Triplexer Signal Separation for Wi-Fi and LTE Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wireless electronic devices face challenges in designing wireless communications circuitry to accommodate simultaneous communications using different technologies in adjacent frequency bands, such as Wi-Fi and cellular standards, due to potential interference between signals.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of triplexer circuitry between the transceiver circuitry and antenna, which includes filters to separate and handle radio-frequency signals in adjacent frequency bands like Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz and LTE bands 38 and 40, allowing simultaneous communication by routing signals to appropriate transceiver circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If separate antennas are used for Wi-Fi and cellular communications to avoid interference, then signal interference is reduced, but device complexity and antenna quantity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal interferenceVSAvoidantenna quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the frequency spectrum into different bands (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) and uses a triplexer to separate signals into distinct frequency paths. This allows multiple wireless technologies to share a single antenna while maintaining signal integrity through frequency-based segmentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal antenna system that can handle multiple wireless communication technologies (Wi-Fi, cellular, mmWave) simultaneously through a single antenna interface. The triplexer enables this multi-functionality by routing different frequency bands to appropriate transceivers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple transceivers operate simultaneously in adjacent frequency bands, then communication versatility is improved, but signal interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication versatilityVSAvoidsignal interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The triplexer acts as an intermediary device between the antenna and multiple transceivers. It mediates signal routing by separating incoming signals into different frequency bands and directing them to the appropriate transceiver, preventing direct interference between simultaneous operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by creating dedicated frequency paths for different communication technologies. Each transceiver operates in its designated frequency band with isolated signal paths, allowing simultaneous operation without interference while maintaining communication versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If a triplexer is used to separate signals in adjacent frequency bands, then simultaneous communication is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimultaneous communication capabilityVSAvoidcircuitry complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple wireless communication functions into a single antenna interface by combining the triplexer with the antenna system. This consolidation allows simultaneous Wi-Fi, cellular, and mmWave communications through one unified interface, reducing the need for multiple separate antenna systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If separate antennas are used for different wireless technologies, then signal isolation is improved, but device size and component quantity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal isolationVSAvoidcomponent quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The triplexer segments signals by frequency, creating virtual isolation between different wireless technologies. This frequency-based segmentation achieves signal isolation equivalent to physical separation but without requiring multiple antennas, thereby reducing component quantity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 effectively reduces interference and enables efficient simultaneous communication in multiple adjacent frequency bands, enhancing wireless communications capabilities without the need for separate antennas for each technology.

Implementation Method 1

a first filter configured to pass radio-frequency signals in a first frequency band from the antenna to a first transceiver circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency filtering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 2

a second filter configured to pass radio-frequency signals in a second frequency band from the antenna to a first transceiver circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency filtering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 3

a third filter configured to pass radio-frequency signals in a third frequency band from the antenna to a second transceiver circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentEP2777166B1Wireless communications circuitry with a triplexer for separating radio-frequency signals in adjacent frequency bands

Publication Date: 2017.12.20 APPLE INC

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AI summary

A wireless electronic device may be used to communicate using multiple wireless standards in adjacent frequency bands. The wireless standards may include Wi-Fi® and cellular standards such as Long Term Evolution (LTE). The wireless electronic device may be provided with wireless communications circuitry that handles Wi-Fi® and cellular signals in adjacent frequency bands such as the Wi-Fi® 2.4 GHz frequency band and LTE bands 38 and 40. The wireless communications circuitry may include a triplexer interposed between transceiver circuitry and an antenna. The triplexer may be used to handle radio-frequency signals in adjacent frequency bands by separating the radio-frequency signals into signals associated with each frequency band. The triplexer may include filters that each pass signals in a respective one of the frequency bands between the transceiver circuitry and the antenna.