RF Module Layout Asymmetry for Noise Figure Reduction

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radio-frequency front-end modules in mobile communication devices face challenges in maintaining optimal electrical characteristics, such as noise figure and gain, due to the increasing complexity of multiband communication configurations.

Innovation Solution

A radio-frequency module is designed with a specific configuration that includes two power amplifiers, two low noise amplifiers, and two filters, each optimized for different communication bands. The module substrate arranges these components in a way that the distance between the power amplifiers and the low noise amplifiers varies, optimizing the electrical characteristics by reducing electromagnetic coupling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If multiple power amplifiers and low noise amplifiers are arranged closely on the module substrate to support multiband communication, then device complexity is reduced and integration is improved, but electrical characteristics such as noise figure and gain are degraded due to electromagnetic coupling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule configurationVSAvoidelectrical characteristics

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating different distance relationships between amplifiers and filters based on their specific functions. The first low noise amplifier is positioned at a longer distance from the first power amplifier compared to the distance between the second power amplifier and the first low noise amplifier. This non-uniform spatial arrangement optimizes electrical characteristics for each amplifier-filter pair while maintaining overall multiband communication functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs asymmetry by intentionally creating an asymmetric layout where the distance between the first power amplifier and the first low noise amplifier is deliberately made longer than the distance between the second power amplifier and the first low noise amplifier. This asymmetric configuration reduces harmful electromagnetic coupling between specific components while maintaining compact overall module design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If the distance between power amplifiers and low noise amplifiers is increased to reduce electromagnetic coupling and improve noise figure, then electrical characteristics are improved, but device area and integration density are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise figureVSAvoidmodule substrate area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating different distance relationships between amplifiers and filters based on their specific functions. The first low noise amplifier is positioned at a longer distance from the first power amplifier compared to the distance between the second power amplifier and the first low noise amplifier. This non-uniform spatial arrangement optimizes electrical characteristics for each amplifier-filter pair while maintaining overall multiband communication functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs asymmetry by intentionally creating an asymmetric layout where the distance between the first power amplifier and the first low noise amplifier is deliberately made longer than the distance between the second power amplifier and the first low noise amplifier. This asymmetric configuration reduces harmful electromagnetic coupling between specific components while maintaining compact overall module design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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 configuration effectively improves the electrical characteristics of the radio-frequency module, including reduced noise figure and enhanced gain, thereby supporting more efficient multiband communication.

Implementation Method 1

a first filter that has a passband including a first communication band included in a first communication band group and that is connected to the first power amplifier and the first low noise amplifier; a second filter that has a passband including a second communication band included in a second communication band group lower than the first communication band group

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 2

a first power amplifier; a second power amplifier; a first low noise amplifier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal amplification:

Data Source

PatentUS12334961B2Radio-frequency module

Publication Date: 2025.06.17 MURATA MFG CO LTD

AI summary

A radio-frequency module includes a power amplifier, a power amplifier, a low noise amplifier, a duplexer that has a passband including a communication band A included in a communication band group X and that is connected to the power amplifier and the low noise amplifier, a duplexer that has a passband including a communication band C included in a communication band group Y lower than the communication band group X and that is connected to the power amplifier, and a module substrate having the power amplifier, the power amplifier, the low noise amplifier, and the duplexers arranged thereon. In a plan view of the module substrate, a distance between the power amplifier and the low noise amplifier is longer than a distance between the power amplifier and the low noise amplifier.