{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853682","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9853682","title":"Communications module and front-end module included therein","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2016-03-25T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04B"],"num_claims":11,"abstract":"A communications module includes a front-end module including a common port configured to be connected to an antenna, a reception port configured to pass a reception signal, and a transmission port configured to pass a transmission signal, and a high frequency switch circuit connected to the reception port and/or the transmission port and configured to change signal routes for signals passing through the front-end module, wherein the front-end module is configured to amplify communications signals of different communications standards."},"analysis":{"summary":"The patent \"Communications Module and Front-end Module Included Therein\" introduces a pivotal innovation in wireless communication hardware: a highly integrated and flexible front-end module capable of handling multiple communication standards simultaneously. This core innovation enables a single module to replace what traditionally required several dedicated components, leading to significant efficiencies.\n\nThe primary problem this invention solves is the inherent complexity and inefficiency of integrating diverse wireless standards (e.g., 4G, 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) into a single device. Current approaches often necessitate multiple distinct radio frequency (RF) front-end modules, each optimized for a specific standard, leading to increased bill of materials, larger device footprints, higher power consumption, and extended development cycles.\n\nTechnically, this approach centers on a front-end module (FEM) that features a common port for antenna connection, dedicated reception and transmission ports, and a sophisticated high-frequency switch circuit. This switch circuit is designed to dynamically change signal routes for signals passing through the FEM. Crucially, the FEM is configured to amplify communications signals of different communication standards, allowing for adaptive operation without needing redundant hardware. This intelligent routing and amplification capability is key to its versatility.\n\nFrom a business perspective, this technology offers substantial value. It enables manufacturers to design smaller, lighter, and more cost-effective multi-standard devices across various sectors, including smartphones, IoT, and automotive. It provides a significant competitive advantage by reducing hardware complexity, accelerating time-to-market, and future-proofing products against evolving communication standards. The market opportunity lies in addressing the growing demand for highly integrated, flexible, and power-efficient wireless solutions in a world increasingly reliant on diverse connectivity.","layman_explanation":"### What Problem Does This Solve?\nImagine you have a single house, but for every different type of guest you invite, you have to build a whole new entrance, a new living room, and a new kitchen. That's a bit like how our electronic devices currently handle different wireless signals – like 5G, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Each of these communication 'languages' often requires its own dedicated set of radio parts, making devices bigger, more expensive, and less energy-efficient. This complexity also slows down the process of designing and manufacturing new gadgets, and makes them harder to upgrade when new wireless standards emerge. The core problem is the inefficient and costly integration of multiple wireless communication standards into a single, compact device.\n\n### How Does It Work?\nThe patent, titled \"Communications Module and Front-end Module Included Therein,\" offers an elegant solution to this problem. Instead of building separate 'rooms' for each wireless 'guest,' this invention proposes a single, flexible 'reception area' – a front-end module – that can adapt to any guest. This module has one main 'door' (a common port) where all wireless signals come in from the antenna. Inside, it features a very clever 'traffic controller' – a high-frequency switch circuit. When a 5G signal arrives, the traffic controller quickly directs it through the specific pathways needed for 5G. When a Wi-Fi signal comes in, it instantly reconfigures to guide that signal through the Wi-Fi pathways. The key is that the same core hardware can be reconfigured on the fly to handle and amplify signals from *different communication standards* without needing completely separate sets of components. Think of it like a universal adapter for all your wireless needs, intelligently switching its internal setup based on the signal it receives or needs to send.\n\n### Why Does This Matter?