Concurrent Hybrid Matching Network for Millimeter Wave Antenna Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless devices operating at millimeter wave frequencies, sharing an antenna between transmit and receive signal paths results in additional loss due to switches, and conventional solutions like a two-chip solution or power combiners introduce unacceptable losses or space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A concurrent matching network using a 90-degree hybrid coupler with four terminals, where the coupler connects a Tx path and an Rx path to an antenna without series switches, allowing for low-loss signal sharing by activating switches to ground specific terminals during transmit and receive modes, thereby eliminating signal loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If switches are used to share the antenna between transmit and receive signal paths, then antenna sharing is achieved, but additional signal loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A 90-degree hybrid coupler is introduced as an intermediary device between the antenna and the transmit/receive signal paths. The coupler provides isolation between the paths and enables switching without requiring series switches that cause signal loss. The hybrid coupler's unique port relationships allow one path to be connected to the antenna while the other is isolated, achieving antenna sharing without the harmful series switch elements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional power combiner/splitter is used to share the antenna, then antenna sharing is achieved, but about 3dB of loss is inserted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the hybrid coupler based on the desired signal path. By controlling the impedance states of the power amplifier circuits (changing their electrical parameters), the system can switch between transmit and receive modes without using conventional combiners/splitters that inherently introduce 3dB loss. The parameter changes enable the hybrid coupler to function as a lossless switch.
3Loss of energy
If a two-chip solution is used to avoid switch loss, then signal loss is reduced, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the transmit and receive signal paths into a single chip by using a hybrid coupler that provides the necessary isolation and switching functionality. This integration eliminates the need for separate chips while avoiding the use of lossy series switches. The hybrid coupler's inherent isolation properties enable both functions to coexist on the same chip without significant signal loss.
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
This solution achieves low-loss concurrent matching for antenna sharing, reducing space requirements and eliminating switch-related losses, making it suitable for both on-chip and off-chip implementations at millimeter wave frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
A concurrent matching network uses a 90-degree hybrid coupler with four terminals, where the coupler connects a Tx path and an Rx path to an antenna without series switches
Implementation Method 2
allowing for low-loss signal sharing by activating switches to ground specific terminals during transmit and receive modes
Data Source
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AI summary
A concurrent hybrid matching network is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a phase shifting coupler having a first terminal connected to an antenna, a second terminal connected to a receive signal path, and third terminal connected to a transmit signal path. The apparatus also includes at least one switch to configured to enable one of the receive signal path and the transmit signal path to communicate with the antenna.