RF Front-End Module Layout for Low-Loss Carrier Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of frequency bands used in multi-band wireless communication terminals, as per the carrier aggregation method, leads to a larger size of radio frequency modules due to the need for phase circuits to reduce insertion loss, posing a challenge in minimizing both size and insertion loss.
Innovation Solution
A radio frequency module design that includes a switch circuit with common and selection terminals, filters with acoustic wave resonators, and phase adjustment circuits with circuit elements formed on the same substrates as the filters, minimizing signal leakage and insertion loss while reducing the number of circuit elements and module size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If phase circuits are disposed for each frequency band to reduce insertion loss, then signal transmission quality is improved, but the size of the radio frequency module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the phase adjustment circuit elements with the filter substrate by forming circuit elements (inductors, capacitors) directly on the same substrate as the acoustic wave resonators. This integration merges previously separate components (phase adjustment circuits and filters) into a single unified structure, reducing the overall module size while maintaining the necessary phase adjustment functionality for multi-band carrier aggregation
Solution Approach 2:
The filter substrate serves multiple functions: it acts as both the mounting platform for acoustic wave resonators and as the circuit board for phase adjustment elements. The substrate simultaneously supports filtering operations and phase adjustment operations, eliminating the need for separate dedicated phase circuit substrates and reducing total component count
2Productivity
If the number of frequency bands is increased for carrier aggregation, then communication capacity is improved, but the complexity of the radio frequency module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the radio frequency module into independent filter units, each handling a specific frequency band with its own acoustic wave resonators and integrated phase adjustment elements. This segmentation allows each filter to be optimized for its specific band while maintaining modularity, making it easier to add or remove bands for carrier aggregation without redesigning the entire system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional layout where phase adjustment circuits were separate planar components to a three-dimensional integrated structure where circuit elements are formed on the vertical surface of the filter substrate. This dimensional change allows phase adjustment elements to occupy space that would otherwise be unused, reducing the horizontal footprint and overall complexity of multi-band configurations
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 design achieves reduced insertion loss and smaller size for radio frequency modules by minimizing signal leakage between frequency bands and optimizing phase adjustment, enabling efficient carrier aggregation.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic wave resonator that includes a first substrate that has piezoelectricity and an IDT electrode that is formed on the first substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency module includes a switch circuit that includes selection terminals, a filter that allows the signal in the first frequency band to pass therethrough, a filter that allows the signal in the second frequency band to pass therethrough, a phase adjustment circuit that is connected to the selection terminal and the filter, and a phase adjustment circuit that is connected to the selection terminal and the filter. The filter includes an acoustic wave resonator that is formed on a substrate that has piezoelectricity. The filter includes an acoustic wave resonator that is formed on a substrate that has piezoelectricity. At least one of circuit elements that are included in the phase adjustment circuit is formed on the substrate. At least one of circuit elements that are included in the phase adjustment circuit is formed on the substrate.