Cost-effective method for selectively reducing switch loss

Abstract

Procedure, comprehensive: Providing a radio frequency front end switch (RFFE switch) with a single-pole input terminal and a number (N) of output terminals, wherein each of the N output terminals is a component of a respective position of N positions (throws) of the RFFE switch, wherein N is greater than one, wherein the N output terminals comprise a first output terminal corresponding to a first position of the N positions, and at least one further output terminal not connected to a radio frequency (RF) band path, wherein at least one further output terminal comprises a second output terminal corresponding to a second position of the N positions; connecting the first output terminal to a single RF band path; and forming a parallel circuit between the single-pole input terminal and the single RF band path, wherein the parallel circuit provides at least two parallel branches for the transmission of RF signals that are sent and received between the single-pole input terminal and the single RF band path.

Description

BACKGROUND 1. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the architecture of electronic devices for radio frequency communication and in particular to cost-effective methods for selectively reducing switching loss in electronic devices involved in radio frequency communication. 2. Description of the related technology

[0002] Mobile communication devices are typically equipped with a printed circuit board (PCB) that has a radio frequency front end (RFFE) which transmits and receives radio frequency (RF) signals via one or more antennas. Different geographic regions require wireless communication systems to use different RF bands for cellular communication. North America, for example, uses RF subbands that differ from those used in South Africa and Asia. A smartphone manufacturer often releases different versions of a single product (e.g., a smartphone), with each version configured to support different RF subbands based on the different geographic regions of the world where the product is sold to an end user (assuming regional usage).The term "SKU" is normally used to refer to a variant of a single product and means a specific configuration of a product that is delivered to a particular region.

[0003] Current smartphone design practice involves creating a single-product PCB that is used globally in every geographic region where the smartphone operates. This means that all variants of the same product share the same identical PCB. The product's PCB includes an antenna switch within the RFFE (Radio Frequency Function Unit), capable of supporting the full range of bands available across all SKUs (Standard Product Units). Components not required in a particular SKU are omitted, resulting in unused switch rows. An unused switch row represents excess hardware.

[0004] The number of RF bands required for smartphones is constantly increasing year by year. To accommodate this multitude of RF bands, the RFFE incorporates a high-switching-rate switch located near the antenna. The insertion loss of this high-switching-rate switch is positively correlated with the number of RF bands supported by the single-product PCB. The high-switching-rate switch is used by the single-product PCB as an antenna switch.

[0005] DE 11 2014 005 339 T5 discloses a switching network circuit for bypassing a high-frequency (HF) filter or diplexer with low losses. DE 10 2015 113 706 A1 discloses a method and a device for a radio frequency front-end switch. US 2008 / 0 030 255 A1 discloses a circuit with a plurality of switching elements and a control circuit for simultaneously switching off all switching elements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The description of the embodiments is given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For the sake of simplicity and clarity, the elements shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements may be exaggerated compared to others. The embodiments in which the teachings of the present invention are incorporated are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures in the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a block diagram of an example mobile device in which certain aspects of the present invention can be practically implemented according to one or more embodiments; Fig. 2 a single-product printed circuit board (PCB) populated with components required for geographical regions worldwide and comprising a full-band antenna switch, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B two examples of single-product PCBs from Fig. 2 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, wherein the single-product PCB is configured to contain only components required to support RF bands for a specific geographical region and which are modified according to the cost-effective method for selectively reducing switch loss; Fig. 4 a flowchart illustrating cost-effective methods for configuring an antenna switch and selectively reducing switch loss according to one or more embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] A radio frequency front-end switch (RFFE switch) configured for selectively reducing switch loss, a communications device configured with the RFFE switch, and a method for configuring the RFFE switch are disclosed. The method includes providing the RFFE switch with a single-pole input terminal and a number (N) of output terminals. Each of the N output terminals is a component of one of the N throws of the RFFE switch, where N is greater than one. The N output terminals include a first output terminal corresponding to the first of the N throws, and at least one further output terminal not connected to a radio frequency path (RF path). This at least one further output terminal includes a second output terminal corresponding to the second of the N throws.The method comprises connecting the first output terminal to a single RF band path. The method includes forming a parallel circuit between the single-pole input terminal and the single RF band path. The parallel circuit provides at least two parallel branches for the transmission of RF signals sent / received between the single-pole input terminal and the single RF band path. According to one aspect of the method, forming the parallel circuit includes placing a jumper connecting the first output terminal to at least the second output terminal, and closing the first and second positions.

[0008] According to another embodiment, an RFFE switch has a single-pole input terminal. The RFFE switch has a number (N) of output terminals. Each of the N output terminals is a component of a respective position of N positions of the RFFE switch, where N is greater than one. The N output terminals comprise a first output terminal corresponding to a first position of the N positions, which is connected to a single radio frequency band path (RF band path), and at least one further output terminal not connected to an RF band path. The at least one further output terminal comprises a second output terminal corresponding to a second position of the N positions. The RFFE switch includes a parallel circuit formed between the single-pole input terminal and the single RF band path.The parallel connection provides at least two parallel branches for the transmission of RF signals that are sent / received between the single-pole input terminal and the single RF band path.

