Transformer-Matched TR Switch for Lower Insertion Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Integrated transceivers face higher insertion loss when sharing a single antenna, leading to increased noise in receivers and lower output power in transmitters, which necessitates higher power consumption to maintain communication distances.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a transmission line-based transmitter/receiver switch (TRSW) system with shunt switches on primary/secondary coils of transformer-based matching networks, allowing for shorter transmission lines and reduced insertion loss, and utilizing a transmitter power amplifier as a shunt switch in receive mode to minimize additional switches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If transceivers share a single antenna, then hardware complexity is reduced, but insertion loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehardware complexityVSAvoidinsertion loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the antenna system by providing separate antennas for transmit and receive paths, eliminating the need for a shared antenna. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing each path to have dedicated hardware (reducing insertion loss) while maintaining overall system integration through the TRSW controller.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a transmit/receive switch (TRSW) as an intermediary component that controls switching between transmit and receive modes. This mediator enables separate antenna paths while maintaining coordinated operation, thus reducing insertion loss without significantly increasing hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If insertion loss is reduced, then receiver noise is lowered, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereceiver noiseVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the transmit and receive paths into a single integrated transceiver unit with unified control logic. By combining functions and using shared components where possible (while maintaining separate antenna paths), the design reduces receiver noise through lower insertion loss without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of energy

If transformer matching networks are used, then insertion loss is reduced, but silicon area consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion lossVSAvoidsilicon area consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the matching network from a traditional LC-based design to a transformer-based design. This parameter change in the circuit topology achieves lower insertion loss while the integrated transformer implementation optimizes silicon area usage through efficient layout and shared magnetic cores.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach reduces silicon area consumption, lowers insertion loss, and enables more transceivers to be integrated on a fixed silicon area, resulting in lower power consumption and cost-effective phased-array systems with improved communication range.

Implementation Method 1

transformer based matching networks, allowing for shorter transmission lines and reduced insertion loss

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpedance transformation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

shunt switches on primary/secondary coils of transformer-based matching networks

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11218183B2Low loss transmitter receiver switch with transformer matching network

Publication Date: 2022.01.04 INTEL CORP

AI summary

A transmit receive switch (TRSW) system is disclosed. The system has a transmission line, a transformer based matching network, a shunt switch, an amplifier and circuitry. The transmission line is connected to an antenna port. The transformer based matching network is connected to the transmission line and has a first coil and a second coil, wherein the second coil is connected to the transmission line. The amplifier can be configured as a shunt switch when inactive. The shunt switch, including the amplifier configured as the shunt switch, can be connected to the first coil of the transformer based matching network. The circuitry is configured to cause the shunt switch to be ON during an inactive mode and create a short across the first coil. Combined, the length of transmission line needed to complete the impedance transformation is reduced, thereby lowering the overall insertion loss of the transmit/receive switch.