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 from transmitters, which in turn increases power consumption and reduces communication range, especially at mm-wave frequencies.
Innovation Solution
The use of transmission line based transmitter/receiver switch (TRSW) systems with shunt switches on primary/secondary coils of transformer matching networks, allowing for shorter transmission lines and reduced insertion loss, and incorporating the transmitter power amplifier as a shunt switch in receive mode to minimize additional switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If transceivers share a single antenna, then hardware complexity is reduced, but insertion loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single antenna system into multiple antenna elements (first antenna element and second antenna element) with separate transmit/receive paths. Each path has its own switch and matching network, allowing independent optimization of each channel while maintaining overall system integration. This segmentation reduces insertion loss by providing dedicated paths while still achieving hardware sharing benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional shared antenna approach to a multi-dimensional architecture where multiple antenna elements are arranged in specific spatial configurations. This dimensional expansion allows for beamforming capabilities and provides multiple signal paths, reducing the impact of insertion loss through spatial diversity while maintaining hardware efficiency.
2Area of stationary object
If transmission lines are shortened to reduce silicon area, then area consumption is reduced, but impedance matching becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces transformer-based matching networks as intermediary components between the shortened transmission lines and the antenna elements. These transformers provide the necessary impedance transformation and matching functionality that would otherwise require longer transmission lines, enabling area reduction while maintaining precise impedance matching through the intermediary transformer components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the matching networks by using transformer turns ratios and impedance transformations rather than relying on transmission line length. By adjusting transformer parameters (turns ratio, winding configuration) rather than transmission line physical dimensions, the system achieves impedance matching in a compact form factor with reduced silicon area.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If insertion loss is reduced to improve receiver noise performance, then noise figure improves, but hardware complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transmit and receive functions into an integrated transceiver architecture with shared components (antenna elements, matching networks, and control logic). By combining functions and using shared infrastructure, the system reduces insertion loss through optimized signal paths while avoiding the hardware complexity of completely separate transmit and receive systems. The shared antenna and matching networks reduce overall component count despite the added benefits of reduced loss.
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 matching networks, allowing for shorter transmission lines and reduced insertion loss
Data Source
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.