Parallel Switch Circuit for Low-Power Wake-Up Radio Listening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional low-power wake-up radio (LP-WUR) technologies suffer from high power consumption due to the continuous powering of single-pole multi-throw switches during signal listening, which is necessary for connecting the wake-up radio (WUR) and main communication modules to the antenna.
Innovation Solution
A switch circuit comprising parallel-connected first and second switch sub-circuits, where the first sub-circuit includes depletion-mode transistors turned on when off, and the second sub-circuit includes enhancement-mode transistors turned off when off, allowing the WUR to listen for signals without powering the switch, thus reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the single-pole multi-throw switch is continuously powered to maintain the conductive path between WUR and antenna, then the WUR can perform signal listening, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the switch into two independent sub-circuits: a first switch sub-circuit for connecting the WUR to the antenna, and a second switch sub-circuit for connecting the main communication module to the antenna. Each sub-circuit can be independently controlled, allowing the first sub-circuit to remain conductive without continuous power while the second sub-circuit is powered off during WUR operation, thus reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional switch design by using two separate switch sub-circuits instead of a single multi-throw switch. This inversion allows each sub-circuit to be optimized independently, with the first sub-circuit designed to maintain conductivity without continuous power supply, thereby solving the power consumption issue.
2Device complexity
If a single-pole multi-throw switch is used to multiplex the antenna between WUR and main communication module, then the device structure is simplified, but the switch requires continuous power to maintain signal isolation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single multi-throw switch into two separate switch sub-circuits. The first switch sub-circuit handles WUR antenna connection, and the second switch sub-circuit handles main communication module antenna connection. This segmentation allows each sub-circuit to be independently controlled and powered, eliminating the need for continuous power to maintain signal isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control mechanism where the first and second switch sub-circuits are controlled by different control signals. This intermediary control allows the first sub-circuit to remain conductive without continuous power while the second sub-circuit is properly isolated when not in use, reducing power consumption.
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 proposed switch circuit reduces power consumption by enabling WUR signal listening without continuous power to the switch, maintaining signal isolation, and allowing multiple WURs with different frequency bands to listen simultaneously without additional power draw.
Implementation Method 1
The first switch sub-circuit includes at least one first depletion-mode transistor that is connected in series. The second terminal and the third terminal are connected and the fourth terminal and the fifth terminal are disconnected when the switch circuit is powered off.
Implementation Method 2
The second switch sub-circuit includes at least one first enhancement-mode transistor that is connected in series. The second terminal and the third terminal are connected and the fourth terminal and the fifth terminal are disconnected when the switch circuit is powered off.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4(b)
Figure 5(a)~6
AI summary
Embodiments of this application relate to the field of communication technologies, and disclose a switch circuit, a switch application system, a communication device, and a switch application method, to reduce power consumption of the switch circuit. The switch circuit includes a first switch sub-circuit and a second switch sub-circuit that are connected in parallel. The first switch sub-circuit includes at least one first depletion-mode transistor that is connected in series. The second switch sub-circuit includes at least one first enhancement-mode transistor that is connected in series. The switch circuit includes a first terminal. The first switch sub-circuit includes a second terminal and a third terminal. The second switch sub-circuit includes a fourth terminal and a fifth terminal. The first terminal is electrically connected to the second terminal. The first terminal is electrically connected to the fourth terminal. The second terminal and the third terminal are connected and the fourth terminal and the fifth terminal are disconnected when the switch circuit is powered off.