Switch Module Impedance Matching Circuit

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing switch modules for multi-mode and multi-band communication devices suffer from increased insertion loss due to the need for matching circuits between antenna elements and the switch module, which also complicates manufacturing and increases costs.

Innovation Solution

A switch module configuration that eliminates the need for matching circuits between antenna elements and the switch module by using a single signal line to connect a first switch unit for antenna elements and a second switch unit for communication systems, with a matching circuit on the signal line to address impedance mismatching and reduce insertion loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If matching circuits are connected between antenna elements and switch module, then impedance matching is improved, but insertion loss increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpedance matchingVSAvoidinsertion loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the matching circuit from the traditional position between each antenna element and the switch module, and relocates it to connect between the common terminals of the first and second switch units. This extraction reduces the number of matching circuits needed while maintaining impedance matching performance, thereby reducing insertion loss and simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of multiple matching circuits into a single matching circuit by connecting it between the common terminals of the two switch units. Instead of having separate matching circuits for each antenna element, the design combines the impedance matching function at a centralized location, reducing component count and device complexity while maintaining effective impedance matching across all antenna elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If matching circuits are connected between antenna elements and switch module, then impedance matching is improved, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpedance matchingVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the matching circuit from individual antenna connections and relocates it to a centralized position between switch units. This reduces the number of matching circuits from multiple units to a single unit, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining impedance matching performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple impedance matching functions into a single matching circuit located between the common terminals of the first and second switch units. This merging reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and costs while maintaining effective impedance matching for all antenna elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple switch units are used to connect antenna elements and communication systems, then selectivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselective connection capabilityVSAvoidswitch module structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the switch module into two distinct switch units: a first switch unit for selectively connecting antenna elements to a first common terminal, and a second switch unit for selectively connecting communication systems to a second common terminal. This segmentation allows independent control of antenna selection and communication system selection, improving selectivity while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces common terminals as intermediary connection points between the two switch units. The first common terminal and second common terminal act as mediators that simplify the connection architecture, allowing the switch units to be controlled independently while maintaining clear signal paths. This intermediary structure improves selectivity without significantly increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9602147B2Switch module

Publication Date: 2017.03.21 MURATA MFG CO LTD

AI summary

Impedance mismatching by a matching circuit provided on a signal line which connects a first common terminal and a second common terminal is eliminated so as to significantly reduce insertion loss of a switch module. Therefore, it is possible to provide a switch module which has a simple configuration without the need for connection of a matching circuit to antenna terminals to which antennas are respectively connected, and is able to selectively connect any one of the antennas and any one of communication systems.