Switchable RF TX/RX Multiplexer for Multi-Protocol Antenna Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communications devices require flexible RF circuitry that is low cost, small, simple, and efficient to support multiple wireless protocols while minimizing size, cost, and power consumption, especially in portable devices.
Innovation Solution
A switchable RF transmit/receive (TX/RX) multiplexer is introduced, comprising RF TX bandpass filters, TX switching elements, and RX bandpass filters, with a common connection node for efficient signal processing and antenna management, enabling flexible configuration and reduced interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple RF filters and switching elements are used to support multiple wireless protocols, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RF circuitry is segmented into multiple discrete bandpass filters (first RF TX bandpass filter, second RF TX bandpass filter, first RF RX bandpass filter, second RF RX bandpass filter) and switching elements (first RF TX switching element, second RF TX switching element, RF RX switching element). Each segment handles specific frequency bands or protocols, allowing independent optimization and selection to reduce overall system complexity while maintaining multi-protocol support.
Solution Approach 2:
The common connection node serves multiple functions by connecting to the first RF antenna and serving as a shared interface for both transmit and receive paths. The switching elements can route different frequency bands through different filter paths, enabling a single RF front-end to support multiple wireless protocols and frequency ranges, thus improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more RF components are added to support multiple protocols, then adaptability is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple RF filter paths (first TX path with first RF TX bandpass filter, second TX path with second RF TX bandpass filter, and RX path with first and second RF RX bandpass filters) are merged at the common connection node, which interfaces with a single first RF antenna. This consolidation allows multiple protocol support while reducing the number of separate antenna elements and reducing overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements frequency-domain multiplexing by assigning different frequency bands to different filter paths (first frequency band through first RF TX bandpass filter, second frequency band through second RF TX bandpass filter). This dimensional organization in frequency space allows multiple protocols to coexist without requiring proportional increases in physical space, as signals are separated and combined in the frequency domain rather than requiring separate physical paths.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switching elements and filters are used, then protocol flexibility is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching elements (first RF TX switching element, second RF TX switching element, RF RX switching element) are configured to dynamically route RF signals based on the active protocol and frequency band. During transmit operations, the switching elements connect the appropriate TX filter path to the antenna; during receive operations, they connect the RX filter paths. This dynamic switching allows the system to activate only the necessary circuitry for the current protocol, reducing overall power consumption compared to having all paths continuously active.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs time-division and frequency-division multiplexing where different protocol paths are activated periodically or selectively based on communication requirements. The switching elements enable the RF front-end to alternate between different filter paths and operational modes (TX/RX), ensuring that power-intensive components are active only when needed for specific protocols, thereby reducing average power consumption while maintaining multi-protocol capability.
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
The solution enhances the flexibility and efficiency of RF circuitry, supporting multiple protocols and reducing size and power consumption, while maintaining performance and minimizing interference, thus addressing the need for adaptable and efficient RF circuitry in wireless communications devices.
Implementation Method 1
a first RF TX bandpass filter and a second RF TX bandpass filter, such that each of the first RF TX bandpass filter and the second RF TX bandpass filter is coupled to a first filter connection node
Data Source
AI summary
A switchable RF transmit/receive (TX/RX) multiplexer, which includes a group of RF TX bandpass filters, a group of RF TX switching elements, and a group of RF RX bandpass filters; is disclosed. The group of RF TX bandpass filters includes a first RF TX bandpass filter and a second RF TX bandpass filter, such that each of the first RF TX bandpass filter and the second RF TX bandpass filter is coupled to a first filter connection node. The group of RF TX switching elements includes a first RF TX switching element coupled between the first filter connection node and a first common connection node, which is coupled to a first RF antenna. Each of the group of RF RX bandpass filters is coupled to the first common connection node.