RF Coupler Circuitry for Carrier Aggregation Measurement Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RF front end circuitry is not suited for carrier aggregation configurations, as it requires separate RF coupler circuitry for each multiplexed RF frequency band, leading to increased area consumption and decreased accuracy of transmit power measurements due to diplexer-induced signal changes, and is susceptible to intermodulation distortion when handling signals with different power levels.
Innovation Solution
The proposed RF coupling circuitry includes a single RF coupler with integrated filtering and attenuator circuitry to separate and attenuate RF signals within different frequency bands, allowing for increased dynamic range and accuracy of feedback measurements, and can be placed closer to the antenna to improve measurement accuracy, reducing the need for separate couplers and simplifying the circuit design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate RF coupler circuitry is used for each multiplexed RF frequency band, then feedback control for each band can be achieved, but area consumption increases and measurement accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple RF frequency band handling capabilities into a single RF coupler circuitry unit. The coupler is configured to receive RF signals from multiple frequency bands simultaneously and provide coupled signals for each band through a single device structure, eliminating the need for separate couplers for each band while maintaining measurement accuracy and reducing area consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The RF coupler circuitry is designed with multi-functional capability to handle multiple RF frequency bands within a single device. The coupler can process signals from different bands (e.g., LTE mid-band and high-band) through integrated filtering circuitry that separates frequency bands internally, allowing one device to perform functions that would traditionally require multiple separate devices.
2Reliability
If separate RF coupler circuitry is used for each RF frequency band, then feedback control is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple feedback control functions into a single RF coupler circuitry unit. The integrated design includes internal filtering circuitry that separates frequency bands and provides coupled signals for each band through a unified structure, reducing the number of discrete components and interconnections while maintaining reliable feedback control for each frequency band.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces integrated filtering circuitry as an intermediary component within the single RF coupler device. This filtering circuitry acts as a mediator that separates multiple frequency bands internally, allowing the single coupler to provide band-specific coupled signals without requiring external separation components, thus simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining feedback control reliability.
3Ease of operation
If RF coupler circuitry is placed downstream of diplexer, then circuit layout is simplified, but measurement accuracy decreases due to diplexer-induced signal changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary signal coupling and filtering by placing the RF coupler circuitry upstream of the diplexer in the signal path. The coupler receives RF signals before they pass through the diplexer, and the integrated filtering circuitry performs frequency band separation in advance, providing accurate coupled signals for feedback control without being affected by diplexer-induced signal changes.
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
This solution enhances the accuracy of feedback measurements and reduces the size and complexity of RF front end circuitry by isolating feedback signals from different frequency bands, improving the estimation of transmit power and reducing intermodulation distortion.
Implementation Method 1
an RF coupler configured to couple RF signals from an RF transmission line to provide coupled RF signals
Implementation Method 2
RF filtering circuitry coupled to the RF coupler and configured to separate RF signals within a first RF frequency band in the coupled RF signals from RF signals within a second RF frequency band
Implementation Method 3
an attenuator circuitry coupled between the RF filtering circuitry, the first coupled signal output node, and the second coupled signal output node. The attenuator circuitry is configured to attenuate the RF signals within the first RF frequency band and the RF signals within the second RF frequency band
Data Source
AI summary
RF coupling circuitry includes a first coupled signal output node, a second coupled signal output node, an RF coupler, RF filtering circuitry, and attenuator circuitry. The RF coupler is configured to couple RF signals from an RF transmission line to provide coupled RF signals. The RF filtering circuitry is coupled to the RF coupler and configured to separate RF signals within a first RF frequency band in the coupled RF signals from RF signals within a second RF frequency band in the coupled RF signals. The attenuator circuitry is coupled between the RF filtering circuitry, the first coupled signal output node, and the second coupled signal output node. The attenuator circuitry is configured to attenuate the RF signals within the first RF frequency band and the RF signals within the second RF frequency band.