DBDC RF Front-End Circuit Component Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Wi-Fi dual-band dual-concurrent (DBDC) RF front-end circuit designs in mobile devices require a large number of components, such as filters and switches, to achieve sufficient isolation between frequency bands, which increases manufacturing costs and device weight.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves using at least two antennas and two diplexers to split the Wi-Fi 5GHz ~ 6GHz band into two frequency bands, reducing the number of components required while maintaining or enhancing system performance, achieving isolation between the bands with fewer components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two filters, four SPDT switches and two diplexers are used to achieve 45dB isolation between frequency bands, then the isolation performance is improved, but the number of components and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveisolation performanceVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple RF components (filters and switches) into integrated filter-switch assemblies. Each diplexer is paired with specific filters and switches to form integrated units, reducing the total component count from eight separate components to four integrated assemblies while maintaining the required 45dB isolation between 5GHz and 6GHz bands

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The diplexers are designed to handle multiple functions simultaneously - they provide frequency separation for both 5GHz and 6GHz bands while working in conjunction with filters and switches to achieve dual-band dual-concurrent operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each frequency band

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If two filters, four SPDT switches and two diplexers are used to achieve sufficient isolation between frequency bands, then the isolation performance is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveisolation performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating filters and switches with diplexers into four combined assemblies rather than using eight separate components, the patent reduces bill of materials costs and assembly expenses. The integrated design allows for fewer connection points and simplified testing procedures, directly reducing manufacturing costs while achieving the required 45dB isolation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If two filters, four SPDT switches and two diplexers are used to achieve sufficient isolation between frequency bands, then the isolation performance is improved, but the device weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveisolation performanceVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of filters and switches into the diplexer assemblies eliminates the need for separate mounting structures, connection cables, and housing for eight individual components. The four integrated assemblies occupy less space and weigh less than the equivalent separate components, reducing overall device weight while maintaining the required isolation performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4220970A1Wi-fi DBDC RF front-end circuit designs
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 MEDIATEK INC
  • EP4220970A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4220970A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4220970A1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

Various pertaining to a Wi-Fi dual-band dual-concurrent, DBDC, radio frequency, RF, front-end circuit are described. A device, which is configured to facilitate wireless communications in a DBDC application and a multiple-input-multiple-output, MIMO, application, includes a front-end circuit configured to support transmission at a first frequency band and at a second frequency band. The front-end circuit includes at least two antennas (ANT1 - ANT3), at least two diplexers (DIPLEXER_2 - DIPLEXER_4), a first circuit path (LOW-FREQ. BAND PATH) and a second circuit path (HIGH-FREQ. BAND PATH). The first circuit path (LOW-FREQ. BAND PATH) is coupled to one of the at least two antennas and is configured to transmit and receive at the first frequency band. The second circuit path (HIGH-FREQ. BAND PATH) is coupled to the other one of the at least two antennas and is configured to transmit and receive at the second frequency band. The first frequency band and the second frequency band are split from a Wi-Fi 5GHz ~ 6GHz band.