Hybrid Multi-Band Multiplexer Layout for Low-Loss mmWave Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless communications systems, particularly 5G NR, face challenges with high loss in multi-band operations due to the impracticality of off-chip duplexers or circulators at millimeter-wave frequencies and poor performance of on-chip multiplexing schemes, leading to increased costs and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
A low-loss multi-band multiplexing scheme is proposed, utilizing a hybrid approach with on-chip tuning components and off-chip combining components, separated by a chip boundary, to support multiple mm-wave frequencies with reduced loss and improved flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If off-chip duplexers or circulators are used for multi-band operations, then signal transmission can be achieved, but transmission loss increases and cost increases at millimeter-wave frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multiplexing function into two parts: on-chip tuning components for frequency selection and off-chip combining components for signal combination. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall transmission loss while maintaining signal transmission quality at millimeter-wave frequencies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary hybrid architecture that bridges on-chip and off-chip components. The on-chip tuning components act as intermediaries to select specific frequency bands, while off-chip combining components serve as intermediaries to combine multiple signals, thereby reducing direct transmission loss through optimized signal paths
2Device complexity
If on-chip multiplexing schemes are used, then integration is improved, but transmission loss increases and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multiplexing function into on-chip tuning components for frequency selection and off-chip combining components for signal combination. This segmentation allows the on-chip components to maintain high integration while the off-chip components provide the necessary signal processing capability to maintain transmission performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by placing different types of components in different locations: on-chip tuning components are integrated where space is constrained, while off-chip combining components are placed where larger signal processing capabilities are needed. This localized optimization maintains both integration and transmission performance
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional multi-band multiplexing is used, then multiple frequency bands can be supported, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action through tunable components that can be switched between different frequency bands as needed. Instead of continuously operating all bands simultaneously, the system periodically tunes to the required frequency band, reducing power consumption while maintaining multi-band capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic tuning components that can adaptively switch between different frequency bands based on communication requirements. This dynamic operation allows the system to maintain multi-band capability while consuming power only when and where needed, rather than continuously powering all frequency paths
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects described herein relate to low-loss multi-band multiplexing schemes for a wireless communications system, for example, a 5th Generation (5G) New Radio (NR) system. In an aspect, a multiplexer for multi-band wireless communications comprises at least one tuning component configured to transmit or receive at least one signal within a frequency band that is selected from a plurality of frequency bands. The multiplexer further comprises at least one combining component, communicatively coupled with the at least one tuning component, configured to transmit or receive the at least one signal within the selected frequency band. In an aspect, the at least one tuning component is integrated on a chip and the at least one combining component is not integrated on the chip.