RF Front-End Module Internal Switching for ENDC Multiplexing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current RF front-end architectures for 5G terminals struggle to support new combinations of E-UTRAN New Radio Dual Connectivity (ENDC) without increasing hardware costs and complicating Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design, particularly with the increasing use of the 700 MHz band.

Innovation Solution

An RF front-end module with an RF transceiver featuring multiple transmitting interfaces and a pathway selection switch, allowing for internal switching and multiplexing of LTE and 5G signals. This module includes multiple amplifier modules for different frequency bands, enabling flexible pathway selection based on the network cell frequency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If another Low Band Power Amplifier (LB PA) is introduced to achieve ENDC combination of medium-high band (MHB)+n28, then the ENDC combination function is improved, but the hardware Bill Of Materials (BOM) cost and PCB design difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveENDC combination supportVSAvoidhardware BOM cost and PCB design difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The LB PAMID is designed to perform multiple functions: it can handle both LTE low band signals and 5G n28 band signals through internal switching mechanisms. This allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate PAs for different band combinations, thereby reducing hardware BOM cost while maintaining ENDC combination capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The LB PAMID incorporates dynamic switching capability that allows it to adapt its configuration based on the required band combination. The internal switch can dynamically connect different transmitting interfaces (TX1/TX2) to the LB PAMID output, enabling flexible support for various ENDC combinations without requiring additional fixed hardware components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple PAs are used to support various band combinations, then the adaptability for different frequency bands is improved, but the hardware cost and PCB design complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveband combination supportVSAvoidhardware cost and PCB design

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the functionality of multiple PAs into a single LB PAMID component. By combining LTE low band and 5G n28 band amplification capabilities in one module with internal switching, it reduces the total number of PA components needed, thereby lowering hardware cost and simplifying PCB design while maintaining support for various band combinations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the current architecture is used with LB PAMID and MHB PAMID on TX1 and UHB PAMID on TX2, then the basic ENDC requirement is met, but new ENDC combinations such as MHB+n28 cannot be supported

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebasic ENDC functionalityVSAvoidnew ENDC combinations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The LB PAMID is designed with dynamic switching capability that allows it to adapt its configuration based on the required band combination. The internal switch can dynamically connect different transmitting interfaces (TX1/TX2) to the LB PAMID output, enabling flexible support for various ENDC combinations including MHB+n28 while maintaining basic ENDC functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250158642A1RF front-end module and method of transmitting signals based on the same

Publication Date: 2025.05.15 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An RF front-end module and a method of transmitting signals based on an RF front-end module is provided. The RF front-end module includes an RF transceiver comprising first to fourth transmitting interfaces, a pathway selection switch connected to the first and second transmitting interfaces and for selecting, from among the first and second transmitting interfaces, an interface matching with a frequency of the network cell in which it is currently located, and an amplifier. The first and second transmitting interfaces are each selectively connected to the amplifier via the pathway selection switch. The first or third transmitting interface is used as an interface for a first transmitting pathway. The second or fourth transmitting interface is used as an interface for a second transmitting pathway. This may enable multiplexing of an LTE transmitting pathway and 5G dual connectivity (ENDC) scenarios through internal switching of the first and second transmitting interfaces.