RF System Antenna Switching Module Insertion Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
The 5G NR radio frequency system faces challenges in reducing insertion loss before the low noise amplifier (LNA) in the first stage, which affects the sensitivity of the system, especially in the sub 6 GHz band where RF cable loss is significant.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a receiving module with integrated signal receiving channels and transfer switches adjacent to the antenna groups, along with a transmitting module with signal transmit-receive processing circuits and channel selector-switches, reduces insertion loss and improves sensitivity by optimizing the degree of integration and reducing the number of switches in the RF link.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the RF cable length is increased to connect the antenna to the LNA, then the system can support more components and routing, but the insertion loss increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the RF system into separate functional modules: antenna groups, RF processing circuits with integrated LNAs, and transceivers. Each module can be independently optimized and positioned, allowing the LNA to be placed adjacent to the antenna rather than far away, thus reducing cable length and insertion loss while maintaining system flexibility through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar layout where components are distributed across the device to a three-dimensional stacked architecture where RF processing circuits are positioned directly above or below antenna groups in vertical layers. This vertical integration dramatically reduces the physical distance between antenna and LNA, minimizing RF cable loss while accommodating all necessary components
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of switches in the RF link is increased to enable antenna switching, then antenna versatility is improved, but insertion loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple switch functions into integrated switch matrices within the RF processing circuits. Instead of having separate switches for each antenna path, the system uses consolidated switching matrices that reduce the total number of discrete switch components while maintaining full antenna switching capability, thereby reducing cumulative insertion loss
Solution Approach 2:
The RF processing circuits are designed with universal switching matrices that can route signals to multiple antenna groups and support multiple operating modes (transmit, receive, different frequency bands) through a single integrated component, eliminating the need for dedicated switches for each function and reducing overall insertion loss
3Reliability
If the LNA gain is increased to compensate for cable loss, then sensitivity is improved, but noise figure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the LNA immediately at the antenna interface before any significant signal loss can occur, performing the amplification action preliminarily in the signal path. This early amplification boosts the weak received signal before it undergoes further attenuation, maintaining sensitivity without requiring excessive gain that would amplify noise
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of cable loss into a benefit by positioning the LNA to provide controlled gain that exactly compensates for the known cable attenuation. The LNA gain is optimized to counterbalance the specific insertion loss of the minimized RF cable, transforming the unavoidable cable loss into a manageable parameter that can be precisely compensated without introducing excessive noise
4Reliability
If the RF cable is minimized to reduce insertion loss, then sensitivity is improved, but device area for component placement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the area constraint by transitioning from a two-dimensional planar layout to a three-dimensional stacked architecture. RF processing circuits are positioned in vertical layers above or below antenna groups, utilizing the z-dimension for component placement. This vertical integration minimizes RF cable length for improved sensitivity while accommodating all components within the device footprint without requiring additional lateral space
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency system is provided. The radio frequency system supports a simultaneous downlink reception with four antennas and includes at least two antenna groups, a radio frequency processing circuit, and a radio frequency transceiver. The at least two antenna groups include m antennas, where m is greater than or equal to 4 and less than or equal to 8. The radio frequency processing circuit is coupled with the at least two antenna groups and includes modules which are the same in number as the at least two antenna groups. Each module is coupled with one antenna group and is disposed adjacent to the antenna group with which the module is coupled. The modules include one or more transmitting modules, or the modules include one or more transmitting modules and one or more receiving modules. The radio frequency transceiver is coupled with the radio frequency processing circuit.