[0009] According to another embodiment, a communication device comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) with a number (N) of radio frequency signal paths (RF signal paths) for transmitting and receiving RF signals in respective individual RF bands. The communication device has a radio frequency front-end switch (RFFE switch) positioned on and connected to the PCB. The RFFE switch has a single-pole input terminal. The RFFE switch has a number (N) of output terminals. Each of the N output terminals is a component of a respective position of the N positions of the RFFE switch, where N is greater than one. The N output terminals comprise a first output terminal corresponding to a first position of the N positions, which is connected to a single radio frequency band path (RF band path), and at least one further output terminal that is not connected to an RF band path.The at least one additional output terminal includes a second output terminal corresponding to a second of the N positions. The RFFE switch incorporates a parallel circuit formed between the single-pole input terminal and the single RF band path. This parallel circuit provides at least two parallel branches for the transmission of RF signals sent / received between the single-pole input terminal and the single RF band path.

[0010] By using one or more positions of the RFFE switch corresponding to one or more reduced RF band paths, embodiments of the present invention address the problem of increased insertion loss resulting from the larger number of RF bands supported by a single-product PCB, whereby the embodiments both reduce insertion losses and repurpose excess hardware.

[0011] In the following description, certain embodiments of the invention are described in sufficient detail to enable a person skilled in the art to implement them practically. It is understood, however, that certain details such as processes, structures, elements, and connections described herein need not be used to practically implement the present invention. It is also understood that other embodiments may be used and that, within the scope of the invention, modifications relating to logic, architecture, and programming, as well as to mechanics and electrical systems, may be made. Therefore, the following description does not constitute a limitation of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the attached claims and by equivalents thereof.

[0012] Where the following description refers to “a (numerical) embodiment,” “a (indefinite article) embodiment,” “elaborations,” or “alternative embodiments,” this is intended to indicate that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. If such formulations appear at different points in the description, they do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Nor do they represent separate or alternative embodiments that exclude other embodiments. Furthermore, various features are described that are present in some embodiments but not in others.This applies similarly to aspects of the invention that are valid for some embodiments but not for other embodiments.

[0013] The terminology used herein serves only to describe certain embodiments and does not constitute a limitation of the invention. Where singular forms are used in the description, they are intended to include plural forms unless the context expressly indicates otherwise. Where the verb "comprises" is used in this description, it is intended to express that the mentioned features, integers, steps, processes, elements, and / or components are present, without excluding the possibility that further features, integers, steps, processes, elements, and / or groups of components may also be present or added. The terms "first," "second," etc., do not imply any particular ranking or order but merely serve to distinguish one element from another.

[0014] The use of specific component, device, and / or parameter designations or their corresponding acronyms, such as those for the executing utility, logic, and / or firmware described herein, is merely an example and should not be interpreted as limiting the described embodiments. Therefore, a different nomenclature and / or terminology for designating components, devices, parameters, methods, and / or functions may be chosen without restriction in the description of the embodiments.When a particular protocol or trade name is referenced in the description of one or more elements, features, or concepts of the embodiments, this merely serves as an example of an implementation and does not limit the scope of the claimed embodiments to embodiments using other element names, feature names, protocol names, or concept names. Therefore, every term used in this description should be interpreted in its broadest possible sense within the context in which it is used.

[0015] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the hardware components and basic configurations shown in the accompanying drawings can vary. For example, the components used for illustration in the depicted devices are not exhaustive but merely serve to highlight the components that can be used for the practical implementation of the invention. Other devices / components can be used instead of or in addition to the hardware shown. The illustrated example is not intended as an architectural or other limitation of the embodiments described herein and / or the general disclosure.

[0016] Identical or similar elements in the drawings are consistently identified by identical reference numerals and / or symbols and bear identical or similar designations. These designations serve only as an aid to description and do not imply any limitation of the described embodiments, neither with regard to their construction nor their function.

[0017] Fig. Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a mobile device 100 in which one or more of the described features of the various embodiments of the invention can be implemented. The mobile device 100 can be a handheld device, a notebook computer, a mobile phone, a digital camera, a tablet computer, or another suitable device, which may vary in size, shape, performance, functionality, and price.

[0018] An example mobile device 100 has at least one integrated processor circuit (IC), namely the processor IC 105. The processor IC 105 contains a data processor 107 and a digital signal processor (DSP) 109. The processor IC 105 is connected via an intersystem communication structure, such as a system connection 115, to a system memory 110 and a non-volatile memory 220. The system connection 115 can also be referred to as a system bus in one or more embodiments. Also connected to the system connection 115 is a memory 120, in which one or more software and / or firmware modules and / or data (not shown separately) can be stored.

[0019] The system memory 110 can contain, as shown, a plurality of software and / or firmware modules, including an application (or applications) 112, an operating system (O / S) 114, a basic input / output system / unified extensible firmware interface (BIOS / UEFI) 116, and other firmware (F / W) 118. The system memory 120 can be a combination of volatile and non-volatile memory, for example, random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). That is, the system memory 110 can store program code or similar data associated with the applications 112, the O / S 114, the BIOS / UEFI 116, and the firmware 118. The software and / or firmware modules provide varying functionality when their corresponding program code is executed by the processor IC 205 or by secondary processing units in the mobile device 100.

[0020] In some embodiments, memory 120 can be a hard disk or a solid-state drive. The one or more software and / or firmware modules in memory 120 can be loaded into system memory 100 during operation of the DPS 100. The various software and / or firmware modules have varying functionality when their corresponding program code is executed by the processor IC 105 or other processing units within the DPS 100.

