Shared IF Transceiver for 5G FR2 Dual Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current RF communication systems face challenges in efficiently handling multiple frequency bands within the Fifth Generation (5G) frequency range, particularly in Frequency Range 2 (FR2), due to the complexity of frequency conversion and signal processing.

Innovation Solution

A mobile device is designed with a frequency range two front end system that upconverts intermediate frequency transmit signals to generate radio frequency transmit signals for multiple frequency bands in 5G FR2, using a shared intermediate frequency and a transceiver with a shared local oscillator for frequency conversion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separate frequency conversion paths are used for each frequency band, then each band can be processed independently with high precision, but the device complexity and number of components increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency conversion precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple frequency conversion paths into a single shared intermediate frequency path. Multiple RF front-ends (e.g., 28 GHz and 39 GHz bands) convert their signals to a common intermediate frequency, allowing subsequent processing to be shared across bands. This reduces the number of separate conversion stages and components while maintaining the ability to process each band independently when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate frequency processing system is designed to be universal and multi-functional, handling signals from multiple frequency bands through a single path. The same intermediate frequency processing circuitry serves multiple RF front-ends, enabling the system to process different bands (28 GHz, 39 GHz, etc.) using shared resources, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple separate transceivers are used for each frequency band, then each band can be handled with dedicated resources, but the device size, power consumption, and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal processing reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple transceiver functions into a single transceiver that handles multiple frequency bands. By sharing the intermediate frequency processing path and baseband processing resources across different bands (28 GHz, 39 GHz), the system reduces the total number of transceivers needed, thereby lowering power consumption while maintaining reliable signal processing through dedicated processing stages for each band.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If traditional frequency conversion methods are used for each band, then each band can be processed with dedicated optimization, but the overall signal processing efficiency decreases due to redundancy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal processing qualityVSAvoidsignal processing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the frequency conversion process by converting multiple RF bands to a common intermediate frequency, eliminating redundant conversion stages. This allows the system to process multiple bands through a single shared path, improving signal processing efficiency by reducing the number of conversion operations while maintaining signal quality through optimized intermediate frequency processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enables efficient dual conversion of multiple frequency bands in 5G FR2, improving signal processing efficiency and reducing complexity, thereby enhancing the performance of mobile devices in 5G communication systems.

Implementation Method 1

a frequency range two front end system configured to upconvert a first intermediate frequency transmit signal to generate a first radio frequency transmit signal of a first frequency band in fifth generation frequency range two, and to upconvert a second intermediate frequency transmit signal to generate a second radio frequency transmit signal of a second frequency band in fifth generation frequency range two

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency conversion:

Implementation Method 2

a shared local oscillator configured to control both the first channel and the second channel to provide frequency conversion using the common intermediate frequency

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency synthesis:

Data Source

PatentUS12237858B2Mobile devices with dual conversion of multiple frequency bands using a shared intermediate frequency

Publication Date: 2025.02.25 SKYWORKS SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

Mobile devices with dual conversion of multiple frequency bands using a shared intermediate frequency are provided. In certain embodiments, a mobile device includes a frequency range two (FR2) front end system configured to upconvert a first intermediate frequency (IF) transmit signal to generate a first radio frequency (RF) transmit signal of a first frequency band in FR2 of 5G, and to upconvert a second IF transmit signal to generate a second RF transmit signal of a second frequency band in FR2. The mobile device further includes a transceiver configured to generate the first IF transmit signal and the second IF transmit signal on a common intermediate frequency.