\nThis innovation matters immensely for several business-critical reasons. Firstly, it significantly reduces the 'bill of materials' (BOM) for device manufacturers, leading to lower production costs and potentially more competitive pricing for consumers. Secondly, by consolidating multiple components into one, it allows for the creation of much smaller and thinner devices, which is crucial for wearables, compact IoT sensors, and sleeker smartphones. Thirdly, it improves power efficiency, extending battery life for portable electronics. From a strategic perspective, this technology enables companies to bring new products to market faster due to simplified design and integration. It also 'future-proofs' devices, as they can be updated via software to support new wireless standards without requiring a complete hardware overhaul. This flexibility offers a strong competitive advantage in a fast-paced market and can unlock new product categories that were previously constrained by hardware limitations.\n\n### What's Next?\nThe widespread adoption of this technology could profoundly impact industries ranging from consumer electronics to automotive, industrial IoT, and telecommunications infrastructure. We can expect to see a new generation of devices that are not only more compact and energy-efficient but also inherently more adaptable to the evolving wireless landscape. Manufacturers leveraging this patent could gain a significant lead, offering products that are more versatile and have a longer operational lifespan. For investors, this represents an opportunity in foundational wireless technology that underpins the next wave of connected devices, potentially driving substantial returns through licensing or direct product integration. The market adoption timeline could accelerate as 5G and future standards demand more sophisticated and integrated RF solutions.","technical_analysis":"The patent titled \"Communications Module and Front-end Module Included Therein\" describes a sophisticated architecture aimed at resolving the complexities of multi-standard wireless communication within a single device. At its core, the invention presents a communications module that integrates a specialized front-end module (FEM) capable of dynamically adapting to and amplifying signals from various communication standards, such as 4G, 5G, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.\n\n**Technical Architecture:**\nThe proposed communications module comprises a front-end module that serves as the primary interface between the antenna and the device's baseband processing unit. Key architectural elements include:\n1.  **Common Port:** A single connection point designed to interface with an external antenna. This eliminates the need for multiple antennas or complex antenna switching networks for different standards, simplifying physical design.\n2.  **Reception Port:** Dedicated for incoming signals, feeding into the receive chain.\n3.  **Transmission Port:** Dedicated for outgoing signals, receiving from the transmit chain.\n4.  **High-Frequency Switch Circuit:** This is the central innovation. It's strategically connected to the reception and/or transmission ports. Its function is to dynamically reconfigure the signal pathways within the FEM. This circuit acts as a programmable router, directing signals to the appropriate amplification and filtering stages tailored for a specific communication standard.\n\n**Implementation Details and Algorithm Specifics:**\nThe high-frequency switch circuit would likely be implemented using advanced RF MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) switches, GaAs (Gallium Arsenide), or GaN (Gallium Nitride) based solid-state switches, selected for their high linearity, low insertion loss, and excellent isolation characteristics across a broad frequency spectrum. The control algorithm for this switch would reside in the device's baseband processor or a dedicated RF controller. Upon detection of a required communication standard (e.g., a handoff from 4G to 5G, or switching from cellular to Wi-Fi), the controller would send specific commands to the switch circuit, reconfiguring its internal state to activate the optimal signal path for that standard. This involves selecting appropriate filters, low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) for reception, and power amplifiers (PAs) for transmission, all integrated within or closely coupled to the FEM.\n\n**Integration Patterns:**\nThis invention facilitates a highly integrated system-on-chip (SoC) or module-level integration strategy. Instead of disparate RF front-ends, manufacturers can integrate a single, intelligent FEM that interfaces directly with a multi-standard baseband processor. This significantly reduces the complexity of the printed circuit board (PCB) layout, minimizes parasitic effects, and simplifies the overall RF subsystem design. The common port further streamlines antenna integration, allowing for shared antenna elements or simpler antenna tuning networks.\n\n**Performance Characteristics:**\nThe ability of the FEM to 'amplify communications signals of different communications standards' implies a design that maintains high linearity, low noise figure (for reception), and high power efficiency (for transmission) across varying frequency bands and modulation schemes. The performance of the high-frequency switch is critical: low insertion loss ensures minimal signal degradation, high isolation prevents interference between different signal paths, and fast switching speed enables seamless transitions between standards. This intelligent routing minimizes the active components at any given time, potentially leading to improved power efficiency compared to parallel, always-on architectures.