Shared Tuning Inductor Switching for Multi-Band Antenna Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-band radio frequency devices face challenges in terms of space and cost inefficiencies due to the use of multiple dedicated tuning and impedance matching inductors for each frequency band, which occupy significant space and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a single impedance matching inductor and a single tuning inductor with switchable additional inductors to provide tuning capability for multiple frequency bands, reducing the need for multiple dedicated components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple dedicated tuning and impedance matching inductors are used for each frequency band, then signal tuning and impedance matching for each band is optimized, but space requirements and device costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple dedicated tuning inductors into a single shared tuning inductor that serves multiple frequency bands. This is achieved by placing the tuning inductor in a common position in the signal path that can be adjusted to optimize performance across different bands, thereby reducing the total number of inductors and the space they occupy while maintaining effective signal tuning for each band
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a single impedance matching inductor that provides impedance matching for multiple receive signal paths corresponding to different frequency bands. This universal inductor replaces multiple band-specific impedance matching inductors, reducing component count and space requirements while maintaining proper impedance matching across all frequency bands through its strategic placement in the common signal path
2Reliability
If multiple dedicated tuning and impedance matching inductors are used for each frequency band, then signal tuning and impedance matching for each band is optimized, but device costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple dedicated tuning inductors into a single shared component that can be adjusted to serve multiple frequency bands. This consolidation reduces the total number of discrete components that need to be sourced, assembled, and tested, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the necessary tuning capabilities for each band through the shared inductor's adjustable characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a universal impedance matching inductor that replaces multiple band-specific inductors. This single component performs the impedance matching function for all receive signal paths across different frequency bands, reducing Bill of Materials (BOM) costs and simplifying the manufacturing process by eliminating the need to procure and manage multiple specialized inductor components
3Area of stationary object
If a single impedance matching inductor is used for multiple frequency bands, then space requirements and costs are reduced, but the complexity of achieving optimal impedance matching across all bands increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the impedance matching function from multiple band-specific inductors and consolidates it into a single shared inductor positioned in the common signal path. By taking out the impedance matching capability from individual band circuits and placing it in a central location, the patent simplifies the overall device layout and reduces space requirements while managing complexity through centralized control
Solution Approach 2:
The single impedance matching inductor acts as an intermediary component in the common signal path that mediates between the antenna switching module and the low noise amplifiers for multiple frequency bands. This intermediary position allows the single inductor to influence and optimize impedance matching for all bands simultaneously, reducing the need for multiple specialized components and simplifying the overall system architecture
4Device complexity
If a single tuning inductor with tuning capability is used for the antenna switching module, then the number of components is reduced, but the difficulty of achieving effective tuning for each switch position increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic tuning inductor with adjustable inductance values that can be tuned to different settings corresponding to different antenna switching module positions. This dynamic characteristic allows the single inductor to adapt its inductance to match the requirements of each frequency band and switch position, effectively replacing multiple fixed inductors while maintaining tuning effectiveness through controlled adjustment of its inductance parameter
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 approach reduces space requirements and costs by eliminating the need for multiple inductors, while maintaining effective signal tuning and impedance matching across various frequency bands.
Implementation Method 1
a single impedance matching inductor configured to provide impedance matching for a plurality of receive signal paths between receive nodes of the plurality of duplexers and at least one low noise amplifier
Implementation Method 2
a single tuning inductor with switchable additional inductors to provide tuning capability for multiple frequency bands
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-band radio frequency device uses a single tuning inductor and a multiple pole switch that switches small inductors in series with the tuning inductor provide tuning capability for the antenna switching module to operate over different frequency bands. The single tuning inductor replaces individual tuning inductors for each frequency band.