Phase Shift Selection Circuits for Dual-Feed Antenna Isolation

Solution Overview

Problem

The high cost and insertion loss associated with antenna switch modules (ASMs) in wireless communication devices make them impractical for low-cost cell phone architectures, particularly in emerging markets, and result in degraded RF performance.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of dual-feed high isolation antenna architectures with phase shift selection circuits that vary impedance as a function of communication frequency, eliminating the need for ASMs and providing efficient switching between different frequency bands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If antenna switch modules (ASMs) are used for frequency band switching, then communication functionality across multiple frequency bands is achieved, but device cost increases and insertion loss degrades RF performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency band switching capabilityVSAvoidinsertion loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the antenna switch module (ASM) from the traditional wireless communication architecture. By removing the ASM and replacing it with a dual-feed antenna system with phase shift selection circuits, the invention achieves frequency band switching without the insertion loss and cost penalties associated with ASMs. The phase shift selection circuits have different impedances for different frequency bands, enabling automatic frequency-selective signal routing without mechanical or electronic switches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If antenna switch modules (ASMs) are used for frequency band switching, then communication functionality across multiple frequency bands is achieved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency band switching capabilityVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the antenna switch module (ASM) from the traditional wireless communication architecture. By removing the ASM and replacing it with a dual-feed antenna system with phase shift selection circuits, the invention achieves frequency band switching without the insertion loss and cost penalties associated with ASMs. The phase shift selection circuits have different impedances for different frequency bands, enabling automatic frequency-selective signal routing without mechanical or electronic switches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If ASMs are used to isolate transmission and reception channels, then channel isolation is achieved, but RF performance degrades due to insertion loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel isolationVSAvoidinsertion loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces phase shift selection circuits as intermediary elements between the antenna feeds and the transceiver components. These circuits act as frequency-selective mediators that automatically direct transmission and reception signals to appropriate feeds based on frequency band, achieving channel isolation without the insertion loss of ASMs. The different impedance characteristics of the phase shift selection circuits at different frequencies enable effective signal routing and isolation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution reduces costs and improves RF performance by effectively isolating transmission and reception channels without the need for ASMs, enabling affordable wireless communication devices with enhanced functionality.

Implementation Method 1

The phase shift selection circuits have different respective impedances relative to the communication port and the respective impedances vary for the different frequency bands

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpedance variation with frequency: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS8260347B2Radio frequency communication devices and methods

Publication Date: 2012.09.04 INTEL CORP

AI summary

One embodiment relates to a circuit for efficient wireless communication. The circuit includes a communication port adapted to be coupled to an antenna feed. Multiple communication paths stem from the communication port, where different communication paths are associated with different frequency bands. Multiple phase shift selection circuits are respectively associated with the multiple communication paths. The phase shift selection circuits have different respective impedances relative to the communication port and the respective impedances vary for the different frequency bands. Other methods and systems are also disclosed.