RF Splitter Tuning Circuit With Shared DC Control Path

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiofrequency receivers face challenges in cost-effective radiofrequency signal processing due to the need for multiple radiofrequency-blocking circuits and additional electrical connections, which increase complexity and risk of parasitic coupling and crosstalk.

Innovation Solution

A receiver design where a direct current control signal is shared between tuning elements via a radiofrequency-blocking circuit, eliminating the need for additional circuits and reducing electrical connections, thereby simplifying the design and minimizing parasitic coupling and crosstalk.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple radiofrequency-blocking circuits are used to provide control signals to each tuning element, then reliable radiofrequency isolation is achieved, but device complexity and production cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiofrequency isolationVSAvoidnumber of circuits

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the function of multiple radiofrequency-blocking circuits into a single shared circuit. The control signal path includes one radiofrequency-blocking circuit that serves multiple tuning elements (first and second tuning elements) through the radiofrequency splitter, eliminating the need for separate blocking circuits for each tuning element while maintaining radiofrequency isolation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single radiofrequency-blocking circuit performs multiple functions by providing control signals to multiple tuning elements simultaneously. The circuit is designed to work with the radiofrequency splitter to distribute control signals across different bands (UHF and VHF) without requiring dedicated blocking circuits for each band or tuning element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If additional electrical connections are added to connect control signals to each tuning element, then complete control signal distribution is achieved, but parasitic coupling and crosstalk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol signal distributionVSAvoidparasitic coupling

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful aspect of multiple separate control signal paths and replaces it with a shared path that goes through the radiofrequency splitter. By routing the control signal through the splitter's structure rather than adding separate connections, the design minimizes additional electrical connections that could cause parasitic coupling while still achieving complete control signal distribution to all tuning elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If a single radiofrequency-blocking circuit is shared among multiple tuning elements via the radiofrequency splitter, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but radiofrequency signal processing performance may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of circuitsVSAvoidradiofrequency signal processing

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The radiofrequency splitter acts as an intermediary that enables the shared control signal path to work effectively. The splitter's structure provides a controlled impedance path for the control signal while maintaining radiofrequency isolation between different output ports. This intermediary structure allows a single radiofrequency-blocking circuit to serve multiple tuning elements without compromising radiofrequency signal processing performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 approach allows for cost-efficient radiofrequency signal processing with reduced risk of parasitic coupling and crosstalk, enabling precise filtering of selected channels while lowering production costs and design complexity.

Implementation Method 1

a splitter, which effectively splits a received radiofrequency spectrum into two or more bands

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiofrequency signal splitting:

Implementation Method 2

The tuning element is typically in the form of a tuning diode, which receives one or more tuning voltages for tuning the resonance circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVaractor diode tuning:

Implementation Method 3

Each tuning diode receives the tuning voltage via a radiofrequency-blocking circuit that is coupled between, on the one hand, a control terminal of the tuning diode and, on the other hand, the branch of the tuning voltage path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiofrequency blocking:

Data Source

PatentUS8280326B2Receiver comprising a radiofrequency splitter

Publication Date: 2012.10.02 NXP BV

AI summary

A receiver comprises a radio frequency splitter and respective tuning elements, which are coupled to respective outputs of the radio frequency splitter One of these tuning elements has a control terminal coupled to receive a direct current control signal via a radio frequency-blocking circuit. A direct current path extends, via the radio frequency splitter, from the aforementioned control terminal to a control terminal of another tuning element.