Complex Baseband Filter Paths for Non-Contiguous Carrier Aggregation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently supporting non-contiguous carrier aggregation due to issues like spur coupling, low signal-to-noise ratio, and inability to independently adjust gains for different bandwidth combinations, leading to performance limitations and increased current consumption.

Innovation Solution

A radio frequency (RF) baseband filter that includes a first and second complex baseband filter path, allowing for independent gain adjustment of different bandwidth combinations while filtering out jammers, and is implemented in an offset zero intermediate frequency (OZIF) filter circuit to process non-contiguous carrier aggregation signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If non-contiguous carrier aggregation is implemented using conventional filter circuits, then multiple frequency bands can be processed, but current consumption increases and gain adjustment flexibility is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth combination flexibilityVSAvoidcurrent consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The filter circuit is divided into multiple independent complex baseband filter paths (first path, second path, etc.), each capable of processing different frequency bands independently. This segmentation allows the circuit to activate only the necessary paths for current bandwidth combinations, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit implements dynamic gain adjustment capability through independent gain control for each complex baseband filter path. The gain values can be adjusted based on the specific bandwidth combination being used, optimizing performance while reducing power consumption by adapting to different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple complex baseband filter paths are used for non-contiguous carrier aggregation, then gain control flexibility is improved, but circuit complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent gain adjustmentVSAvoidfilter circuit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit uses segmented parallel paths where each path handles a specific frequency band. This modular structure makes the complexity manageable by dividing the overall system into independent, functionally identical units that can be configured based on needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple complex baseband filter paths are designed with identical structures, allowing each path to serve multiple purposes depending on configuration. This universality reduces design complexity compared to creating entirely different circuits for different functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional filter circuits process non-contiguous carrier aggregation, then multiple frequencies are supported, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates due to spur coupling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-frequency supportVSAvoidsignal-to-noise ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the processing of different frequency bands into distinct complex baseband filter paths, the circuit eliminates spur coupling between bands. Each path processes its assigned frequencies independently, preventing noise and interference from affecting other bands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3656060B1Filter circuit with complex baseband filters for non-contiguous carrier aggregation
Publication Date: 2022.12.14 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3656060B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3656060B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP3656060B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A filter circuit may include a first path having a first complex baseband filter. The circuit may further include a second path having a second complex baseband filter. The circuit may further include a combiner coupled to an output of the first complex baseband filter and an output of the second complex baseband filter. Aspects of the present disclosure provide a radio frequency (RF) baseband filter for facilitating carrier aggregation (CA), such as non-contiguous CA. In some aspects, an RF baseband filter may independently adjust a gain of different bandwidth combinations of different frequencies while filtering out a jammer. Advantages of the RF baseband filter include significant reduction in current consumption, as compared to using two separate downlink paths (DLPs), and flexibility for independent gain control.