RF Module Interface Architecture for Signal Path Consolidation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF devices face challenges in size and layout complexity due to the design of transmit (TX) and receive (RX) paths, which limits flexibility and increases parasitic losses, especially when handling multiple frequency bands and configurations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a radio-frequency (RF) module with a flexible interface architecture that uses multiple single-pole-single-throw (SP1T) switches to route RF signals, allowing for flexible reconfiguration of RX and TX paths, enabling consolidation of signal paths on a single transmission path and reducing parasitic losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple TX and RX paths are implemented in RF devices, then the device can handle multiple frequency bands and configurations, but the device size and layout complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple RX paths into a single interface by using a multiplexer that combines multiple input signals from different RX paths into a single output interface. This merging approach reduces the number of separate interfaces needed while maintaining the capability to handle multiple frequency bands and configurations through the consolidated path.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface design implements multi-functionality by creating a single consolidated interface that can handle multiple TX and RX paths through the use of switches and multiplexers. This universal interface can dynamically configure different signal routes, allowing one interface to perform the functions that would traditionally require multiple separate interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple TX and RX paths are implemented in RF devices, then the device can handle multiple frequency bands and configurations, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple signal paths into a single consolidated interface using multiplexers and switches, thereby reducing the physical space required for separate interfaces. By combining multiple RX paths into one interface and using shared signal conditioning circuits, the overall device footprint is minimized while maintaining full functionality across multiple frequency bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The design employs universal signal conditioning circuits and a consolidated interface that can dynamically serve multiple TX and RX paths. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated separate circuits for each path, thereby reducing device size while preserving the ability to handle multiple frequency bands and configurations.
3Device complexity
If traditional TX and RX path designs are used, then the device structure is simple, but parasitic losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple RX paths into a single interface with shared signal conditioning circuits, which reduces the total number of discrete components and interconnections. This consolidation minimizes the cumulative parasitic losses that would arise from multiple separate paths while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure through the use of standard RF components.
Data Source
AI summary
A printed circuit board includes a mounting surface, a transceiver mounted on the mounting surface and configured to process radio-frequency signals, and a radio-frequency module mounted on the mounting surface in communication with the transceiver, the radio-frequency module including an interface including M inputs and N outputs, each of the quantities M and N greater than 1, the interface configured so that each of at least two of the M inputs is coupled to a separate output through a separate switch.