N-Path Multiband Filter for Non-Contiguous Carrier Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communications using carrier aggregation, efficiently removing interfering signals is challenging, especially when they are interposed between carrier aggregation bands, leading to costly, bulky, and power-inefficient systems due to the use of multiple cellular receivers.
Innovation Solution
A multi-bandpass filter configuration using multiple N-path filters clocked by a common frequency, with adjustable bandwidths and a subtractor circuit to pass desired signals while rejecting adjacent interfering signals, allowing for non-contiguous carrier aggregation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cellular receivers are used to receive multiband signals in carrier aggregation, then the system can handle non-contiguous carrier aggregation, but the system becomes costly, bulky, and power inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple bandpass filtering functions into a single cellular receiver by using multiple N-path filters with different center frequencies. These filters are integrated within one receiver unit, allowing the system to handle multiple non-contiguous carrier aggregation bands without requiring separate receivers for each band, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The single cellular receiver is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating N-path filters that can be configured with different center frequencies and bandwidths. This universal receiver can handle various carrier aggregation configurations and non-contiguous bands, replacing the need for dedicated receivers for each specific band combination
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cellular receivers are used to receive multiband signals in carrier aggregation, then the system can handle non-contiguous carrier aggregation, but the system becomes bulky and power inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple receiver functions into a single integrated receiver unit that processes multiple bands simultaneously. By combining the functionality of what would otherwise require separate receivers into one unit, the system reduces the total number of active components, thereby lowering overall power consumption while maintaining the ability to handle non-contiguous carrier aggregation
Solution Approach 2:
The N-path filters utilize periodic switching at different phases to create multiple bandpass filtering paths within a single receiver. This periodic action allows the receiver to process multiple frequency bands through time-multiplexed filtering operations, reducing the need for continuously operating separate receivers and thus decreasing power consumption
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional filtering methods are used to remove interfering signals between carrier aggregation bands, then signal separation is achieved, but the system becomes costly and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency spectrum processing by using multiple N-path filters, each tuned to a specific center frequency corresponding to different carrier aggregation bands. Each N-path filter handles a specific frequency segment, allowing interfering signals between bands to be rejected through dedicated filtering paths without requiring complex overall system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The N-path filters serve as intermediary elements between the received multiband signal and the baseband processing stage. These filters act as mediators that selectively pass desired carrier aggregation signals while blocking interfering signals, simplifying the overall system by providing clean band-separated outputs without requiring additional complex interference cancellation circuits
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for receivers. In one aspect there is provided an apparatus. In some example embodiments, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus may include a first N- path filter configured with at least a first passband, wherein the first N-path filter is coupled to a radio frequency input port providing at least a first carrier aggregation signal, a second carrier aggregation signal, and an interfering signal; a second N-path filter configured with at least a second passband, wherein the second N-path filter is coupled to the radio frequency input port providing at least the first carrier aggregation signal, the second carrier aggregation signal, and the interfering signal; and a combiner configured to subtract a first output of the first N-path filter from a second output of the second N-path filter. Related apparatus, systems, methods, and articles are also described.