Distributed Antenna Filter Layout for Lighter 5G RF Hardware
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G wireless communication systems, the increasing number of antenna elements leads to a higher number of RF components, including filters, which results in larger and heavier equipment, making it challenging to achieve miniaturization and cost efficiency while maintaining performance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of low power filters, such as ceramic or SAW filters, arranged between a splitter and antenna elements, replacing high power metal cavity filters, allows for a smaller, lighter, and more cost-effective design by distributing power across multiple filters, each handling a portion of the signal, thereby reducing the overall size and weight of the equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high power metal cavity filters are used to maintain performance, then filtering performance is ensured, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the signal path into multiple branches after a splitter, with each branch containing a low power filter. This segmentation allows the use of smaller, lighter filters that handle only a portion of the total signal power, collectively achieving the filtering performance previously requiring a single large high power filter
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power parameter distribution by using a splitter to divide the input signal into multiple lower-power branches. Each filter operates at a lower power level than the original high power filter, enabling the use of smaller, lighter filter components while maintaining overall system performance
2Reliability
If high power metal cavity filters are used to maintain performance, then filtering performance is ensured, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the filtering function across multiple low power filters distributed in parallel branches, each occupying minimal volume. This distributed approach achieves the required filtering performance without the large volume required by a single high power metal cavity filter
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the power handling parameter from high to low for individual filters, the patent enables the use of compact filter designs. The cumulative effect of multiple small-volume low power filters replaces the large-volume high power filter while maintaining performance
3Reliability
If the number of antenna elements increases to improve communication performance, then system performance improves, but the number of RF components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a shared filter architecture where multiple antenna elements share common RF components including the splitter and low power filters. This multi-functional design allows the same filtering components to serve multiple antenna elements, reducing the total number of RF components while supporting increased antenna elements for improved communication performance
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an electronic device for radiating an output signal in a wireless communication system. In one embodiment, the electronic device includes: a power amplifier configure to receive an input signal; a splitter connected to the power amplifier, which a plurality of branches; a plurality of filters connected to the plurality of branches of the splitter; and a plurality of antenna elements connected to the plurality of filters. The plurality of antenna elements radiates the output signal that is a portion of the input signal received by the power amplifier.