Carrier Aggregation RF Module With Variable Matching Circuits
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current radio-frequency modules face challenges in maintaining high transmission performance when switching between different combinations of frequency bands in carrier aggregation mode due to impedance mismatching and fluctuating bandpass characteristics, leading to decreased communication quality.
Innovation Solution
A radio-frequency module with a switch circuit and variable matching circuits that adjust impedance and phase based on the selected frequency bands, using a combination of signal paths and control signals to maintain optimal transmission performance across various band combinations, incorporating features like variable phase, LC resonance, and elastic wave resonance circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a matching circuit dedicated to a specific combination of multiple frequency bands is used, then the bandpass characteristics are optimized for that combination, but the bandpass characteristics significantly decrease for other combinations due to impedance mismatching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs variable matching circuits whose impedance characteristics can be dynamically adjusted based on the selected frequency band combination. The control unit detects which frequency bands are currently in use and switches the matching circuit configuration accordingly, ensuring optimal bandpass characteristics for each specific carrier aggregation scenario while maintaining adaptability across multiple band combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The matching circuit's electrical parameters (impedance values, capacitance, inductance) are changed based on the operating frequency band combination. By detecting the active frequency bands and adjusting the matching circuit parameters accordingly, the system maintains optimal transmission performance across different carrier aggregation configurations without requiring dedicated hardware for each combination.
2Productivity
If multiple frequency bands are simultaneously used for carrier aggregation, then communication capacity increases, but impedance mismatching occurs when switching between different band combinations, leading to fluctuating bandpass characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the currently active frequency bands and provides feedback to the variable matching circuit to adjust its impedance characteristics. This closed-loop control ensures that the matching circuit is always optimized for the present carrier aggregation configuration, maintaining stable bandpass characteristics and communication quality even as frequency band combinations change during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures multiple matching circuit states corresponding to different frequency band combinations. When a specific carrier aggregation mode is selected, the control unit switches the matching circuit to the pre-optimized configuration for that combination, eliminating impedance mismatching issues before they affect communication quality.
3Productivity
If two antennas are used to perform carrier aggregation communication, then simultaneous transmission and reception of multiple frequency bands is achieved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple frequency band signals into a single antenna interface using a switch circuit that can simultaneously connect to multiple frequency bands. By merging the signal paths and using shared components (filters, amplifiers, matching circuits) across different frequency bands, the system achieves carrier aggregation functionality with a single antenna, significantly reducing the required module size while maintaining full CA capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The radio-frequency module employs universal components that can handle multiple frequency bands simultaneously. The switch circuit, filters, amplifiers, and matching circuits are designed to be multi-functional, serving different frequency bands as needed. This universal design allows a single antenna and shared signal path to support carrier aggregation across multiple bands, eliminating the need for separate dedicated hardware for each frequency band.
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
The solution ensures high transmission performance for both sent and received signals across changing frequency band combinations, reducing impedance mismatch and maintaining communication quality, while also minimizing module size by using a single antenna and optimizing signal path connections.
Implementation Method 1
a variable matching circuit provided in at least one of the plurality of signal paths. A circuit state of the variable matching circuit is changed in accordance with a combination of two or more signal paths simultaneously connected to the input terminal among the plurality of signal paths
Implementation Method 2
a filter element provided in each of the plurality of signal paths; a plurality of signal paths that propagate signals of corresponding frequency bands of the plurality of frequency bands
Implementation Method 3
a switch circuit that includes one input terminal and three or more output terminals and that simultaneously connects the input terminal and each of two or more output terminals selected from the three or more output terminals
Data Source
AI summary
A radio-frequency module utilizing carrier aggregation includes a switch circuit that includes one input terminal and three or more output terminals and that simultaneously connects the input terminal and each of two or more output terminals selected from the output terminals, signal paths that propagate signals of corresponding frequency bands, band pass filters in the signal paths, and variable matching circuits in the signal paths. The circuit states of the variable matching circuits are changed in accordance with a combination of two or more signal paths simultaneously connected to the input terminal.