Multi-Band RF Transmitter Switching With a Shared Power Amplifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile devices supporting multiple frequency bands require multiple transmitter apparatuses, leading to space constraints and increased production costs due to the need for multiple power amplifiers and complex circuitry.
Innovation Solution
A transmitter apparatus for mobile devices that uses a single power amplifier and switches to connect different frequency bands, minimizing the number of power amplifiers and simplifying circuitry by employing a radio frequency unit with multiple transmitting terminals, transmission filters, switches, duplexers, and a control unit to manage signal routing based on frequency bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transmitter apparatuses are used to support multiple frequency bands, then each frequency band can be transmitted independently, but the number of power amplifiers increases and space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
A single power amplifier is designed to serve multiple frequency bands by being shared across different transmitter apparatuses. The control unit dynamically allocates the power amplifier to different frequency bands based on communication needs, making one component perform multiple functions that previously required separate dedicated components for each frequency band.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic switching mechanisms where the control unit actively manages the allocation of the power amplifier between different frequency bands in real-time. Switches and transmission filters are dynamically reconfigured to connect the single power amplifier to the appropriate frequency band transmitter, enabling flexible adaptation without permanent dedicated connections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transmitter apparatuses are used for different frequency bands, then each band has dedicated components, but circuitry becomes complicated and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit acts as a universal controller that manages multiple frequency bands through a single power amplifier. Instead of having independent control circuits for each transmitter apparatus, one control unit dynamically configures the system to support multiple frequency bands, reducing the number of control components and simplifying the overall circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple transmitter apparatuses that previously operated independently with separate power amplifiers are merged into a shared architecture. The transmission filters and switches from different frequency band transmitters are combined and controlled by a single power amplifier and control unit, reducing component count and circuit complexity while maintaining multi-band capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power amplifiers are used for multiple frequency bands, then each frequency band has dedicated amplification, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power amplifier is designed as a universal component capable of amplifying signals across multiple frequency bands. By making the power amplifier multi-functional rather than dedicating separate amplifiers to each frequency band, the bill of materials is reduced, leading to lower component costs and simplified manufacturing processes.
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
This solution reduces the number of power amplifiers, conserves space, and lowers production costs by allowing a single power amplifier to be shared across multiple frequency bands while maintaining efficient signal transmission and reception capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a power amplifier configured to amplify the wireless signal transmitted through the output terminal of the first switch
Implementation Method 2
at least two transmission filters each being connected to each of the transmitting terminals of the RF unit and configured to perform a filtering process for the wireless signal of each frequency band
Implementation Method 3
a first switch having at least two input terminals and a single output terminal, each input terminal being connected to each transmission filter, the first switch configured to perform a switching operation to connect one of the input terminals and the output terminal in response to a control signal
Data Source
AI summary
In a transmitter apparatus of a mobile device, a radio frequency unit has transmitting terminals for sending wireless signals of different frequency bands. Transmission filters are respectively connected to the transmitting terminals and perform a filtering process for the signal of each frequency band. A first switch has a single output terminal and input terminals respectively connected to the transmission filters, performing a switching operation to connect one of the input terminals and the output terminal in response to a control signal. A power amplifier amplifies the signal transmitted through the output terminal of the first switch. A second switch has a single input terminal connected to the power amplifier, and output terminals corresponding to the transmission filters. The second switch performs a switching operation to connect the input terminal and one of the output terminals in response to the control signal.