Switched Multiplexer Architecture for Low-Loss Carrier Aggregation

Solution Overview

Problem

Current RF front-end module designs face challenges in achieving lower cost and smaller size while maintaining performance, particularly in carrier aggregation technologies where quadruplexing designs result in increased insertion loss and power consumption due to the loading effect of unused filters.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a switched multiplexer architecture that reduces the number of filters and power amplifiers by using a combination of duplexers and individual filters, with phase delay components and SOI switches to facilitate simultaneous operation across multiple frequency bands, allowing for efficient carrier aggregation with reduced insertion loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If quadruplexing designs are used to support multiple frequency bands, then carrier aggregation capability is improved, but insertion loss increases due to loading effect of unused filters

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarrier aggregation capabilityVSAvoidinsertion loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes unused filters from the signal path using switching circuits. Instead of having all filters permanently connected in parallel (which causes loading effects), the switching circuit dynamically connects only the necessary filters for the current frequency band, eliminating the harmful loading effect on unused filters while maintaining multi-band carrier aggregation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic switching between different filter configurations based on the active frequency band. The switching circuit dynamically reconfigures the filter network to match the current operational requirements, transitioning between different states (e.g., filtering mode, non-filtering mode, broadband matching mode) to optimize performance for each specific band while minimizing insertion loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If quadruplexing designs are used to support multiple frequency bands, then carrier aggregation capability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarrier aggregation capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes unused filters from the signal path using switching circuits. Instead of having all filters permanently connected in parallel (which causes loading effects), the switching circuit dynamically connects only the necessary filters for the current frequency band, eliminating the harmful loading effect on unused filters while maintaining multi-band carrier aggregation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic switching between different filter configurations based on the active frequency band. The switching circuit dynamically reconfigures the filter network to match the current operational requirements, transitioning between different states (e.g., filtering mode, non-filtering mode, broadband matching mode) to optimize performance for each specific band while minimizing insertion loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the number of filters is reduced to decrease device complexity, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but filtering performance may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of filtersVSAvoidfiltering performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universal filters that can serve multiple frequency bands through dynamic reconfiguration. The same physical filter can be adapted to different bands by changing its configuration state, allowing a reduced number of physical filters to provide filtering coverage for multiple bands while maintaining adequate filtering performance through intelligent switching and phase delay adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic switching between different filter configurations based on the active frequency band. The switching circuit dynamically reconfigures the filter network to match the current operational requirements, transitioning between different states (e.g., filtering mode, non-filtering mode, broadband matching mode) to optimize performance for each specific band while minimizing insertion loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10447317B2Methods for providing carrier aggregation

Publication Date: 2019.10.15 SKYWORKS SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

Improved switched multiplexer architecture for supporting carrier aggregation in front-end applications. A method is disclosed for providing a plurality of switchable paths between an assembly of filters and an antenna port. The method includes connecting a first filter of the filter assembly to the antenna port using a first switch of a switching circuit. The method also includes connecting a second filter of the filter assembly to the antenna port using a second switch of the switching circuit, the second switch independently operated from the first switch. The method also includes passing a first frequency range associated with a first transmission frequency range of a first band using the first filter. The method also includes passing a second frequency range associated with a first receive frequency range of the first band and with a second receive frequency range of a second band using the second filter.