RF Switch Circuit With Bypass Path for Lower Insertion Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switch circuits for carrier aggregation (CA) in communication devices experience insertion loss due to the use of multiplexers, even when CA communication is not performed, leading to inefficiencies and performance degradation.
Innovation Solution
A switch circuit design that includes first and second switches with multiple paths, allowing RF signals to bypass the multiplexer when CA communication is not performed, along with the use of terminating resistors and matching circuits to reduce loss and enhance isolation, thereby minimizing insertion loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multiplexer is used to support carrier aggregation communication, then the device can simultaneously send and receive multiple signals of different frequency bands, but insertion loss occurs even when CA communication is not performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal path into two separate routes: one path through the multiplexer for CA communication and another bypass path for non-CA communication. This allows the system to selectively engage only the necessary path based on operational mode, preventing unnecessary energy loss through the multiplexer when CA is not active.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic switching between different operational paths using control signals. The first and second switches dynamically reconfigure the signal flow based on whether CA communication is required, transitioning between the multiplexer path and bypass path to optimize performance and minimize insertion loss for each operational state.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a multiplexer is always connected in the signal path to support CA, then CA communication is enabled, but signal loss increases due to the multiplexer being in the path even when not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the multiplexer from the mandatory signal path by providing a bypass route. The multiplexer is taken out of the always-active path and placed only in the optional CA path, allowing signals to bypass it during non-CA operation. This eliminates the productivity penalty of forced signal processing through the multiplexer when its functions are not required.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching network provides universal functionality by accommodating both CA and non-CA communication modes through a single integrated structure. The same switch circuitry handles both operational modes, with the ability to route signals appropriately based on requirements, making the system versatile without compromising efficiency in either mode.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the first common terminal is connected to a first selection terminal via the multiplexer path, then CA communication is achieved, but insertion loss occurs; if connected via bypass path, then insertion loss is reduced but CA communication is not supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic control signals to switch the connection state of the first and second switches, enabling the system to adapt between CA and non-CA modes. When CA is required, the switches configure the multiplexer path; when not required, they configure the bypass path, dynamically optimizing the signal route based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The control signal that determines CA or non-CA operation preliminarily sets the switch configuration before the actual communication occurs. This preliminary action ensures that the signal path is pre-configured optimally for the intended operation mode, preventing insertion loss from occurring in the first place rather than attempting to mitigate it afterward.
Data Source
AI summary
A switch circuit includes first and second switches. The first switch includes a first common terminal and at least two first selection terminals selectively connected to the first common terminal. The second switch includes at least one second common terminal and at least one second selection terminal selectively connected to the at least one second common terminal. One of the at least two first selection terminals and the at least one second common terminal are connected to each other via a path passing through a first multiplexer. Another one of the at least two first selection terminals and the at least one second common terminal are connected to each other via a bypass path bypassing the first multiplexer.