Miniaturized RF Module with Multi-Band Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio-frequency modules for 4G and 5G cellular networks are not miniaturized due to the need for multiple terminals for signal input and output, which complicates achieving sufficient isolation between transmit and receive signals across different frequency bands.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized radio-frequency module design that includes separate communication circuits for low, middle, and high bands, with antenna switches and filters to manage signal connections, and power amplifiers to provide isolation between transmit and receive signals, reducing the number of external connection terminals and enhancing signal isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple terminals are provided for signal input and output in radio-frequency modules, then multi-band communication capability is achieved, but the module size increases and cannot be miniaturized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single external connection terminal that handles multiple functions: it serves as both transmit signal input and receive signal output across different frequency bands. The antenna switches and filters enable this terminal to universally connect to various communication circuits (low-band, middle-band, high-band) depending on the selected frequency band, eliminating the need for separate terminals for each band and direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges transmit and receive circuits into a single integrated radio-frequency module structure. By combining the transmit signal input terminal and receive signal output terminal into one shared external connection terminal, and integrating antenna switches, filters, and amplifiers into a unified module, the design achieves miniaturization while maintaining multi-band communication capability.
2Volume of moving object
If transmit and receive circuits are combined together for miniaturization, then module size is reduced, but sufficient isolation between transmit and receive sides becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces antenna switches as intermediary components that mediate between the single external connection terminal and the transmit/receive circuits. These switches act as controlled intermediaries, connecting the terminal to either transmit or receive circuits based on the operational mode, thereby preventing direct interference while maintaining a compact integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and separates transmit and receive signal paths using antenna switches and filters that physically isolate the high-power transmit circuit from the sensitive receive circuit. By extracting the transmit signal path through dedicated switches and filters, the design prevents transmit signals from interfering with receive signals while keeping the overall module compact.
3Volume of moving object
If the number of external connection terminals is reduced for miniaturization, then module size decreases, but signal isolation and connection management become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using controllable antenna switches that dynamically reconfigure the connection topology based on the selected frequency band and operational mode (transmit or receive). This dynamic switching capability allows a single terminal to adaptively connect to different circuits as needed, reducing the number of physical terminals while managing complexity through intelligent control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the frequency spectrum into distinct bands (low-band, middle-band, high-band) with dedicated filters for each band. This segmentation allows the single external connection terminal to be selectively connected to appropriate frequency-specific circuits through antenna switches, managing connection complexity by organizing circuits into discrete, manageable frequency segments.
Data Source
AI summary
A radio-frequency module includes, for example, a low-band circuit configured to transfer a first transmit-signal group and a first receive-signal group in a low-band group, a middle-band circuit configured to transfer a second transmit-signal group and a second receive-signal group in a middle-band group, antenna connection terminals, a transmit-signal input terminal coupled to an output terminal of a power amplifier configured to amplify the first transmit-signal group, and a transmit-signal input terminal coupled to an output terminal of a power amplifier configured to amplify the second transmit-signal group. The low-band circuit includes duplexers, a switch, and a switch. The middle-band circuit includes duplexers, a switch, and a switch.