Antenna Switch Module Using Virtual Common Node Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna switch modules (ASMs) in communication apparatuses suffer from high insertion loss and complex control logic conflicts due to multiple switches in series, affecting transmit efficiency and receive sensitivity, and these issues are exacerbated by control logic conflicts during switching between channels and antennas.
Innovation Solution
An antenna switch module with a virtual common node is introduced, decoupling control logic between port groups using AND operations on stored parameters, eliminating the need for additional physical switches and reducing insertion loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple switches are connected in series on the transmission path to constrain control logic, then control logic conflicts are avoided, but insertion loss is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control logic into two independent parts: a first control signal for channel switching and a second control signal for antenna switching. These control signals are generated independently and then combined through an AND gate, allowing each control logic to be simplified without conflicts while maintaining reliable channel-antenna mapping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary AND gate that combines the first control signal and second control signal to generate the final switch control signal. This intermediary component resolves the control logic conflict by ensuring both channel and antenna switching conditions are satisfied simultaneously, while avoiding the need for additional series switches that would increase insertion loss.
2Loss of energy
If a single switch is used to couple one port in the first group to one port in the second group, then insertion loss is reduced, but control logic conflicts occur during switching between channels and antennas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control function into two independent control signals: one for channel selection and one for antenna selection. Each control signal independently manages its respective switching task, eliminating control logic conflicts while using a single switch to maintain low insertion loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the control logic conflict by adding a new dimension of control through the AND gate operation. Instead of trying to manage multiple control signals through a single switch (which causes conflicts), the system uses the AND gate to create a new control dimension that coordinates both channel and antenna switching without increasing the number of series switches.
3Reliability
If more switches are added to constrain control logic, then control logic conflicts are avoided, but transmit efficiency and receive sensitivity are affected due to increased insertion loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control logic management into two independent control signals that are combined through an AND gate. This segmentation allows simplified control logic for each signal while maintaining reliable channel-antenna mapping, avoiding the need for additional series switches that would degrade transmit efficiency and receive sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The AND gate acts as an intermediary that combines two independent control signals to produce the final switch control. This intermediary approach provides reliable control logic constraint without requiring additional switches in series, thereby preserving transmit efficiency and receive sensitivity by minimizing insertion loss.
Data Source
AI summary
This application discloses an antenna switch module, a radio frequency front end, and a communication apparatus, and relates to the field of wireless communication. A first group of ports is coupled to a second group of ports through a switch circuit. A register stores a first parameter and a second parameter of a first virtual common node, where the first parameter indicates which port in the first group of ports the first virtual common node is conducted to, and the second parameter indicates which port in the second group of ports the first virtual common node is conducted to. A control circuit controls the switch circuit to conduct the port in the first group of ports to the port in the second group of ports based on a result of performing AND after the first parameter and the second parameter of the first virtual common node are decoded.