LNA Multiplex Modules for Consistent Carrier Aggregation Reception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF transceivers face challenges in achieving cost-effective and space-efficient consistent receiver performance when processing multiple carrier signals in carrier aggregation systems, due to long signal routing paths and inconsistent gain, impedance, and current in multiple receive paths.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multiplex modules that efficiently route received carrier signals to a demodulator using a low noise amplifier (LNA) mux and demux, which combine and distribute RF signals over a single signal trace, reducing complexity and improving impedance matching and amplification consistency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple receive paths are used to simultaneously receive two or more receive signals, then carrier aggregation capability is achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple receive paths into a single integrated receive path by using a multiplex module that accepts multiple RF input signals and routes them through shared LNA, filtering, and amplification components. This merging approach maintains carrier aggregation capability while reducing the number of separate receive paths needed, thereby decreasing device complexity and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiplex module implements universal components that handle multiple carrier signals simultaneously. The LNA, filtering stage, and amplification components are designed to process multiple RF input signals from different carriers, making them multi-functional rather than dedicated to single carriers. This universality reduces the overall number of components needed while maintaining the ability to receive multiple signals.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple receive paths with long signal routing paths are implemented, then carrier aggregation is supported, but impedance matching and gain consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple carrier signals into a single receive path through the multiplex module, the patent eliminates long signal routing paths that would otherwise be required for separate receive paths. The combined path uses shared components with consistent impedance characteristics, ensuring uniform impedance matching and gain consistency across all carrier signals without requiring precise matching across multiple independent paths.
3Reliability
If separate amplification and filtering components are used for each receive path, then signal processing is optimized, but cost and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal amplification and filtering components that simultaneously process multiple carrier signals within the single receive path. The LNA, band-pass filters, and subsequent amplification stages are designed to handle multiple frequencies and carriers, providing optimized signal processing quality for all carriers while using a single set of components rather than duplicate components for each carrier, thereby reducing manufacturing cost.
4Reliability
If duplicate amplification and filtering are implemented in multiple receive paths, then signal processing capability is enhanced, but space requirements and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges duplicate amplification and filtering functions into shared components within a single receive path. The multiplex module routes multiple carrier signals through common LNA, filtering, and amplification stages, eliminating the need for separate duplicate components for each carrier. This consolidation maintains full signal processing capability while significantly reducing the receiver circuit area required.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a low noise amplifier (LNA) multiplexer configured to receive a plurality of radio frequency (RF) signals at a plurality of input terminals and to combine the plurality of RF signals into a combined RF signal that is output at an output terminal. The LNA multiplexer includes a plurality of input signal paths, and each input signal path is coupleable to a respective input terminal of the plurality of input terminals and is configured to receive a respective RF signal of the plurality of RF signals. The apparatus further includes an LNA demultiplexer configured to receive the combined RF signal at an input port coupled to the output terminal and to distribute the combined RF signal to a plurality of output ports, each output port of the plurality of output ports configured to output the combined RF signal to a respective downconverter of a plurality of downconverters.