Reconfigurable Multiplexer with Phase Shifters for Interband Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiplexers for carrier aggregation in wireless communication systems face challenges in minimizing signal losses and achieving good mutual insulation between different frequency bands, especially when multiple bands are combined, leading to redundant filter requirements and reflective losses.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable multiplexer design that includes a band switch and optional phase shifters, along with notches in filters or duplexers to improve interband insulation, allowing for simultaneous operation across multiple bands with minimal additional losses and optimal phasing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple filters are permanently connected to a common antenna connector to achieve simultaneous operation in multiple bands, then the multiplexer can operate in different bands simultaneously, but the losses in the filters increase with the increasing number of filters and reflective losses occur due to finite reflection of opposite bands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs switchable connections that allow the multiplexer to dynamically reconfigure which filters are connected to the antenna connector based on the required band combination. This dynamic switching capability enables the system to adapt to different operational requirements while minimizing the number of active filters, thereby reducing signal losses and avoiding reflective losses from permanently connected filters.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiplexer design allows a single device to support multiple band combinations by switching between different filter configurations. Instead of requiring separate permanently connected multiplexers for each band combination, this universal design can be reconfigured to handle various band combinations (e.g., 26+12, 26+13, 26+B28a, 26+B28b, 26+29) using the same physical filters and switching mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple filters are permanently connected to achieve carrier aggregation in multiple bands, then simultaneous transmit and receive mode in different bands is possible, but separate multiplexers are required for each band combination increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces switchable connections controlled by control signals that enable a single multiplexer to dynamically reconfigure its filter connections based on the desired band combination. This dynamic reconfiguration eliminates the need for multiple separate permanently connected multiplexers, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to support various band combinations for carrier aggregation.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiplexer is designed as a universal device that can handle multiple band combinations through switching mechanisms. Instead of requiring dedicated multiplexers for each specific band combination (e.g., separate multiplexers for 26+12, 26+13, etc.), this universal design uses switchable filter connections to adapt to any required band combination, significantly reducing the total number of multiplexers needed in the system.
3Measurement precision
If filters are permanently connected to achieve good mutual insulation between bands, then signal separation is precise, but reflective losses occur due to finite reflection of opposite bands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses switchable connections to dynamically activate or deactivate specific filters based on the operational band combination. This dynamic approach ensures that only the necessary filters are connected during operation, minimizing the number of active filtering elements and thereby reducing reflective losses while maintaining precise signal separation for the required bands.
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 solution enables efficient simultaneous operation across multiple bands with improved insulation and reduced signal losses, allowing for effective carrier aggregation in wireless communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
The multiplexer comprises a plurality of filters, which may be components of duplexers and are respectively associated with a frequency band
Implementation Method 2
Between each filter or duplexer and the band switch is arranged an optional phase shifter, with which a suitable phasing of the respective filter or duplexer may be adjusted during multiplex mode if necessary
Implementation Method 3
a band switch, which may optionally connect an antenna connector to one or more filters or duplexers at the same time
Implementation Method 4
a notch is additionally provided in the multiplexer, which notch can be connected to one of the filters or a partial filter of a duplexer, which notch, at a certain interfering frequency that is to be attributed to an opposite Tx band, generates a pole so that this interfering frequency does not impair the insulation of the respective filter or duplexer
Data Source
AI summary
A reconfigurable multiplexer including a plurality of filter and/or duplexers, each respectively associated with a frequency band and can be connected to an antenna connector via a band switch individually or several at the same time. One or more phase shifters capable of adjusting a phasing of a filter or duplexer during a multiplex mode so as to improve the interband insulation in a given multiplex mode. A variable notch can be connected to one of the filters or partial filters of a duplexer.