RF Splitter Front-End Module for 5G LTE Wi-Fi Coexistence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RF splitter and front-end module technologies fail to efficiently handle the coexistence of LTE and Wi-Fi signals in 5G mobile communications, particularly in high-density environments, due to limitations in bandwidth and noise suppression, leading to inadequate communication speeds and performance.
Innovation Solution
A radio-frequency (RF) splitter and front-end module design that includes a common branch node, series and shunt switches, inductors, and capacitors to selectively route RF signals between output ports, supporting multiple communication protocols and frequency bands, and a reception amplifier with a cascode structure to enhance signal amplification and noise reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If existing CA technology combines LTE licensed band and unlicensed band, then communications speed increases, but the speed is still insufficient for 5G mobile communications requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines LTE-LAA (20 MHz licensed band) and Wi-Fi (60 MHz unlicensed band) into a unified front-end module that covers 60 GHz bandwidth, enabling simultaneous operation of both communication standards through integrated RF splitters and switches to achieve 5G-required communication speeds
2Area of stationary object
If LTE-LAA and Wi-Fi coexist in the same frequency band, then bandwidth increases to 60 GHz, but signal interference and performance deterioration occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 60 GHz bandwidth into separate LTE-LAA and Wi-Fi frequency sub-bands using RF splitters, allowing independent signal paths for each communication standard while maintaining overall bandwidth coverage, thus preventing signal interference between the two protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RF splitters and switches as intermediary components between the antenna and receiver, which actively manage and separate LTE and Wi-Fi signals based on frequency, enabling coexistence without interference in the shared 60 GHz band
3Power
If LNA is disposed on reception path to amplify weak signals, then voltage gain increases, but noise characteristics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary frequency-based signal separation using RF splitters before the LNA amplifies the signal, dividing LTE and Wi-Fi signals into separate paths so that each can be amplified with optimized noise characteristics for its specific frequency band
Data Source
AI summary
A radio-frequency (RF) splitter is provided. The RF splitter includes a common branch node configured to transfer an RF signal, input from an input port, to at least one of first and second output ports, first and second branch nodes electrically connected between the common branch node and the first and second output ports, first and second series switches configured to control switching operations to electrically connect the common branch node and the first and second branch nodes to each other, first and second inductors electrically connected between the common branch node and the first and second branch nodes, a resistor electrically connected between the first and second branch nodes, and first and second shunt switches configured to control switching operations to electrically connect the first and second branch nodes and the resistor to each other.