Shared Multiband Transmit Chain With Tunable RF Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless interface devices require multiple separate communication chains for each frequency band, leading to increased size and cost, which becomes impractical as the number of wireless standards and frequency bands expands, especially with the advent of newer standards like 5G and Wi-Fi 6 that operate at higher frequencies and require more stringent latency demands.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a shared transmit chain that uses a tunable filter and driver amplifier to process signals across multiple frequency ranges, including non-overlapping and noncontiguous bands, by utilizing a configurable load that can resonate at multiple frequencies, allowing components to be shared across different frequency bands, thereby reducing the number of separate chains needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate communication chains are used for each frequency band, then each frequency band can be processed independently with dedicated components, but the size and cost of the wireless interface device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a shared transmit chain where a single communication chain is designed to handle multiple frequency bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz) through configurable components. The mixer, filter, and amplifier are designed with tuning capabilities that allow them to operate across different frequency ranges, eliminating the need for separate dedicated chains for each band while maintaining signal processing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamically configurable components including a tunable filter with variable cutoff frequencies and a mixer with adjustable local oscillator frequencies. These dynamic adjustments allow the same hardware chain to adapt to different frequency bands and wireless standards (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 5G) without requiring physical reconfiguration or multiple static chains, thereby reducing device size while preserving operational reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate communication chains are used for each frequency band, then each frequency band can be processed independently, but the cost of the wireless interface device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal transmit chain that can be configured to support multiple frequency bands and wireless standards through software-controlled parameter adjustments rather than requiring separate hardware chains for each band. This reduces the total component count and manufacturing complexity, thereby lowering device cost while maintaining broad frequency band support and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter-changing components such as voltage-controlled oscillators, tunable filters with adjustable cutoff frequencies, and programmable gain amplifiers. By changing operational parameters (frequency, gain, filter characteristics) rather than changing physical hardware, the system achieves multi-band support with a single chain, reducing both manufacturing cost and device complexity while preserving versatility.
3Area of stationary object
If a shared transmit chain is used across multiple frequency bands, then device size and cost are reduced, but the components must be configured to resonate at multiple frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically configurable components including a tunable filter with variable cutoff frequencies and a mixer with adjustable local oscillator frequencies. These dynamic adjustments allow the same hardware chain to adapt to different frequency bands and wireless standards (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 5G) without requiring physical reconfiguration or multiple static chains, thereby reducing device size while preserving operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system detects the desired operating frequency band and automatically adjusts the configuration parameters of the mixer, filter, and amplifier accordingly. This closed-loop control simplifies the user interface and reduces the perceived complexity by automating the configuration process, allowing the shared chain to be efficiently adapted to multiple frequencies without burdening the user with manual setup.
4Adaptability or versatility
If components are shared across different frequency bands, then the number of separate chains is reduced, but the components must be designed to handle non-overlapping and noncontiguous bands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a shared transmit chain where a single communication chain is designed to handle multiple frequency bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz) through configurable components. The mixer, filter, and amplifier are designed with tuning capabilities that allow them to operate across different frequency ranges, eliminating the need for separate dedicated chains for each band while maintaining signal processing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter-changing components such as voltage-controlled oscillators, tunable filters with adjustable cutoff frequencies, and programmable gain amplifiers. By changing operational parameters (frequency, gain, filter characteristics) rather than changing physical hardware, the system achieves multi-band support with a single chain, reducing both manufacturing cost and device complexity while preserving versatility.
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 the size and cost of wireless interface devices while enabling them to support multiple frequency bands, making them more affordable and portable, and facilitates the transition to newer wireless standards with wider frequency ranges.
Implementation Method 1
an upconverter having an output, the upconverter configured to upconvert a baseband frequency to a radio frequency based on a local oscillator signal
Implementation Method 2
The tunable filter may include a tunable inductive-capacitive tank (LC tank) with an adjustable inductor or an adjustable capacitator
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and methods are disclosed regarding a multiband transmitter. In an example aspect, an apparatus for processing signals for wireless transmission includes a wireless interface device. The wireless interface device includes an upconverter, a tunable filter, and a driver amplifier. The upconverter has an output and is configured to upconvert a baseband frequency to a radio frequency based on a local oscillator signal. The tunable filter has an input and an output; the input of the tunable filter is coupled to the output of the upconverter. The driver amplifier has an input; the input of the driver amplifier is coupled to the output of the tunable filter.