RF Multiplexer Layout for Overlapping Passband Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transceiver front-end circuits that simultaneously transfer multiple radio frequency signals with overlapping frequency ranges require increased numbers of circuit elements, leading to larger sizes and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A multiplexer configuration with a common terminal connected to filters having non-overlapping passbands, allowing for simultaneous transfer of multiple radio frequency signals without the need for additional circuit elements like antennas and switches, thereby minimizing size and preventing signal distortion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If circuit elements such as antennas and switches are disposed in separate primary and secondary circuits to simultaneously transfer multiple radio frequency signals with overlapping frequency ranges, then the ability to transfer multiple signals is improved, but the number of circuit elements increases and the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to simultaneously transfer multiple radio frequency signalsVSAvoidnumber of circuit elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple filter functions into a single multiplexer device. Instead of using separate primary and secondary circuits with duplicate antennas and switches, the invention integrates multiple bandpass filters with different passbands into one unified multiplexer that can simultaneously handle multiple RF signals with overlapping frequency ranges, thereby reducing the total number of circuit elements while maintaining the ability to transfer multiple signals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The multiplexer is designed to perform multiple functions within a single device. It can simultaneously filter and transfer multiple radio frequency signals with different frequency ranges (including overlapping ranges) through a common terminal, making the device universal rather than requiring specialized separate circuits for each signal path

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate primary and secondary circuits are used to transfer multiple radio frequency signals, then signal transfer capability is improved, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimultaneous signal transfer capabilityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple circuit functions into a compact multiplexer structure. By integrating multiple bandpass filters and their associated switching mechanisms into a single device with a common terminal, the invention significantly reduces the physical volume required compared to having separate primary and secondary circuits with duplicate components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The multiplexer structure allows nested filtering functions where multiple filter stages with different passbands are integrated within a single device architecture. The filters are arranged to handle different frequency ranges simultaneously, with overlapping passbands managed through the nested structure, enabling compact design while maintaining comprehensive signal transfer capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 enables the miniaturization of transceiver front-end circuits while maintaining low loss and high isolation, allowing for efficient simultaneous transfer of multiple radio frequency signals with overlapping frequency ranges.

Implementation Method 1

a first filter configured to be connected to the common terminal, and having a first passband; a second filter configured to be connected to the common terminal, and having a second passband that at least partially overlaps the first passband; and a third filter configured to be connected to the common terminal, and having a third passband that does not overlap both the first passband and the second passband

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentUS11362686B2Multiplexer and communication device

Publication Date: 2022.06.14 MURATA MFG CO LTD

AI summary

A multiplexer includes a common terminal, a first filter configured to be connected to the common terminal, and having a first passband, a second filter configured to be connected to the common terminal, and having a second passband that at least partially overlaps the first passband, and a third filter configured to be connected to the common terminal, and having a third passband that does not overlap both the first passband and the second passband.