Variable Circulator Front End Module for Multi-Band Signal Isolation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing high frequency front end modules that transmit and receive multiple communication signals via a common antenna require a large number of individual terminals in the switch, leading to increased size and cost due to the use of semiconductor switches like FETs.

Innovation Solution

A high frequency front end module configuration using a circulator, transmission side filter, and reception side filter with adjustable characteristics, including variable impedance circuits and SAW filters, allows for the transmission and reception of multiple communication signals through a single circulator, reducing the need for multiple switching terminals and simplifying the module design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a switch with a large number of individual terminals is used to connect multiple transmission/reception circuits to a common antenna, then the module can transmit and receive multiple communication signals, but the size of the switch increases and the cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to transmit and receive multiple communication signalsVSAvoidnumber of individual terminals in the switch

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single large switch into multiple smaller switches (first switch, second switch, third switch, fourth switch), each handling a subset of transmission/reception circuits. This segmentation reduces the number of terminals per switch while maintaining the overall capability to connect all circuits to the common antenna.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple switches to collectively perform the function of a single large switch. By merging the switching capabilities of four smaller switches, the system achieves the same adaptability as a single large switch but with reduced complexity and cost in each individual switch component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a switch with a large number of individual terminals is used, then multiple communication signals can be routed through the common antenna, but the cost of the module increases to a great extent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of communication signals transmitted and receivedVSAvoidcost of the module

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the switching function across multiple smaller switches, reducing the manufacturing cost of each switch. Since smaller switches with fewer terminals are less expensive to manufacture, the overall module cost is reduced while maintaining the capability to handle multiple communication signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses multiple copies of simpler switch designs rather than one complex switch. By replicating a simpler switch architecture four times, the system achieves the required functionality at a lower cost per switch, reducing the overall module cost compared to using a single large switch.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If the number of individual terminals in the switch increases, then more transmission/reception circuits can be connected to the common antenna, but the size of the switch increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of connected transmission/reception circuitsVSAvoidsize of the switch

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the switching function into multiple smaller switches, each with fewer terminals and consequently smaller physical size. By distributing the connection tasks across four smaller switches, the overall switch area is reduced compared to a single large switch that would require more space to accommodate all terminals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent reorganizes the switching architecture from a single-plane large switch to a multi-switch configuration that can be arranged in a more space-efficient manner. This dimensional reorganization allows for better utilization of space and reduces the overall footprint of the switching component in the module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS8891596B2High frequency front end module

Publication Date: 2014.11.18 MURATA MFG CO LTD

AI summary

A high frequency front end module includes a variable circulator, a transmission side filter, and a reception side filter. Capacitors that are to be selectively connected by a switch are provided between an antenna side port and a transmission side port of a circulator of the variable circulator. Capacitors that are to be selectively connected by a switch are provided between the antenna side port and a reception side port of the circulator. Capacitors that are to be selectively connected by a switch are provided between the transmission side port and the reception side port of the circulator. By selecting the capacitors, phase characteristics between the ports are adjusted to the characteristics in accordance with a transmission signal and a reception signal to be transmitted.