Wireless Front-End Module with Tunable Filtering for Harmonic Rejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Harmonic rejection specifications in 5G New Radio (NR) technology are increasingly difficult to meet due to the concurrent generation of signals across multiple bands, and conventional solutions with numerous switches for harmonic rejection are costly.
Innovation Solution
A tunable filter with selective coupled resonances, including parallel and series LC circuits, is integrated into a front-end module to provide harmonic rejection, utilizing switchable capacitors and inductors for tunable resonance frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional solutions with numerous switches are used for harmonic rejection, then harmonic rejection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple harmonic rejection functions into a single tunable filter structure with coupled resonances. Instead of using separate switches for each harmonic frequency, the invention uses one tunable filter that can simultaneously reject multiple harmonics by adjusting its resonance characteristics, thereby reducing the number of switches from multiple individual switches to a single tunable filtering element.
Solution Approach 2:
The tunable filter is designed to perform multiple harmonic rejection functions simultaneously. A single filter structure with coupled resonances can reject second harmonics, third harmonics, and other frequency components by tuning its resonance frequencies, making one component serve multiple harmonic rejection purposes that would otherwise require separate dedicated switches for each harmonic.
2Reliability
If conventional solutions with numerous switches are used for harmonic rejection, then harmonic rejection capability is improved, but implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple harmonic rejection functions into a single tunable filter structure with coupled resonances. Instead of using separate switches for each harmonic frequency, the invention uses one tunable filter that can simultaneously reject multiple harmonics by adjusting its resonance characteristics, thereby reducing the number of switches from multiple individual switches to a single tunable filtering element.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a simplified filter topology that can be replicated or tuned for different harmonic rejection needs. The coupled resonance structure serves as a universal template that can be configured for various harmonic rejection scenarios without requiring custom complex switch networks for each case, reducing design and manufacturing costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple bands are transmitted concurrently, then communication versatility is improved, but harmonic rejection becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a tunable filter with adjustable resonance frequencies that can dynamically adapt to different transmission scenarios. When multiple bands are transmitted concurrently, the filter's resonance characteristics can be tuned to match the specific harmonic frequencies generated, allowing the system to maintain effective harmonic rejection across varying multi-band operating conditions rather than being fixed for a single scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the filter by tuning its resonance frequencies to match the harmonic content generated during concurrent multi-band transmission. This parameter adjustment allows the filter to effectively reject harmonics regardless of which bands are actively transmitting, maintaining harmonic rejection performance across different communication scenarios.
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 tunable filter effectively filters harmonics and provides impedance matching, enhancing harmonic rejection capabilities while reducing the number of required switches, thus lowering implementation costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first resonance circuit having a first inductor and a first capacitor being connected in parallel between a signal input and a signal output of said tunable filter, a second resonance circuit having a second inductor and a second capacitor connected in series to each other between the signal output of said tunable filter and a reference potential
Data Source
AI summary
A front-end module comprising a signal input configured to receive a radio-frequency (RF) signal, an antenna switch module (ASM), a power amplifier adapted to amplify the received RF signal to provide an amplified RF signal supplied to the ASM by way of one or more RF signal paths, and a tunable filter with selective coupled resonances. The selective coupled resonances are adapted to filter the RF signal output by the ASM to provide a filtered RF signal at an antenna node forming a signal output of the front-end module and configured to be coupled to an antenna.