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 significant power waste and insertion loss due to the need for all branches to be in an operating state, even when not all are necessary, leading to inefficiencies in radio frequency signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
A communication device with a power division/combination network that includes a mode tuning circuit, allowing the power divider/combiner to switch between dual-connected and direct-connected modes, reducing power waste by disconnecting unused branches and optimizing signal transmission networks for reduced insertion loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all branches of the power divider/combiner are kept connected to maintain operating state, then the device can handle multiple signal paths, but power waste and insertion loss increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the power divider/combiner structure changeable through switching elements. The circuit transitions from a static all-connected configuration to a dynamic configuration where branches can be selectively connected or disconnected based on operational requirements. This allows the device to adapt its topology, connecting only necessary branches to reduce power waste while maintaining the capability to handle multiple signal paths when needed.
2Loss of energy
If unused branches are disconnected to reduce power waste, then energy efficiency improves, but the device loses adaptability to handle multiple signal paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a power divider/combiner that can perform multiple functions through a single integrated structure. The switching elements enable the same circuit to operate in different modes: full-connection mode for handling multiple signal paths, and selective-disconnection mode for reducing power waste. This multi-functional design allows the device to adapt its behavior based on operational requirements without needing separate dedicated circuits for each function.
3Reliability
If the power divider/combiner operates in dual-connected mode with both signal transmission networks connected, then signal transmission capability is enhanced, but insertion loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the power divider/combiner to switch between dual-connected mode and direct-connected mode based on signal transmission requirements. When high reliability and signal transmission capability are needed, both networks remain connected. When power efficiency is the priority and full signal transmission capability is not required, the switching element disconnects one network, reducing insertion loss while maintaining adequate signal transmission through the remaining connected path.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device includes a first radio frequency circuit; 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 is 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.