports a large number of parallel filtering channels to meet the needs of multiple frequency bands and multiple standards. Under this structure, the filter can use a low-impedance port and a low-impedance switch for tight coupling, thereby significantly reducing the requirements for switch stacking and on-resistance. The output-side merging strategy (parallel / series / hybrid) can optimize heat dissipation, reduce single-path stress and improve linearity at different power levels.

[0043] This invention provides a segmented matching microwave RF front-end module architecture. Figure 1 It is the simplest link, which is easy to implement, but its efficiency and reliability are poor in high-power scenarios. Figures 2 to 4 With the increase of matching segments and switch arrays, matching flexibility and performance are gradually improved, but implementation complexity and cost also increase.

[0044] While this disclosure has been described with reference to several specific embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed. This disclosure is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A segmented matching microwave RF front-end module architecture, characterized in that, include: RF input, power amplifier, multiplexed adjustable switch matching array, filter bank, and antenna assembly. The radio frequency input is connected to the input terminal of the power amplifier; The output terminal of the power amplifier is connected to one end of the multi-channel adjustable switch matching array; The other end of the multi-channel adjustable switch matching array is connected to one end of the filter bank; The other end of the filter bank is connected to the antenna device; The power amplifier is configured to operate within a low impedance window; The multi-channel adjustable switch matching array is used to select the filters in the filter bank; The filter bank performs spectral shaping and has low input impedance.

2. The segmented matching microwave RF front-end module architecture according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a first segment matching network and a second segment matching network. One end of the first segmented matching network is connected to the other end of the multi-channel adjustable switch matching array; The other end of the first segmented matching network is connected to one end of the filter bank; One end of the second segmented matching network is connected to the other end of the filter bank; The other end of the second segmented matching network is connected to the antenna device; The first segmented matching network is used to transform the output impedance of the multi-channel adjustable switch matching array into the input impedance of the filter bank; The second segmented matching network is used to transform the output impedance of the filter bank into the system reference impedance.

3. The segmented matching microwave RF front-end module architecture according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first segmented matching network is a switchable L / π / T network, a variable capacitor or inductor, or a coupling transformer.

4. The segmented matching microwave RF front-end module architecture according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second segmented matching network is a switchable L / π / T network, a variable capacitor or inductor, and a coupling transformer.

5. The segmented matching microwave RF front-end module architecture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transistors in the multi-channel adjustable switch matching array are manufactured using SOI or GaAs technology to reduce the number of stacks in the low impedance window, thereby reducing on-resistance and drive power consumption.

6. The segmented matching microwave RF front-end module architecture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filters in the filter bank are one of LC filters, SAW filters, or BAW filters, and the filters are one of low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, or band-stop filters.

7. The segmented matching microwave RF front-end module architecture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The input and output impedances of the filters in the filter bank are equal, or the input and output impedances of the filters are between 5 and 50 Ω.

8. The segmented matching microwave RF front-end module architecture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-channel adjustable switch matching array includes an equivalent π network formed by cascaded and parallel switching transistors; the multi-channel adjustable switch matching array includes an equivalent T network formed by cascaded and parallel switching transistors, used to provide impedance transformation while performing channel selection.

9. The segmented matching microwave RF front-end module architecture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power amplifier is integrated in any one of CMOS, GaAs, and GaN processes, and the multi-channel adjustable switch matching array is integrated in any one of CMOS, GaAs, and GaN processes to achieve the integrated effect brought about by the low-impedance link window.

10. The segmented matching microwave RF front-end module architecture according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a multi-channel adjustable switch matching array with a single-pole multi-throw structure, and supports more than two multi-band selections.

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