TDD Switch Isolating Function Reducing RFPA Insertion Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Communication terminals using Time Division Duplex (TDD) access schemes face high insertion loss on the transmitting path, leading to increased power consumption and heat generation due to the need for higher power output from Radio Frequency Power Amplifiers (RFPA).

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a TDD switch with a circulator and matched switch circuits to diverge an absorption path from the transmitting path, blocking reflecting signals and isolating the receiving path, thereby reducing the load on the RFPA and eliminating the need for a separate isolator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate isolator is added to block reflecting signals, then the RFPA is protected from damage, but device complexity and insertion loss increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRFPA protectionVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the isolator function with the TDD switch by integrating a circulator and matched switch circuits into the existing TDD switch structure. This merging eliminates the need for a separate isolator while maintaining the signal isolation function, thereby reducing device complexity and insertion loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The TDD switch is designed to perform multiple functions: signal switching between transmit and receive paths, isolation of reflecting signals from the RFPA, and protection of the RFPA. By making the TDD switch multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated isolator components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Power

If higher power output from RFPA is used to compensate for insertion loss, then transmitting signal strength is maintained, but power consumption and heat generation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmitting signal strengthVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful reflecting signals that cause insertion loss into a beneficial configuration by using the circulator to direct these reflected signals into a matched load where they are safely dissipated. This eliminates the need to increase RFPA power output to compensate for losses, thereby reducing power consumption and heat generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Device complexity

If receiving path is not isolated from transmitting path, then device complexity is reduced, but receiving sensitivity deteriorates due to transmitting signal interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching structureVSAvoidreceiving sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the signal paths by using the TDD switch with circulator to physically separate the transmitting path and receiving path through different ports. This segmentation ensures that transmitting signals do not leak into the receiving path, maintaining receiving sensitivity while using a relatively simple switching structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution improves transmission performance by protecting the RFPA from reflecting signals and reduces power consumption and heat generation, enhancing overall efficiency and performance of the communication terminal.

Implementation Method 1

a circulator diverging an absorption path for blocking a reflecting signal in the transmitting signal reversely transferring to the transmitting path from the transmitting path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCirculator:

Implementation Method 2

a time division duplex (TDD) switch disposed between the transmitter and the receiver, and blocking electric connection between the transmitter and the receiver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime Division Duplexing:

Data Source

PatentUS9002296B2Communication terminal having TDD switch with isolating function and driving method thereof

Publication Date: 2015.04.07 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A communication terminal and a driving method thereof are provided. The driving method of a communication terminal includes: forming a transmitting path and an absorption path by controlling a time division duplex (TDD) switch in a transmitting mode to isolate the transmitting path and the receiving path from an absorption path, the transmitting path transmitting a transmitting signal in a wireless scheme, and the absorption path diverged from the transmitting path through a circulator of the TDD switch to block a reflecting signal in the transmitting signal reversely transferred to the transmitting path; processing the transmitting signal through the transmitting path. Because a TDD switch has an isolation function, insertion loss in a transmitting path may be suppressed.