Remote Frontend Modules Reduce Insertion Loss in Wireless Transceivers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional Wi-Fi modules in wireless communication devices suffer from high insertion loss due to long RF routes, compromising device performance and limiting feature implementation due to size constraints.

Innovation Solution

Implementing remote front-end modules (FEMs) in close proximity to RF antennas, coupled to the system-on-chip (SOC) via reduced interconnects, which reduces insertion loss and frees up space on the SOC for additional features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If FEMs are integrated into the SOC, then device integration is improved, but insertion loss increases due to long RF routes

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveintegrationVSAvoidinsertion loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the FEMs from the SOC integration and places them as separate modules closer to the antennas. This extraction resolves the contradiction by allowing the FEMs to be positioned optimally for RF performance while maintaining system integration through controlled interface circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the spatial dimension of FEM placement from being embedded within the SOC to being positioned in a different location on the device motherboard, closer to the antennas. This dimensional change reduces RF route length and insertion loss while maintaining system integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of energy

If FEMs are placed close to antennas, then insertion loss is reduced, but device area increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion lossVSAvoiddevice area

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the wireless communication system into distinct functional modules: SOC, FEMs, and interface circuits. This segmentation allows each module to be optimally positioned - FEMs near antennas for low insertion loss, SOC in its optimal location, with reduced interconnect requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If long RF routes are used on MLB, then FEMs can be integrated in SOC, but communication performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveintegrationVSAvoidcommunication performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces interface circuits as intermediaries between the SOC and FEMs. These interface circuits reduce the number of interconnects required and enable the FEMs to be positioned closer to antennas, improving communication performance while maintaining system integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10135482B2Wireless transceiver with remote frontend

Publication Date: 2018.11.20 AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE LTD

AI summary

A wireless communication device includes a first circuit including a baseband circuit and a radio circuit, and at least one frontend module (FEM) remote from the first circuit and placed in close proximity to and coupled to at least one radio-frequency (RF) antenna. The FEM is coupled to the first circuit via interface circuitry. An FEM comprises a frontend (FE) circuit including one or more low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), one or more power amplifiers (PAs), and at least one of a multi-pole switch and a multiplexer. The multi-pole switch and the multiplexer being implemented on a first side of the FEM coupled to the interface circuitry. The interface circuitry includes at least some of filters, splitters, multi-pole switches, and multiplexers to reduce a count of interconnect routes to the at least one FEM.