[0021] The processor IC 105 supports the connection through and processing of signals from one or more connected input devices, such as a microphone 142, a touch sensor 144, a camera 145, and a keypad 146. The processor IC 105 also supports the connection through and processing of signals to one or more connected output devices, such as a loudspeaker 152 and a screen 154. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, one or more device interfaces 10, a universal serial bus (USB), a card reader, a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMIA) slot, and / or a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) can be connected to the mobile device 100.In at least one embodiment, the device interfaces 160 can be used to read data from or write data to other devices (not shown), such as a compact disk (CD), a digital video disk (DVD), a flash drive, or a flash memory card. These devices can collectively be referred to as removable storage devices and are examples of non-transient, computer-readable storage media. The mobile device 100 also includes a power source, such as a battery 162, which powers the mobile device 100.

[0022] Furthermore, the mobile device 100 has a Bluetooth transceiver 124, an accelerometer 156, a Global Positioning System module (GPS MOD) 158, and a gyroscope 157, all of which are connected to the processor IC 105 for communication purposes. The Bluetooth transceiver 124 enables the mobile device 100 and / or components within the mobile device 110 to communicate with and / or connect to other devices, services, and components located outside the mobile device 100. The GPS MOD 158 enables the mobile device 100 to communicate with and / or connect to other devices, services, and components to send and / or receive geographic position information. The gyroscope 157 communicates the angular position of the mobile device 100 using gravity to determine its orientation.The accelerometer 156 is used to measure non-gravitational acceleration and enables the processor IC 105 to determine speed and other measurements in connection with the quantified physical movement of a user.

[0023] The Mobile Device 100 is depicted as a wireless communication device. As a wireless device, the Mobile Device 100 can transmit data over a wireless network 170. The Mobile Device 100 has a single-product printed circuit board, PCB, 200, which is described below with reference to Fig. 2 is described in more detail. The PCB (200) contains the transceiver 164. The transceiver 164 is connected to the processor IC 105 and the antenna 166. The transceiver 164 enables wireless long-range or local communication between the mobile device 100 and the Evolved Node B (eNodeB) 188 or another base station with an antenna 189 via a wireless signal 167. The mobile device 100 is suitable for wireless long-range or local communication with other wireless mobile devices or with the eNodeB 118 as part of a wireless communication network. The mobile device 100 communicates with other wireless mobile devices by using a communication path that includes the transceiver 164, the antenna 166, the wireless signal 167, the antenna 189, and the eNodeB 188.The mobile device 100 further includes a near-field communication transceiver (NFC TRANS) 168 and a wireless power transfer receiver (WPT RCVR) 169. In one embodiment, other components within the mobile device 100 use the antenna 166 to transmit and / or receive signals in the form of radio waves. For example, the GPS module 158 can wirelessly connect to the antenna 166 to transmit and receive position data.

[0024] By transmitting data over wireless network 170, the mobile device communicates and / or connects via the communication network with other devices, services, and components located outside (away from) the mobile device 100. These devices, services, and components can connect to the mobile device 100 via an external network, such as example network 170, using one or more communication protocols. Network 170 can be a local area network, a wide area network, a personal network, a signaling communication network, and the like, and the connection to and / or between network 170 and the mobile device 100 can be wired, wireless, or a combination of both. For illustrative purposes and simplicity, network 170 is represented as a single collective component.However, it is understood that the network 170 can include one or more direct connections to other devices as well as a more complex group of interconnections, such as those that may exist in a wide area network like the Internet.

[0025] The description of the following drawing figures sometimes refers to certain components depicted in the preceding figures, using the same reference symbols as in the preceding figures. We will now refer to... Fig. 2 Reference is made to this figure. An example single-product PCB 200 is shown in the mobile device 100. The technologies described in this description with respect to the PCB 200 can be applied to various communication systems, for example, 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G communication systems, and to a next-generation communication system such as a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) system, a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) system, a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, a Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) system, an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) system, a Single Carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA) system, a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) system, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, an LTE-Advanced system, and other communication systems.

[0026] In LTE technology, duplex modes are classified into two types: Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) and Time Division Duplex (TDD). In FDD mode, different frequencies are used in the uplink and downlink channels, with fixed-duration frames used for both uplink and downlink transmissions. In TDD mode, uplink and downlink transmissions occur in different time slots and typically share the same frequency. Compared to FDD, TDD offers the advantages of high-frequency utilization and flexible configuration of uplink and downlink resources.

[0027] How Fig. Figure 2 shows that the circuit of the mobile device 100 contains the PCB 200 and an antenna 202. Several components are arranged on and connected to the PCB 200. These components include the RFFE 204, the transceiver 206, and the modem 208. In the example mobile device 100 ( Fig. 1) The RFFE 204 is positioned near the antenna 202. The PCB 200 has a number (N) of individual RF signal paths for transmitting and receiving RF signals in the respective RF signal transmit / receive channels with a single carrier frequency.

[0028] The antenna 202 enables the modem 208 to transmit one or more RF signals over a radio channel and to receive one or more RF signals over a radio channel.