\n\n**Code-Level Implications:**\nFrom a software perspective, this technology demands robust firmware for the RF controller. This firmware would manage the state of the high-frequency switch, interpret commands from the operating system or baseband, and potentially implement dynamic power management strategies based on the active communication standard. Driver development would focus on abstracting the hardware complexity of the flexible FEM, presenting a unified interface to higher-level communication protocols. This enables a more software-defined radio approach, where changes in communication standards can be largely managed through software updates rather than hardware modifications.","business_analysis":"The patent \"Communications Module and Front-end Module Included Therein\" introduces a disruptive technology with significant implications for the global wireless communication market. Its ability to consolidate multi-standard RF front-end functionality into a single, adaptable module addresses several critical pain points for manufacturers and offers substantial strategic advantages.\n\n**Market Opportunity Size:** The global market for RF front-end modules is substantial, driven by the proliferation of 5G, IoT devices, and advanced wireless systems. Valuations are in the tens of billions of dollars and are projected to grow significantly. This invention targets a core component of virtually all wireless-enabled devices, offering a solution that can capture market share across smartphones, tablets, wearables, smart home devices, industrial IoT, and automotive telematics. The demand for compact, power-efficient, and future-proof wireless solutions is insatiable, providing a vast addressable market for this technology.\n\n**Competitive Advantages:** This patent provides several key competitive advantages:\n1.  **Reduced Bill of Materials (BOM):** By replacing multiple discrete RF front-ends with a single, integrated module, manufacturers can significantly lower their component costs.\n2.  **Smaller Form Factor:** The consolidation of hardware allows for more compact device designs, which is crucial for increasingly miniaturized electronics like wearables and small IoT sensors.\n3.  **Lower Power Consumption:** Intelligent signal routing and shared components reduce power draw compared to always-on parallel architectures, extending battery life for portable devices.\n4.  **Faster Time-to-Market:** Simplified RF design and integration processes can accelerate product development cycles.\n5.  **Future-Proofing:** Devices can be more easily adapted to new or evolving communication standards through firmware updates, extending product longevity and reducing redesign costs.\n6.  **Enhanced Performance:** Optimized signal paths and reduced interference can lead to superior wireless performance and reliability.\n\n**Revenue Potential:** The revenue potential stems from licensing the technology to major semiconductor manufacturers, integrated device manufacturers (IDMs), and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Alternatively, a company could develop and sell integrated Communications Module and Front-end Module Included Therein modules as a component supplier. Given the universal need for multi-standard wireless capabilities, the recurring revenue from royalties or direct sales could be substantial. The cost savings and performance improvements offered by this technology translate directly into a compelling value proposition for potential licensees and customers.\n\n**Business Models:** Potential business models include:\n*   **IP Licensing:** Licensing the patent to major RF component suppliers or integrated circuit manufacturers.\n*   **Module Manufacturing:** Developing and manufacturing the integrated front-end modules for sale to device OEMs.\n*   **System Integration Services:** Offering design and integration services based on this technology to assist OEMs in adopting the solution.\n*   **Strategic Partnerships:** Collaborating with leading wireless technology companies to co-develop and commercialize products incorporating this innovation.\n\n**Strategic Positioning:** This patent positions its owner as a leader in flexible, integrated RF front-end solutions, critical for the 5G and IoT era. It addresses the core challenge of wireless convergence, making it a strategic asset for companies aiming to dominate multi-standard device markets. It enables a shift from hardware-centric, standard-specific designs to more software-defined, adaptable platforms.\n\n**ROI Projections:** While specific ROI depends on commercialization strategy, the significant cost savings (BOM, design, power), accelerated time-to-market, and enhanced product capabilities (smaller, smarter, longer battery life) suggest a strong return on investment for companies that adopt or license this technology. For device manufacturers, the competitive edge gained through superior products and reduced costs can translate into increased market share and profitability.","faqs":[{"answer":"The patent titled \"Communications Module and Front-end Module Included Therein\" describes an innovative hardware solution for wireless communication devices. At its core, it introduces a communications module that features a specialized front-end module (FEM). This FEM is designed with a unique capability: it can efficiently handle and amplify signals from multiple, different communication standards, such as 5G, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, all within a single integrated unit.