RF Switch Circuit with Built-in Coupler for Area Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio frequency switch systems in time division multiplexing communications face inefficiencies due to separate implementation of couplers, leading to increased area occupation and signal loss, which affects power amplifier efficiency and interference management.
Innovation Solution
A radio frequency switch circuit with a built-in coupler, utilizing capacitances of switch devices in a switch-off state to set resonant frequencies and improve coupling characteristics, integrated on an IC board to reduce size and insertion loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a coupler is implemented separately from the RF switch on a PCB, then the coupler can be independently positioned and connected, but the occupied area increases and signal loss increases due to PCB line loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the coupler and RF switch into a single IC chip, merging two previously separate components. This integration eliminates the need for separate PCB positioning while reducing the total occupied area and minimizing signal loss through direct internal connections without PCB trace losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The IC chip serves multiple functions by incorporating both the RF switch and coupler functionalities within a single device. This multi-functional approach allows the system to perform switching and signal coupling operations simultaneously while occupying minimal space and maintaining signal integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a bi-directional coupler is used to detect forward and reverse signals, then signal monitoring capability is improved, but the occupied area increases depending on the frequency being used
Solution Approach 1:
The bi-directional coupler is integrated with the RF switch in a single IC, combining forward and reverse signal monitoring capabilities within a compact structure. This integration enables full-duplex operation with both Tx and Rx coupling functions in one device, significantly reducing the occupied area compared to separate external couplers.
3Ease of manufacture
If a PCB-based coupler is used external to the RF switch, then the coupler can be implemented with standard PCB patterns, but efficiency decreases due to large loss from the coupler and PCB line loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical PCB-based coupler structure with an integrated circuit implementation. This substitution eliminates PCB trace losses and reduces coupling losses by using direct semiconductor-based signal paths instead of conductive traces on a printed circuit board.
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 integrated solution decreases the occupied area and size of the coupler, enhances coupling efficiency, and reduces signal loss, thereby improving power handling and interference management in communications systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first coupling wiring, disposed adjacent to a signal wiring formed between the common port of the radio frequency switch and an antenna port, and configured to form a first coupling signal with the signal wiring
Implementation Method 2
a resonant frequency of the first coupling wiring may be based on an inductance of the first coupling wiring and a capacitance of the radio frequency switch
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency switch circuit is described including a radio frequency switch and a coupler. The radio frequency switch includes a first band switch circuit connected between a first signal port and a common port, and configured to switch a first band signal. The coupler includes a first coupling wiring, disposed adjacent to a signal wiring formed between the common port of the radio frequency switch and an antenna port, and configured to form a first coupling signal with the signal wiring. A resonant frequency of the first coupling wiring is based on an inductance of the first coupling wiring and a capacitance of the radio frequency switch.