Shared RF Amplifier Network for Cellular Wi-Fi Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cellular front-end architecture designs require separate and independent radio frequency signal paths for cellular and Wi-Fi, leading to a large printed circuit board (PCB) footprint and increased costs, which hinders miniaturization and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A radio-frequency front-end configuration with a shared amplifier network that consolidates cellular and Wi-Fi signal paths, using a low noise amplifier and power amplifier to amplify both types of signals, along with a multiplexer and antenna switch module to manage frequency bands, reducing the need for separate hardware and PCB space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate and independent radio frequency signal paths are used for cellular and Wi-Fi, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but PCB footprint area increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate cellular and Wi-Fi radio frequency signal paths into a shared amplifier network. The power amplifier and low noise amplifier are configured to handle both cellular and Wi-Fi signals through common signal paths, reducing the number of separate hardware components and PCB trace routes required, thereby minimizing PCB footprint while maintaining signal transmission reliability through proper signal routing and isolation mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The power amplifier and low noise amplifier are designed with multi-functionality to process both cellular and Wi-Fi signals. The amplifiers can be dynamically configured to amplify different signal types based on operational mode, eliminating the need for dedicated separate amplifiers for each communication standard and reducing overall device complexity
2Reliability
If separate and independent radio frequency signal paths are used for cellular and Wi-Fi, then signal processing performance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple signal processing functions into a unified front-end architecture where cellular and Wi-Fi signals share common amplifiers, filters, and signal paths. This merging reduces the total number of discrete components and interconnections, simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining signal processing performance through careful design of shared resources and isolation mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The front-end architecture employs universal components that can process both cellular and Wi-Fi signals. The power amplifier, low noise amplifier, and filtering elements are designed to be frequency-agile and protocol-agnostic, allowing a single component to perform multiple functions across different communication standards, thereby reducing device complexity without compromising signal processing capabilities
3Reliability
If separate hardware components are used for cellular and Wi-Fi signals, then signal isolation is improved, but manufacturing cost and device size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges cellular and Wi-Fi signal paths into shared hardware components, reducing the total bill of materials and manufacturing complexity. By using common amplifiers, filters, and transmission lines for both signal types, the design reduces component count and assembly steps, thereby lowering manufacturing cost while maintaining signal isolation through frequency-selective routing and filtering
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 configuration enables miniaturization of front-end modules, reduces costs, and supports various waveforms and modulation orders, while maintaining performance across different radio access technologies, although it may prioritize signals during uncoordinated use to avoid data drop, but can coordinate transmission and reception effectively in coordinated scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a low noise amplifier configured to amplify the cellular and the Wi-Fi radio-frequency signals provided by the respective signal path
Implementation Method 2
a power amplifier configured to amplify the cellular and the Wi-Fi radio-frequency signals provided by the respective signal path to an antenna
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to radio-frequency front-end configurations having a shared amplifier network. The front-end configuration includes a first signal path configured to provide a first radio-frequency signal, a second signal path configured to provide a second radio-frequency signal, and a shared amplifier network that forms at least part of the first signal path and the second signal path. The shared amplifier network comprises a low noise amplifier configured to amplify received first or second radio-frequency signals and a power amplifier configured to amplify first or second radio-frequency signals for transmitting by an antenna. Related radio-frequency modules, wireless devices and methods for simultaneously transmitting and receiving a first radio-frequency signal and a second radio-frequency signal are also provided.