Programmable Baseband Filter Coupling for Compact Multiband ICs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication devices face challenges in adapting to different frequency channels without increasing integrated circuit footprint or introducing noise issues due to the use of new technology nodes, particularly in 5G NR, 4G, and GSM networks, which require efficient filter coupling and noise reduction.
Innovation Solution
A programmable baseband filter system that allows selective coupling of baseband filters to borrow active and passive components from each other, adjusting pole configurations for different bandwidths and noise levels, reducing flicker noise and parasitic capacitance while maintaining a compact IC footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate baseband filters are used for different frequency channels, then adaptability to different frequency channels is improved, but integrated circuit footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal baseband filter design where a single filter structure can operate across multiple frequency channels by reconfiguring its poles and zeros. The filter includes switchable components that allow it to adapt its transfer function for different frequency bands (e.g., 5G NR, 4G, GSM) without requiring separate dedicated filters for each channel, thereby reducing IC footprint while maintaining multi-channel adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamically reconfigurable filter parameters including switchable poles and zeros. Control logic dynamically adjusts the filter configuration based on the detected frequency channel, enabling the same physical filter hardware to serve multiple frequency bands by changing its electrical characteristics through switches and variable components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If new technology nodes are used for 5G NR, 4G, and GSM networks, then adaptability to modern networks is improved, but noise issues and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the filter's transfer function to adapt to different network standards. By adjusting pole locations, zero locations, and gain parameters through switchable configurations, the same filter hardware can optimize its performance for 5G NR, 4G, and GSM networks while maintaining low noise characteristics appropriate for each standard's requirements.
3Area of stationary object
If filter coupling is implemented to reduce IC footprint, then area is reduced, but noise from shared components may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the filter into independent reconfigurable modules with switchable poles and zeros. This segmentation allows selective activation of filter components based on the operating frequency band, enabling shared hardware resources while minimizing noise interference through controlled isolation of active filter sections during different operating modes.
Data Source
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AI summary
An aspect includes a filtering method including operating a first filter to filter a first input signal to generate a first output signal; operating a second filter to filter a second input signal to generate a second output signal; and selectively coupling at least a portion of the second filter with the first filter to filter a third input signal to generate a third output signal. Another aspect includes a filtering method including operating switching devices to configure a filter with a first set of pole(s); filtering a first input signal to generate a first output signal with the filter configured with the first set of pole(s); operating the switching devices to configure the filter with a second set of poles; and filtering a second input signal to generate a second output signal with the filter configured with the second set of poles.