Bidirectional Matching Network Without Switch Insertion Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beamforming transceivers operating at millimeter wavelengths face inefficiencies due to the large insertion loss associated with switches used for redirecting transmit and receive signals, which are necessary for shared antenna, phase shifter, and power divider/combiner network connections.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of smart matching networks that eliminate the need for switches by providing bidirectional operation and impedance matching, allowing concurrent transmit and receive functions without power loss, using match A and match B circuits to translate impedances and maintain a matching impedance of 50 ohms at the antenna node.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If switches are used to redirect transmit and receive signals for shared antenna connections, then bidirectional operation is achieved, but insertion loss increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the switches from the signal path entirely. Instead of using switches to redirect signals between transmit and receive paths, the design employs separate dedicated paths with matching networks that eliminate the need for signal redirection, thereby eliminating insertion loss while maintaining bidirectional operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the transceiver into separate transmit and receive signal paths, each with its own matching network. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each path without requiring switching between them, enabling bidirectional operation without the insertion loss that would result from using switches to share common components
2Adaptability or versatility
If switches are used for signal redirection, then shared connections are achieved, but transceiver efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes switches from the architecture entirely, extracting the problematic component that caused efficiency degradation. The design achieves shared connections through separate dedicated paths that converge at the antenna, eliminating the need for switching operations that reduced transceiver efficiency
3Loss of energy
If matching networks are implemented to eliminate switches, then insertion loss is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the impedance matching function with the signal path structure itself. The matching networks are integrated into the transmit and receive paths, merging the matching function with the existing signal flow architecture rather than adding separate complex switching and control systems
Data Source
AI summary
A bidirectional matching network is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a first matching circuit connected in a first signal path between a node and a first amplifier, the first matching circuit configured to translate an off-state impedance of the first amplifier to a first translated off-state impedance. The apparatus also includes a second matching circuit connected in a second signal path between the node and a second amplifier. The second matching circuit configured to translate an off-state impedance of the second amplifier to a second translated off-state impedance. The second translated off-state impedance is configured to reduce power loss associated with a first signal flowing in the first signal path and the first translated off-state impedance is configured to reduce power loss associated with a second signal flowing in the second signal path.