Antenna Interface Circuits with Quadplexers for Carrier Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless devices face challenges in efficiently supporting carrier aggregation across multiple bands using multiple antennas, leading to issues with power levels, harmonic interference, and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of antenna interface circuits that utilize a quadplexer and diplexer configuration for each antenna, enabling flexible support for inter-band and intra-band carrier aggregation, along with partial multiplexing to reduce harmonic interference and simplify circuit design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are used for carrier aggregation across multiple bands, then support for inter-band and intra-band carrier aggregation is improved, but device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single quadplexer circuit that can handle multiple frequency bands (e.g., Band 1, Band 3, Band 4, Band 5) and multiple operational modes (full duplexing, half duplexing, carrier aggregation). This universal circuit replaces what would traditionally require separate duplexers and filters for each band, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive carrier aggregation support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple separate filtering and switching functions into a single integrated quadplexer device. Instead of using separate duplexers for each band combination and additional filters for harmonic suppression, the quadplexer combines these functions into one unified circuit that can dynamically route signals across multiple bands, reducing overall component count and circuit complexity.
2Reliability
If traditional separate duplexer configurations are used for each band, then band-specific performance is optimized, but manufacturing complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The quadplexer is designed as a universal component that maintains optimized performance for each specific band while serving multiple bands simultaneously. The circuit includes band-specific filtering paths within the unified structure, ensuring that each band receives appropriate signal processing while avoiding the need for separate manufactured duplexers for each band combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The quadplexer internally segments signal processing for different bands through dedicated filtering paths and switching networks, while presenting a unified external interface. This segmentation allows band-specific optimization within the context of a single manufactured component, simplifying production while maintaining performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If full duplexing is supported across all bands, then communication flexibility is improved, but harmonic interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The quadplexer acts as an intermediary between transmit and receive paths, incorporating filtering networks that suppress harmonic frequencies before they can cause interference. The circuit selectively passes desired frequency bands while attenuating harmonics, enabling full duplexing operation without the harmful interference that would otherwise result from simultaneous transmit and receive operations across all bands.
Data Source
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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 quadplexer for first and second bands. The second antenna interface circuit includes a second quadplexer for the first and second bands. The first quadplexer may be a duplicate of the second quadplexer, which may simplify implementation. Each antenna interface circuit may further include a diplexer, a duplexer, a triplexer, another quadplexer, switches, etc. The first and second quadplexers may support data transmission and reception on two bands in a first band group. Other circuits in the first and second antenna interface circuits may support data transmission and/or reception on additional bands, possibly in one or more other band groups.