Shared RF Transmission Pathway for Multi-Band Wireless Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication devices face challenges in seamlessly transmitting and receiving signals across multiple frequency ranges, limiting their ability to adapt to various wireless communication standards such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular networks, and satellite communications.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of wireless communication circuitry that includes a first mixer to generate an intermediate frequency signal, a digital-to-analog converter, a phase-locked loop, an oscillator, and a switch, which selectively outputs signals to generate radio frequency signals suitable for different wireless communication standards by coupling with either the PLL or the oscillator based on the communication type.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a wireless communication device uses separate transmission pathways for different frequency bands, then it can support multiple wireless communication standards, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for multiple wireless communication standardsVSAvoidtransmission pathway structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple transmission pathways into a single shared pathway by using a common upconverter that can be selectively coupled to different frequency synthesizers (first and second frequency synthesizers) through a switch. This merging approach allows the device to support multiple wireless communication standards (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular) while reducing overall circuit complexity and component count compared to having completely separate transmission pathways for each standard.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The common upconverter is designed to serve multiple functions by being able to process signals for different frequency bands through selective coupling with either the first or second frequency synthesizer. This universal component approach enables a single transmission pathway to handle multiple wireless communication standards, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a wireless communication device uses multiple independent transmitters for different frequency bands, then it can achieve optimal performance for each band, but the device size and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission performanceVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple transmitter functions into a single common upconverter that shares the same signal processing chain. By using one upconverter instead of multiple independent transmitters, the device reduces power consumption while maintaining reliable signal transmission across different frequency bands through selective frequency synthesizer coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If a wireless communication device uses multiple independent transmitters for different frequency bands, then it can achieve optimal performance for each band, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission performanceVSAvoidtransmitter structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple transmitter functions into a single common upconverter structure that can be selectively connected to different frequency synthesizers. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining optimal signal transmission performance for each frequency band through the switch-based selective coupling mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables efficient transmission and reception of wireless signals in multiple frequency bands, allowing devices to communicate effectively across various wireless communication techniques, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and satellite networks, using a common transmission pathway.

Implementation Method 1

a first mixer configured to generate an intermediate frequency (IF) digital signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMixing: Heterodyne

Implementation Method 2

a digital-to-analog converter communicatively coupled to the first mixer and configured to convert the IF digital signal to an analog signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDigital-to-analog conversion:

Implementation Method 3

a first phase-locked loop (PLL) and an oscillator. The wireless communication circuitry further includes a switch communicatively coupled to the first PLL and the oscillator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase-locked loop: Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20240297669A1Systems and methods for transmitting radio frequency signals in multiple frequency bands

Publication Date: 2024.09.05 APPLE INC

AI summary

Wireless communication circuitry includes a single transmission pathway for transmitting radio frequency signals in different frequency bands used for communicating on different types of wireless networks.