Method and apparatus for coupling one or more transceivers to multiple antennas

Abstract

The present application relates to methods and devices for coupling one or more transceivers to multiple antennas. The present application provides a radio frequency front-end circuit, a wireless communication device and a method for coupling signals to support carrier aggregation and multiple input and multiple output for multiple operating bands between one or more transceivers and multiple antennas. Each antenna is associated with a corresponding signal from each of a first operating band and a second operating band of one or more transceivers. The radio frequency front-end circuit includes a multi-closed front-end switch associated with one of the multiple antennas, wherein the individual terminals of the multi-closed front-end switch are respectively associated with the corresponding signals from each of the first operating band and the second operating band corresponding to the associated antenna from the one or more transceivers. The individual terminals of the multi-closed front-end switch can be simultaneously coupled to the port coupled to the associated antenna via multiple throws within the multi-closed front-end switch.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to selectively coupling signals to one or more antennas and, more particularly, to front-end coupling of signals between one or more signal sources and multiple antennas. Background Art

[0002] Wireless communication devices continue to integrate new and enhanced features that take advantage of the ability to remotely send and receive data using wireless communication capabilities. As features are added and / or enhanced, wireless communications typically require increasing amounts of information / data in order to support the added and / or enhanced features of the devices. This demand for additional data throughput can impact both the overall operation of the network and the data throughput relative to individual devices operating within the network.

[0003] The overall demand for higher data throughput for at least some cellular networks has resulted in at least some networks implementing support for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) forms of communications - including, for example, 4x4 MIMO with respect to one or more operating bands, while supporting carrier aggregation. MIMO is a method for extending the capacity of a radio link using multiple transmit and receive antennas, wherein multipath propagation characteristics are used to distinguish between different sets of signals transmitted simultaneously over the same radio channel via different antennas. MIMO is distinct from other throughput enhancement techniques developed to improve the performance of propagated data signals, such as beamforming signal processing techniques and / or multi-antenna diversity schemes. Carrier aggregation allows multiple individual carriers to be combined into a single data channel to increase data rates and data throughput capacity with respect to a particular user.

[0004] While many prior communication technologies have combined the capabilities of a pair of antennas in supporting a communication connection, 4x4 MIMO technology further extends such requirements for multiple antennas in supporting a communication connection to include at least four antennas. Such expansion in supporting MIMO communications may be further complicated by the simultaneous implementation of carrier aggregation, which may further expand the operational requirements with respect to at least some antennas to account for simultaneous operations involving signaling that may include a larger frequency range.

[0005] At least some of the newer implementations of Long Term Evolution (LTE)-like cellular networks have expanded the possible communication connection types to include 4x4 MIMO with carrier aggregation, where, at least initially, the carrier aggregation involves both the mid-band (MB) and the high-band (HB). LTE is the fourth generation mobile communication standard.

[0006] Although the definitions of different frequency bands are somewhat fluid and may vary between different standards and / or various implementations of the same standard, at least one exemplary approximation of the frequency ranges for each of the different frequency bands includes: a low frequency band, which may include frequencies below 1400 MHz; a mid frequency band, which may include frequencies between 1400 MHz and 2200 MHz; and a high frequency band, which may include frequencies above 2200 MHz. These values ​​and / or ranges are exemplary approximations only and may vary between systems and / or implementations. In some cases, an ultra-low frequency band and / or an ultra-high frequency band may also be further defined.

[0007] In addition to the multiple antennas required to support various forms of communication, additional circuitry may be required to support the relaying of signals between the multiple antennas and one or more receivers and / or transmitters. Examples of additional circuitry include switches, duplexers, diplexers, filters, and / or amplifiers, which may at least sometimes be associated with what may be referred to in some instances as RF front-end circuitry.

[0008] Since it may be desirable to limit the overall size of a user device, the implementation of antennas and circuit elements that support wireless communications can sometimes be a challenge. There is rarely much extra space, so it may be desirable to implement enhanced communication features as much as possible while reducing the number of any additional circuit systems or components. This may result in a preference for reusing antennas and circuit elements of as many communication types and / or forms as possible. This may create challenges with regard to the best way to map wireless communication signal paths between one or more transceivers and various antennas and / or radiating structures.

[0009] The inventors have recognized that the use of a switch that allows multiple throws to be closed simultaneously can be used to better help couple various sets of signals associated with multiple different operating frequency bands to a corresponding one of multiple antennas to support carrier aggregation and MIMO operations. The inventors have further recognized that in some instances, such coupling can help reduce the impact on other frequency bands while also reducing instances where it may be preferable to add additional antenna elements. Summary of the invention

[0010] The present application provides a radio frequency front-end circuit for coupling signals to support carrier aggregation of multiple operating bands between one or more transceivers and multiple antennas and multiple input and multiple output. Each antenna is associated with a corresponding signal from each of a first operating band and a second operating band of one or more transceivers. The radio frequency front-end circuit includes a multi-closed front-end switch associated with one of the multiple antennas, wherein the individual terminals of the multi-closed front-end switch are respectively associated with the corresponding signals from each of the first operating band and the second operating band corresponding to the associated antenna from the one or more transceivers. The individual terminals of the multi-closed front-end switch can be simultaneously coupled to the port coupled to the associated antenna via multiple throws within the multi-closed front-end switch.

