Electromechanical Band Switch for Multi-Band Wireless Multiplexers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile telecommunications devices face limitations in supporting simultaneous multi-band communication across different frequency bands without requiring separate antennas, leading to restricted flexibility and increased insertion loss due to the need for rapid switching between transmit and receive states in TDD operation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a transceiver front-end design that includes a first and second multiplexer for bi-directional communication over non-overlapping frequency bands, along with an electromechanical band switch to connect these multiplexers to a common antenna, allowing for simultaneous operation across multiple communication bands without separate antennas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate antennas are used for each frequency band, then simultaneous multi-band communication is achieved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple frequency band handling capabilities into a single antenna system. A band selection switch selectively connects the single antenna to different RF front-end modules tuned to specific frequency bands, allowing the antenna to serve multiple bands through temporal multiplexing rather than requiring separate antennas for each band.
Solution Approach 2:
The single antenna is designed to be universal across multiple frequency bands. By using a band selection switch that can route the antenna connection to different RF front-end modules (each tuned to a specific band), the antenna performs multiple functions - handling communications across different frequency bands at different times, thus achieving multi-band capability without multiple antennas.
2Speed
If electronic switches are used for rapid TDD switching, then transmit/receive switching speed is improved, but insertion loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic switching with electromechanical relay switches for band selection. These relay switches provide lower insertion loss compared to electronic switches while still achieving adequate switching speeds for band selection. The relay's mechanical contact closure provides a low-loss path for RF signals while the switching speed is sufficient for the less frequent band selection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching function is segmented into two levels: rapid electronic switching for TDD transmit/receive transitions within a band, and slower electromechanical relay switching for band selection. This segmentation allows each switching mechanism to be optimized for its specific function - electronic switches for speed in TDD operations, and relays for low loss in band selection - resolving the contradiction between switching speed and insertion loss.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes: a first multiplexer configured to allow bi-directional communication over a first plurality of multiplexed communication bands that each include a corresponding transmit band and a corresponding receive band, wherein none of the transmit bands of the first multiplexer have transmit frequencies that overlap with any receive frequencies of any of the receive bands of the first multiplexer; a second multiplexer configured to allow bi-directional communication over a second plurality of multiplexed communication bands that each include a corresponding transmit band and a corresponding receive band, wherein none of the transmit bands of the second multiplexer have transmit frequencies that overlap with any receive frequencies of any of the receive bands of the second multiplexer; and an electromechanical band switch configured to selectively connect the first and second multiplexers to a common antenna.