Shared-Inductor TX/RX Switch for Low-Loss RF Transceivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless devices with off-chip switching circuits for transceivers increase costs and require additional substrate layers, and designs using internal TX/RX switches suffer from signal losses and large area occupancy due to separate inductors or transformers for transmitting and receiving RF signals.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a low-noise amplifier, power amplifier, and switching circuit on a chip, utilizing a transformer with shared inductors for both transmission and reception, and internal switches controlled by a control circuit to selectively couple the amplifiers to the antenna, eliminating the need for off-chip switching and reducing signal losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If off-chip switching circuits are used for transceivers, then switching functionality is achieved, but costs increase and additional substrate layers are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the TX/RX switching functionality with the existing on-chip inductor structure. The inductor serves dual purposes: as an RF component and as a switching element through controlled connection/disconnection of its terminals. This merging eliminates the need for separate off-chip switching circuits and their associated substrate layers, thereby reducing costs and simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductor is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both an RF inductor for signal processing and as a switching mechanism for TX/RX mode selection. By making the inductor universal, the patent eliminates dedicated switching components, reducing overall device complexity and manufacturing costs while maintaining full switching functionality.
2Ease of operation
If separate inductors or transformers are used for transmitting and receiving RF signals, then switching functionality is achieved, but area occupancy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transmit and receive paths by using a single shared inductor for both functions. The inductor is dynamically connected to different circuit paths depending on whether the device is in TX or RX mode, eliminating the need for separate inductors or transformers. This significantly reduces chip area occupancy while maintaining full switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductor is designed as a universal component that serves both transmit and receive operations. Through controlled switching of its connections, it performs the functions of what would traditionally require separate dedicated components, thereby reducing the total area required on the chip.
3Ease of operation
If internal TX/RX switches are used, then switching is achieved, but signal losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the switching function from traditional switch components and implements it directly within the inductor structure itself. By using the inductor's own terminals and connections as the switching mechanism, the design eliminates additional switch components that would introduce signal losses, achieving switching functionality with minimal energy loss.
4Area of stationary object
If a transformer with shared inductors is used, then chip area is optimized, but signal loss minimization in receive path is challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different connection configurations to different terminals of the shared inductor based on the operational mode. In receive mode, specific terminals are connected in a configuration that minimizes signal loss, while in transmit mode, different terminals are connected optimally for transmission. This local optimization of connection quality for each mode resolves the challenge of minimizing receive path losses while maintaining area efficiency.
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 costs, minimizes substrate requirements, and optimizes chip area by using shared inductors for both transmission and reception, while minimizing signal losses in the receive path.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer including a first inductor and a second inductor, wherein the first inductor is coupled to the output of the low-noise amplifier
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a low-noise amplifier having an input and an output, a first switch coupled between the input of the low-noise amplifier and the output of the low-noise amplifier, and a transformer including a first inductor and a second inductor, wherein the first inductor is coupled to the output of the low-noise amplifier. The apparatus also includes a power amplifier having an input and an output, and a switching circuit coupled between the output of the power amplifier and the second inductor.