Antenna Switch Phase-Shifting for Low-Band Carrier Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Carrier aggregation, particularly intra-low-band carrier aggregation, introduces challenges such as duplexer loading that adversely impact the performance of wireless devices by altering impedance and affecting the linearity and power performance of power amplifiers.
Innovation Solution
Implementing switchable phase-shifting components in the antenna switch module to selectively offset duplexer-duplexer loading effects by adjusting impedance based on the frequency bands and state of the transmit switch, thereby enhancing performance during carrier aggregation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If carrier aggregation is implemented to increase data transfer rate, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases and duplexer loading occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic impedance adjustment by selectively coupling different phase-shifting components (capacitors and inductors) to the antenna switch module based on the frequency bands being used for carrier aggregation. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal performance across different carrier aggregation configurations without requiring a completely separate hardware design for each scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes electrical parameters (impedance, phase shift) by selecting different phase-shifting components based on the operating frequency bands. The controller adjusts the impedance characteristics of the antenna switch module by coupling specific capacitors or inductors, thereby optimizing performance for different carrier aggregation scenarios without altering the fundamental hardware architecture.
2Reliability
If switchable phase-shifting components are added to offset duplexer loading, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces phase-shifting components (capacitors and inductors) as intermediary elements between the antenna switch module and the carrier aggregation system. These intermediaries adjust the impedance and phase characteristics to compensate for duplexer loading effects, thereby improving reliability without requiring fundamental changes to the core antenna or duplexer designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal antenna switch module that can handle multiple frequency bands and carrier aggregation configurations through a single set of switchable phase-shifting components. The same hardware architecture serves both single-carrier and carrier aggregation modes, as well as multiple band combinations, reducing the need for separate specialized hardware for each scenario.
3Stability of the object's composition
If impedance adjustment is made to maintain performance during carrier aggregation, then stability is improved, but single-carrier communication performance may degrade
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects appropriate phase-shifting components based on real-time detection of the operating mode (single-carrier or carrier aggregation) and the specific frequency bands in use. The controller activates impedance adjustment only when carrier aggregation is detected, thereby maintaining stability during carrier aggregation while preserving optimal single-carrier performance when aggregation is not being used.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the controller monitors the operational state (single-carrier or carrier aggregation mode) and adjusts the impedance characteristics accordingly. This feedback-driven approach ensures that impedance adjustment is applied only when necessary for carrier aggregation, preventing any potential degradation of single-carrier communication performance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Improves the overall performance of wireless devices by mitigating duplexer loading impacts, maintaining performance during carrier aggregation without degrading single-carrier communication.
Implementation Method 1
selectively offset duplexer-duplexer loading effects by adjusting impedance based on the frequency bands and state of the transmit switch
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure include a wireless device comprising one or more antennas, a first duplexer configured to receive a transmit signal and a first carrier-aggregated receive signal, a second duplexer configured to receive a second carrier-aggregated receive signal, an antenna switch module (ASM) coupled between the first duplexer and the second duplexer and the one or more antennas, one or more phase-shifting components, and at least one controller configured to selectively couple at least one phase-shifting component of the one or more phase-shifting components to the ASM based on a respective frequency of each of the transmit signal, the first carrier-aggregated receive signal, and the second carrier-aggregated receive signal.