[0029] The RFFE 204 connects the antenna 202 to a modem 208. The RFFE 204 implements radio frequency transmission and reception in the communication systems listed above, for example, in an LTE system in the case of Inter-Band Carrier Aggregation (CA). To enable the mobile device 100 to perform receive functions, the RFFE 204 receives a radio signal from a radio channel, converts the radio signal into a baseband analog signal, and sends the baseband analog signal to the baseband processor in the modem 208. To enable the mobile device 100 to perform transmit functions, the RFFE 204 receives a baseband analog signal from the baseband processor, converts the baseband analog signal into a radio signal, and transmits the radio signal to a radio channel. The RFFE 204 has the RFFE switch 210, a power amplifier 214 and a bandpass filter 212a-212n.Each bandpass filter 212a-212n is connected to one of the individual RF band paths of the full number (N) of RF bands that are collectively used in all the different geographical regions of the world (i.e., all SKUs).

[0030] The RFFE switch 210 is sometimes referred to as a full-band antenna switch. Specifically, the RFFE switch 210 supports the full number (N) of RF bands allocated by the LTE protocol worldwide. In the embodiment described in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the RFFE switch 210 is configured as a single-pole N-throw (SPNT) switch. An SPNT switch has a single-pole input terminal 216 and N output terminals 218a-218n, each of the N output terminals 218a-218n being a component of a respective position of N positions 220a-220n of the SPNT switch. The number N is greater than one, where the Fig. Figure 2 shows an RFFE switch 210, which, as an example not limiting the invention, has six (6) positions 220a-220n (i.e., N=6). In at least one further embodiment, the RFFE switch 210 is implemented as a multiple SPNT switch. The RFFE switch 210 selects which of the RF bands the antenna 202 uses for transmitting or receiving signals.

[0031] Input terminal 216 is connected to antenna 202. Input terminal 216 allows all of the N positions 220a-220n to be connected to antenna 202 simultaneously.

[0032] Each of the input terminals 218a-218n corresponds to a position that connects the input terminal 216 to a corresponding band path of the full number (N) of RF band paths (in Fig. 2 (shown as bandpath 1 to bandpath n) connects. Each of the full number of RF bandpaths has one of the N output terminals 218a-218n, which are connected to a corresponding N bandpass filter 212a-212n. The first output terminal 218a corresponds to a first position 220a, which establishes the connection to bandpath 1 of the PCB. The second output terminal 218b corresponds to a second position 220b, which establishes the connection to bandpath 2 of the PCB 200.

[0033] Each of the bandpass filters 212a-212n corresponds to a specific RF band path out of the full number (N) of RF band paths. In one sense, each output port 218a can be assigned to an LTE single-carrier band. For example, the first bandpass filter 212a corresponds to the first LTE single-carrier band, and the Nth bandpass filter 212n corresponds to the Nth LTE single-carrier band. When transmitting RF signals from the power amplifier 214 to the RFFE switch 210, the first bandpass filter 212a allows only frequencies within the LTE single-carrier band to pass. Similarly, when receiving RF signals, the first bandpass filter 212a allows only frequencies within the first LTE single-carrier band to pass. Analogously, the second bandpass filter 212b allows only frequencies within the second LTE single-carrier band to pass and blocks other frequencies outside the second LTE single-carrier band.

[0034] The power amplifier 214 amplifies low-power RF signals output by the transmitter-receiver 206 to a high power level that can be successfully transmitted to a base station (e.g., eNodeB 188). Fig. 1) can be transmitted (i.e., received from a base station). The power amplifier 214 supports the full number (N) of RF bands. That is, the power amplifier 214 can receive low-power RF signals from the transceiver 206 and output higher-power RF signals to the N bandpass filters 212a-212n.

[0035] The transceiver 206 performs a frequency upconversion of signals received at the antenna 202 and performs a frequency downconversion of signals to be transmitted from the antenna 202.

[0036] The Modem 208 contains a baseband processor (not shown) that processes baseband signals during wireless communication. The Modem 208 performs modulation and demodulation, enabling the mobile device to wirelessly send and receive 100 data streams over a single radio channel.

[0037] The single-product PCB 200 can support different regional SKUs, each SKU having a configuration that supports communication using RF subbands assigned to a specific geographic region of the world. For example, the single-product PCB 200 supports a full set of RF bands that are collectively used in all of these different geographic regions. However, a first SKU uses only a first subset of RF bands, while a second SKU uses only a second subset of RF bands. The PCB 200 is configured to include an RFFE switch 210 that supports the geographic region requiring the most RF bands (i.e., the largest number of RF bands). The PCB 200 has the RFFE switch 210 that supports the most bands for a given SKU, although some SKUs do not require all of these RF bands.Thus, for a given SKU, the single-product PCB can only be equipped with the components necessary for a given geographical region.

[0038] The insertion loss of the RFFE switch 210 is primarily a factor of the resistance of the switch implementation. That is, the resistance (i.e., R) throw , measured in ohms) between input terminal 216 and one of the output terminals 218a-218n represents the resistance across one of the positions 220a-220n in the closed position. In the Fig. In the switch implementation shown in Figure 2, each of the positions 220a-220n represents a respective circuit branch originating from a common input terminal 216. The power lost between the two terminals of one of the positions 220a-220n is directly proportional to the resistance (R). throw ) above the position.

