Switched Filter for Wireless Protocol Coexistence

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing demands for larger data rates and wider modulation bandwidths in wireless protocols, such as 5G New Radio, pose coexistence challenges due to distortion that extends into adjacent frequency bands, requiring additional filtering to maintain isolation, but this increases insertion loss and is unnecessary in all scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A switched filter system with a filtered signal path and a bypass signal path that selectively routes carrier signals based on frequency band, bandwidth, and center frequency, allowing the bypass path to minimize insertion loss when additional rejection is not needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a filter is used to prevent distortion from extending into adjacent frequency bands, then isolation between bands is improved, but insertion loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveisolation between frequency bandsVSAvoidinsertion loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic switching mechanism that selectively connects the filter in or out of the signal path based on real-time operating conditions. The switched filter controller monitors the carrier signal parameters and dynamically adjusts the filter connection state, transitioning between filtered and bypass modes to optimize the trade-off between isolation and insertion loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of the filter connection based on the carrier signal characteristics. When the carrier signal bandwidth and frequency band indicate potential distortion into adjacent bands, the filter is connected; otherwise, the bypass path is selected, effectively changing the system's filtering parameter dynamically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If filtering is applied to all carrier signals, then coexistence between wireless protocols is improved, but performance efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary insertion loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoexistence between wireless protocolsVSAvoidperformance efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies filtering selectively rather than uniformly to all carrier signals. The switched filter controller evaluates specific conditions (carrier signal bandwidth, frequency band, and center frequency) and applies filtering only to those signals that require it, leaving other signals to pass through the bypass path without degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of applying filtering to all signals (excessive action), the system applies filtering only to the extent necessary for specific carrier signals that meet the criteria for potential adjacent band distortion, achieving sufficient coexistence management without unnecessary performance penalty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a switched filter system is implemented to dynamically route signals, then adaptability to different wireless protocols is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for different wireless protocolsVSAvoidcomplexity of switched filter system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switched filter system is designed to handle multiple wireless protocols and carrier signal configurations through a single unified architecture. The filter and bypass path can accommodate different frequency bands and bandwidth requirements, making the system universally applicable to various 5G NR and other wireless protocols without requiring separate filtering solutions for each protocol.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 coexistence between different wireless protocols by dynamically adjusting the signal path to prevent unnecessary insertion loss, supporting concurrency while maintaining performance.

Implementation Method 1

a filter configured to attenuate frequencies in a frequency rejection band

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 2

switching circuitry configured to selectively establish a bypass signal path including the bypass line or a filtered signal path including the filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical switching: Relay

Data Source

PatentUS11362692B2Apparatus and method for controlling a switchable filter for coexistence between wireless protocols

Publication Date: 2022.06.14 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Certain aspects of the disclosure related to communications apparatus provides isolation between wireless protocols when operating currently while incurring the additional insertion loss based on providing the isolation only when needed. In an aspect, an apparatus include a switched filter coupled to an antenna where the switched filter includes a filter and a bypass line along with switching circuitry configured to selectively establish a bypass signal path including the bypass line or a filtered signal path including the filter. The apparatus further includes a switched filter controller configured to cause the switching circuitry to selectively connect a transceiver unit to the antenna via the bypass signal path or via the filtered signal path based at least on a frequency band of a carrier signal and a bandwidth of the carrier signal.