Frequency Band Identification Circuit with Reference Mixing and Filtering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing circuit arrangements for transmitting uplink and downlink signals require complex structures with multiple filter devices and amplifiers, leading to high manufacturing costs and space requirements, and lack efficient methods for accurately identifying frequency bands or channels.

Innovation Solution

A circuit arrangement with a signal coupler, mixer, filter device, and evaluation unit that uses a reference signal to identify frequency bands or channels through signal mixing and filtering, allowing for accurate and rapid identification of frequency bands or channels, reducing complexity and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple filter devices and amplifiers are used for frequency band identification, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency band identification accuracyVSAvoidcircuit arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple filter devices into a single filter device that can selectively filter different frequency bands. Instead of using separate filters for each frequency band, the invention uses one filter device that can be configured to pass different frequency ranges, thereby reducing the number of components while maintaining the ability to accurately identify multiple frequency bands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter device is designed to perform multiple functions by filtering different frequency bands sequentially or selectively. The same filter device can be used to identify various frequency bands (e.g., LTE, 5G, Wi-Fi) by adjusting its filtering characteristics, eliminating the need for dedicated filter devices for each frequency band or application.

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

2Measurement precision

If multiple filter devices and amplifiers are used for frequency band identification, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency band identification accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple filter devices into a single filter device that can selectively filter different frequency bands. Instead of using separate filters for each frequency band, the invention uses one filter device that can be configured to pass different frequency ranges, thereby reducing the number of components while maintaining the ability to accurately identify multiple frequency bands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter device is designed to perform multiple functions by filtering different frequency bands sequentially or selectively. The same filter device can be used to identify various frequency bands (e.g., LTE, 5G, Wi-Fi) by adjusting its filtering characteristics, eliminating the need for dedicated filter devices for each frequency band or application.

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

3Measurement precision

If multiple filter devices and amplifiers are used for frequency band identification, then measurement precision is improved, but the area occupied increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency band identification accuracyVSAvoidcircuit arrangement space
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple filter devices into a single filter device that can selectively filter different frequency bands. Instead of using separate filters for each frequency band, the invention uses one filter device that can be configured to pass different frequency ranges, thereby reducing the number of components while maintaining the ability to accurately identify multiple frequency bands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter device is designed to perform multiple functions by filtering different frequency bands sequentially or selectively. The same filter device can be used to identify various frequency bands (e.g., LTE, 5G, Wi-Fi) by adjusting its filtering characteristics, eliminating the need for dedicated filter devices for each frequency band or application.

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

4Reliability

If amplifier devices are activated for all frequency bands, then reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic activation of amplifier devices based on the detected frequency band. Instead of keeping all amplifiers continuously active, the system dynamically activates only the amplifier corresponding to the currently active frequency band (e.g., LTE amplifier when LTE signal is detected, 5G amplifier when 5G signal is detected). This dynamic approach ensures reliable signal transmission for the active band while minimizing energy consumption by keeping other amplifiers inactive.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The frequency band identification system automatically controls the activation state of amplifier devices based on the detected signal. The system self-regulates which amplifiers are active without requiring external control, ensuring that the appropriate amplifier is always active for the current frequency band while minimizing overall energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 reliable, rapid, and efficient identification of frequency bands or channels, enabling precise control of amplifier devices and signal paths, and adaptability to different radio standards and countries, while minimizing energy consumption and manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

at least one mixer for mixing the extracted signal and the reference signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal mixing: Heterodyne

Implementation Method 2

at least one filter device for low-pass or band-pass filtering the mixed signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentEP4078821B1Circuit arrangement and method for identifying a frequency band or channel
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 MOLEX INC
  • EP4078821B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4078821B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4078821B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a circuit arrangement for transferring uplink and downlink signals between at least one terminal (2) and at least one antenna (5), wherein the circuit arrangement (1) comprises at least one signal coupler (9) for providing a decoupled uplink or downlink signal, the circuit arrangement (1) comprising at least one device (15) for providing a reference signal having adjustable frequency, the circuit arrangement (1) comprising at least one mixer (14) for mixing the decoupled signal and the reference signal and at least one filter device (16) for low-pass or bandpass filtering of the mixed signal, the circuit arrangement (1) comprising at least one evaluating device (7) for analyzing the filtered signal, a frequency band (FB1, FB2, FB3) or channel (K1,..., K6) in which the transferred signal is transferred being identifiable according to the adjusted frequency of the reference signal and at least one signal property of the filtered signal, and to a method for identifying a frequency band (FB1, FB2, FB3) or channel (K1,..., K6).