Mobile Phone RF Front-End Reusing Transmit Paths for 2G Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radio frequency (RF) communication devices face challenges in supporting legacy communication standards like 2G due to the need for explicit 2G power amplifier modules, which increase cost and area requirements, while modern 3G, 4G, and 5G power amplifiers are insufficient for 2G transmissions, compromising efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device design that includes multiple antennas and a front-end system with dual transmit paths, allowing synchronous transmission of 2G signals using 3G or 4G/5G power amplifiers to achieve the required 2G power levels without an explicit 2G power amplifier module, by reusing the first and second transmit paths to increase total radiated power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an explicit 2G power amplifier module is included in the mobile device, then 2G communication capability is achieved, but device cost and area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling 3G/4G/5G power amplifiers to perform 2G transmission functions through software configuration and signal processing. The baseband processor reconfigures existing transmit paths to support legacy 2G standards, allowing a single power amplifier to serve multiple communication generations without requiring dedicated hardware for each standard.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the 2G power amplifier function from dedicated hardware and relocates it to the baseband processor's software control plane. By extracting the amplification function from a separate module and integrating it into the shared power amplifier system through digital signal processing, the design eliminates redundant hardware while preserving 2G capability.
2Device complexity
If modern 3G/4G/5G power amplifiers are used for 2G transmissions, then device cost and area are reduced, but transmission power is insufficient for 2G requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from analog power control to digital power management. Instead of relying on the physical power output capabilities of the amplifier hardware, the system uses digital signal processing in the baseband processor to control power levels, enabling flexible power adjustment across different communication standards without hardware changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from analog power output to digital gain control. The baseband processor dynamically adjusts the power levels of 2G signals through digital signal processing before they reach the power amplifier, allowing modern amplifiers to deliver legacy 2G power levels by changing the signal parameters rather than requiring hardware modification.
3Power
If multiple transmit paths are used for 2G signals, then required power levels are achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple transmit paths at the baseband processor level before they reach the power amplifiers. By combining the signal processing functions of multiple paths in the digital domain, the system achieves the required total power for 2G transmissions while avoiding the complexity of managing separate analog power control circuits for each path.
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 approach eliminates the need for a separate 2G power amplifier module, reducing costs and space while maintaining the necessary 2G power levels, enhancing compatibility with legacy standards without compromising efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
in the second mode a first radio wave transmitted from the first antenna and a second radio wave transmitted from the second antenna combine with constructive interference in a far field
Data Source
AI summary
Cellular radios employing multiple power amplifiers for legacy communications are disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, a mobile phone includes a first antenna, a second antenna, and an RFFE including a first transmit path operable to transmit a first RF signal on the first antenna using a first communication standard in a first mode, and a second transmit path operable to transmit a second RF signal on the second antenna using the first communication standard in the first mode. Furthermore, in a second mode the RFFE is implemented to reuse the first transmit path and the second transmit path to synchronously transmit a third RF signal on the first antenna and the second antenna using a second communication standard.