RF Antenna Switch with Dynamic Filter Bypass for Carrier Aggregation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern communication systems using carrier aggregation mode face issues with noise signals due to harmonic modes, which require additional filtering, but this filtering causes undesirable losses.
Innovation Solution
An RF antenna switch with an additional filter and switching capability allows filtering out noise frequencies in carrier aggregation mode while bypassing the filter for single band operation to minimize losses, using an extra I/O terminal to route signals through or around the filter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If additional filtering is implemented to attenuate harmonic modes in carrier aggregation mode, then noise signals are reduced, but signal loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic switching mechanism that allows the filter to be selectively connected or bypassed based on the operating mode. In carrier aggregation mode, the filter is activated to attenuate harmonic modes. In single-band operation mode, the filter is bypassed to avoid unnecessary signal loss. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction by adapting the filtering function to the actual operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the signal path into multiple routes: a filtered path and a bypass path. The switching mechanism divides the signal flow, directing it through the filter only when needed for harmonic attenuation. This segmentation allows selective application of filtering, reducing noise when required while maintaining low loss when the filter is bypassed in single-band mode.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a filter is always connected in the signal path, then harmonic modes are attenuated, but additional losses occur during single band operation
Solution Approach 1:
The switching mechanism dynamically changes the signal path configuration based on operational mode. When operating in carrier aggregation mode, the switch connects the filter into the signal path to attenuate harmonic modes. When operating in single-band mode, the switch bypasses the filter to maintain optimal signal transmission efficiency. This dynamic reconfiguration ensures the filter is only active when its noise attenuation function is actually needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the switch is designed with additional I/O terminals to enable filter bypass capability, then filtering flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The additional I/O terminal is designed with multi-functionality. It serves as a normal I/O terminal for standard switching operations between antenna and transceiver units. Simultaneously, it functions as a filter connection point when the filter bypass mode is activated. This universal design allows the same terminal structure to support both standard switching functions and advanced filtering configurations, reducing the need for completely separate dedicated filter terminals.
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
Effectively filters out unwanted harmonic frequencies without significant loss, enabling efficient operation in both carrier aggregation and single band modes by dynamically switching the signal path through or around the filter.
Implementation Method 1
a first filter (FIL) connected to a first I/O terminal (IO1) and a first transceiver unit (TRU1). The filter (FIL) is adapted to filter out an unwanted harmonic mode that may be produced by a transmitter of the first transceiver unit (TRU1)
Data Source
AI summary
An RF antenna switch and a method for operating the antenna switch are disclosed. In an embodiment the antenna switch includes an antenna terminal and a switch including a number of n I/O terminals and n−x transceiver units, wherein each transceiver unit is configured to operate in a frequency band of a respective communication system, and wherein n and x are integers and n, x≧1 and n>x. The switch is further adapted to independently connect a plurality of the I/O terminals to the antenna terminal to provide a respective signal paths from the antenna terminal to the I/O terminals, wherein a first filter is connected between a first I/O terminal and a common input node of a first transceiver unit, the first filter being adapted to filter out an unwanted harmonic mode produced by a transmitter of the first transceiver unit.