Distributed Antenna System with Phase Shift Coupling Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication devices require multiple discrete components like SAW filters, power amplifiers, and duplexers to meet performance standards for 2G, 3G, and 4G protocols, increasing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A distributed antenna system with an antenna coupling circuit that uses high-frequency switches and 180-degree phase shift modules to couple power amplifiers and low noise amplifiers to antennas, allowing for concurrent support of multiple wireless communications by attenuating signals between antennas, thereby reducing the need for discrete components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple discrete components (SAW filters, power amplifiers, duplexers) are used to support multiple wireless communication protocols, then performance requirements are met, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete components (SAW filters, power amplifiers, duplexers) into a single integrated antenna coupling circuit that can handle multiple wireless communication protocols (2G, 3G, 4G) simultaneously. This integration reduces the total number of discrete components while maintaining the necessary performance characteristics for each protocol through internal signal routing and filtering mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna coupling circuit is designed as a universal component that can couple multiple antennas to multiple amplifiers and filters, serving multiple functions across different wireless communication standards. This multi-functional design allows a single circuit to replace what would traditionally require separate dedicated components for each protocol.
2Reliability
If multiple discrete components are used to meet performance standards, then communication performance is maintained, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple discrete components into a single antenna coupling circuit, the patent reduces the bill of materials and assembly complexity, directly lowering manufacturing costs. The integrated design maintains performance standards through carefully engineered internal structures that replicate the functionality of the original discrete component assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna coupling circuit replicates the performance characteristics of multiple discrete components through integrated design, effectively creating a functional copy of the entire component assembly in a single unit. This allows the system to meet the same performance standards without requiring the actual discrete components, thereby reducing cost.
3Reliability
If discrete components are used for each wireless protocol, then protocol-specific performance is optimized, but the number of components and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna coupling circuit is designed with universal coupling capabilities that can be configured to optimize performance for different wireless protocols (2G, 3G, 4G) without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each protocol. The circuit can dynamically route and filter signals to maintain protocol-specific performance while using a single integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna coupling circuit incorporates dynamic signal routing and filtering capabilities that can adapt to different protocol requirements in real-time. This dynamic behavior allows the single circuit to optimize performance for each protocol as needed, replacing what would traditionally require multiple static, protocol-dedicated components.
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 cost-effective and efficient concurrent support of multiple wireless communications protocols by eliminating the need for expensive discrete components, while maintaining performance standards.
Implementation Method 1
The antenna coupling circuit couples a second outbound signal component to a second antenna via a 180 degree phase shift module. The phase shift module shifts the phase of the outbound signal by 180 degrees.
Implementation Method 2
The third antenna is a distance, or multiple distances, from the first antenna and from the second antenna such that the outbound signal is attenuated at the third antenna.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication device front end includes power amplifiers, low noise amplifiers, and a distributed antenna system. The distributed antenna system includes antennas and an antenna coupling circuit. The antenna coupling circuit receives an outbound signal of a first wireless communication from a power amplifier and sends first and second components of the outbound signal to first and second antennas. The antenna coupling circuit also receives an inbound signal of a second wireless communication from a third antenna and sends the inbound signal to a low noise amplifier. The third antenna is a distance from the first antenna and from the second antenna such that, in air, the outbound signal is attenuated at the third antenna.