[0039] During operation, for example during transmission over a single-carrier RF signal transmission channel, the RFFE switch 210 exhibits high insertion loss. The insertion loss of this RFFE switch 210 with high switching rates directly affects the output power, receive sensitivity, and power consumption of the mobile device 100 ( Fig. 1) The transmit power level of RF signals emitted by the antenna 202 is directly reduced by the insertion loss of the RFFE switch 210. The loss caused by the RFFE switch 210 increases in direct proportion to increases in the total number of RF bands supported by the PCB 200, and the insertion loss directly affects the output power of the mobile device 100. That is, as the total number (N) of RF bands increases, the number (N) of positions in the RFFE switch 210 also increases, which in turn leads to a higher insertion loss.

[0040] It will now be referred to as follows: Fig. 3A and Fig. Reference is made to 3B, in which two examples of the single-product PCB 200 are given. Fig. Figure 2 shows a PCB 200 configured to contain only the components necessary to support RF bands for a specific geographic region, and modified according to the cost-effective method for selectively reducing switch loss according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 3A and Fig. Section 3B demonstrates techniques that enable the PCB 200 to support lower insertion loss on an RF bandpath used for communication within the SKU, by taking advantage of the fact that certain SKUs do not use specific RF bandpaths. Fig. 3A, the PCB 200 is configured to contain components necessary to support the first RF band and the third through Nth RF bands, but not the second RF band. That is to say, Fig. Figure 3 shows an example configuration of the PCB 200 for a first SKU. Fig. 3B, the PCB 200 is configured to contain components necessary to support the first RF band, the third RF band, and the nth RF band, but not the second, fourth, and fifth RF band. That is to say, Fig. 3B shows an example configuration of the PCB 200 for a second SKU. It is understood that the configurations of the first and second SKUs of the Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B is applicable to any wireless communication system. To configure the PCB 200 for placement in a North American SKU, the PCB would be populated with components necessary to support LTE Band 41, Band 7, and Band 30 for an LTE protocol system. Components for Band 40 would not be included, as LTE Band 40 is not required for wireless communication systems in North America. Another example is configuring the PCB 200 for placement in a Chinese SKU. Here, the PCB would be populated with the components necessary to support LTE Band 40, Band 7, and Band 41, but not with the components for Band 30. Band 30 is not required for wireless communication systems in China. The single-product PCB design accommodates all of the different geographic SKUs.

[0041] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3A, PCB 200 is modified for placement in a mobile device configured according to the requirements of the first SKU. Since the first SKU does not require communication over the second RF band, PCB 200 is modified by removing the second bandpass filter 212b (e.g., by removing bandpass filter 9). Removing the bandpass filter 212b eliminates band path 2 (indicated by the double strikethrough). This means that the second position 220b (including the second output pin 218b) is not connected to a bandpass filter and therefore not to an RF band path.

[0042] The PCB 200 is modified to form a parallel circuit between the input terminal 216 and the band path 1 at the first output terminal 218a. To form the parallel circuit, one end of a jumper 302 is connected to the first output terminal 218a and another end of the jumper 302 is connected to the second output terminal 218b, and the first position 220a and then the second position 220b are closed. For example, the jumper 302 could be a zero-ohm resistor, a series resonant capacitor, a parallel resonant inductor, or a suitable shunt connector. In at least one embodiment, the first position 220a and the second position 220b are actuated simultaneously to transition from an open to a closed position.

[0043] In another embodiment, the first position 220a and then the second position 220b can be actuated separately to initiate the transition from the open to the closed position at different times, while remaining in the closed position simultaneously. The parallel circuit provides at least two parallel branches for forwarding RF signals sent from or received at input terminal 216 and band path 1. One of the parallel branches has input terminal 216 at one end, with the first position 220a in the closed position, and jumper 302 and the first output terminal 218a at the other end. The other parallel branch has input terminal 216 at one end, with the second position 220b in the closed position, and jumper 302 and the second output terminal 218b at the other end.

[0044] The insertion loss of the RFFE switch 210 is primarily a factor of the resistance of the switch implementation. In the case of the Fig. 3A and Fig. In the switch implementation shown in Figure 3B, each of the positions 220a-220n represents a respective circuit branch originating from the common input terminal 216, such that when a parallel circuit is formed between any two of the positions, 220a and 220b, the parallel circuit (i.e., between the input terminal 216 and the first output terminal 218a) has an equivalent resistance. (REQ=Rthrow2) exhibits a resistance that is half as large as the resistance (R) throw ) a closed position. During operation, e.g., during transmission over a single-carrier RF signal transmission channel assigned to band path 1, the RFFE switch 210 indicates Fig. 3A, which was modified according to cost-effective methods for selectively reducing switch loss, exhibits a reduced insertion loss. The reduced insertion loss is a result of reducing the resistance by approximately 50%.

[0045] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3B, PCB 200 is modified for placement in a mobile device configured according to the requirements of the second SKU. Since the second SKU does not require communication over the second, fourth, and fifth RF bands, PCB 200 is modified by removing the second bandpass filter 212b, the fourth bandpass filter 212d, and the fifth bandpass filter 212e. Bandpath 2, bandpath 4, and bandpath 5 are omitted (shown with a double strikethrough) as a result of removing the three bandpass filters 212b, 212d, and 212e listed above. This means that positions 220b, 220d, and 220e, the second, fourth, and fifth, are not connected to a bandpass filter and therefore not to an RF bandpath.

