BAW Filter Pin Reconfiguration for Switchless Passband Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional BAW filters face challenges in shifting passbands to accommodate different frequency bands without introducing excessive insertion losses, especially in narrow frequency gaps like UNII band 4 and UNII band 5, and require switches that complicate the circuitry and increase losses.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a network of BAW resonators with hardwired configurations for each transceiver chain, eliminating the need for switches by permanently connecting pins and paths to achieve desired passbands, thus optimizing frequency placement without control circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If switches are used to shift the passband of BAW filters to accommodate different frequency bands, then the filter can be adapted to different transceiver chains, but insertion losses increase and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The BAW filter is divided into multiple identical filter designs, each with the same network of BAW resonators and external pin configuration. Each filter is optimized for a specific frequency band through hardwired connections, eliminating the need for switches to shift passbands. This segmentation allows each filter to be independently optimized for its designated band while maintaining adaptability across different transceiver chains.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single reconfigurable filter with switches to shift the passband dynamically, the invention inverts the approach by using multiple fixed filters with hardwired configurations. Each filter is permanently configured for a specific band through hardwired connections during manufacturing, eliminating the need for dynamic reconfiguration and reducing insertion losses associated with switches.
2Adaptability or versatility
If switches are used to shift the passband of BAW filters, then frequency band adaptation is achieved, but device complexity increases due to additional control circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into multiple identical filter units, each with the same internal network of BAW resonators and external pin configuration. Each filter is designed to work with specific hardwired connections for its intended frequency band, eliminating the need for complex control circuitry to manage passband shifting across different bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the conventional approach by eliminating dynamic reconfiguration capabilities. Instead of one filter with switches and control logic, multiple fixed filters with hardwired configurations are used. This simplifies the device by removing all switch control circuitry while maintaining frequency band adaptation through proper filter selection and hardwired connections.
3Reliability
If the passband is designed to pass RF signals in the frequency band of operation, then signal transmission is achieved, but rejection of frequency bands outside the operating band becomes difficult at increased frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
Each BAW filter is designed with local optimization for its specific frequency band through hardwired connections. The network of BAW resonators is configured with specific hardwired connections that create optimal passband characteristics for the intended operating frequency, while simultaneously providing enhanced rejection of out-of-band frequencies. This local quality approach ensures that each filter is perfectly matched to its designated band without compromising rejection 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
This approach reduces insertion losses and simplifies manufacturing by using the same type of BAW filters across transceiver chains, ensuring effective frequency band rejection without the need for switches or complex control circuits.
Implementation Method 1
Bulk acoustic wave (BAW) filters are often employed to filter noise and other unwanted spectral characteristics from the RF signals being transmitted
Data Source
AI summary
Front-end circuitry for a wireless communication device is disclosed. In some embodiments, the radio frequency (RF) front-end circuitry includes various transceiver chains. The transceiver chains may each include a bulk acoustic wave (BAW) filter. The BAW filter in each of the transceiver chains may each have the same filter design with various exposed external pins, such as input pins, output pins, and ground pins. With respect to the transceiver chains, a different combination of the external pins are hardwired depending on a desired placement of a passband. In this manner, switches and control circuitry for the switches are not needed in order to place the passband. Furthermore, BAW filters with the same filter design can be used in the different transceiver chains, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process of the front-end circuitry.