Tunable RF Filter Structure for Antenna Diversity and Beam Forming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RF front-end circuitry in wireless communications devices is limited by the need for simplicity, small size, low cost, and low power consumption while supporting multiple wireless protocols, requiring flexible and efficient RF circuitry that can provide antenna diversity and beam forming.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a tunable RF filter structure with multiple resonators and control circuitry that sets amplitude and phase differences between tunable RF filter paths to achieve antenna diversity and beam forming, utilizing weakly coupled resonators and cross-coupling capacitive structures for electric and magnetic coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional RF front-end circuitry is used, then device simplicity and low cost are maintained, but the ability to support multiple wireless protocols with antenna diversity and beam forming is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal RF filter structure that can operate across multiple frequency bands and support different wireless protocols (LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) using the same hardware components. The tunable resonators and switch network enable a single filter to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate dedicated circuits for each protocol
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamically configurable RF filter paths with tunable resonators whose electrical characteristics can be adjusted in real-time. Control circuitry modifies the resonant frequencies and coupling coefficients of the resonators based on the active wireless protocol, enabling adaptive performance without physical reconfiguration
2Reliability
If antenna diversity and beam forming capabilities are added, then wireless communication performance is improved, but device size and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple RF filter paths into a single integrated structure sharing common resonators and control circuitry. The first and second tunable RF filter paths utilize overlapping sets of resonators, reducing the total component count while maintaining the capability for both antenna diversity and beam forming operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements selective activation of RF filter paths based on operational requirements. Not all resonators and filter paths are actively tuned simultaneously - the control circuitry activates only the necessary subset for the current wireless protocol and antenna configuration, reducing unnecessary power consumption
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tunable RF filter paths are implemented, then flexibility for antenna diversity and beam forming is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the RF filter structure into discrete modular resonator units that can be independently fabricated and then assembled. Each resonator is a separate component with standardized interfaces, allowing for modular manufacturing processes that simplify production while enabling complex multi-path configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested architecture where multiple RF filter paths are embedded within a shared resonator structure. The first and second tunable RF filter paths are nested within the same physical footprint, with control circuitry that can selectively activate different path configurations without requiring separate manufacturing processes for each path
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 enables flexible and efficient RF front-end circuitry that can support multiple wireless protocols, optimizing antenna performance for diversity and beam forming while minimizing size, cost, and power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
cross-coupling capacitive structures for electric and magnetic coupling
Implementation Method 2
cross-coupling capacitive structures for electric and magnetic coupling
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of resonators... Multiple tunable RF filter paths may be defined by the plurality of resonators
Data Source
AI summary
Radio frequency (RF) front-end circuitry that includes control circuitry and an RF filter structure that includes a plurality of resonators are disclosed. In one embodiment, a first tunable RF filter path is defined by a first set of the plurality of resonators such that the first tunable RF filter path has a first amplitude and a first phase. A second tunable RF filter path is defined by a second set of the plurality of resonators such that the second tunable RF filter path has a second amplitude and a second phase. To provide antenna diversity and/or beam forming/beam steering, the control circuitry is configured to set a first amplitude difference between the first amplitude and the second amplitude to approximately a first target amplitude difference and set a first phase difference between the first phase and the second phase to approximately a first target phase difference.