Symmetrical RF Transceiver IC Layout for MIMO Band Transition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current RF transceivers face challenges in efficiently transitioning between multiple RF bands, particularly in supporting Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) operations, which require simultaneous operation of multiple receivers or transmitters in a common band, complicating the construction of transceivers that can operate in different RF bands quickly and effectively.

Innovation Solution

The RF transceiver IC design incorporates a symmetrical layout with dual RF transceiver groups, each with its own baseband and RF sections, along with a local oscillation generation and distribution circuitry that ensures precise phase alignment of local oscillations, facilitating efficient operation in both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands and supporting MIMO communications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an RF transceiver is designed to support multiple RF bands with simultaneous operation, then the adaptability and versatility are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-band operation capabilityVSAvoidtransceiver construction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transceiver is divided into multiple independent transceiver groups (first transceiver group and second transceiver group), each capable of operating in different RF bands. This segmentation allows each group to be optimized for specific band operations while maintaining overall multi-band capability, reducing the complexity of designing a single unified transceiver for all bands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transceiver design incorporates multiple transceiver groups that can operate simultaneously in different RF bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), enabling a single device to perform multiple functions across different frequency ranges. This multi-functionality approach allows the transceiver to support both IEEE 802.11b/g and IEEE 802.11a standards concurrently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple transceiver groups operate simultaneously in a common band for MIMO, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication throughputVSAvoidMIMO implementation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple transceiver groups are combined within a single integrated circuit device, allowing them to operate simultaneously in different RF bands. This merging of multiple transceiver functionalities into one device enables efficient multi-band operation and MIMO capabilities while sharing common support circuitry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Speed

If fast transition between RF bands is implemented, then the speed is improved, but the loss of time during band switching may increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveband transition speedVSAvoidband switching time

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple transceiver groups are pre-configured and ready to operate in different RF bands simultaneously. When a band transition is needed, the system can immediately switch to the pre-configured transceiver group for the target band, eliminating the need for time-consuming reconfiguration and enabling instant band switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8472889B2Radio frequency transceiver integrated circuit floor plan applicable to MIMO

Publication Date: 2013.06.25 AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE LTD

AI summary

A Radio Frequency (RF) transceiver Integrated Circuit (IC) includes a first RF transceiver group, a first baseband section, a second RF transceiver group, a second baseband section, local oscillation circuitry, and local oscillation distribution circuitry. The first baseband section communicatively couples to the first RF transceiver group. The second RF transceiver group resides in substantial symmetry with the first RF transceiver group about a center line of symmetry of the RF transceiver IC. The second baseband section communicatively coupled to the second RF transceiver group. The local oscillation distribution circuitry operably couples to the local oscillation generation circuitry, to the first RF transceiver group, and to the second RF transceiver group. The second baseband section may reside in substantial symmetry with the first baseband section about the center line of symmetry of the RF transceiver IC.