Front-End Architecture with Diplexer Bypass for Carrier Aggregation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radio frequency front end modules (PAMiD) face challenges in integrating additional carrier aggregation bands without significant redesign, which can be costly and time-consuming, and often result in custom parts with lower sales potential and increased documentation.

Innovation Solution

A radio frequency system with a switch element and frequency domain multiplexer, such as a diplexer, is configured to connect or bypass antenna paths, allowing external components to support additional carrier aggregation bands with minimal impact on existing PAMiD design, reducing insertion loss when auxiliary bands are not in use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If external components are integrated to support additional carrier aggregation bands, then carrier aggregation capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarrier aggregation capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the carrier aggregation functionality into separate external components (frequency domain multiplexer and switch element) that can be independently configured and connected to the PAMiD through defined interfaces. This segmentation allows the core PAMiD to remain unchanged while adding CA capability through modular external components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frequency domain multiplexer and switch element are designed as universal components that can support multiple carrier aggregation band combinations. The same external components can be reconfigured to support different CA scenarios, making the solution applicable across multiple platforms and reducing the need for custom designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the frequency domain multiplexer is always connected to support additional bands, then carrier aggregation capability is improved, but insertion loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarrier aggregation capabilityVSAvoidinsertion loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The switch element enables dynamic reconfiguration of the signal path, allowing the system to switch between connecting through the frequency domain multiplexer (when CA is needed) and bypassing it (when CA is not needed). This dynamic switching optimizes performance by minimizing insertion loss during normal operation while maintaining CA capability when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12463668B2Front end architecture for selectively adding external carrier aggregation band

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 SKYWORKS SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

Aspects of this disclosure relate to a front end architecture for selectively adding an external carrier aggregation band. A switch element can connect a radio frequency signal path to an antenna path through a frequency domain multiplexer, such as a diplexer, in a first mode. The switch element can connect the radio frequency path to the antenna path and bypass the frequency domain multiplexer in a second mode. The frequency domain multiplexer can be external to a front end module that include the radio frequency signal path. In the first mode, a front end system can support carrier aggregation with a band associated with circuitry implemented external to the front end module.