Multi-Mode WiFi Bluetooth RF Front End With Integrated Coexistence Filter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-mode RF front ends in mobile devices face challenges in coexistence issues between WiFi/Bluetooth transmit signals and LTE/GPS reception, leading to interference, reduced sensitivity, and increased power consumption due to the need for external coexistence filters and antenna-side filtering.
Innovation Solution
A multi-mode WiFi and Bluetooth RF front end implemented on a single semiconductor die that eliminates antenna-side coexistence filters, using switch networks and a coexistence filter connected to the power amplifier chain to minimize interference and reduce power consumption by selectively routing signals and filtering noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If external coexistence filters are used to prevent WiFi/Bluetooth interference with LTE/GPS reception, then interference is reduced, but device footprint and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the coexistence filter functionality directly into the RF front-end circuitry, merging what were previously separate external filter components with the main RF processing unit. This integration eliminates the need for discrete external coexistence filters while maintaining their interference prevention function, thereby reducing the overall device footprint without sacrificing interference protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The RF front-end circuit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the main RF processing unit and as the coexistence filter for protecting LTE and GPS reception from WiFi/Bluetooth interference. By making the RF front-end circuit perform multiple functions simultaneously, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated filter components, thus reducing device footprint while maintaining interference protection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If external coexistence filters are used to prevent WiFi/Bluetooth interference with LTE/GPS reception, then interference is reduced, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the coexistence filter functionality directly into the RF front-end circuitry, merging what were previously separate external filter components with the main RF processing unit. This integration eliminates the need for discrete external coexistence filters while maintaining their interference prevention function, thereby reducing overall power consumption without sacrificing interference protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The RF front-end circuit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the main RF processing unit and as the coexistence filter for protecting LTE and GPS reception from WiFi/Bluetooth interference. By making the RF front-end circuit perform multiple functions simultaneously, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated filter components, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining interference protection.
3Reliability
If antenna-side filtering is implemented to reduce interference, then reception sensitivity is improved, but device complexity and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the coexistence filter functionality directly into the RF front-end circuitry, merging what were previously separate external filter components with the main RF processing unit. This integration maintains reception sensitivity by preserving filtering functionality while reducing device complexity by eliminating separate filter components and simplifying the overall system architecture.
4Volume of moving object
If multiple communication subsystems are placed in close proximity to reduce handset size, then compactness is improved, but interference between subsystems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the coexistence filter functionality directly into the RF front-end circuitry, allowing multiple communication subsystems to be placed in close proximity while maintaining interference protection. This integration enables compact handset design by eliminating external filter components that would occupy additional space, while the embedded filtering functionality continues to prevent interference between closely spaced subsystems.
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency front end circuit for a multimode transceiver has a first operating mode transmit input port, a second operating mode transmit input/receive output port, and a hybrid first and second operating mode receive output port. A first switch network has one or more switch elements together selectively connecting the first operating mode transmit input port, the second operating mode transmit input/receive output port, and the hybrid first and second operating mode receive output port to a coexistence filter first port. A second switch network has one or more switch elements that together selectively connect a coexistence filter second port to an antenna port.