Radio-Frequency Module Substrate Segmentation for Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing radio-frequency module configurations suffer from degraded isolation between input and output paths of receive filters due to electromagnetic coupling, leading to decreased receive sensitivity in small front-end circuits.
Innovation Solution
The radio-frequency module is designed with receive filters, matching circuits, and low-noise amplifiers arranged on opposite sides of a module substrate, with a control circuit positioned between the antenna switch and low-noise amplifier to prevent electromagnetic field coupling, and matching circuits are spaced apart to reduce interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the front-end circuit is configured as a small radio-frequency module using a single module, then the device size is reduced, but the isolation between input and output paths of the receive filter is degraded due to electromagnetic field coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The module substrate is divided into two distinct surfaces: a first major surface for arranging receive filters and matching circuits, and a second major surface for arranging low-noise amplifiers, antenna switches, and control circuits. This segmentation physically separates input and output paths, reducing electromagnetic field coupling while maintaining a compact single-module structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional vertical stacking approach by utilizing both major surfaces of the module substrate. Components are arranged on opposite sides of the substrate, effectively using the vertical dimension to increase separation distance and reduce electromagnetic interference while keeping the overall module footprint small.
2Device complexity
If wiring connecting receive filter and antenna switch, and wiring connecting receive filter and low-noise amplifier are coupled via electromagnetic field, then wiring layout is simplified, but receive sensitivity is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The wiring paths are segmented and routed on different surfaces of the module substrate. The first matching circuit connecting the receive filter to the antenna switch is arranged on the first major surface, while the second matching circuit connecting the receive filter to the low-noise amplifier is arranged on the second major surface. This segmentation prevents electromagnetic field coupling between the wiring paths, maintaining receive sensitivity while keeping the wiring layout manageable.
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 suppresses degradation of isolation between input and output paths, enhancing receive sensitivity and allowing for a smaller, more efficient radio-frequency module.
Implementation Method 1
a wiring connecting the receive filter and the antenna switch and a wiring connecting the receive filter and the low-noise amplifier are coupled to each other via an electromagnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A radio-frequency module includes a module substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface, a receive filter, a low-noise amplifier, an antenna switch, a first matching circuit disposed on the input side of the receive filter, a second matching circuit disposed on the output side of the receive filter, and a control circuit. The receive filter and the first and second matching circuits are arranged at the first major surface. The low-noise amplifier, the antenna switch, and the control circuit are arranged at the second major surface. When the module substrate is viewed in plan view, the receive filter is positioned between the first and second matching circuits, the control circuit is positioned between the antenna switch and the low-noise amplifier, and respective footprints of the second matching circuit and the low-noise amplifier coincide with each other.