Transmit-Receive Switch Circuit for Harmonic Rejection and ESD Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication devices face issues with signal interference and distortion due to insertion loss, second harmonic distortion, and electrostatic discharge in isolation circuitry, which negatively impact device performance and lifespan.

Innovation Solution

The isolation circuitry includes harmonic distortion rejection, electrostatic discharge filtering, and noise filtering circuitry, with components like baluns, inductors, capacitors, and transmit-receive switches to reduce interference and provide paths to ground for noise and distortion signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If isolation circuitry is added to reduce interference between transmitter and receiver, then signal isolation is improved, but insertion loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal isolationVSAvoidinsertion loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

A transmit-receive switch is introduced as an intermediary component between the transmitter and receiver. The switch provides isolation during transmission mode while minimizing insertion loss during reception mode, effectively mediating the conflict between isolation requirements and signal loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The isolation circuitry employs a dynamically switchable configuration where the transmit-receive switch changes its state based on whether the system is in transmit or receive mode. This dynamic adaptation allows the circuit to optimize performance for each operational phase, reducing insertion loss when isolation is not needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If traditional isolation circuitry is used, then transmitter-receiver isolation is achieved, but harmonic distortion interferes with transmission signals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmitter-receiver isolationVSAvoidharmonic distortion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Harmonic distortion rejection circuitry is extracted and separated from the main signal path. This dedicated circuit selectively removes harmonic distortion components while allowing the fundamental transmission signal to pass through unaffected, thus eliminating the harmful effect without compromising isolation performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The harmonic distortion rejection circuitry converts the harmful harmonic signals into beneficial filtered outputs by selectively attenuating distortion frequencies while preserving the desired signal, effectively transforming a harmful byproduct into a quality improvement.

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

3Reliability

If isolation circuitry components are included, then signal isolation is improved, but electrostatic discharge interferes with signals and decreases component lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal isolationVSAvoidelectrostatic discharge
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Electrostatic discharge protection is built into the isolation circuitry components beforehand. Protective elements such as ESD diodes or transient voltage suppressors are integrated to cushion against electrostatic discharge events before they can damage sensitive components, ensuring long-term reliability while maintaining isolation functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

ESD protection components act as intermediaries between the isolation circuitry and external electrostatic discharge sources. These protective elements intercept and divert electrostatic discharge away from sensitive components, mediating the harmful effect while preserving the isolation circuit's operational integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If complex isolation circuitry with multiple filtering components is used, then signal quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidcircuitry complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple filtering functions (harmonic distortion rejection, ESD protection, noise filtering) are merged into a single integrated isolation circuitry block. This consolidation achieves high signal quality through multiple protective mechanisms while reducing the overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate discrete filtering stages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The isolation circuitry is designed with multi-functionality, where a single circuit block simultaneously performs isolation, harmonic distortion rejection, ESD protection, and noise filtering. This universal approach improves signal quality through multiple functions while avoiding the complexity increase that would result from implementing each function as a separate circuit.

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

This solution reduces signal interference and distortion, improves operating efficiency, and extends the lifespan of components by minimizing insertion loss and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

Implementation Method 1

The isolation circuitry includes a balun. The balun includes a first coil coupled to the transmit circuitry and a second coil coupled to the transmission switch and ground. The isolation circuitry also includes an inductor coupled in parallel with the transmission switch. A capacitor is coupled to the inductor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHarmonic distortion rejection:

Implementation Method 2

The inductor pair is coupled in parallel to the transmit-receive switch. A capacitor is coupled to the first inductor, the second inductor, and ground

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic discharge filtering: Electrostatic Discharge

Implementation Method 3

The isolation circuitry includes a transmit-receive switch coupled to one or more antennas. The isolation circuitry also includes an inductor pair includes a first inductor and a second inductor coupled in series

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal isolation:

Data Source

PatentUS20260074737A1Transmit-receive switch with harmonic distortion rejection and electrostatic discharge protection
Publication Date: 2026.03.12 APPLE INC
  • US20260074737A1 patent drawing
  • US20260074737A1 patent drawing
  • US20260074737A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments disclosed herein relate to reducing insertion loss in a transceiver while improving an operating efficiency of the transceiver. To do so, the transceiver may include isolation circuitry with harmonic distortion rejection circuitry, an electrostatic discharge filter, an out-of-band noise filter, and/or a matching network. In particular, the harmonic distortion rejection circuitry may enable a second harmonic signal to pass from a power amplifier of a transmitter of the transceiver to ground. The electrostatic discharge filter may also provide a path to ground for electrostatic discharge, and the out-of-band noise filter may provide a path to ground for noise signals. The isolation circuitry may substantially remove or decrease interference caused by undesirable signals while reducing a power consumption and thus improving an operating efficiency of the transceiver.