Frequency-Agile RF Transceiver Architecture for Multi-Band Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems requiring multiple frequency bands often necessitate separate chips and modules for each band, leading to high costs and complexity, especially in devices like mobile handsets that need to switch between different frequency bands.
Innovation Solution
A frequency-agile transmitter and receiver architecture that uses a single chipset to transmit and receive both low and high frequency signals by employing a common mixing stage, digital phase shifters, and variable gain amplifiers, allowing selection between low/mid and high frequency paths through an RF switch, and supporting beamforming modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate chips and modules are used for each frequency band, then communication reliability across multiple bands is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple frequency band handling capabilities into a single chipset by implementing a frequency-agile transmitter and receiver that can dynamically switch between low-band and high-band 5G frequency ranges, eliminating the need for separate chips and modules for each band while maintaining communication reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitter and receiver are designed with universal functionality to operate across multiple frequency bands through frequency agility, allowing a single device to perform both low-band and high-band 5G communications by dynamically adjusting its operating frequency rather than requiring dedicated hardware for each band
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple chipsets are integrated to support different frequency bands, then adaptability to various communication standards is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the operating frequency parameter of a single transmitter and receiver through frequency agility, allowing the system to adapt to different frequency bands and communication standards without requiring multiple fixed-frequency chipsets, thereby reducing manufacturing costs
3Reliability
If dedicated radios are used for each frequency band, then signal transmission quality is improved, but device size and component quantity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by creating a frequency-agile system that can dynamically switch between low-band and high-band 5G frequency ranges based on communication needs, allowing a single transmitter and receiver to replace multiple dedicated radios while maintaining signal transmission quality through adaptive frequency selection
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 efficient and cost-effective communication across multiple frequency bands without the need for multiple chipsets, reducing hardware complexity and cost while maintaining high data rates and range flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a low frequency mixing stage for combining at least two input signals encoding input data, the at least two input signals being further combined with a local oscillator signal when transmitting the low frequency signal
Implementation Method 2
the high frequency mixing stage up-converts the output from the low frequency mixing stage with a local oscillator signal when transmitting the high frequency signal
Implementation Method 3
a signal controller for selectively sending the output from the low frequency mixing stage to one of a low frequency transmission path, to transmit the low frequency signal, and a high frequency mixing stage
Data Source
AI summary
Presented herein is a frequency-agile transmitter for transmitting either a low or a high frequency signal. The transmitter comprises a low frequency mixing stage for combining at least two input signals encoding input data, the at least two input signals being further combined with a local oscillator signal when transmitting the low frequency signal. The transmitter also includes a transmit element for receiving output from the low frequency mixing stage. The transmit element includes a signal controller for selectively sending the output from the low frequency mixing stage to one of a low frequency transmission path, to transmit the low frequency signal, and a high frequency mixing stage, wherein the high frequency mixing stage up-converts the output from the low frequency mixing stage with a local oscillator signal when transmitting the high frequency signal along the high frequency transmission path.