Communication Circuitry Switching RF Chains for Multi-Band Signal Linearity
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the number of frequency bands supported by electronic devices increases, the number of front-end modules (FEMs) required also increases, leading to reduced available space for other components and difficulties in simultaneously outputting transmission signals in multiple frequency bands through a single antenna, which can lower signal linearity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a communication circuitry that includes multiple RF chains and reception chains, along with switches, allows for simultaneous output or reception of signals in different frequency bands using separate antennas, reducing the need for multiple FEMs and maintaining signal linearity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of frequency bands supported by electronic devices increases, then the communication capability is improved, but the number of FEMs required increases, reducing available space for other components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a single FEM to handle multiple frequency bands through dynamic switching between transmit and receive chains. The FEM is designed with configurable connections that allow it to process different frequency bands (e.g., first frequency band for transmission, second frequency band for reception) without requiring separate dedicated FEMs for each band, thus reducing the total number of FEMs needed while maintaining multi-band support capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through the use of switches that dynamically reconfigure the signal paths within the FEM based on operational mode. The switch can connect different RF chains to different antennas depending on whether the device is transmitting or receiving in a particular frequency band, allowing the same hardware infrastructure to adapt to different communication requirements across multiple frequency bands.
2Area of stationary object
If one FEM supports a plurality of frequency bands, then the space efficiency is improved, but it becomes difficult to simultaneously output transmission signals in a plurality of frequency bands through a single antenna
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the signal processing into separate transmit and receive chains, each optimized for specific frequency bands. Instead of attempting to combine all frequency bands through a single antenna, the system segments the transmission and reception functions across different antenna connections, allowing each chain to operate independently without interference while maintaining space efficiency through shared FEM infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic switching to enable the FEM to connect different RF chains to different antennas based on the current operational requirements. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to simultaneously support multiple frequency bands by directing transmit signals for one band through one antenna connection and receive signals for another band through a different antenna connection, thereby maintaining simultaneous signal output capability while using a single FEM.
3Device complexity
If transmission signals in a plurality of frequency bands are simultaneously output through a single antenna, then the hardware complexity is reduced, but the linearity of the output signal is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the transmission and reception signal paths into distinct chains that operate on different frequency bands. The transmit chain processes signals for the first frequency band while the receive chain handles the second frequency band, preventing signal interference and maintaining linearity. This segmentation allows the system to support multiple frequency bands without compromising signal quality, as each chain can be optimized for its specific frequency range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a switch as an intermediary component that mediates between the multiple RF chains and the antenna connections. This intermediary dynamically routes signals from the appropriate RF chain to the appropriate antenna based on the current transmission or reception mode, enabling the system to maintain signal linearity by preventing direct mixing of multiple frequency band signals while still achieving multi-band operation through controlled signal routing.
Data Source
AI summary
Communication circuitry and an electronic device including the communication circuitry are disclosed. The communication circuitry may include a first RF chain configured to output a first transmission signal in a first frequency band through a first antenna or receive a first reception signal in the first frequency band through the first antenna; a second RF chain configured to output a second transmission signal in a second frequency band through a second antenna or receive a second reception signal in the second frequency band through the second antenna; a first reception chain configured to receive a first signal in the first frequency band, which is received through the second antenna; a second reception chain configured to receive a second signal in the second frequency band, which is received through the first antenna; and a switch configured to connect the first RF chain and the second reception chain to the first antenna and connect the second RF chain and the first reception chain to the second antenna.