RF Power Divider-Combiner Mode Switching for Lower Insertion Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power dividers and combiners in communication devices suffer from power waste and high insertion loss due to unnecessary branch connections in non-operating states, leading to inefficiencies in power management.
Innovation Solution
A communication device with a mode tuning circuit that allows the power divider/combiner to switch between dual-connected and direct-connected modes, reducing power waste by disconnecting unused branches and incorporating an isolation circuit to enhance signal isolation and reduce leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the power divider/combiner uses multiple connected branches to provide signal transmission paths, then the adaptability and signal distribution capability are improved, but the power waste and insertion loss increase due to unnecessary branch connections in non-operating states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the connection state of each branch adjustable rather than fixed. The mode tuning circuit dynamically controls the connection status of multiple branches based on operating requirements, allowing the system to transition between different connection states (fully connected, partially connected, or directly connected mode) to match actual signal transmission needs and reduce power waste from unnecessary connections
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the connection parameter (connected or disconnected state) of each branch through the mode tuning circuit. By adjusting this binary parameter based on operating mode requirements, the system optimizes the balance between signal transmission capability and power efficiency, reducing insertion loss when full multi-branch connectivity is not required
2Reliability
If the power divider/combiner maintains all branches connected to ensure signal availability, then the reliability of signal transmission is improved, but the insertion loss increases due to power division across unused branches
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts branch connection states based on actual operating requirements. When signal transmission reliability is needed, branches remain connected; when operating in direct-connected mode, unnecessary branches are disconnected to reduce insertion loss while maintaining sufficient signal availability through the remaining connected branches
3Adaptability or versatility
If the power divider/combiner connects all branches simultaneously to provide multiple signal paths, then the adaptability for different operating modes is improved, but the device complexity and power management overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mode tuning circuit serves multiple functions: it controls the connection state of branches, determines operating modes (dual-connected or direct-connected), and manages signal routing. This multi-functional component provides operating mode flexibility without proportionally increasing device complexity, as a single control circuit handles what would otherwise require multiple separate control mechanisms
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~2B
Figure 2C~3A
AI summary
A communication device and an operating method thereof are provided. The communication device includes: a first radio frequency circuit and a plurality of second radio frequency circuits; and a power division/combination network, including a signal combining port and a plurality of signal dividing ports, where the signal combining port is coupled to the first radio frequency circuit, and the plurality of signal dividing ports are coupled to the plurality of second radio frequency circuits. The power division/combination network includes a power divider/combiner. Two ends of a first signal transmission network in the power divider/combiner are coupled to a common port and a first dividing port respectively, two ends of a second signal transmission network are coupled to the common port and a second dividing port respectively, and a mode tuning circuit is coupled to the first signal transmission network.