RF Transceiver Front-End Using Passive Circulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems require high-power active elements for switching high-power signals, leading to increased costs and complexity, especially when supporting dual mode or dual band systems with multiple antennas.
Innovation Solution
The use of low-cost radio-frequency passive elements, specifically circulators and passive directional double pole and double throw switches, to manage signal routing and replace high-power active switches, enabling bidirectional signal transfer and supporting multiple antennas, dual mode, and dual band systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-power active elements (switches) are used to switch high-power signals in dual mode/dual band systems, then reliable signal routing is achieved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive high-power active switches with inexpensive passive circulators that have no moving parts and no lifetime limitations. The circulators are passive RF elements that route signals based on their inherent directional properties rather than active switching mechanisms, dramatically reducing cost while maintaining reliability in dual mode/dual band operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical/active switching systems with passive electromagnetic field-based circulators. The circulators use electromagnetic principles (non-reciprocal signal transmission) to route signals without mechanical moving parts or active control, eliminating the complexity associated with high-power switch control while improving reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If high-power active switches are used for mode/band switching, then dual mode and dual band functionality is achieved, but system cost increases due to expensive high-power active elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the circulator-based front-end apparatus to universally support both TDD and FDD modes, as well as multiple frequency bands, through a single passive configuration. The same circulator network handles all mode and band switching requirements without needing different active components for different operating conditions, reducing overall system cost while maintaining full adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
By using inexpensive passive circulators instead of expensive high-power active switches, the patent achieves dual mode and dual band functionality at a fraction of the cost. The passive circulators have no lifetime limitations and require no high-voltage power supplies, eliminating the cost penalties associated with high-power active elements
3Adaptability or versatility
If SPDT or DPDT switches are used for mode/band selection, then dual mode and dual band systems are implemented, but high-power switching requirements increase system complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical SPDT/DPDT switch mechanisms with passive circulators that perform mode and band selection through their inherent electromagnetic properties. The circulators route signals based on their directional characteristics without mechanical moving parts, control voltages, or complex switching logic, dramatically simplifying the switching mechanism while maintaining full mode and band selection capability
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 configuration reduces costs, improves communication velocity, and allows for simultaneous transmission and reception, supporting both TDD and FDD schemes while using low-cost passive elements, thereby enhancing the efficiency of wireless transceivers.
Implementation Method 1
a first circulator configured to output a first transmission signal input into a first terminal to a second terminal and output a second reception signal input into the second terminal to a third terminal
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of band pass filters configured to band-pass filter a transmission signal and a reception signal in transmission and reception frequency bands corresponding thereto, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a front-end apparatus of an RF transceiver connected with an antenna in a wireless communication system. The front-end apparatus of an RF transceiver using radio-frequency passive elements includes: a plurality of band pass filters configured a transmission signal and a reception signal; a first circulator configured to output a first transmission signal to a second terminal and output a second reception signal input; a second circulator configured to output a second transmission signal input into the first terminal to the second terminal and output a first reception signal input into the second terminal to the third terminal; a passive directional double pole and double throw switch configured to process a route to be changed depending on directions of an input and an output; a first antenna configured to transmit the first transmission signal; and a second antenna configured to transmit the second transmission.