Hybrid RF Switch Paths for Fast Switching and Low Signal Loss

Solution Overview

Problem

Multifunction sensor systems require low-loss, high-performance, and wideband RF switching capabilities, but existing devices either sacrifice switching speed or incur significant signal losses, making it difficult to achieve both high-speed and high-performance switching simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid switch system is implemented with a high-speed switching path using CMOS devices and a high-performance switching path using phase-change material (PCM) devices, arranged in parallel, allowing for control signals to manage the switching states to optimize switching speed and performance, mitigating parasitic capacitance effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If phase-change material (PCM) switching devices are used, then signal loss is reduced and performance is improved, but switching speed becomes slow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal lossVSAvoidswitching speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The switching system is segmented into two separate parallel paths: one dedicated to high-speed switching and another to high-performance low-loss switching. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for its specific function without compromise, resolving the contradiction between speed and signal loss by providing dedicated infrastructure for each requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between two operational modes by controlling which path is active. The high-speed path is activated when rapid switching is required, while the high-performance path is activated when low signal loss is the priority. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize performance based on real-time operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If conventional high-speed switching devices are used, then switching speed is improved, but signal loss increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching speedVSAvoidsignal loss

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The switching system is segmented into two separate parallel paths: one dedicated to high-speed switching and another to high-performance low-loss switching. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for its specific function without compromise, resolving the contradiction between speed and signal loss by providing dedicated infrastructure for each requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between two operational modes by controlling which path is active. The high-speed path is activated when rapid switching is required, while the high-performance path is activated when low signal loss is the priority. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize performance based on real-time operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a single switching device is used to handle both high-speed and high-performance requirements, then device complexity is reduced, but it cannot simultaneously achieve both fast switching and low signal loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching system complexityVSAvoidswitching performance adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The switching system achieves multi-functionality by incorporating two parallel paths that can be selectively activated. The first path provides high-speed switching capability while the second path provides low-loss high-performance switching. This universal design allows a single system to fulfill multiple contradictory requirements by activating the appropriate path based on operational needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between two operational modes by controlling which path is active. The high-speed path is activated when rapid switching is required, while the high-performance path is activated when low signal loss is the priority. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize performance based on real-time operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

The system achieves fast switching speeds while maintaining low signal losses, enabling flexible operation for both high-speed and high-performance switching in multifunction sensor and communication systems, such as RF transceivers, by effectively managing switching states between high-speed and high-performance paths.

Implementation Method 1

at least one of the at least one second switch being configured as a high-performance switching device... at least one of the at least one second switch being configured as a phase-change material (PCM) switching device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentUS11546010B2Hybrid high-speed and high-performance switch system

Publication Date: 2023.01.03 NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORP

AI summary

One example includes a switch system. The system includes a first signal port and a second signal port. The system also includes a first switching path arranged between the first and second signal ports. The first switching path includes at least one first switch and at least one of the at least one first switch being configured as a high-speed switching device. The system further includes a second switching path arranged between the first and second signal ports in parallel with the first switching path. The second switching path includes at least one second switch and at least one of the at least one second switch being configured as a high-performance switching device.