Shared-Inductor RF Front-End Module for Multi-Band Size Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing number of RF bands in mobile and wireless communication devices requires a significant increase in the number of filters, leading to a large form factor in RF front-end modules (FEMs) due to the use of separate filters and inductors for each band, which occupies a substantial area and increases the size of the module.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of shared inductors between RF bands that do not operate simultaneously, reducing the overall form factor of the RF FEM by reusing inductors and allowing for better coexistence of different RF bands, particularly for 5G applications, while also combining with lithographically-defined or thickness-defined resonators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate filters and inductors are used for each RF band, then the number of RF bands supported increases, but the area occupied by the RF FEM increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of RF bands supportedVSAvoidarea of RF FEM

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single inductor that can be shared across multiple RF bands through switching mechanisms. The inductor is configured to serve multiple filters corresponding to different RF bands, allowing one component to perform multiple functions. This reduces the total number of inductors needed while maintaining support for multiple RF bands, thereby reducing the overall area of the RF FEM.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the number of filters is increased to support more RF bands, then the RF band coverage increases, but the form factor of the RF FEM increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRF band coverageVSAvoidform factor of RF FEM

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple inductor functions into a single shared inductor structure. By combining the inductor components that would traditionally be separate for each RF band into one shared component, the overall volume and form factor of the RF FEM is reduced while still supporting multiple RF bands through the switching architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If separate inductors are used for each filter, then the filter performance is optimized, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter performanceVSAvoidnumber of inductors

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces device complexity by making inductors universal across multiple RF bands. Instead of having dedicated inductors for each filter, a single inductor serves multiple filters through switching mechanisms. This reduces the total component count and simplifies the device architecture while maintaining filter performance through proper switching control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10951248B1Radio frequency (RF) module with shared inductor

Publication Date: 2021.03.16 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Embodiments may relate to a radio frequency (RF) front-end module (FEM) with a first filter and a second filter. The RF FEM may include a termination inductor coupled to ground, and a switch that is to selectively couple the first filter and the second filter to the termination inductor. Other embodiments may be described or claimed.