Modular RF Switch Matrix Topology for Signal Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing routing circuits for RF signals face challenges in efficiently routing multiple input signals to various receivers without degrading the RF signal performance, often requiring complex switch matrix combinations that increase signal degradation.
Innovation Solution
A modular and scalable switch matrix topology is introduced, where multiple switch matrix modules are interconnected in a daisy chain manner, allowing each input signal to propagate through only one switch matrix, thereby reducing signal degradation and enabling easy scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex switch matrix combinations are used to route multiple RF signals, then routing capability is improved, but signal degradation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The routing circuit is divided into multiple independent switch matrix modules, each handling a subset of input signals. This segmentation allows signals to be routed through fewer individual modules, reducing the cumulative degradation effect while maintaining overall routing capability through the modular architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switch matrices are used to handle multiple input signals, then routing versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex routing function is segmented into multiple simpler switch matrix modules. Each module has a reduced complexity compared to a single large switch matrix, while the collection of modules provides equivalent or enhanced routing versatility through modular composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular architecture enables dynamic configuration where modules can be selectively activated or deactivated based on routing requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to achieve high routing versatility only when needed, rather than requiring all modules to be simultaneously active, thus managing complexity more effectively.
3Adaptability or versatility
If signals propagate through multiple switch matrices, then routing flexibility is improved, but signal quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the routing path into parallel modular sections, the patent enables flexible routing decisions at each module level while limiting the total number of sequential switch matrices any single signal must traverse. This maintains routing flexibility through modular selection while protecting signal quality by minimizing propagation through multiple matrices.
Data Source
AI summary
A switch matrix circuit module for routing signals. In an example, the module includes a switch matrix coupled with first and second switches. The switch matrix is configured to receive a plurality of input signals, and output a selected one of the plurality of input signals as a first intermediate signal and another selected one of the plurality of input signals as a second intermediate signal. The first switch receives the first intermediate signal and a first auxiliary signal, and outputs a first output signal, and the second switch receives the second intermediate signal and a second auxiliary signal, and outputs a second output signal. A number of the modules can be coupled together to provide a switch matrix circuit, which can be readily scaled by adding further modules. In an example, the plurality of input signals are radio frequency (RF) signals.