On-Chip Filter Switch Integration for Low-Loss RF Front Ends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional designs of radio frequency filters and switches in millimeter wave systems result in larger circuit sizes, impedance matching losses, and higher manufacturing costs due to separate and cascaded configurations.
Innovation Solution
An integrated miniaturized on-chip filter switch is developed, combining the functions of a radio frequency switch and filter into a single assembly using symmetric resonators and transistors to regulate on-off states, reducing circuit size and loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If filter and switch are designed separately and connected in cascade manner, then frequency selection function is achieved, but circuit size becomes larger and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the filter and switch into a single integrated resonant circuit structure. The switch transistor is directly integrated with the resonator, eliminating the need for separate cascade connection. This merging reduces the overall circuit size while maintaining the frequency selection function through the resonator's inherent filtering capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: the resonator provides both frequency selection (filtering) and signal switching through the transistor. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated filter and switch components, thereby reducing circuit size and manufacturing complexity.
2Reliability
If filter and switch are designed separately and connected in cascade manner, then frequency selection function is achieved, but impedance matching losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the switch transistor directly with the resonator structure, the patent eliminates the intermediate cascade connection interface. This direct integration improves impedance matching between the switching element and resonant element, reducing reflection losses and improving overall signal transmission efficiency.
3Reliability
If filter and switch are designed separately, then frequency selection function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated design allows the filter and switch to be fabricated as a single circuit structure, enabling them to be manufactured together in one process batch. This reduces the number of separate manufacturing steps, assembly operations, and quality control checks required, thereby lowering overall manufacturing cost.
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 integrated design achieves reduced circuit size and loss by enabling efficient signal isolation and transmission, improving the performance of the radio frequency front end.
Implementation Method 1
Each resonator includes a transmission line
Implementation Method 2
transistors configured to regulate an on-off state are loaded on the transmission line
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a miniaturized on-chip filter integrated switch and a radio frequency front end. The miniaturized on-chip filter integrated switch includes a first resonator and a second resonator, where the first resonator and the second resonator are symmetrically provided, have the same structure, and are coupled; the first resonator is connected to a signal input port, and the second resonator is connected to a signal output port; each resonator includes a transmission line, and transistors configured to regulate an on-off state are loaded on the transmission line. The integrated design of a filter and a switch, instead of the traditional cascade structure, helps to solve the problems of large size and high loss.