Multiband Antenna Switch Diplexer Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-mode, multi-band cellular communication devices face challenges in minimizing size, weight, complexity, and cost due to the need for complex antenna switch modules with numerous switches and control lines, which are costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A multiband antenna switch module is designed with a reduced number of switches and control inputs, utilizing diplexers to selectively route incoming signals to appropriate filters based on frequency, enabling efficient operation in multiple bands with a common control signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If prior art antenna switch modules utilize 6 or 8 pHEMPPT/FET switches to handle multiple frequency bands, then the device can operate across multiple bands, but the cost and circuit space consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency spectrum is segmented into different bands (e.g., GSM 850/900, DCS 1800, PCS 1900) using diplexers that separate signals based on frequency ranges. This allows the antenna switch module to handle multiple bands through structured frequency division rather than using separate switches for each band, reducing the total switch count from 6-8 to fewer switches per band group.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna switch module is designed with universal functionality to operate across multiple frequency bands (quad-band capability) using a unified switch architecture. Instead of dedicated switches for each band, the module uses diplexers combined with fewer switches that can be controlled to handle GSM 850, GSM 900, DCS 1800, and PCS 1900 bands, making the same hardware structure adaptable to different bands.
2Ease of operation
If prior art antenna switch modules utilize three or more control lines for configuration, then the switching control is achieved, but the circuit control line consumption and operational complexity increase by orders of magnitude
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control functions are merged into a single control line. The control line uses different signal states (e.g., logic levels, impedance states) to indicate different band selections and switch configurations. This allows the module to control multiple switches and diplexers with a single control input, reducing control line count from 3 or more to just one control line while maintaining full switching capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-band communication device with a front end antenna switch module having a reduced number of control inputs is disclosed. Control over an antenna switch modules occurs via control inputs from a controller or processor to enable operation over multiple bands or under numerous different standards. In one embodiment an input/output port is configured to connect to an antenna and a diplexer is connected to the input/output port, hi this embodiment, the diplexer is configured to pass outgoing signals to the antenna and direct incoming signal from the antenna to one of two or more paths. One or more switches are connected to the diplexer such that the one or more switches are responsive to two or fewer control signals. The switch are configured to selectively enable operation of the antenna switch module into transmit or receive mode. A filter bank may also be provided as part of the module.