Antenna Cable Reduction via IF Signal Merging in 5G Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing use of high-frequency 5G antennas in electronic devices leads to high path loss and the need for multiple cables, occupying valuable inner space and increasing costs due to the requirement for separate connections for different frequency bands.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device design that connects communication circuits to support multiple frequencies through a single cable, using a combination of antenna elements, RF circuits, and multiplexer devices to split and transmit RF and IF signals efficiently, reducing the number of cables needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple cables are used to connect communication circuits for different frequency bands, then reliable signal transmission is achieved, but the inner space of the electronic device is significantly occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cable functions into a single integrated cable structure. The first cable connects the first antenna element to both the first RF circuit and the IF circuit, while the second cable connects the second antenna element to both the second RF circuit and the IF circuit. This merging reduces the total number of cables from four to two, significantly decreasing inner space occupation while maintaining all necessary signal transmission paths for multiple frequency bands
Solution Approach 2:
The IF circuit serves multiple functions by receiving signals from both the first RF circuit (via the first cable) and the second RF circuit (via the second cable). This multi-functional design allows a single cable structure to handle multiple frequency bands and signal types, reducing the overall cable count while ensuring reliable communication across different frequency ranges
2Reliability
If multiple separate cables are used for different frequency bands, then dedicated signal paths are ensured, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the signal paths by having the first cable carry signals between the first antenna element, first RF circuit, and IF circuit, and the second cable carry signals between the second antenna element, second RF circuit, and IF circuit. This consolidation reduces component count and assembly complexity, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while preserving dedicated signal transmission paths through the shared IF circuit architecture
3Productivity
If RF circuits are positioned close to antenna elements for high frequency 5G signals, then signal transmission efficiency is improved, but cable management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the IF circuit centrally to receive signals from both RF circuits through shared cables. This arrangement allows RF circuits to be placed close to their respective antenna elements for efficient high-frequency 5G signal transmission, while the cable management complexity is reduced by consolidating connections through the shared IF circuit rather than requiring separate cable paths for each frequency band
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device according to an embodiment disclosed in the present document comprises: a housing; a first antenna element placed on the housing, or at a first position inside the housing; a second antenna element placed on the housing, or at a second position inside the housing; a communication processor; and at least one communication circuit electrically connected to the first antenna element and the second antenna element, wherein the at least one communication circuit can comprise: a first RF circuit, which generates an IF signal having a first frequency, a local oscillation (LO) signal of a second frequency lower than the first frequency, and a control signal of a third frequency lower than the second frequency; a second RF circuit, which provides, to the second antenna element, an RF signal of a fourth frequency higher than the third frequency and lower than the second frequency; and a third RF circuit, which receives the IF signal from the first RF circuit, up-converts the IF signal, and provides the up-converted signal to the first antenna element. In addition, various embodiments identified through the specification are possible.