Multi-Band Front-End Module Layout for Compact D2D Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing front end modules for wireless devices are unable to support Device-to-Device (D2D) communication using the uplink frequency band, leading to increased space requirements due to the need for additional components and signal lines, which complicates the miniaturization and efficient deployment of D2D communication capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A front end module design that minimizes the number of switches and signal lines by integrating a first switch to connect the antenna to multiple duplexers, allowing for simultaneous support of multiple frequency bands and reducing the spatial footprint, while enabling D2D communication using a part of the uplink frequency band.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the front end module is configured to support D2D communication using uplink frequency band, then D2D communication capability is enabled, but the number of components and signal lines increases leading to larger space requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The first switch is designed to perform multiple functions: it switches between frequency bands for conventional communication and also switches for D2D communication using uplink frequency band. By making the switch multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated components for D2D, thus enabling new capability while minimizing space increase
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the D2D communication signal path with the existing conventional communication signal path by using the same first switch and sharing signal lines. The Rx signal for D2D is transmitted through the same antenna and switched by the same first switch that handles conventional Rx/Tx signals, thereby combining multiple functions into existing components rather than adding separate dedicated paths
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switches are added to support multiple frequency bands including D2D, then frequency band coverage is expanded, but the device complexity and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The first switch is designed to perform multiple functions: it switches between frequency bands for conventional communication and also switches for D2D communication using uplink frequency band. By making the switch multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated components for D2D, thus enabling new capability while minimizing space increase
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the D2D communication signal path with the existing conventional communication signal path by using the same first switch and sharing signal lines. The Rx signal for D2D is transmitted through the same antenna and switched by the same first switch that handles conventional Rx/Tx signals, thereby combining multiple functions into existing components rather than adding separate dedicated paths
Data Source
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AI summary
A front end module supporting a plurality of frequency bands and an electronic device includes a plurality of duplexers, a first switch configured to connect any one of the plurality of duplexers to an antenna, a second switch configured to connect a first port, to which a Tx signal of a first communication or a Tx signal of a second communication is input, to any one of Tx ports of the plurality of duplexers, and to connect a second port, from which a Rx signal of the second communication is output, to one of the Tx ports of the plurality of duplexers. According to certain embodiments, the number of switches occupying a large space can be minimized, and thus a space occupied by the front end module supporting device to device (D2D) communication can be reduced.