Multi-Band Transmitter RF 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 required 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

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple transmitter apparatuses are used to support multiple frequency bands, then the mobile device can support multiple frequency bands, but the device complexity and number of components increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency band supportVSAvoidtransmitter apparatus complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single power amplifier is designed to handle multiple frequency bands by dynamically switching its connection to different transmission filters and duplexers based on the active frequency band, making one component perform the function of what would traditionally require multiple dedicated components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Switches are introduced to dynamically reconfigure the signal path between the power amplifier, transmission filters, and duplexers depending on which frequency band is currently in use, allowing the system to adapt its configuration in real-time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple transmitter apparatuses are used to support multiple frequency bands, then the mobile device can support multiple frequency bands, but the device occupies more space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency band supportVSAvoiddevice space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple transmission paths that would traditionally require separate physical transmitter apparatuses are merged into a single shared path through the use of a common power amplifier, with switches enabling dynamic routing to different frequency-specific components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple transmitter apparatuses are used to support multiple frequency bands, then the mobile device can support multiple frequency bands, but the production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency band supportVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The power amplifier is designed as a universal component capable of operating across multiple frequency bands, eliminating the need to manufacture and stock multiple frequency-specific power amplifiers, thereby reducing production costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 needed, freeing up space and simplifying circuitry while lowering production costs by allowing a single power amplifier to be used across multiple frequency bands.

Implementation Method 1

a power amplifier configured to amplify the wireless signal transmitted through the output terminal of the first switch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPower amplification:

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency filtering: Filter (electronic)

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical switching:

Implementation Method 4

at least two duplexers each being connected to each of the output terminals of the second switch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal separation: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentUS10554229B2Transmitter apparatus of mobile device and operation method thereof

Publication Date: 2020.02.04 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

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.