Coaxial Interconnect for Split Microwave Backhaul Transceiver
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coaxial cable routing for high-frequency communication systems, such as those operating at 60 GHz, results in significant signal losses and degradation due to the inability of antennas to radiate properly when located on a printed circuit board within computing devices.
Innovation Solution
A communication system utilizing a coaxial interconnect to transmit signals between a conversion module and an RF front-end module, where the RF front-end module includes a network of power dividers and phase shifters to split and combine signals, allowing for efficient beam-forming and minimizing signal loss through the use of a coaxial interconnect, which operates effectively at lower IF frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If 60 GHz signals are transmitted through conventional coaxial cable routing, then signal transmission is achieved, but significant signal losses and degradation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies frequency conversion by changing the signal parameter from 60 GHz to an intermediate frequency (IF) for transmission through the coaxial cable, then converting back to 60 GHz at the receiving end. This parameter change allows the signal to be transmitted through the cable without significant loss while maintaining the required high-frequency performance at the antenna interface.
2Device complexity
If antennas are located on the printed circuit board with the radio device, then device integration is improved, but antennas cannot radiate properly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the radio frequency system into separate functional modules: the radio device remains integrated on the PCB while the antenna is positioned in the periphery for proper radiation. The coaxial cable interconnect bridges these separated components, allowing each to perform its optimal function independently.
3Reliability
If antennas are located in the periphery of the device, then proper antenna radiation is achieved, but coaxial cable routing becomes problematic at high frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the high-frequency 60 GHz signal to an intermediate frequency for cable transmission, reducing signal loss in the coaxial cable. After transmission, the signal is converted back to 60 GHz at the antenna interface, maintaining both proper radiation performance and signal quality throughout the system.
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
Enables the transmission of 60 GHz signals over coaxial cables without significant loss or degradation, ensuring proper antenna radiation and maintaining signal quality by converting signals to intermediate frequencies for transmission.
Implementation Method 1
A communication system utilizing a coaxial interconnect to transmit signals between a conversion module and an RF front-end module
Implementation Method 2
converting signals to intermediate frequencies for transmission
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system includes a conversion module configured to convert a signal between a radio frequency baseband (RF-BB) and an intermediate frequency (IF). At least one RF front-end module converts the signal between the IF and a radio frequency (RF). The RF front-end module is configured as an RF phased array and includes a coaxial interconnect configured to connect the conversion module with the RF front-end module. The signal is transmitted between the conversion module and the RF-front end module via the coaxial interconnect. At least one RF front-end module includes an active front-end (AFE) configured to allow the signal to be transmitted via the coaxial interconnect while minimizing any deterioration of the signal.