Single-Port RFIC Mode Switching for Low-Loss Transmit and Receive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RFICs require separate ports for transmitting and receiving signals, leading to increased area and signal loss due to the need for internal or external amplifiers.
Innovation Solution
The RFIC operates in multiple modes using a single port by employing mode setting circuits that adjust impedance and resonance to switch between internal and external amplification, minimizing signal loss and reducing the number of ports needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate ports are used for transmitting and receiving signals, then signal transmission and reception can be performed independently, but the area of the RFIC increases and signal loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single port that serves multiple functions by dynamically switching between transmitting and receiving modes. The port is shared between the transmitting circuit and receiving circuit through mode setting circuits that control impedance and resonance characteristics, allowing one port to replace what would traditionally require two separate ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic impedance switching and resonance frequency adjustment to enable the single port to adapt between different operational modes. The mode setting circuits dynamically change the electrical characteristics of the port based on whether transmitting or receiving is required, allowing flexible mode transition without physical port multiplication.
2Reliability
If separate ports are used for transmitting and receiving signals, then independent signal paths are provided, but signal loss increases due to additional amplifier requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes periodic switching between transmitting and receiving modes through mode setting circuits. The system alternates between modes in synchronization with the communication protocol requirements, enabling the single port to handle both functions sequentially without requiring simultaneous independent paths that would necessitate additional amplifiers and increase signal loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes electrical parameters (impedance, resonance frequency) of the port through mode setting circuits to optimize performance for each operational mode. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system maintains signal integrity in both transmitting and receiving modes without requiring separate optimized paths with additional amplification stages.
3Area of stationary object
If a single port is used for both transmitting and receiving, then area is reduced and signal loss is minimized, but the circuit complexity increases due to mode switching requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transmitting circuit and receiving circuit to share a common port through mode setting circuits. The mode setting circuits act as control elements that enable the single port to be selectively connected to either the transmitting or receiving circuit based on operational requirements, consolidating what would traditionally require separate physical ports into a unified structure.
4Power
If internal amplifier is used, then signal amplification is provided, but the port area increases and signal loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single port serves universal purposes for both transmitting with internal amplification and receiving operations. The mode setting circuits enable the port to be configured for internal amplifier operation when transmitting is required, while maintaining the same physical port structure, thereby avoiding the area increase that would result from dedicated amplifier ports.
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 allows for reduced signal loss and area usage by enabling the RFIC to operate efficiently in various modes without separate transmitting and receiving ports, optimizing performance and size.
Implementation Method 1
employing mode setting circuits that adjust impedance and resonance to switch between internal and external amplification
Implementation Method 2
employing mode setting circuits that adjust impedance and resonance to switch between internal and external amplification
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) includes a transmitting circuit configured to provide a first signal for transmission by an antenna in a transmitting mode, the transmitting circuit including a coil configured to be coupled to the antenna and at least one mode setting circuit configured to activate a resonant circuit including at least a portion of the coil in a receiving mode. The RFIC further includes a receiving circuit configured to receive a second signal received from the antenna in the receiving mode. Related wireless communication devices and communication circuits are provided.