RFIC Front-End Module Switching for More eFEMs on Compact PCBs

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Solution Overview

Problem

The number of external front-end modules (eFEMs) that can be included in an electronic device is limited by the number of radio-frequency (RF) chains in the radio-frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), and adding more RFICs is impractical due to size and power constraints, complicating the printed circuit board layout.

Innovation Solution

The use of multi-pole, multi-throw (MPMT) switches, such as dual-pole, dual-throw (DPDT) switches, allows a single RFIC to increase the number of RF chains and eFEMs it can drive by selectively coupling RF chains, enabling the RFIC to route signals to multiple eFEMs efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If more RFICs are added to increase the number of driven eFEMs, then the number of eFEMs increases, but the device size and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of eFEMsVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-pole multi-throw (MPMT) switches to enable a single RFIC to perform multiple functions by selectively coupling different RF chains to different eFEMs. This allows one RFIC to drive multiple eFEMs through shared RF chains, eliminating the need for additional RFICs and reducing device size while maintaining the capability to support multiple eFEMs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple RF chain paths through shared resources by using MPMT switches to couple multiple RF chains from a single RFIC to multiple eFEMs. This consolidation allows multiple eFEMs to share common RF chains and switching infrastructure, reducing the overall number of components needed and decreasing device size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If more RFICs are added to increase the number of driven eFEMs, then the number of eFEMs increases, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of eFEMsVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The MPMT switches enable a single RFIC to serve multiple eFEMs by dynamically routing RF chains to different destinations. This multi-functional capability eliminates the need for multiple power-hungry RFICs, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining the ability to drive multiple eFEMs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

By merging multiple eFEM connections through shared RF chains and a single RFIC, the system reduces redundant power consumption that would occur with multiple separate RFICs. The shared infrastructure allows multiple eFEMs to be driven with the power consumption of one RFIC plus the switching overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate RF chains are routed to each eFEM, then each eFEM can be independently driven, but the PCB layout complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent eFEM drivingVSAvoidPCB layout complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The MPMT switches act as intermediaries between the RFIC and multiple eFEMs, providing a centralized control point for routing RF chains. This intermediary switching infrastructure simplifies PCB layout by consolidating multiple potential direct connections into a manageable switching matrix, reducing routing complexity while maintaining independent eFEM driving capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the RF chain routing function into separate switching stages, with MPMT switches providing independent control over each RF chain's destination. This segmentation allows for modular PCB design where the switching fabric can be independently optimized, reducing overall layout complexity compared to direct point-to-point routing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Weight of moving object

If a single RFIC drives multiple eFEMs through shared RF chains, then device size and power are reduced, but the switching control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidswitching control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The MPMT switches provide dynamic routing capability, allowing the system to adaptively configure RF chain connections based on operational requirements. This dynamic switching control, while adding complexity, enables efficient resource sharing and reduces the need for static, hardwired connections, ultimately simplifying the overall system architecture despite the added control layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10763899B1Radio-frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) external front-end module

Publication Date: 2020.09.01 APPLE INC

AI summary

Systems and methods for driving using a radio-frequency integrated circuit to drive one or more front end modules. The front end modules provide signal flexibility to an electronic device. The radio-frequency integrated circuit drives the one or more front end modules via dual-pole, dual-throw switches that enable a pair of radio-frequency chains in the radio-frequency integrated circuit to drive two pairs of radio-frequency chains in each of two connected front end modules.