Multi-band RF Front-End with Nested Annular Matching Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G high-frequency millimeter-wave communication systems face challenges in achieving compatibility with multiple bands (28 GHz and 39 GHz) due to high insertion loss and sensitivity to port impedance, leading to increased power consumption and chip area, especially when using broadband matching networks or tunable matching networks with millimeter-wave switches.
Innovation Solution
A multi-band radio frequency front-end device with nested annular routing of matching networks, using fixed parameter matching networks to reduce chip area and power consumption, and avoiding the use of tunable components to maintain gain and noise performance across different bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a broadband matching network is used to support multiple bands, then band compatibility is improved, but insertion loss increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The broadband matching network is segmented into multiple narrowband matching networks, each optimized for a specific frequency band (28 GHz and 39 GHz). This segmentation allows each narrowband network to achieve optimal matching performance with lower insertion loss for its designated band, while the system as a whole maintains multi-band compatibility through selective activation of appropriate narrowband networks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a broadband matching network is used to support multiple bands, then band compatibility is improved, but chip area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic switching between different narrowband matching networks based on the operating band. A band selection circuit identifies the current frequency band and activates the corresponding narrowband matching network, allowing the system to adapt its matching characteristics dynamically. This dynamic approach enables multi-band support without requiring all matching networks to be simultaneously active, thereby reducing the effective chip area utilization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If millimeter-wave switches are used in tunable matching networks, then band switching capability is improved, but gain flatness deteriorates and noise performance worsens
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single tunable matching network with millimeter-wave switches, the system segments the matching function into multiple fixed narrowband matching networks. Each network is optimized for a specific band with fixed component values, eliminating the need for millimeter-wave switches and their associated losses. This segmentation approach maintains gain flatness and noise performance while achieving band switching capability through selective network activation.
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
The solution achieves low insertion loss, small chip area, and reduced power consumption, enabling compatibility with 28 GHz/39 GHz millimeter-wave communication while meeting requirements for low power consumption, small area, and low costs, thus supporting multiple 5G bands efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
A transformer is an important passive device of the matching network. To implement compatibility with the two millimeter-wave bands of 28 GHz and 39 GHz, a ratio of a quantity of coil turns of a primary coil to a quantity of coil turns of a secondary coil of the transformer may be adjusted to obtain an appropriate impedance transformation ratio, to implement power matching.
Implementation Method 2
resonant capacitors connected in parallel to the primary coil and the secondary coil of the transformer may be adjusted to obtain an appropriate impedance transformation ratio, to implement power matching
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-band radio frequency front-end device, a multi-band receiver, and a multi-band transmitter, the multi-band radio frequency front-end device including a first radio frequency front-end circuit, where the first radio frequency front-end circuit works on a first band, a second radio frequency front-end circuit, where the second radio frequency front-end circuit works on a second band, a first input/output matching network, and a second input/output matching network, where routing of the first input/output matching network and routing of the second input/output matching network on a layout are annular and nested.