Reconfigurable Multifunctional Filter for Low Insertion Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-mode cellular phones with separate circuit elements for TDD and FDD modes face higher component count, production cost, bulkier packaging, and increased power consumption due to differing insertion losses between low-pass and band-pass filters.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional filter that can be configured to operate in either band-pass or low-pass mode, minimizing insertion loss by switching between modes based on signal type, thereby reducing the need for separate circuit elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If separate circuit elements (low-pass filter for TDD, band-pass filter for FDD) are used for each mode, then insertion loss is optimized for each specific mode, but device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a single filter that can operate in multiple modes (low-pass mode for TDD, band-pass mode for FDD) by changing its configuration based on the operating mode. This multi-functional filter replaces the need for separate dedicated filters for each communication mode, thereby reducing component count while maintaining optimized insertion loss characteristics for both TDD and FDD operations
Solution Approach 2:
The filter's characteristics are made dynamic rather than static. The filter can switch between low-pass and band-pass configurations depending on whether the system is operating in TDD or FDD mode. This dynamic reconfiguration allows a single filter to adapt its behavior to match the requirements of different communication modes, optimizing insertion loss without requiring multiple fixed filters
2Reliability
If separate circuit elements are used for TDD and FDD modes, then signal transmission is optimized for each mode, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By using a single multi-functional filter that serves both TDD and FDD modes, the number of active components in the signal path is reduced. Fewer components mean fewer sources of power consumption, while the filter maintains its ability to optimize signal transmission for each specific mode through dynamic reconfiguration
3Loss of energy
If separate circuit elements are used for each mode, then insertion loss is minimized for each mode, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple separate filters (low-pass filter for TDD and band-pass filter for FDD) into a single integrated filter structure. This consolidation reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and tested, thereby lowering production costs while maintaining the insertion loss optimization benefits for both communication modes
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and system for using a multifunctional filter to minimize insertion loss in a multi-mode communications system are described. Specifically described is a multifunctional filter that is configurable to operate in a band-pass mode when a first type of signal is propagated through the multifunctional filter, and to operate in a low-pass mode when a second type of signal is propagated through the multifunctional filter. The multifunctional filter presents a lower insertion loss to the second type of signal when operating in the low-pass mode than in the band-pass mode.