HF Filter Module Layout for Expandable Multi-Band Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional HF modules face challenges in expanding to cover an increasing number of frequency bands due to degraded signal quality and increased complexity, particularly with multiple switches degrading performance and requiring redesign for additional frequency bands.

Innovation Solution

The HF module incorporates two filter units with dual switches each, allowing parallel connection and simplified expandability by activating/deactivating filters, reducing circuit complexity and enabling higher component density through 3D integration, and allowing duplexer functionality with improved signal isolation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple switches are used to connect a large number of RF filters to cover increasing frequency bands, then the number of covered frequency bands increases, but signal quality degrades and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of covered frequency bandsVSAvoidsignal quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the single complex multi-switch system into multiple independent filter units, each with its own simple two-position switch. This segmentation isolates signal paths, preventing the signal quality degradation that occurs in complex multi-switch configurations while maintaining the ability to select among many frequency bands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a planar arrangement where multiple switches share a common signal path to a three-dimensional stacked configuration where filter units are vertically integrated. This dimensional change allows multiple filters to coexist without interfering with each other's signal paths, maintaining signal quality while expanding frequency band coverage.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple switches are used to connect a large number of RF filters, then more frequency bands can be covered, but device complexity increases and requires redesign for expansion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of covered frequency bandsVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into identical, independent filter units that can be added or removed without affecting other units. Each unit contains minimal switching circuitry (only two positions), dramatically reducing the complexity per filter compared to traditional multi-switch designs. Expansion is achieved by simply adding or removing entire filter units rather than redesigning the switching matrix.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each filter unit is designed as a universal module that can handle any frequency band assignment. The standardized interface and identical internal structure of all filter units allow them to perform multiple functions depending on which unit is activated, eliminating the need for complex dedicated circuitry for each frequency band.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional circuit components are added within a single component to expand frequency bands, then more frequency bands are covered, but component density increases and components may interfere with each other

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of covered frequency bandsVSAvoidinterference between components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention resolves component interference by stacking filter units in the vertical dimension rather than arranging them horizontally in the same plane. This three-dimensional integration allows each filter to occupy its own spatial layer with isolated signal paths, eliminating electromagnetic interference between components while achieving high component density within a single packaged component.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3192180B1Hf filter module with improved expandability
Publication Date: 2023.06.21 SNAPTRACK INC
  • EP3192180B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3192180B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3192180B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The invention relates to an HF module, the filter functionality of which can easily be expanded and which has good electrical properties. For this purpose, the module comprises two filter units with a respective HF filter and a switch having two possible switching states. The two filter units are connected in parallel.