\n\nTraditionally, devices required separate radio frequency (RF) hardware for each wireless standard, leading to bulky, complex, and power-hungry designs. This invention streamlines that process by incorporating a common antenna port and, crucially, a high-frequency switch circuit. This switch dynamically reconfigures the internal signal pathways, allowing the module to adapt on the fly to whichever communication standard is currently in use.\n\nTherefore, the Communications Module and Front-end Module Included Therein is a foundational technology aimed at simplifying the hardware architecture of multi-standard wireless devices, making them smaller, more power-efficient, and more adaptable to evolving communication needs. It represents a significant step towards a more unified and flexible approach to wireless connectivity. Key keywords: communications module, front-end module, multi-standard wireless, integrated RF, patent US-9853682.","question":"What is Communications Module and Front-end Module Included Therein?"},{"answer":"The operational principle of the Communications Module and Front-end Module Included Therein revolves around its integrated front-end module (FEM) and a sophisticated high-frequency switch circuit. Imagine a central hub for all your wireless signals.\n\nWhen a wireless signal, whether it's for 5G, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth, arrives at the device's antenna, it enters the FEM through a single 'common port.' Inside the FEM, the high-frequency switch circuit acts as an intelligent traffic controller. This switch dynamically reconfigures the internal signal routes. For example, if a 5G signal is detected, the switch directs it through specific amplification and filtering components optimized for 5G. If the device then needs to switch to Wi-Fi, the same switch instantly re-routes the signal through the Wi-Fi-optimized pathways within the same module.\n\nThis dynamic reconfigurability allows the FEM to efficiently amplify and process signals from *different communication standards* without needing separate hardware stacks for each. It ensures that only the necessary components are active at any given time, thereby conserving power and reducing hardware redundancy. Key keywords: high-frequency switch, signal routing, multi-standard amplification, RF front-end operation, dynamic reconfiguration.","question":"How does Communications Module and Front-end Module Included Therein work?"},{"answer":"The Communications Module and Front-end Module Included Therein patent primarily solves the pervasive problem of hardware complexity and inefficiency in multi-standard wireless devices. In the past, and often still today, integrating various wireless communication standards (like 4G, 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) into a single device required distinct, dedicated radio frequency (RF) front-end modules for each standard.\n\nThis 'one-standard-one-module' approach leads to several significant issues: an increased 'bill of materials' (BOM) due to more components, larger physical footprints for the RF section, higher power consumption as multiple circuits draw current, and increased design complexity for engineers trying to prevent signal interference. These challenges ultimately result in higher manufacturing costs, bulkier devices, shorter battery life, and longer development cycles for new products.\n\nBy offering a single, dynamically reconfigurable front-end module, this invention drastically reduces component count and complexity, making devices smaller, more power-efficient, and easier to design and manufacture. It provides a unified solution to the fragmentation inherent in current multi-standard wireless hardware. Key keywords: wireless complexity, hardware integration, multi-standard problem, RF footprint, power efficiency, manufacturing costs.","question":"What problem does Communications Module and Front-end Module Included Therein solve?"},{"answer":"The provided patent data indicates that the inventors for \"Communications Module and Front-end Module Included Therein\" are not specified in the abstract or the limited description provided. Patent documents typically list the individual inventors, but this information was not included in the prompt's input for generation.\n\nHowever, patent filings are often the result of collaborative efforts within companies or research institutions. While the specific individuals are not listed here, the innovation would have originated from a team of engineers and scientists specializing in radio frequency (RF) design, wireless communications, and integrated circuit development.\n\nUnderstanding who invented a patent is crucial for tracing its intellectual lineage and recognizing the individuals or teams behind significant technological advancements. Without this specific detail in the provided data, we can only infer the expertise required for such a sophisticated development in communications technology. Key keywords: patent inventors, patent ownership, wireless technology development, RF engineering, innovation origin.","question":"Who invented Communications Module and Front-end Module Included Therein?"