Multi-Band WLAN Transceiver Switching for Shared Amplifier Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless transceivers are limited in their ability to efficiently operate across multiple frequency bands, particularly in wireless local area networks (WLANs), as they often require separate configurations for different frequency bands, leading to inefficiencies in signal transmission and reception.
Innovation Solution
A wireless transceiver device with multiple transmitter/receiver chains configured to handle signals from various frequency bands, including 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz, utilizing a switch element and amplifier circuits to selectively route and amplify signals across these bands, allowing for flexible configuration and simultaneous operation in multiple WLANs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate configurations are used for different frequency bands, then each frequency band can be optimized independently, but the device complexity and configuration management become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal configuration approach where a single set of configuration parameters controls multiple frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) simultaneously. The configuration data structure includes frequency-band-agnostic parameters such as power levels, antenna settings, and modulation schemes that can be applied across different bands, eliminating the need for separate configurations for each band while maintaining optimization capabilities.
2Productivity
If multiple signal paths are used for different frequency bands, then simultaneous operation in multiple bands is enabled, but the device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple frequency band signal paths into a unified architecture. A single signal path handles multiple frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) by using frequency-selective switching and shared RF components. The baseband processor, amplifier, and antenna interface are shared across all bands, with frequency-specific filtering and switching inserted at critical points to enable simultaneous multi-band operation without requiring completely separate signal paths for each band.
3Measurement precision
If frequency-selective amplification is implemented, then signal quality is improved across different bands, but the amplifier circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces frequency-selective switching elements as intermediaries between the main amplifier and the antenna node. These switching elements act as mediators that direct different frequency bands through different amplification paths or gain settings. The amplifier circuit itself remains relatively simple, but the switching network provides frequency-selective control, allowing optimal signal quality for each band without requiring complex multi-band amplifier design. The switch element couples different signal paths to the antenna node based on the active frequency band.
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
Enables efficient and flexible operation across multiple frequency bands, reducing noise figure and insertion loss, and allowing for simultaneous transmission and reception in different frequency bands, thereby enhancing wireless communication capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an amplifier circuit within the multiple signal paths between the switch element and the antenna node. The amplifier circuit may be configured to amplify the signals carried by the multiple signal paths
Data Source
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AI summary
An example device may include an antenna node configured to be coupled to an antenna element. The antenna node may be configured to pass wireless communications over multiple frequency bands. The device may also include multiple signal paths coupled to the antenna node. Each of the multiple signal paths may be configured to carry a signal from a different one of the multiple frequency bands. The device may further include a switch element coupled to the antenna node by the multiple signal paths and an amplifier circuit within the multiple signal paths between the switch element and the antenna node. The amplifier circuit may be configured to amplify the signals carried by the multiple signal paths.