[0046] The PCB 200 is modified such that a first parallel circuit is formed between the input terminal 216 and the band path 1 at the first output terminal 218a, as described above in connection with the jumper 302. Fig. 3A was explained. Furthermore, the PCB 200 is modified such that a second parallel circuit is formed between the input terminal 216 and the band path n at the Nth output terminal 218n. This can be achieved in various ways. According to one embodiment, the second parallel circuit is formed by: connecting one end of a jumper 304b or 304a with two terminal contacts to the Nth output terminal 218n; connecting the other end of the jumper 304a to another output terminal of the RFFE switch 210 (i.e., a fourth output terminal 218d or fifth output terminal 218e) that is not connected to an RF band path; closing the Nth position; and closing the position (i.e., the fourth position 220d or fifth position 220e) that corresponds to the other output terminal of the RFFE switch 210.According to a further embodiment, the second parallel circuit is formed by: connecting one terminal of a jumper 304c (together 304a and 304b) with multiple terminal contacts to the Nth output terminal 218n; connecting further terminals of the jumper 304c to several further output terminals of the RFFE switch 210 (i.e., the fourth output terminal 218d and the fifth output terminal 218e); closing the Nth position 220n; and closing the positions (i.e., the fourth position 220d and fifth position 220e) corresponding to the several further output terminals of the RFFE switch 210. The second parallel circuit creates at least two parallel branches for forwarding RF signals transmitted from or received at the input terminal 216 and the band path n.One of the parallel branches has input terminal 216 at one end, the Nth position 220 is in the closed position, and at the other end has both the Nth output terminal 218n and the jumper 304a, 304b, or 304c. The second parallel branch has input terminal 216 at one end, the fifth position 220e is in the closed position, and at the other end has both the fifth output terminal 218e and the jumper 304a or 304c. The third parallel branch has input terminal 216 at one end, the fourth position 220d is in the closed position, and at the other end has both the fourth output terminal 218d and the jumper 304b or 304c.

[0047] If the second parallel circuit (i.e., between the input terminal 216 and the Nth output terminal 218n) has three parallel branches, the second parallel circuit has an equivalent resistance. (REQ=Rthrow3) on, which is one third of the resistance (R throw ) in a closed position. When transmitted over a single-carrier RF signal transmission channel, the RFFE switch 210 indicates Fig. 3, which was modified according to cost-effective methods for selectively reducing switch loss, exhibits a reduced insertion loss. The reduced insertion loss is the result of a reduction in resistance of approximately 33. ⅓ %.

[0048] Carrier aggregation (CA) is a key technology in LTE and is used to aggregate carriers across two frequencies. Generally, CA technology can be implemented using a mobile device's radio frequency circuitry. Three types of carrier aggregation modes are intraband contiguous CA, intraband non-contiguous CA, and interband CA. Interband CA is typically applicable in scenarios with a large frequency gap. Because frequency resources vary across global communications markets, CA technology focuses on improving the ability of radio frequency circuitry to support larger frequency gaps.

[0049] As in the Fig. 3A and Fig. As shown in Figure 3B, cost-effective methods for selectively reducing switch loss can be combined with CA technology. For example, an interband CA-type scenario can be used to transmit and receive RF signals over band path 1 (associated with the first parallel circuit) and over band path n (associated with the second parallel circuit) with reduced insertion loss, wherein the reduced insertion loss is the result of the cost-effective methods for selectively reducing switch loss according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0050] It will now be based on Fig. 4 Reference is made to this. Herein is an example method 400 for configuring an antenna switch and for selectively reducing a switch loss according to one or more embodiments of the invention. Method 400 can be carried out, for example, by using a PCB 200 (as in Fig. 2 shown) manufactured and as shown in the Fig. 3A-3B is shown configured. Procedure 400 begins at the start block and proceeds to block 402. At block 402, procedure 400 involves the provisioning of an RFFE switch 210. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, for example, a single-product PCB 200 is provided which includes an RFFE switch 210 as a component. At least in one embodiment, the RFFE switch 210 is provided and a PCB is subsequently populated with the RFFE switch 210 to enable the production of a single-product PCB 200. Fig. 2 to complete. For block 404, procedure 400 involves modifying PCB 200 from Fig. 2, so that it only contains components required to support RF bands for a specific geographic region or SKU. In particular, Procedure 400 at Block 404 specifies that components not required for the specific SKU are removed from PCB 200. Fig. 2 will be removed. As in the example of Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the PCB 200 is modified by reducing the number of components by removing the second bandpass filter 212b. This is done because the first SKU does not require communication over the second RF band. As in the example of Fig. As shown in Figure 3, PCB 200 is modified by removing the second bandpass filter 212b, the fourth bandpass filter 212d, and the fifth bandpass filter 212e, since the second SKU does not require communication over the second, fourth, and fifth RF bands. At block 406, procedure 400 involves connecting a first output terminal to a single-carrier RF band path. For example, in Fig. As shown in Figure 3B, the first output terminal 218a is connected to the first bandpass filter 212a and the band path 1. In block 408, procedure 400 involves forming a parallel circuit between the input terminal and the single-carrier RF band path. As shown, for example, in Fig. As shown in Figure 3B, a first parallel circuit is formed between the input terminal 216 and the band path 1 at the first output terminal 218a.

