TRAS Reflection Structure for TDD Transmitter Protection

Solution Overview

Problem

In Time Division Duplexing (TDD) wireless communication systems, the isolator increases power consumption and heat in the transmitter due to increased transmission path loss from reflected signals, affecting system throughput and requiring protection for the Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) from high-power RF signals.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilize a reflection structure within the Transmit/Receive Antenna Switch (TRAS) to absorb reflected signals during transmission, controlling the transmission of high-power RF signals only when the TRAS operates correctly, and using a hybrid coupler and Pass RF Receive signal and reflect RF Transmit signal blocks to manage signal reflection and absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an isolator is used to protect the transmitter from reflected signals, then the transmitter is protected from damage, but the transmission path loss increases, leading to increased power consumption and heat generation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmitter protectionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the signal absorption function from a separate isolator component and integrates it into the TRAS device. The TRAS now performs both signal switching and reflected signal absorption functions, eliminating the need for a standalone isolator and reducing transmission path loss while maintaining transmitter protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the isolator's signal absorption function with the TRAS's signal switching function into a single integrated device. This merging reduces the number of components in the transmission path, minimizing signal loss and reducing power consumption while maintaining transmitter protection capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If an isolator is used to absorb reflected signals, then the transmitter is protected from reflected signal damage, but the transmission path loss increases, affecting system throughput

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmitter protectionVSAvoidsystem throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the signal absorption function from a separate isolator component and integrates it into the TRAS device. The TRAS now performs both signal switching and reflected signal absorption functions, eliminating the need for a standalone isolator and reducing transmission path loss while maintaining transmitter protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the isolator's signal absorption function with the TRAS's signal switching function into a single integrated device. This merging reduces the number of components in the transmission path, minimizing signal loss and reducing power consumption while maintaining transmitter protection capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the TRAS switches between transmission and reception modes, then bidirectional communication is enabled, but the LNA is exposed to high-power RF signals during transmission mode

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebidirectional communicationVSAvoidLNA exposure to high-power signals

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a reception path reflection structure as an intermediary element between the TRAS and the LNA. This reflection structure absorbs high-power transmitted signals that leak through the TRAS during transmission mode, preventing them from reaching and damaging the LNA, while allowing normal reception operation when the TRAS switches to reception mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 power consumption and heat in the transmitter, minimizes transmission path loss, and effectively protects the LNA by ensuring high-power RF signals are only transmitted when the TRAS operates correctly, enhancing system stability and throughput.

Implementation Method 1

absorbing an output signal of the transmitter flowing to the receive circuits using a reflection structure positioned in a reception path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

using a hybrid coupler and Pass RF Receive signal and reflect RF Transmit signal blocks to manage signal reflection and absorption

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal separation:

Data Source

PatentUS8705412B2Apparatus and method for protecting receive circuits in TDD wireless communication system

Publication Date: 2014.04.22 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An apparatus and a method for protecting receive circuits in a Time Division Duplexing (TDD) wireless communication system are provided. The receive circuit protecting apparatus includes a TDD controller for controlling transmission and reception modes according to transmission and reception intervals, a transmitter for power-amplifying and outputting a Radio Frequency (RF) signal in the transmission mode under control of the TDD controller, and a Transmit/Receive Antenna Switch (TRAS) for, in the transmission mode, forwarding a signal of the transmitter to an antenna feed line under the control of the TDD controller and for absorbing an output signal of the transmitter flowing to the receive circuits using a reflection structure positioned in a reception path, and, in the reception mode, for forwarding a signal fed from the antenna feed line to the receive circuits under the control of the TDD controller.