RF Front-End Architecture With Integrated Switches for Antenna Swapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RF communication systems suffer from significant signal loss due to external switches in the signal paths between RF modules and antennas, which reduces the sensitivity of the radio frequency front-end system.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a radio frequency front-end system with integrated controllable switches within mid and high band modules to switch between antenna ports, minimizing the use of external switches and reducing signal loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If external switches are used in the signal paths between RF modules and antennas, then the system can provide switching functionality, but significant signal loss occurs which reduces system sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the switch functionality directly into the RF module, merging the switching function with the RF processing function. This eliminates the need for separate external switches in the signal path between RF modules and antennas, thereby reducing signal loss while maintaining switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an integrated switch as an intermediary component within the RF module that provides switching functionality without requiring external switches. This internal intermediary reduces the overall number of switches in the signal path, minimizing signal loss while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple external switches are used to connect RF modules to antennas, then switching between different antennas is enabled, but the number of signal loss points increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple switch functions into a single integrated switch within the RF module. This integration reduces the total number of switches from multiple external switches to one internal switch, thereby reducing the number of signal loss points while maintaining the capability to switch between different antennas.
3Ease of operation
If external switches are used in the signal path, then RF module connectivity to antennas is controlled, but sensitivity of the radio frequency front-end system is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connectivity control function into the RF module itself through an integrated switch. This eliminates the need for external switches that would introduce additional signal loss and reduce system sensitivity, while still providing the necessary connectivity control functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency front end system has a primary transmit and receive module with at least one transmit path, at least one first receive path, at least two first antenna ports, and at least one first controllable switch configured to switch between the at least two first antenna ports. A first secondary radio frequency module includes at least one second receive path, at least two second antenna ports, and at least one second controllable switch configured to switch between the at least two second antenna ports. A first antenna port of the at least two first antenna ports is configured for direct connection to a first antenna. A second antenna port of the at least two first antenna ports configured for indirect connection to a second antenna.