Antenna Swapping Circuitry Linearity Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional antenna swapping circuitry in RF front end systems experiences harmonic distortion, particularly when switching between antennas, which degrades signal linearity due to the on-state resistance and off-state capacitance of switching elements.

Innovation Solution

Optimizing switching elements in antenna swapping circuitry to enhance linearity by configuring them to perform optimally in either closed or open states, with specific elements optimized for reduced harmonic generation in their respective states, and integrating low-band antenna swapping circuitry to filter out harmonics before multiplexing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional switching elements are used in antenna swapping circuitry, then the circuit can perform basic antenna switching functionality, but harmonic distortion occurs due to on-state resistance and off-state capacitance, degrading signal linearity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal linearityVSAvoidharmonic distortion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna swapping circuit is divided into multiple independent switching elements (first and second switching elements) that can be controlled separately. This segmentation allows each switching element to be optimized for its specific operational state (closed or open) rather than requiring a single compromise design, thereby reducing harmonic distortion while maintaining switching functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different switching elements are assigned different optimization characteristics based on their operational requirements. The first switching element is optimized for closed-state performance (low on-state resistance) while the second switching element is optimized for open-state performance (low off-state capacitance). This local optimization approach minimizes harmonic distortion in each state while maintaining overall circuit functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If switching elements are optimized for closed-state operation to reduce harmonic distortion, then linearity improves in that state, but the circuit loses flexibility in antenna swapping operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal linearityVSAvoidantenna switching flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit employs dynamic control of multiple switching elements with different optimization characteristics. The controller selectively activates appropriate switching elements based on the required antenna switching operation, allowing the system to adapt between different operational states (closed or open) while maintaining optimal linearity performance for each state

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9735850B2High linearity antenna swapping circuitry
Publication Date: 2017.08.15 QORVO US INC
  • US9735850B2 patent drawing
  • US9735850B2 patent drawing
  • US9735850B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Antenna swapping circuitry includes a first pole, a second pole, a first throw, a second throw, and a number of switching elements. A first switching element is coupled between the first pole and the first throw. A second switching element is coupled between the first pole and the second throw. A third switching element is coupled between the second pole and the first throw. A fourth switching element is coupled between the second pole and the second throw. A linearity of the first switching element and the fourth switching element is higher in a closed state of operation than in an open state of operation. A linearity of the second switching element and a third switching element is higher in an open state of operation than in a closed state of operation.