IF Transceiver and RF Module Interface for FR2 Beamforming Sync

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing IF transceivers and RF modules in FR2 mobile systems face challenges in configuring efficient interfaces due to high frequencies, leading to difficulties in controlling the RF antenna module and beamforming operations, and conventional methods like bias-T configurations are inefficient or unsuitable for high-frequency systems.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device utilizing AC-coupled and DC-coupled interfaces to transmit and receive signals with different frequencies, where AC-coupling is used for LO signals and DC-coupling for control signals, enabling efficient signal separation and synchronization through diplexing in an IF transceiver and RF module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a bias-T interface configuration is used for LO transfer, then synchronous system configuration is achieved, but control signal configuration between module and IF transceiver becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronous system configurationVSAvoidcontrol signal configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The interface is segmented into two separate configurations: AC-coupled interface for LO signal transfer and DC-coupled interface for control signal transfer. This segmentation allows each interface to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between achieving synchronous configuration and enabling control signal configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different coupling methods (AC-coupling and DC-coupling) are introduced as intermediaries to transfer different types of signals through separate paths. The AC-coupled interface with bias-T serves as intermediary for LO signals, while DC-coupled interface serves as intermediary for control signals, eliminating the conflict in signal configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If several modules are extended to configure the system, then flexibility is improved, but restrictions from higher frequency configuration within IF transceiver increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem configuration flexibilityVSAvoidhigher frequency configuration restrictions

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The solution moves from a single-interface configuration to a multi-dimensional interface architecture with separate AC-coupled and DC-coupled interfaces. This dimensional change in interface configuration allows flexible module extension while avoiding the restrictions of trying to handle all signals through a single high-frequency interface within the IF transceiver.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Speed

If AC-coupled interface is used for LO signal transfer, then signal transmission is achieved, but signal separation and synchronization become challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmissionVSAvoidsignal separation and synchronization

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The interface system is segmented into AC-coupled and DC-coupled separate paths, allowing LO signals and control signals to be transmitted simultaneously without interference. This segmentation simplifies signal separation at the receiver end and maintains synchronization through dedicated pathways for each signal type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution allows for efficient transmission and reception of various signals with different characteristics without distortion, facilitating proper control and synchronization, thereby enhancing beamforming capabilities in FR2 mobile systems.

Implementation Method 1

an AC-coupled interface configured to perform AC-coupling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAC-coupling: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

a DC-coupled interface configured to perform DC-coupling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDC-coupling: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

separate the first IF signal and the LO signal obtained via the AC-coupled interface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiplexing: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 4

separate the second IF signal and the first control signal obtained via the DC-coupled interface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiplexing: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentEP4231533B1If transceiver, RF module and electronic device including the same

Publication Date: 2026.02.25 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

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AI summary

An electronic device including an IF transceiver configured to output a first IF signal and an LO signal via an AC-coupled interface, the first IF signal being up-converted from a first baseband signal, and output a second IF signal and a first control signal via a DC-coupled interface, the second IF signal being up-converted from a second baseband signal, and the first control signal being generated based on the LO signal, and an RF module configured to separate the first IF signal and the LO signal obtained via the AC-coupled interface, separate the second IF signal and the first control signal obtained via the DC-coupled interface, generate a first RF signal based on the first IF signal for transmission via an antenna array, and generate a second RF signal based on the second IF signal for transmission via the antenna array.