Transceiver Front-End Matching Network for Noise Figure Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transceiver front-ends have a relatively high noise figure due to the combination of ESD protection structures and switches with low noise amplifiers, which degrades signal-to-noise performance, especially in advanced technologies like FDSOI and finFET.
Innovation Solution
A transceiver front-end configuration that separates the switch from the transmitter branch and uses a common impedance matching network upstream of the switch for both impedance matching and electrostatic discharge protection, reducing noise figure by eliminating the switch from the transmitter branch and avoiding the need for negative bias during transmit mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional transceiver front-end uses an ESD protection structure integrated between the input/output pad and the switch, then the switch and other components are protected from electrostatic discharge, but the noise figure increases due to the combination of the ESD protection structure and switch with the low noise amplifier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ESD protection function and impedance matching function into a single integrated matching network. This network is configured to provide both electrostatic discharge protection and impedance matching simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate ESD protection components that would degrade the noise figure of the low noise amplifier.
Solution Approach 2:
The matching network is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides ESD protection, impedance matching, and signal routing. By making the matching network multi-functional, the patent eliminates additional components that would otherwise be needed for ESD protection, thereby maintaining low noise figure while still providing comprehensive protection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a switch is used to selectively connect the transmitter branch or receiver branch to the antenna, then the transceiver can operate in both transmit and receive modes, but the switch introduces power loss to the output signals in the transmitter branch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transceiver front-end into distinct transmitter and receiver paths. The transmitter branch is directly connected to the antenna without a switch in the signal path, while the receiver branch uses a switch for selective connection. This segmentation allows the transmitter to operate without switch-induced power loss while the receiver maintains its selective connectivity capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary impedance transformation network that enables direct connection of the power amplifier to the antenna during transmit mode without requiring the switch to be in the signal path. This intermediary structure allows the switch to remain isolated from the high-power transmit signal, eliminating power loss while maintaining mode selectivity.
3Reliability
If a switch is placed in the transmitter branch to protect the low noise amplifier from output signals, then the low noise amplifier is protected during transmit mode, but the switch requires negative bias during off-mode which adds complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the switch from the transmitter branch and relocates it to only the receiver branch. The ESD protection function is integrated into the matching network, which remains in the transmitter path. This extraction eliminates the need for negative bias control during transmit mode while maintaining protection of the low noise amplifier through the matched network's inherent protection capabilities.
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 configuration significantly reduces noise figure, minimizing power loss and signal degradation, and enhances performance in both transmit and receive modes by providing effective impedance matching and protection for the low noise amplifier.
Implementation Method 1
A common matching network upstream of the switch provides both impedance matching and electrostatic discharge protection for the switch and the low noise amplifier
Implementation Method 2
A common matching network upstream of the switch provides both impedance matching and electrostatic discharge protection for the switch and the low noise amplifier
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are embodiments of a transceiver front-end configured for a reduced noise figure (NF). Each of the embodiments includes an antenna, a transmitter branch and a receiver branch all connected to an input/output pad. The transmitter branch is coupled to the input/output pad (and thereby the antenna) by an impedance transformer. Only the receiver branch is selectively electrically connected to the input/output pad (and thereby the antenna) by a switch. A common matching network between the input/output pad and the switch provides both impedance matching and electrostatic discharge protection for the switch and the low noise amplifier, thereby reducing NF. Specific embodiments are disclosed for integration into specific technologies (e.g., fully depleted silicon-on-insulator (FDSOI) technology and fin-type field effect transistor (finFET) technology).