Integrated RF Transceiver Array Groups for 5G Carrier Aggregation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current transceiver architectures for 5G NR in mobile devices are area and power inefficient due to the need for multiple RF transceiver chip modules operating in different frequency ranges, particularly in mm-Wave frequencies, which complicates carrier aggregation and increases power consumption.

Innovation Solution

The integration of multiple RF transceiver array groups on a single die, utilizing both CMOS and III-V semiconductor devices, allows for selective coupling of RF circuits and RF front-end circuits with phase and amplitude control, enabling efficient carrier aggregation, MIMO, and beamforming across various frequency bands, including cm-Wave and mm-Wave frequencies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple RF transceiver chip modules are used to operate in different frequency ranges (sub-6GHz and mm-Wave), then carrier aggregation and high data rates are achieved, but area and power consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rateVSAvoidtransceiver area
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple RF transceiver chip modules operating in different frequency ranges (sub-6GHz and mm-Wave) onto a single integrated chip. This consolidation maintains the capability for carrier aggregation across multiple frequency bands while significantly reducing the total area occupied by eliminating the need for separate chip modules and reducing inter-chip interconnect requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated transceiver chip is designed to perform multiple functions across different frequency ranges simultaneously. A single chip structure supports both sub-6GHz and mm-Wave operations, enabling carrier aggregation, MIMO, and beamforming across diverse frequency bands, thereby replacing multiple specialized chip modules with one universal transceiver unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple RF transceiver chip modules are used to operate in different frequency ranges, then carrier aggregation is supported, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency band supportVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple RF transceiver chip modules into a single integrated chip that supports multiple frequency ranges. This merging reduces the total power consumption by eliminating redundant support circuits, reducing inter-chip communication overhead, and enabling more efficient power management across the unified transceiver structure while maintaining adaptability to different frequency bands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The universal transceiver chip is designed to operate across multiple frequency ranges (sub-6GHz and mm-Wave) with a single integrated architecture. This multi-functional design enables the system to adapt to different frequency bands and carrier aggregation configurations while consuming less power compared to multiple separate chip modules, as the unified structure shares common functional blocks and control logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple transceiver chip modules are implemented using printed circuit board technology, then different frequency ranges are supported, but area efficiency and power efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency range coverageVSAvoidintegration efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple transceiver chip modules that would traditionally be implemented on separate printed circuit board components into a single integrated chip structure. This consolidation achieves both frequency range coverage and manufacturing efficiency by eliminating the need for complex multi-chip module assembly, reducing inter-chip interconnects, and enabling standard semiconductor fabrication processes for mass production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated transceiver chip provides universal support for multiple frequency ranges (sub-6GHz and mm-Wave) within a single device. This multi-functional integration simplifies the manufacturing process compared to assembling multiple specialized chip modules on a printed circuit board, as the unified chip can be fabricated using standard semiconductor processes and requires fewer assembly steps and inter-chip connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3794734B1Apparatus and method for wireless communication
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 NANYANG TECH UNIV
  • EP3794734B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3794734B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~4
  • EP3794734B1 patent drawingFigure 5(a)~5(d)

AI summary

An apparatus and method for wireless communication, and a method of fabricating the apparatus. The apparatus comprises two or more transceiver array groups, each transceiver array group comprising one or more radio frequency, RF, circuits, and one or more RF front end, RF FE, circuits; wherein the transceiver array groups are configured to operate at different frequencies; wherein the transceiver array groups are configured to be connected to one corresponding digital baseband processor; and wherein the transceiver array groups comprise at least one first transceiver array group configured to operate at cm wavelength or larger. Preferably, the transceiver array groups comprise at least one second transceiver array group configured to operate at mm wavelength.