Active Multiband Filter Circuit for Shared RF Receive Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing filter and amplifier circuitry for wireless communications in electronic devices is challenging due to the high cost of passive bandpass filters and the complexity of integrating them with low noise amplifiers.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that uses switchable matching circuits and lowpass-to-bandpass conversion filters, coupled with a combiner, to combine signals from multiple frequency bands into a single receive path, reducing the need for multiple amplifiers and filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive bandpass filters are used to filter radio-frequency signals, then signal filtering performance is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple passive bandpass filters into a single shared filter structure that can be selectively activated for different frequency bands. The filter is shared between first and second frequency bands, eliminating the need for separate filters for each band and thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining filtering performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal filter structure that serves multiple frequency bands through selective activation. The same filter can be used for both first and second frequency bands by controlling switch positions, making the filter multi-functional and reducing the total number of filter components needed in the system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate filter and amplifier paths are implemented for different frequency bands, then frequency band coverage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple filter paths into a single shared filter path that can handle different frequency bands. Instead of having separate filter and amplifier paths for each band, the system uses one filter that can be selectively configured for different bands through switch control, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining multi-band capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal receive path that can accommodate multiple frequency bands through a single filter and shared amplifier architecture. The filter is designed to work across different frequency ranges when activated with appropriate switches, providing multi-functionality that reduces the need for multiple dedicated paths.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple amplifiers are used for different frequency bands, then signal amplification across multiple bands is improved, but power consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple amplifier functions into a single shared amplifier that can handle signals from different frequency bands. By sharing the amplifier resource, the system avoids the need to power multiple separate amplifiers simultaneously, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining the capability to amplify signals across multiple bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal amplifier that can serve multiple frequency bands through selective activation. The same amplifier is used for both first and second frequency bands depending on which switches are activated, providing multi-functionality that reduces the total number of amplifiers needed and lowers power consumption accordingly.
Data Source
AI summary
Wireless circuitry can include a first filter circuit configured to output signals in a first frequency range, a second filter circuit configured to output signals in a second frequency range different than the first frequency range, and a signal combiner having a first input coupled to the first filter circuit and having a second input coupled to the second filter circuit. The wireless circuitry can further include a first switchable impedance matching circuit coupled between an antenna and the first filter circuit and a second switchable impedance matching circuit coupled between the antenna and the second filter circuit. The first and second filter circuits can be active filters such as lowpass-to-bandpass conversion filters operable in different frequency bands.