Antenna Interface Circuits for Carrier Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna interface circuits face challenges in efficiently supporting carrier aggregation on multiple bands via multiple antennas, leading to increased circuit complexity, higher insertion loss, and higher costs due to the need for full multiplexing, which degrades performance and increases component count.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of partial multiplexing, where only a subset of bands are transmitted via each antenna, utilizing triplexers and duplexers to achieve antenna-to-antenna isolation and reduce harmonic and intermodulation distortion, resulting in simpler circuits and lower costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If full multiplexing is used to support carrier aggregation on multiple bands via multiple antennas, then all bands can be transmitted simultaneously, but circuit complexity increases and insertion loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multiplexing function by implementing partial multiplexing where only a subset of bands are transmitted via each antenna simultaneously. This divides the full multiplexing task into smaller, manageable portions, reducing the complexity of the antenna interface circuits while still supporting carrier aggregation across multiple bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial multiplexing by transmitting only a subset of bands on each antenna rather than all bands simultaneously. This partial action approach reduces the burden on individual antenna interface circuits, lowering insertion loss and complexity while maintaining overall system capability to support all required bands through coordinated transmission across multiple antennas.
2Adaptability or versatility
If full multiplexing is used to support carrier aggregation on multiple bands via multiple antennas, then all bands can be transmitted simultaneously, but insertion loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the band allocation across multiple antennas with partial multiplexing, the signal path through each antenna interface circuit is optimized for fewer bands, reducing cumulative insertion loss compared to routing all bands through each antenna in a full multiplexing configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The partial multiplexing approach transmits only a subset of bands on each antenna, which reduces the signal attenuation and insertion loss that would occur if all bands were transmitted simultaneously through each antenna interface. This partial action maintains sufficient signal strength while supporting carrier aggregation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If full multiplexing is used to support carrier aggregation on multiple bands via multiple antennas, then all bands can be transmitted simultaneously, but component count increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the carrier aggregation functionality across multiple antennas, where each antenna handles a subset of bands. This segmentation allows for the use of simpler, lower-component-count antenna interface circuits for each antenna compared to the complex circuits required for full multiplexing on each antenna.
Solution Approach 2:
By implementing partial multiplexing where each antenna transmits only a subset of bands, the patent reduces the number of filters, switches, and other components needed in each antenna interface circuit compared to full multiplexing, while still achieving support for all required bands through the combined capability of multiple antennas.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for supporting data transmission and reception on multiple bands for carrier aggregation are disclosed. In an exemplary design, an apparatus (e.g., a wireless device) includes first and second antenna interface circuits coupled to first and second antennas, respectively. The first antenna interface circuit includes a first transmit (TX) filter for a first band, which may be part of a first triplexer or duplexer. The first TX filter filters a first radio frequency (RF) signal prior to transmission via the first antenna. The second antenna interface circuit includes a second TX filter for a second band, which may be part of a second triplexer or duplexer. The second TX filter filters a second RF signal prior to transmission via the second antenna. The first and second RF signals may be transmitted simultaneously on the first and second bands for carrier aggregation.