Antenna Switch Module Layout for Low-Loading RF Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The simultaneous connection of multiple filters in RF modules for carrier aggregation and ENDC leads to loading issues, reducing performance and power efficiency due to increased on-state resistance in antenna switch modules.
Innovation Solution
Implementing antenna switch modules with switches having a lower on-state resistance by increasing the gate length and reducing the number of stacked gates for switches used in multiplexing wireless communication, while maintaining the same or smaller die size as modules with uniformly configured switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple filters are simultaneously connected to the antenna for carrier aggregation and ENDC, then multiplexing functionality is achieved, but loading between filters increases reducing performance and power efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating switch configurations based on their specific operational roles. Multiplexing switches (second switches) are designed with longer gate lengths and fewer stacked gates to achieve lower on-state resistance specifically for multiplexing operations, while single-band switches (first switch) maintain conventional configurations optimized for their respective functions. This localized optimization reduces loading between filters during multiplexing without compromising single-band performance.
2Device complexity
If conventional switches are used in the antenna switch module, then device complexity is reduced, but on-state resistance increases causing higher loading between filters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the physical dimensions and structural parameters of the switch transistors. Specifically, the multiplexing switches feature longer gate lengths and reduced numbers of stacked gates compared to conventional switches. These parameter modifications directly reduce the on-state resistance of the multiplexing switches, thereby minimizing energy loss and loading effects during multiplexing operations while maintaining manageable device complexity.
3Reliability
If switches with lower on-state resistance are implemented, then loading between filters is reduced improving performance, but die size may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the die size concern through local quality by applying different design rules to different switch types within the same antenna switch module. Only the multiplexing switches (second switches) receive the specialized longer gate length and fewer stacked gates configuration to achieve low on-state resistance. The single-band switches (first switch) maintain conventional, more space-efficient configurations. This differentiated approach achieves the performance benefits of lower on-state resistance while controlling overall die area.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for reducing loading in antenna switch module multiplexing are disclosed. In one aspect, a radio frequency front end includes a plurality of filters configured to filter radio frequency signals, the filters including a first filter configured for single band wireless communication and two second filters configured for multiplexing wireless communication. The radio frequency front end further includes an antenna switch module including a first switch configured to connect an antenna to the first filter for the single band wireless communication, and two second switches configured to connect the antenna to the second filters for the multiplexing wireless communication, the second switches having a lower on-state resistance than the first switch.