[0051] In at least one embodiment, the parallel circuit can be formed by (in block 410) inserting a jumper connecting the first output terminal to a second, further output terminal, and by (in block 412) closing the first and second positions of the RFFE switch, which correspond to the first and further output terminals, respectively. For example, in Fig. As shown in 3B, the first parallel circuit is formed by placing the jumper 302 between the first output terminal 218a and the second output terminal 218b and by closing the first position 220a and the second position 220b.

[0052] In block 414, procedure 400 involves connecting a third output terminal of the RFFE switch to a second single-carrier RF band path. For example, Fig. As shown in Figure 3B, the Nth output terminal 218n is connected to the Nth bandpass filter 212n via the band path n. In block 416, procedure 400 involves forming a second parallel connection between the input terminal and the second single-carrier RF band path. For example, Fig. Figure 3B shows that a second parallel circuit is formed between the input terminal 216 and the band path n at the Nth output terminal 218n.

[0053] In at least one embodiment, the second parallel circuit can be formed by (in block 418) inserting a jumper connecting the third output terminal to a fourth additional output terminal, and by (in block 420) closing the third and fourth positions of the RFFE switch, which correspond to the third output terminal and the fourth additional output terminal, respectively. For example, Fig. As shown in Figure 3B, the second parallel circuit is formed by placing the jumper 304a between the Nth output terminal 218n and the fifth output terminal 218e, and by closing the Nth position 220n and the fifth position 220c. In another example, shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3B, the second parallel circuit is formed by connecting three terminals of the jumper 304c to the Nth output terminal 218n and the fourth and fifth output terminals 218d and 218e, and by closing the Nth position 220n and the fourth and fifth positions 220d and 220c, which correspond to the further output terminals 218d and 218e, respectively. The process 400 ends at the end block.

[0054] In the flowchart described above, Fig.4. One or more processes of the method can be executed in a computer-readable device containing computer-readable code, such that a series of steps are performed when the computer-readable code is executed on a computer device. In some implementations, certain steps of the method are combined, performed simultaneously, or in a different order, or perhaps omitted, without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention. Although the method steps are described and illustrated in a specific sequence, this does not constitute a limitation of the invention. Changes can be made to the sequence of steps without deviating from the nature and scope of the present invention. The use of a specific sequence is therefore not to be understood in a restrictive sense.The scope of protection of the present invention is defined solely by the attached claims.

[0055] Aspects of the present invention are described above with reference to flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the present invention. It is understood that each block of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, as well as combinations of blocks in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. Computer program code for performing operations for aspects of the present invention can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including, without limitation, an object-oriented programming language.These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a specialized computer, or another programmable data processing device to create a machine that performs the procedure for implementing the functions / actions specified in the block or blocks. The procedures are implemented when the instructions are executed by the computer's processor or other programmable data processing device.

[0056] Furthermore, it can be seen that the processes in embodiments of the present invention can be implemented by a combination of software, firmware, or hardware. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention can be implemented entirely in hardware or in a combination of software aspects (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.) and hardware aspects, which may be generally referred to herein as a "circuit," "module," or "system." Furthermore, aspects of the present invention can be realized in the form of a computer program contained in one or more computer-readable storage devices with computer-readable program code stored therein. Any combination of one or more computer-readable storage devices may also be used.The computer-readable storage device may be, for example, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, or such a device or apparatus, or a suitable combination of the foregoing systems, devices, or apparatus, without limitation. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable storage devices may include: a portable computer disk, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or a suitable combination of the foregoing storage devices.In the context of this document, a computer-readable storage device may be a physical data carrier that can contain or store a program for use by or in conjunction with a command execution system, device, or apparatus.

[0057] Where the terms "material" and "non-transitory" are used herein, they are intended to describe a computer-readable storage medium (or "memory") that excludes the propagation of electromagnetic signals, but are not intended to otherwise restrict the type of physical computer-readable storage device encompassed by the term "computer-readable medium" or "memory." Thus, the terms "non-transitory computer-readable medium" or "material memory" are intended to include types of storage devices that do not necessarily store information permanently, including, for example, RAM.Program instructions and data stored in non-transitory form on a physical, computer-available storage medium can subsequently be transmitted by means of transmission media or signals such as electrical, electromagnetic, or digital signals, which can be transmitted via a communication medium such as a network and / or a wireless connection.

[0058] The invention has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications are possible and elements can be replaced by equivalents without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, numerous modifications can be carried out within the scope of the invention to adapt a specific system, device, or component of the system or device to the teachings of the invention. Thus, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments for its practical implementation. Rather, the invention encompasses all embodiments that fall within the scope of the attached claims.

[0059] The description of the present invention serves only illustrative and explanatory purposes and is neither exhaustive nor limited to the disclosure as described. Within the scope of the invention, numerous modifications and variations are apparent to a person skilled in the art. The described embodiments were chosen with a view to the best possible presentation and explanation of the principle underlying the invention and its practical application, so that the person skilled in the art is able to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with different modifications suitable for the intended specific use.

