SAW-Less Transceiver Architecture for Integrated RF Filtering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication devices require expensive discrete components like SAW filters, duplexers, and inductors to meet performance standards for 2G and 3G protocols, which are not scalable with advancements in IC fabrication, leading to redesign challenges and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The development of a SAW-less receiver and transmitter architecture that incorporates frequency translated bandpass filters (FTBPF) and power amplifier drivers within a system on a chip (SOC), eliminating the need for discrete components and enabling scalable integration with IC fabrication advancements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If discrete SAW filters, duplexers, and inductors are used to meet 2G and 3G performance standards, then communication performance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete components (SAW filters, duplexers, inductors) into an integrated filter assembly that is coupled to the antenna. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the necessary filtering and duplexing functions, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving communication performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate filter assembly that serves as a mediator between the antenna and the radio transceiver. This filter assembly includes integrated components that perform multiple functions (filtering, duplexing) in one unit, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining performance standards.
2Reliability
If discrete SAW filters, duplexers, and inductors are used to meet 2G and 3G performance standards, then communication performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple discrete components into a single filter assembly, the patent reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, procured, and assembled. This integration lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the performance benefits of having SAW filters, duplexers, and inductors.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly is designed to perform multiple functions (filtering for different frequency bands, duplexing) within a single component unit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized components, thereby lowering overall manufacturing cost while meeting 2G and 3G performance standards.
3Reliability
If discrete components are used in the radio transceiver, then performance standards are met, but scalability with IC fabrication advancements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple discrete components into a unified filter assembly that can be more easily adapted to IC fabrication processes. This integration creates a more modular system that can be scaled and updated with advancements in IC technology while maintaining performance standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly is designed with adaptable characteristics that allow it to work with different radio transceiver configurations and frequency bands. This dynamic design enables the system to scale with IC fabrication advancements and adapt to new communication standards.
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 solution reduces the need for external discrete components, lowers production costs, and facilitates the integration of advanced wireless communication capabilities within a single chip, enhancing the scalability and efficiency of wireless communication devices.
Implementation Method 1
one or more frequency translated bandpass filters (FTBPF)
Data Source
AI summary
A portable computing device includes an FEM, a SAW-less receiver, a SAW-less transmitter, and a baseband processing unit. The FEM isolates one or more outbound RF signals from one or more inbound RF signals. The SAW-less receiver converts the one or more inbound RF signals into one or more inbound intermediate frequency (IF) signals by frequency translating a baseband filter response to an IF filter response and/or an RF filter response. The SAW-less receiver filters the inbound RF signal(s) in accordance with the RF filter response and/or filters the inbound IF signal(s) in accordance with the IF filter response. The SAW-less receiver then converts the inbound IF signal(s) into inbound symbol stream(s). The SAW-less transmitter converts outbound symbol stream(s) into the outbound RF signal(s). The baseband processing unit converts outbound data into the outbound symbol stream(s) and convert the inbound symbol stream(s) into inbound data.