Reconfigurable Multi-Coil Transformer for RF Band Interference Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Forming satisfactory radio-frequency wireless communications circuitry for electronic devices is challenging due to undesirable signal interference in specific frequency bands, which degrades communication performance and requires complex filtering solutions that increase chip area and cost.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable multi-coil transformer-based impedance matching network that can switch between wideband, first band rejection, and second band rejection operating modes, using magnetically coupled inductors and capacitors to dynamically filter out interference while supporting inter-band carrier aggregation without unnecessary increases in chip area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional filtering solutions are used to mitigate signal interference, then communication performance is improved, but chip area and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transformer is designed to perform multiple functions: impedance matching across wide frequency ranges and frequency-selective filtering. By integrating both functions into a single component with reconfigurable capabilities, the patent eliminates the need for separate filtering circuits, thereby reducing chip area while maintaining communication performance
Solution Approach 2:
The transformer incorporates adjustable capacitors that can be dynamically reconfigured to change its transfer function. This dynamic reconfigurability allows the same hardware to adapt to different frequency bands and interference conditions, providing effective filtering without requiring multiple fixed-frequency filter circuits
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple fixed-frequency filters are added to handle different frequency bands, then interference mitigation is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single reconfigurable transformer handles filtering across multiple frequency bands by changing its capacitor configuration, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate filter components. This universal approach reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining effective interference mitigation
Solution Approach 2:
The transformer's filtering characteristics are changed by adjusting capacitor values through reconfiguration, allowing the same physical component to provide different frequency responses. This parameter change approach avoids the need to manufacture multiple components with different fixed parameters
3Adaptability or versatility
If a wideband transformer is used to support inter-band carrier aggregation, then adaptability is improved, but the ability to filter specific frequency bands deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The transformer combines wideband capability with dynamic reconfigurability. The adjustable capacitors allow the transformer to be tuned for wideband operation when inter-band carrier aggregation is needed, or reconfigured to provide frequency-selective filtering when interference mitigation is the priority, thus achieving both goals sequentially
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
The solution effectively mitigates interference across multiple frequency bands, enabling efficient inter-band carrier aggregation while minimizing chip area and complexity, thereby enhancing communication performance and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The first inductor may be magnetically coupled to the second inductor via a first magnetic coupling with a first coupling constant. The third inductor may be magnetically coupled to the first inductor via a second magnetic coupling with a second coupling constant and may be magnetically coupled to the second inductor via a third magnetic coupling with a third coupling constant.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may include wireless circuitry having a transformer adjustable between first, second, and third modes. The transformer may have first, second, third, and fourth inductors. The third inductor may be magnetically coupled to the first and second inductors with equal coupling constants. The fourth inductor may be magnetically coupled to the first and second inductors with inverse coupling constants. First and second adjustable capacitors coupled to the third and fourth inductors may receive control signals that place the transformer into a selected one of the first, second, or third modes. In the first mode the transformer exhibits a passband that overlaps first and second bands. In the second mode, the transformer passes signals in the second band while filtering interference in the first band. In the third mode, the transformer passes signals in the first band while filtering interference in the second band.