Claims

[1] Procedure, encompassing: Providing a radio frequency front end switch (RFFE switch) with a single-pole input terminal and a number (N) of output terminals, wherein each of the N output terminals is a component of a respective position of N positions (throws) of the RFFE switch, wherein N is greater than one, wherein the N output terminals comprise a first output terminal corresponding to a first position of the N positions, and at least one further output terminal not connected to a radio frequency (RF) band path, wherein at least one further output terminal comprises a second output terminal corresponding to a second position of the N positions; connecting the first output terminal to a single RF band path; and forming a parallel circuit between the single-pole input terminal and the single RF band path, wherein the parallel circuit provides at least two parallel branches for the transmission of RF signals that are sent and received between the single-pole input terminal and the single RF band path. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein forming the parallel circuit comprises: the insertion of a jumper that connects the first output terminal at least to the second output terminal; and the closing of the first position and the second position. [3] Method according to claim 2, wherein the at least one further output terminal comprises several further output terminals and the jumper connects the first output terminal to several of the at least one further output terminals; and wherein the method further comprises that for each of the several further output terminals to which the jumper is connected, a corresponding position is configured in order to form a branch of the parallel circuit when the corresponding position is closed. [4] Method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the jumper comprises at least one zero-(0)-ohm resistor, series resonant capacitor or parallel resonant inductor. [5] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the single-pole input connector is connected to an antenna to enable the transmission and reception of RF signals via the antenna. [6] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the N output terminals of the RFFE switch further comprise a third output terminal corresponding to a third position of the N positions; wherein at least one further output terminal comprises a fourth output terminal corresponding to a fourth position of the N positions; and the procedure further includes: connecting the third output terminal to a second single RF band path; and forming a parallel circuit between the single-pole input terminal and the second RF band path, wherein the parallel circuit provides at least two parallel branches for the transmission of RF signals that are sent and received between the single-pole input terminal and the second single RF band path. [7] Radio frequency front end switch (RFFE switch), comprising: a single-pole input connector; a number (N) of output terminals, each of the N output terminals being a component of a respective position of N positions of the RFFE switch, where N is greater than one, wherein the N output terminals include a first output terminal corresponding to a first position of the N positions and connected to a single radio frequency (RF) band path, and at least one additional output port that is not connected to an RF band path, and wherein the at least one further output terminal comprises a second output terminal corresponding to a second position of the N positions; and comprising a parallel circuit formed between the single-pole input terminal and the single RF band path, wherein the parallel circuit provides at least two parallel branches for the transmission of RF signals that are sent and received between the single-pole input terminal and the single RF band path. [8] RFFE switch according to claim 7, wherein the parallel circuit comprises: that the first position and the second position are closed; and a jumper that connects at least the first output terminal to the second output terminal. [9] RFFE switch according to claim 8, where at least one further output port includes several further output ports; wherein the jumper connects the first output terminal to several of the at least one further output terminal; and wherein each of the several further output terminals is a component of a relevant position that is closed to form the parallel circuit. [10] RFFE switch according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the jumper comprises at least one zero-ohm resistor, series resonant capacitor or parallel resonant inductor. [11] RFFE switch according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the single-pole input terminal is connected to an antenna to enable the transmission and reception of RF signals via the antenna. [12] RFFE switch according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the N output terminals of the RFFE switch further comprise a third output terminal corresponding to a third position of the N positions and connected to a second single RF band path; wherein the at least one further output terminal comprises a fourth output terminal corresponding to a fourth position of the N positions; and a parallel circuit formed between the single-pole input terminal and the second single RF band path, wherein the parallel circuit provides at least two parallel branches for the transmission of RF signals that are sent and received between the single-pole input terminal and the second single RF band path. [13] Communication device, comprising: a printed circuit board (PCB) with a number (N) of radio frequency (RF) signal paths for transmitting and receiving RF signals in each individual RF band; and a radio frequency front end switch (RFFE switch) positioned on and connected to the PCB, wherein the RFFE switch comprises: a single-pole input connector; N output terminals, wherein each of the N output terminals is a component of a respective position of N positions of the RFFE switch, wherein: N is greater than one, the N output terminals include a first output terminal, which corresponds to a first position of the N positions and is connected to a single RF band path of the PCB, and at least one further output pin that is not connected to an RF band path, and which includes at least one further output connection, a second output connection corresponding to a second position of the N positions; and a parallel circuit formed between the single-pole input terminal and the single RF band path, wherein the parallel circuit provides at least two parallel branches for the transmission of RF signals that are sent and received between the single-pole input terminal and the single RF band path. [14] Communication device according to claim 13, the parallel circuit includes: that the first position and the second position are closed; and a jumper that connects the first input terminal to at least the second output terminal. [15] Communication device according to claim 14, where at least one further output port includes several further output ports; wherein the jumper connects the first output terminal to several terminals of at least one further output terminal; and where each of the several further output terminals is a component of a respective position that closes to form a branch of the parallel circuit. [16] Communication device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the jumper comprises at least one zero-ohm resistor, series resonant capacitor or parallel resonant inductor. [17] Communication device according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the single-pole input terminal of the RFFE switch is configured for connection to an antenna for sending or receiving the RF signal via the antenna. [18] Communication device according to any one of claims 13 to 17, where in the RFFE switch the N output terminals further comprise a third output terminal which corresponds to a third position of the N positions and is connected to a second single RF band path; wherein at least one further output terminal comprises a fourth output terminal corresponding to a fourth position of the N positions; and wherein a parallel circuit is formed between the single input terminal and the second single RF band path, wherein the parallel circuit provides at least two parallel branches for the transmission of RF signals that are sent and received between the single input terminal and the second single RF band path.

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