Tunable Duplexer Band Switching for Compact Multi-Band Radios

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication devices face challenges in achieving compactness and high performance due to the need for multiple duplexers to cover wide transmission and reception frequency bands, especially when the separation between these bands is small, leading to increased component count and device size.

Innovation Solution

A communication device with a tunable duplexer that adjusts its transmittable/receivable frequency band based on network frequency identification, using a processor to control a band pass filter and tunable tuner circuit, minimizing the number of components and reducing device size by dynamically changing impedance and frequency pass band.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple duplexers are used to cover wide transmission and reception frequency bands, then frequency band coverage is improved, but device size and component count increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency band coverageVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The duplexer is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting both transmission and reception across multiple frequency bands (e.g., TDD and FDD modes) using a single integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate duplexers for each band

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The duplexer incorporates dynamically adjustable components including variable capacitors and variable inductors that can change their electrical characteristics based on control signals, allowing the same hardware to adapt to different frequency bands and operational modes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple duplexers are used to cover wide transmission and reception frequency bands, then frequency band coverage is improved, but the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency band coverageVSAvoidcomponent count

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The duplexer is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting both transmission and reception across multiple frequency bands (e.g., TDD and FDD modes) using a single integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate duplexers for each band

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple functional elements including band pass filters, variable capacitors, variable inductors, and switching mechanisms into a single integrated duplexer unit that handles both TDD and FDD operations, reducing the total component count

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a fixed frequency band duplexer is used, then component simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different frequency bands is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent simplicityVSAvoidfrequency band coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The duplexer incorporates dynamically adjustable components including variable capacitors and variable inductors that can change their electrical characteristics based on control signals, allowing the same hardware to adapt to different frequency bands and operational modes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes electrical parameters such as capacitance and inductance values dynamically through control signals to adjust the resonant frequencies and impedance matching characteristics of the duplexer, enabling operation across multiple frequency bands without changing the physical structure

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

The solution enables efficient frequency band management, improving separation performance and reducing insertion loss, allowing for a more compact design while supporting multiple frequency bands.

Implementation Method 1

a tunable tuner circuit configured to change an impedance thereof according to the control signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpedance tuning: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS10284355B2Communication device and electronic device including the same

Publication Date: 2019.05.07 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A communication device includes: a communication module configured to discover a network capable of communication; a processor configured to identify a first frequency band of the network and to output a control signal for changing a pass band of a band pass filter; a multiplexer configured to change the pass band of the band pass filter to correspond to the first frequency band of the network; and a tunable tuner circuit configured to change an impedance thereof according to the control signal.