PIN Diode RF Switch Layout for Low-Loss Multi-Band Transceivers

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional PIN diode switching configurations in multi-band transceivers result in significant insertion loss, particularly in the transmit path, which affects battery life due to the presence of multiple PIN diodes causing signal loss and increased power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A wireless transceiver design that minimizes the number of PIN diodes in the transmit path by using a switching network with only two PIN diodes between the transmitter and antenna ports, allowing selective connection of RF filters to reduce signal loss and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple PIN diodes are used in the transmit path to enable filter switching, then filter selectivity and multi-band operation are improved, but insertion loss increases and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-band operationVSAvoidinsertion loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes unnecessary PIN diodes from the transmit signal path. By reconfiguring the switching network, only two PIN diodes are retained in the transmit path instead of multiple diodes, directly reducing insertion loss while preserving multi-band filter switching capability through alternative switching mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the T/R switching function with the band filtering function into a unified switching network. This integration allows a single switching structure to perform both transmit/receive mode switching and frequency band selection, eliminating redundant switching components and reducing overall insertion loss in the transmit path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple PIN diodes are used in the transmit path to enable filter switching, then filter selectivity and multi-band operation are improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-band operationVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes unnecessary PIN diodes from the transmit signal path. By reconfiguring the switching network, only two PIN diodes are retained in the transmit path instead of multiple diodes, directly reducing insertion loss while preserving multi-band filter switching capability through alternative switching mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic switching of PIN diodes based on operational mode (transmit or receive) and selected frequency band. The switch control system activates only the necessary PIN diodes for the current operating condition, keeping other diodes in a non-conducting state, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining multi-band operation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional switching configuration is used with multiple PIN diodes, then filter switching capability is maintained, but signal loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter switching capabilityVSAvoidsignal quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes unnecessary PIN diodes from the transmit signal path. By reconfiguring the switching network, only two PIN diodes are retained in the transmit path instead of multiple diodes, directly reducing insertion loss while preserving multi-band filter switching capability through alternative switching mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the switching network configuration parameters by repositioning the T/R switch and reconfiguring the interconnections between PIN diodes and filters. This parameter change optimizes the signal path to minimize the number of active PIN diodes in the transmit direction, thereby improving signal quality while maintaining filter switching capability through controlled changes in switch states and connection topology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 reduced number of PIN diodes in the transmit path leads to substantial power savings, extending battery life in handheld transceivers while maintaining performance, with minimal impact on receive path efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

Each of said first and second plurality of RF switches are PIN diodes switches having a PIN diode in series with a signal path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPIN diode switching: Diode

Data Source

PatentUS9961631B2Power saving transceiver switch configuration

Publication Date: 2018.05.01 L3HARRIS GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS INC

AI summary

Wireless transceiver includes a plurality of RF filters. A first band switching network includes a first plurality of RF switches to selectively direct transmitter RF energy to a selected RF filter. A second band switching network includes a second plurality of RF switches which selectively controls which of RF filter is connected to an antenna port. A receiver RF switch is connected to at least one of the RF filters and to a receiver input to selectively permit the received RF energy arriving at one RF filter to be communicated to the receiver. Each RF switch is a PIN diode type with at least one series diode provided along a signal path. No more than two PIN diodes are present in the signal path between the common transmitter port and the common antenna port when any of the RF filters is in use.