Multiplexer Coupling Circuit for Carrier Aggregation Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiplexers for carrier aggregation lack a mechanism to change attenuation bands, leading to increased circuit size and component count, and do not efficiently switch between single and carrier aggregation modes.
Innovation Solution
A multiplexer with a switch and coupling circuit that allows for electromagnetic coupling between filters, enabling switching between single and carrier aggregation modes and adjusting attenuation characteristics by connecting or separating the coupling circuit from the filter, thereby reducing component count and circuit size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a signal path is added to cancel unwanted signals in the filter circuit, then attenuation characteristics outside the pass band are improved, but the circuit size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling circuit is integrated with the filter unit by forming a signal path between them through electromagnetic coupling. This merging allows the unwanted signal cancellation function to be achieved without adding a completely separate parallel path, thereby improving attenuation characteristics while minimizing circuit size increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling circuit acts as an intermediary element that enables signal path formation between the filter unit and the output without requiring direct physical connection. This mediator approach allows for compact integration while maintaining the desired signal cancellation effect.
2Reliability
If the multiplexer is designed for carrier aggregation with fixed frequency characteristics, then it achieves optimum circuit characteristics for specific bands, but it cannot adapt to different carrier aggregation configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The multiplexer incorporates a switch that dynamically reconfigures the signal paths based on the operating mode (single band or carrier aggregation) and the specific frequency bands being used. This dynamic switching capability allows the circuit characteristics to be optimized for different carrier aggregation configurations without requiring multiple fixed designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling circuit is designed to be universally applicable across different frequency bands and carrier aggregation configurations. By using electromagnetic coupling that can be activated or deactivated through the switch, the same circuit structure serves multiple functions: it provides unwanted signal cancellation in single band mode and enables flexible band combination in carrier aggregation mode.
3Productivity
If multiple filter circuits are used simultaneously for carrier aggregation, then processing of multiple frequency bands is achieved, but the number of components and circuit complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling circuit merges the signal paths of multiple filter circuits by providing a common output path that combines signals from different frequency bands. This merging approach allows multiple filters to work together for carrier aggregation without requiring completely separate output circuits for each filter, thereby reducing the overall component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling circuit serves as a universal interface that can handle signals from any combination of filter circuits. Whether one or multiple filters are active, the coupling circuit provides the same unwanted signal cancellation function, eliminating the need for different circuit configurations for different carrier aggregation modes.
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 allows for efficient switching between operation modes, optimizing attenuation characteristics and reducing circuit size while maintaining effective performance for carrier aggregation, thus addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a coupling circuit connected to the third selection terminal and the first filter, the coupling circuit being capable of forming a signal path between the third selection terminal and the first filter by electromagnetic coupling
Data Source
AI summary
A multiplexer includes: a switch capable of connecting a common terminal to at least one of a first selection terminal, a second selection terminal, and a third selection terminal at the same time; a first filter connected to the first selection terminal, the first filter having a first pass band; a second filter connected to the second selection terminal, the second filter having a second pass band that is different from the first pass band; and a coupling circuit connected to the third selection terminal and the first filter, the coupling circuit forming a signal path between the third selection terminal and the first filter by electromagnetic coupling.