Universal Front End Module Tunable RF Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of multiple wireless standards in devices poses challenges due to the need for multiple radio frequency paths, leading to increased cost, complexity, and power consumption, particularly in congested spectra where interference is significant.
Innovation Solution
A universal front end module with a single transmit and receive path utilizing tunable components such as a tunable power amplifier and filter, along with a reconfigurable antenna, allows efficient operation across various frequencies and standards, reducing component count and size while minimizing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple radio frequency paths are used to support multiple wireless standards, then compatibility with different standards is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal front end module that can operate across multiple frequency ranges (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and other bands) using a single radio frequency path. The module includes tunable components such as a variable gain amplifier and filters that can be adjusted to support different wireless standards (WiFi, WiMAX, etc.), eliminating the need for separate dedicated paths for each standard while maintaining multi-standard compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The front end module employs dynamic tuning capabilities where components like the variable gain amplifier gain, filter frequencies, and attenuator settings can be adjusted in real-time based on the operating frequency and standard. This dynamic adaptation allows a single static hardware path to serve multiple functional requirements for different wireless standards, reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple radio frequency paths are used to support multiple wireless standards, then compatibility with different standards is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating multiple radio frequency paths into a single universal front end module, the system reduces the total number of active components that consume power. The single path with tunable components requires less overall power than multiple dedicated paths, while still providing support for multiple wireless standards through dynamic reconfiguration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple radio frequency paths are used to support multiple wireless standards, then compatibility with different standards is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate radio frequency paths into a single integrated front end module. This consolidation reduces the total component count, simplifies the bill of materials, and lowers manufacturing costs. The module integrates multiple functions (amplification, filtering, attenuation, frequency conversion) into a single unit that can be manufactured more efficiently than multiple separate assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal front end module serves as a cost-effective solution by providing multi-standard support through a single design. This eliminates the need to manufacture and inventory multiple variant devices for different standards, reducing production complexity and per-unit costs while maintaining compatibility across WiFi, WiMAX, and other wireless protocols.
4Reliability
If traditional front end modules are used with separate paths for different frequencies, then performance at specific frequencies is optimized, but interference and noise from multiple paths increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the harmful effect of multiple parallel radio frequency paths by consolidating them into a single path. This removal of redundant paths reduces the sources of internal interference and noise that arise from signal leakage, crosstalk, and mutual coupling between adjacent RF paths, thereby improving overall signal quality and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment a universal front end module for network communications is disclosed. The module can include a mode controller coupled to components of a transmission path. A first tunable filter on a transmit path can receive a mode control signal from the mode controller and receive a signal to be transmitted and provide a filtered output signal responsive to the mode control signal and the signal to be transmitted. The mode control signal can be associated with a predetermined network protocol such as WiMax, a WiFi, a 3G LTE and a cellular standard where each standard has a predetermined operating frequency and protocol. The module can also include a tunable power amplifier to provide an amplified transmittable signal over a single transmit path can be utilized to transmit the transmittable signal in at least two different modes responsive to the mode controller.