FEM Switch Topology for Multi-Band PA Power Supply Sharing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices face challenges in supporting various frequency ranges with a simplified structure of power supply circuits, necessitating a more flexible and reduced number of components for improved antenna performance.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a front-end module (FEM) with a switch that optimizes the connection structure of power supply circuits, allowing for miniaturization and reduced component count while supporting multiple frequency bands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate switching element is added to control the power supply to the display unit, then the display unit can be selectively powered, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselective power supply controlVSAvoidcircuit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switching element is integrated into the pixel circuit structure, merging the switching function with the display pixel circuit. This eliminates the need for a completely separate switching element and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining selective power supply capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pixel circuit is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the display pixel circuit and the switching element for power control. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the device.

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

2Reliability

If the source signal line is extended to extend into the first direction beyond the data decoding unit, then signal distribution is improved, but the layout area increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal distributionVSAvoidlayout area
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The source signal line is routed in a multi-dimensional path, extending in the first direction beyond the data decoding unit while utilizing vertical and lateral spaces efficiently. This allows signal distribution improvement without a proportional increase in layout area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The source signal line is nested within the existing pixel circuit layout structure, utilizing available spaces between other circuit elements. This allows the signal line to extend further without occupying additional layout area that would increase the overall device footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of manufacture

If the data decoding unit is disposed between the first scanning line and the second scanning line, then signal routing is simplified, but the pixel circuit layout becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal routingVSAvoidpixel circuit layout
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pixel circuit is segmented into distinct functional blocks: the data decoding unit is separated and positioned between scanning lines, while the switching element and other components are arranged in specific regions. This segmentation simplifies signal routing by creating clear signal paths between functional blocks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pixel circuit layout employs asymmetric arrangement where the data decoding unit is positioned between the first and second scanning lines rather than in a symmetric location. This asymmetric placement simplifies signal routing by creating more direct signal paths while the overall layout maintains functional symmetry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP4293921B1FEM comprising switch, and electronic device comprising same
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4293921B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4293921B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4293921B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device includes a first power supply circuit, a second supply circuit, a switch, a first front end module (FEM), a second FEM, a third FEM, a fourth FEM, and a processor. The processor is configured to, based on transmitting a signal using a first power amplifier (PA) in the first FEM operating based on a first voltage provided from the first power supply circuit, electrically connect the second power supply circuit to a third PA and a fourth PA through the switch, to transmit a signal using the third PA in the third FEM or the fourth PA in the fourth FEM operating based on a second voltage provided from the second power supply circuit. Various other embodiments are possible.