Switchable RF Coupler for Constant Coupling Across Frequency Bands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bidirectional couplers face challenges in maintaining a consistent coupling factor and minimizing insertion loss across different frequency ranges, often requiring additional components like attenuators or separate couplers, which increase footprint and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A radio frequency signal coupler with switchable inductors that adjust coupling factors by selectively coupling and decoupling transmission lines or inductors based on frequency, maintaining a constant power level and insertion loss across multiple frequency ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional components like attenuators or separate couplers are used to maintain consistent coupling factor across different frequency ranges, then coupling factor consistency is improved, but device complexity and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the coupled transmission line configuration switchable between different states (coupled and decoupled) based on operating frequency. The switch dynamically reconfigures the circuit topology to maintain consistent coupling factor across different frequency ranges, eliminating the need for multiple fixed couplers or attenuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality by designing a single coupler that can operate effectively across multiple frequency ranges (e.g., 5G NR bands) through reconfiguration. The same coupled transmission line structure serves different functional requirements (different coupling factors) by changing its connectivity state, replacing the need for frequency-specific couplers.
2Reliability
If additional components like attenuators are used to maintain consistent coupling factor across different frequency ranges, then coupling factor consistency is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switch dynamically adjusts the coupled transmission line configuration based on the operating frequency band, enabling consistent coupling factor without requiring active attenuators that consume power. The reconfiguration is achieved through low-power switching mechanisms rather than continuous power-hungry attenuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the need for power-consuming attenuators from the system by using switchable transmission line coupling instead. The coupling adjustment is achieved through topological reconfiguration rather than through active components that require continuous power supply.
3Reliability
If separate couplers are used for different frequency ranges, then coupling factor consistency is improved, but device footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single physical coupler structure is designed to serve multiple frequency ranges by reconfiguring its internal connectivity. The coupled transmission lines and switch share the same physical space, replacing what would otherwise require multiple separate coupler devices occupying different areas on the PCB.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic reconfiguration capability allows one physical coupler to adapt its electrical characteristics for different frequency bands, effectively replacing multiple static couplers with a single dynamic structure that maintains consistent performance across frequencies without requiring additional physical footprint.
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
The solution enables a compact, efficient bidirectional coupler that maintains a substantially constant coupled power level and minimized insertion loss over a range of frequencies without the need for extra components, improving efficiency and reducing package size.
Implementation Method 1
a coupled transmission line electromagnetically coupled to the main transmission line
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency signal coupler includes an input port, an output port, a main transmission line coupled between the input port and the output port, and a coupled transmission line electromagnetically coupled to the main transmission line. The coupled transmission line includes a first transmission line, a second transmission line, and a switch configured to couple the first and second transmission lines during a first mode of operation and to decouple the first and second transmission lines during a second mode of operation. The radio frequency couple can be used in a front end module of a communications device, such as a mobile phone.