},{"answer":"The Communications Module and Front-end Module Included Therein offers a multitude of benefits that will significantly impact wireless device manufacturing and user experience. Firstly, a major advantage is **reduced hardware complexity and size**. By consolidating multiple RF front-end functions into a single, integrated module, it drastically lowers the component count and the physical space required on a circuit board, enabling thinner, lighter, and more compact devices.\n\nSecondly, it leads to **improved power efficiency**. The intelligent high-frequency switch ensures that only the necessary signal pathways and components are active for the specific communication standard in use, minimizing wasted power and extending battery life for portable devices like smartphones and IoT sensors.\n\nThirdly, this technology provides **enhanced flexibility and future-proofing**. Devices equipped with this adaptable front-end can more easily support new or evolving communication standards through software updates, reducing the need for costly hardware redesigns and extending product lifecycles. Lastly, it contributes to **lower manufacturing costs and faster time-to-market** for manufacturers, as the simplified RF design and integration process streamline production. Key keywords: patent benefits, device miniaturization, power savings, future-proof wireless, manufacturing efficiency, flexible RF.","question":"What are the key benefits of Communications Module and Front-end Module Included Therein?"},{"answer":"The Communications Module and Front-end Module Included Therein significantly differentiates itself from prior art by moving beyond mere aggregation of components to achieve true dynamic adaptability within a single front-end module. Traditional approaches typically involved implementing separate, discrete radio frequency (RF) front-end chains for each communication standard (e.g., one for 5G, one for Wi-Fi).\n\nThis prior art approach resulted in redundant hardware, increased bill of materials, larger PCB footprints, and complex RF layouts due to the need for isolation between parallel paths. While some prior solutions used broadband components or external switches, they often suffered from performance compromises or still maintained a high degree of redundancy.\n\nIn contrast, this patent's innovation lies in its integrated high-frequency switch circuit that dynamically reconfigures the *internal signal routes* within the front-end module. This allows the same core hardware to adapt and amplify signals from *different communication standards* on demand, rather than relying on separate, fixed chains. This intelligent, internal switching and reconfigurability is the key differentiator, enabling superior integration, flexibility, and efficiency compared to previous methods. Key keywords: prior art comparison, RF front-end innovation, dynamic reconfiguration, integrated switch, multi-standard differentiation, wireless technology advancement.","question":"How is Communications Module and Front-end Module Included Therein different from prior art?"},{"answer":"The impact of the Communications Module and Front-end Module Included Therein is poised to be far-reaching, affecting numerous industries that rely heavily on wireless connectivity. Firstly, the **Consumer Electronics** sector, particularly smartphones, tablets, and wearables, will see significant benefits. Devices can become thinner, lighter, more powerful, and offer extended battery life, driven by the compact and efficient RF front-end.\n\nSecondly, the **Internet of Things (IoT)** industry stands to be profoundly transformed. From smart home devices and industrial sensors to agricultural monitoring systems, IoT devices often require versatile connectivity across various standards (cellular, Wi-Fi, LPWAN). This innovation enables smaller, more power-efficient, and adaptable IoT endpoints, accelerating the deployment and capabilities of pervasive connectivity.\n\nThirdly, the **Automotive** sector, especially for connected and autonomous vehicles, will benefit from reliable, multi-standard communication for V2X (vehicle-to-everything) applications. The integrated module can streamline the complex wireless systems required in modern cars. Other impacted industries include **Telecommunications Infrastructure** (for flexible base station components), **Healthcare** (for compact medical wearables), and **Defense/Aerospace** (for agile communication systems). Key keywords: industry impact, consumer electronics, IoT, automotive, telecommunications, healthcare, wireless applications.","question":"What industries will Communications Module and Front-end Module Included Therein impact?"},{"answer":"The patent titled \"Communications Module and Front-end Module Included Therein\" (US-9853682) has a recorded **Filing Date: 2016-03-25**. This date marks when the patent application was initially submitted to the patent office, formally beginning the examination process.\n\nFollowing the examination, the patent was subsequently published, indicating it was granted or made publicly available. The **Publication Date: 2017-12-26** signifies when the full details of this patent became officially accessible to the public. This timeframe reflects the typical process for patent examination and granting, showcasing the relatively swift recognition of this innovation's significance.