Reconfigurable Multiplexer for MIMO Front End

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication devices face challenges in efficiently processing multiple radio access networks simultaneously due to the use of cascaded filters, which result in increased insertion losses and size constraints in portable devices.

Innovation Solution

A reconfigurable multiplexer with a switching network and filter assembly that integrates multi-path operability and connectability, allowing for concurrent processing of cellular and WLAN signals without the need for cascaded filters, reducing insertion losses and optimizing size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cascaded filters are used to process multiple radio access networks, then filtering capability is improved, but insertion losses increase and device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltering capabilityVSAvoidinsertion losses

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the filtering function by implementing separate filter assemblies for different radio access networks (cellular, WLAN, Bluetooth) rather than using cascaded filters. Each filter assembly independently processes specific frequency bands, eliminating the cumulative insertion losses associated with cascaded filter configurations while maintaining comprehensive filtering capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a sequential cascaded filter architecture to a parallel multi-path architecture where multiple filter assemblies operate simultaneously on different frequency bands. This dimensional change in signal processing topology allows concurrent handling of multiple radio access networks without the signal passing through multiple filter stages, thereby reducing insertion losses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If cascaded filters are used to process multiple radio access networks, then filtering capability is improved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltering capabilityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the filtering function into separate filter assemblies for different radio access networks (cellular, WLAN, Bluetooth) rather than using cascaded filters. This segmentation eliminates the need for multiple sequential filter stages, reducing the overall device volume while maintaining comprehensive filtering capability across all frequency bands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reconfigurable multiplexer provides multi-functionality by enabling a single device to concurrently process multiple radio access networks (cellular, WLAN, Bluetooth) through different signal paths. This universal architecture eliminates the need for separate cascaded filter chains for each network type, thereby reducing device size while maintaining filtering capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple radio access networks are processed concurrently, then system versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reconfigurable multiplexer is designed with universal multi-functionality to concurrently process multiple radio access networks (cellular, WLAN, Bluetooth) through integrated signal paths. This unified architecture achieves system versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the multiplexer manages multiple networks through a coordinated switching network rather than requiring separate independent processing chains.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The switching network acts as an intermediary that intelligently routes signals from the antenna to appropriate filter assemblies based on the detected radio access network type. This mediator component enables concurrent processing of multiple networks by dynamically configuring signal paths, thereby achieving high versatility while managing device complexity through centralized control rather than distributed complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11563696B2Front end configurations for multiple input multiple output

Publication Date: 2023.01.24 SKYWORKS SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

Described herein are systems, devices, and methods for front end configurations that support multiple input multiple output (MiMo) communication for cellular signals. The configurations include an antenna triplexer, a first multiplexer, and a second multiplexer. A first filter of the triplexer is coupled to a signal port of the first multiplexer, a second filter of the triplexer is coupled to a first signal port of the second multiplexer, and a third filter of the triplexer is coupled to a second signal port of the second multiplexer. The first multiplexer processes low-band (LB) cellular frequency bands and the second multiplexer processes mid-band (MB), high-band (HB), and ultra high-band (UHB) cellular frequency bands. Each frequency band includes a duplexer to enable bi-directional communication.