Bridge Multiplexer Architecture for RF Band Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio-frequency (RF) architectures face challenges in efficiently routing signals between different frequency bands, particularly in achieving ideal impedance states for all filters within a group, especially when dealing with wide frequency ranges.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a radio-frequency architecture with a first group of filters providing short circuit impedance for signals in a second frequency range and a second group of filters providing matched impedance for signals in the first frequency range, utilizing multiplexers and a coupling circuit to ensure signals are sufficiently excluded from unintended paths, with complex impedances configured as conjugates to achieve optimal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If filters are configured to provide short circuit impedance for signals in other frequency ranges, then signal isolation from unintended paths is improved, but achieving ideal impedance states for all filters becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the impedance parameter configuration by allowing filters to provide short circuit impedance for signals in frequency ranges other than their supported bands. This parameter change enables effective signal isolation without requiring all filters to achieve ideal matched impedance states, thereby resolving the contradiction between signal isolation reliability and manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by configuring only certain filters (those not currently in use for a particular frequency band) to provide short circuit impedance, rather than requiring all filters to achieve ideal impedance states simultaneously. This partial configuration is sufficient to isolate signals from unintended paths while simplifying the overall system requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiplexers are used to route signals between different frequency bands, then carrier aggregation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiplexers that can handle multiple frequency bands and perform both signal routing and impedance transformation functions. This multi-functionality allows the same component to serve multiple purposes, enabling carrier aggregation capability while avoiding the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the signal routing function and the impedance matching function into a single integrated architecture using multiplexers. By combining these functions, the system achieves carrier aggregation capability without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same structural elements perform multiple roles.
3Reliability
If filters provide impedance for signals outside their supported bands, then signal exclusion from unintended paths is improved, but filter design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameter of filters by configuring them to provide short circuit impedance for frequency ranges outside their supported bands. This parameter change simplifies the overall filter design approach, as filters naturally exhibit different impedance characteristics at frequencies outside their passband, eliminating the need for complex additional circuitry to achieve signal exclusion.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, an architecture can include a first group of filters each configured to support a band such that a first frequency range covers the respective bands, and a second group of one or more filters each configured to support a band such that a second frequency range covers the respective one or more bands. Each filter of the first group can be configured to provide an impedance at or near a short circuit impedance for a signal in each band of the second group, and each filter of the second group can be configured to provide an impedance at or near a short circuit impedance for a signal in each band of the first group. The filters of the first and second groups can be implemented as one or more multiplexers. The architecture can further include a coupling circuit having a common node and configured to couple the common node to the one or more multiplexers through a first path and a second path. The coupling circuit can be further configured such that the impedance provided by each filter of the first group for the signal in each band of the second group results in the signal being sufficiently excluded from the first path, and such that the impedance provided by each filter of the second group for the signal in each band of the first group results in the signal being sufficiently excluded from the second path.