\n\nUnderstanding these dates provides context for the patent's lifecycle and its position within the timeline of wireless technology development. It indicates that the underlying inventive concepts were established and documented in early 2016, leading to its public disclosure by late 2017. Key keywords: patent filing date, publication date, patent grant, US-9853682 timeline, patent lifecycle, wireless technology history.","question":"When was Communications Module and Front-end Module Included Therein filed/granted?"},{"answer":"The commercial applications of the Communications Module and Front-end Module Included Therein are extensive and diverse, spanning nearly every sector that utilizes wireless technology. In **Consumer Electronics**, it enables the development of next-generation smartphones, tablets, laptops, and wearables that are thinner, lighter, have longer battery life, and offer seamless multi-standard connectivity (e.g., 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) with fewer internal components.\n\nFor the **Internet of Things (IoT)**, this patent is a game-changer. It allows for the creation of smaller, more power-efficient, and versatile IoT sensors and devices that can dynamically switch between different wireless protocols (e.g., cellular LPWAN, Wi-Fi, Zigbee) depending on the environment or task. This adaptability is critical for smart cities, industrial IoT, smart agriculture, and environmental monitoring.\n\nIn the **Automotive Industry**, it can be applied to connected cars for reliable V2X communication, infotainment systems, and telematics, consolidating complex RF systems. Furthermore, in **Telecommunications**, it could lead to more flexible and compact base station components or customer premises equipment (CPE) that can adapt to different network standards. The ability to reduce hardware complexity and enhance flexibility makes this technology commercially viable across a broad spectrum of products requiring robust wireless capabilities. Key keywords: commercial applications, consumer electronics, IoT applications, automotive connectivity, telecommunications market, multi-standard products.","question":"What are the commercial applications of Communications Module and Front-end Module Included Therein?"},{"answer":"Future developments stemming from the Communications Module and Front-end Module Included Therein patent are expected to drive significant advancements in wireless communication. One key area is the further **integration and miniaturization** of the front-end module. We can anticipate even more sophisticated system-in-package (SiP) or multi-chip module (MCM) solutions that combine not only the switch and amplification but also filtering and antenna tuning elements into an even smaller footprint, pushing the boundaries of device compactness.\n\nAnother major development will be in **cognitive and adaptive wireless systems**. The dynamic reconfigurability provided by this patent lays the groundwork for truly intelligent radios that can sense their environment, identify available communication standards, and automatically optimize their performance without human intervention. This could lead to self-configuring devices that seamlessly switch between networks for optimal speed, power, or reliability.\n\nFurthermore, as new standards like 6G emerge, this technology will be crucial for **future-proofing** devices. The flexible architecture will allow for easier adaptation to novel waveforms, frequencies, and protocols through firmware updates, extending the lifespan of hardware platforms. We might also see specialized versions of this module optimized for specific verticals, such as ultra-low-power IoT or high-reliability industrial applications. The continuous evolution of high-frequency switch technology and advanced RF IC design will further unlock the full potential of this groundbreaking patent. Key keywords: future developments, cognitive radio, 6G, device future-proofing, RF integration, adaptive wireless, patent evolution.","question":"What are the future developments expected for Communications Module and Front-end Module Included Therein?"}],"topics":["communications module","front-end module","multi-standard wireless","RF switch","wireless communication","intricate","demands","modern"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Communications Module and Front-end Module Included Therein - US-9853682","description":"Discover the Communications Module and Front-end Module Included Therein patent, enabling multi-standard wireless communication. Technical details, business impact, and applications.","keywords":["communications module","front-end module","multi-standard wireless","RF switch","wireless communication","H04B","patent US-9853682","flexible RF front-end","5G technology","IoT connectivity"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853682","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853682","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Communications module and front-end module included therein\" (US-9853682). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853682","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853682","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9853682","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-06-06T10:12:15.871Z"}