RF Resistor Element Harmonic Reduction via Modified Semiconductor Region

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Solution Overview

Problem

Radio frequency switches used in cellular phones generate harmonics due to non-linear behavior, which affects signal quality by emitting or inducing unwanted signals.

Innovation Solution

A radio frequency resistor element comprising a resistive polysilicon trace located above isolation components laterally surrounded by modified semiconductor regions with a higher charge carrier recombination rate than the semiconductor substrate, reducing harmonic generation by creating depletion zones and increasing recombination centers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a radio frequency switch is used to enable operation at multiple frequencies, then the device functionality is improved, but harmonic generation increases due to non-linear behavior

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-frequency operationVSAvoidharmonic generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a resistive polysilicon trace that deliberately generates harmonics through its non-linear resistance characteristics. This controlled harmonic generation compensates for the unwanted harmonics produced by the radio frequency switch, effectively canceling them out and improving overall signal linearity while maintaining multi-frequency operation capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If a resistive polysilicon trace is added to reduce harmonics, then harmonic generation is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveharmonic generationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The resistive polysilicon trace is integrated directly into the existing radio frequency switch structure, sharing the same semiconductor substrate and physical space. This merging approach allows the harmonic compensation function to be added without requiring separate discrete components, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while effectively reducing harmonic generation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 effectively reduces harmonic generation in radio frequency switches, improving signal linearity and reducing parasitic capacitance, as demonstrated by measurements showing lower harmonic power in on and off states compared to standard chips.

Implementation Method 1

The modified semiconductor region has a higher charge carrier recombination rate than the semiconductor substrate located below the isolation component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCharge carrier recombination:

Data Source

PatentUS10804354B2Radio frequency resistor element
Publication Date: 2020.10.13 INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
  • US10804354B2 patent drawing
  • US10804354B2 patent drawing
  • US10804354B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A radio frequency resistor element comprises a resistive polysilicon trace, an isolation component and a semiconductor substrate. The resistive polysilicon trace is located above the isolation component. The isolation component is laterally at least partially surrounded by a modified semiconductor region located above the semiconductor substrate and having a higher charge carrier recombination rate than the semiconductor substrate.