Reconfigurable Triplexer Filter Bank for Dead Zone Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional multiplexers have a fixed design, limiting their ability to handle multiple frequency bands efficiently, resulting in dead zones and increased size, and struggle with competing demands for low insertion loss and high isolation, especially when supporting multiple communication bands.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable multiplexer with a filter bank and bypass circuit that dynamically adjusts to support various frequency bands, reducing insertion loss and eliminating dead zones by using load circuits and a switching network to connect filters and bypass paths based on control signals from a base station.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed design multiplexer is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot efficiently handle multiple frequency bands resulting in dead zones and increased size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a reconfigurable multiplexer where filter banks and switching networks can be dynamically adjusted to support various frequency bands. The system transitions from a fixed design to a dynamic configuration that adapts to different communication bands, eliminating dead zones while managing device size through intelligent resource allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiplexer is designed with multiple filter banks and a switching network that enables a single device to handle multiple frequency bands efficiently. By making the system multi-functional, it can adapt to different communication standards and bands without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each band.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional multiplexers are designed to support multiple bands, then frequency band coverage increases, but insertion loss increases and isolation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiplexer is divided into multiple filter banks, each optimized for specific frequency ranges. By segmenting the overall filtering function into specialized sub-units, each filter bank can maintain low insertion loss for its designated band while the switching network routes signals through the appropriate segment, preventing energy loss that would occur in a monolithic design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different filter banks are designed with local optimizations for their specific frequency ranges. Each segment has tailored characteristics that minimize insertion loss for its target band, rather than using a uniform design across all bands. This local quality approach ensures optimal performance for each frequency range while maintaining overall system versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If filter banks are added to support multiple bands, then frequency band support improves, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching network enables dynamic activation of only the filter banks needed for the current communication band. Instead of having all filter banks permanently connected and occupying space in the signal path, the system activates only the relevant segments, effectively reducing the functional device size while maintaining the capability to support multiple bands when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A reconfigurable triplexer that can support more frequency bands than a traditional triplexer is disclosed. For example, the reconfigurable triplexer can handle frequencies of several hundred megahertz up to 10 gigahertz. Further, certain implementations of the reconfigurable multiplexer can reduce or eliminate frequency dead zones that exist with traditional multiplexers. The reconfigurable triplexer includes a multi-stage filter bank capable of supporting a number of frequency bands and a bypass circuit that enables the triplexer to support a variety of sets of frequencies. For instance, unlike traditional triplexers, the reconfigurable triplexer can support both frequency bands with relatively narrow spacing and frequency bands with relatively wide spacing. Further, the inclusion of the bypass circuit enables the reduction or elimination of dead zones between supported frequencies.