Multi-Band RF Module with Switched Filter Architecture

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional LTE systems face difficulties in supporting high-frequency signal transmission and reception, particularly in bands such as 3400 to 3800 MHz, due to design limitations that make it challenging to simultaneously handle multiple frequency bands without increasing device size or modifying antennas.

Innovation Solution

A module is designed with multiple filters and a switch that allows for the simultaneous transmission and reception of signals across different frequency bands (2.4-2.5 GHz, 5.0-6.0 GHz, 3400-3600 MHz, and 3600-3800 MHz) by connecting filters to an antenna terminal through a matching circuit, using bandpass filters and duplexers to isolate specific frequency bands and prevent interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional LTE system design is used to support multiple frequency bands, then device size can be reduced, but the system cannot support high-frequency bands (3400-3800 MHz) due to design limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency band support capabilityVSAvoidsignal transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the frequency band handling by introducing multiple dedicated filters (first filter for 2.4-2.5 GHz, second filter for 5.0-6.0 GHz, third filter for 3400-3600 MHz, fourth filter for 3600-3800 MHz) that are selectively connected to the antenna terminal. Each filter is optimized for specific frequency ranges, allowing the system to support multiple bands including high-frequency bands while maintaining signal integrity and transmission reliability for each band.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna terminal is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple frequency bands (2.4-2.5 GHz, 5.0-6.0 GHz, 3400-3800 MHz) through selective connection to different filters via the switch. This universal antenna design eliminates the need for separate antennas for different bands, reducing device size while maintaining reliable signal transmission across all supported bands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple filters and switch are added to support high-frequency bands, then frequency band adaptability is improved, but module complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency band support capabilityVSAvoidmodule structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple filters (first filter, second filter, third filter, fourth filter) and a switch are merged into a single integrated module structure that shares common components such as the antenna terminal and matching circuit. This consolidation approach enables support for multiple frequency bands including high-frequency bands while controlling module complexity through shared infrastructure rather than completely separate systems for each band.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The switch provides dynamic connectivity by selectively connecting the antenna terminal to different filters based on the required frequency band. This dynamic reconfiguration capability allows the module to adapt to different operating conditions and frequency requirements, achieving high frequency band adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple physical structure that can be optimized for compact integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Volume of moving object

If filters are connected in parallel through matching circuit, then device size is reduced, but interference between frequency bands occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule sizeVSAvoidfrequency band interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The switch acts as an intermediary component that selectively connects the antenna terminal to specific filters based on the active frequency band. This intermediary function prevents direct parallel connection of all filters, thereby eliminating interference between frequency bands while maintaining the compact module size achieved through the shared antenna terminal and matching circuit architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Each filter is designed with specific local quality characteristics optimized for its designated frequency range (first filter for 2.4-2.5 GHz, second filter for 5.0-6.0 GHz, third filter for 3400-3600 MHz, fourth filter for 3600-3800 MHz). The switch ensures that only the filter with the appropriate local quality characteristics for the current operating band is connected, preventing interference from filters designed for other frequency ranges while maintaining compact integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 enables efficient high-frequency signal handling without requiring significant antenna modifications or adding new antennas, thereby maintaining module size and supporting expanded frequency bands without increasing module size.

Implementation Method 1

a first filter that is connected between an antenna terminal and a first terminal, and allows a transmission signal and/or a reception signal in a first frequency band from 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz to pass therethrough

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBandpass filtering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 2

a second filter that is connected between the antenna terminal and a second terminal, and allows a transmission signal and/or a reception signal in a second frequency band from 5.0 GHz to 6.0 GHz to pass therethrough

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBandpass filtering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 3

a third filter that is connected between the first terminal of the switch and a third terminal, and allows a transmission signal and/or a reception signal in a third frequency band between the first frequency band and the second frequency band to pass therethrough

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBandpass filtering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 4

a fourth filter that is connected between the second terminal of the switch and a fourth terminal, and allows a transmission signal and/or a reception signal in a fourth frequency band that is between the first frequency band and the second frequency band and partially overlaps with or is continuous with the third frequency band to pass therethrough

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBandpass filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentUS10129008B2Module
Publication Date: 2018.11.13 TAIYO YUDEN KK
  • US10129008B2 patent drawing
  • US10129008B2 patent drawing
  • US10129008B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A module includes: a first filter connected between an antenna terminal and a first terminal and allowing a signal in a first frequency band from 2.4 to 2.5 GHz to pass therethrough; a second filter connected between the antenna terminal and a second terminal and allowing a signal in a second frequency band from 5.0 to 6.0 GHz to pass therethrough; a switch selecting and connecting a first or second port to the antenna; a third filter connected between the first port and a third terminal and allowing a signal in a third frequency band between the first and second frequency bands to pass therethrough; and a fourth filter connected between the second port and a fourth terminal and allowing a signal in a fourth frequency band that is between the first and second frequency bands and partially overlaps or is continuous with the third frequency band to pass therethrough.