RF Transmission-Reception Circuit for Multi-Antenna Carrier Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-frequency signal transmission-reception circuits in mobile communication devices are limited to single-antenna configurations and cannot effectively handle multiple antennas, which restricts their ability to implement carrier aggregation and multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technologies.
Innovation Solution
A high-frequency signal transmission-reception circuit design that includes multiple band pass filter groups, switches, and couplers, allowing for the connection of multiple antennas and enabling carrier aggregation and MIMO by efficiently managing signal strengths and antenna gains through a control IC.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-antenna configuration is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability for carrier aggregation and MIMO technologies is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit is divided into multiple independent band pass filter groups (first, second, third, and fourth groups), each capable of handling specific frequency bands. Each filter group can be independently connected to antennas through switching mechanisms, allowing selective activation based on communication requirements. This segmentation enables the system to adapt to different antenna configurations (single or multiple antennas) and supports both carrier aggregation and MIMO operations by activating only the necessary filter groups.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates switching mechanisms that dynamically connect different band pass filter groups to different antennas based on operational requirements. The switches can reconfigure the circuit topology in real-time, transitioning between single-antenna and multi-antenna modes, and selecting appropriate filter groups for carrier aggregation or MIMO operations. This dynamic reconfiguration capability resolves the contradiction by providing adaptability without permanently increasing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple band pass filter groups are added to support multiple antennas, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each band pass filter group is designed with universal functionality to handle both transmission and reception operations across different frequency bands. The filter groups can serve multiple purposes: individual filter groups can be used for single-antenna operation, multiple filter groups can work together for carrier aggregation, or they can be distributed across multiple antennas for MIMO. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each operation type, thereby supporting multiple antenna configurations without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A high-frequency signal transmission-reception circuit includes a plurality of band pass filter groups each including a plurality of band pass filter pairs; a first switch including a plurality of band pass filter-side terminal groups each including a plurality of band pass filter-side terminals, and an antenna-side terminal group; a plurality of couplers configured to output respective signal strengths of high-frequency signals transmitted on a plurality of transmission paths; and a second switch including an input terminal group electrically connected to the plurality of couplers, and an output terminal configured to output a detection signal output from one of the plurality of couplers. The first switch electrically connects one band pass filter-side terminal in one band pass filter-side terminal group and one antenna-side terminal, and also electrically connects one band pass filter-side terminal in another band pass filter-side terminal group and another antenna-side terminal.