[0011] In at least one embodiment, a multi-closure front-end switch is included as part of a plurality of multi-closure front-end switches. Each of the plurality of multi-closure front-end switches is respectively associated with one of the plurality of antennas, wherein a separate terminal of each of the plurality of multi-closure front-end switches is respectively associated with a respective signal of each of a first operating frequency band and a second operating frequency band corresponding to the associated antenna from one or more transceivers. The separate terminal of each of the plurality of multi-closure front-end switches can be simultaneously coupled to a port coupled to the associated antenna via a plurality of throws within the associated multi-closure front-end switch.

[0012] The present application further provides a method in a radio frequency front end of a wireless communication device. The method includes coupling signals to support carrier aggregation and multiple-input multiple-output for multiple operating bands between one or more transceivers and multiple antennas, wherein each antenna is associated with a corresponding signal from each of a first operating band and a second operating band of one or more transceivers. A multi-closed front end switch is associated with one of the multiple antennas, wherein separate terminals of the multi-closed front end switch are respectively associated with corresponding signals from each of the first operating band and the second operating band corresponding to the associated antenna from one or more transceivers. The separate terminals of the multi-closed front end switch are simultaneously coupled to ports coupled to the associated antennas via multiple throws within the multi-closed front end switch.

[0013] The present invention further provides a wireless communication device. The wireless communication device includes one or more transceivers and multiple antennas. Each antenna is associated with a corresponding signal from each of the first operating frequency band and the second operating frequency band of the one or more transceivers. The wireless communication device further includes a radio frequency front-end circuit for coupling signals to support carrier aggregation of multiple operating frequency bands between the one or more transceivers and the multiple antennas and multiple input and multiple output. The radio frequency front-end circuit includes a multi-closed front-end switch associated with one of the multiple antennas. The individual terminals of the multi-closed front-end switch are respectively associated with the corresponding signals from each of the first operating frequency band and the second operating frequency band corresponding to the associated antenna from the one or more transceivers. The individual terminals of the multi-closed front-end switch can be simultaneously coupled to the port coupled to the associated antenna via multiple throws within the multi-closed front-end switch.

[0014] These and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following description of one or more preferred embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is a front view of an exemplary wireless communication device;

[0016] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a wireless communication device;

[0017] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a radio frequency front end circuit for coupling one or more transceivers to multiple antennas;

[0018] Figure 4 is a block diagram of a radio frequency front end circuit for coupling one or more transceivers to multiple antennas according to another embodiment; and

[0019] Figure 5 is a flow chart of a method for coupling one or more transceivers to multiple antennas. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Although the present invention has various forms of embodiments, the currently preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings and will be described below, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is to be considered illustrative and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. It is hoped that those skilled in the art will appreciate that the elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the size of some elements in the drawings may be enlarged relative to other elements, the purpose of which is to help improve the understanding of aspects of the illustrated and described embodiments.

[0021] Figure 1A front view of an exemplary wireless communication device 100 is illustrated. Although in the illustrated embodiment, the type of wireless communication device shown is a radio frequency cellular phone, other types of devices including wireless radio frequency communication functions are also relevant to the present application. In other words, the present application is generally applicable to wireless communication devices other than the types specifically shown. Some additional examples of suitable wireless communication devices that may be further relevant to the present application in terms of selectively coupling signals from one or more transceivers to multiple antennas, including instances of selectively coupled signals supporting carrier aggregation and / or multiple input multiple output communication forms, may include tablet computers, laptop computers, desktop computers, netbooks, cordless phones, selective call receivers, gaming devices, personal digital assistants, and any other form of wireless communication devices that can be used to manage multiple antennas and / or multiple band communication forms. Multiple antennas and / or multiple band communication forms can be used with one or more different communication standards. Some examples of different communication standards include global system for mobile communications (GSM), code division multiple access (CDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), long term evolution (LTE), global positioning system (GPS), Wi-Fi (IEEE802.11), and various other communication standards. Additionally, the wireless communication device 100 may utilize many additional various forms of communication and communication techniques, including beam forming, signal diversity, and simultaneous voice and data allowing simultaneous propagation using simultaneous signals.

[0022] In the illustrated embodiment, the radio frequency cellular telephone includes a display 102 that covers a large portion of the front. In at least some instances, the display may include a touch-sensitive matrix that can help detect one or more user inputs relative to at least some portions of the display, including interactions with visual elements presented to the user via the display 102. In some instances, the visual elements may be objects with which the user can interact. In other instances, the visual elements may form part of a visual representation of a keyboard, including one or more virtual keys and / or one or more buttons with which the user can interact and / or select for simulated actuation. In addition to one or more virtual user-actuable buttons or keys, the device 100 may also include one or more physical user-actuable buttons 104. In the particular illustrated embodiment, the device has three such buttons along the right side of the device.

[0023] Figure 1The illustrated exemplary handheld electronic device additionally includes a speaker 106 and a microphone 108 to support voice communication. The speaker 106 may additionally support the reproduction of an audio signal, which may be an independent signal, such as for playing music, or may be part of a multimedia presentation, such as for playing a movie, which may have at least one audio and visual component. The speaker may also include the function of also generating a vibration effect. However, in some instances, the generation of a purposeful vibration effect may be associated with a separate element not shown inside the device. Typically, the speaker is located at the top of the device, which corresponds to an orientation consistent with a corresponding portion of the device facing upward during use to support voice communication. In such an instance, the speaker 106 may be intended to be aligned with the user's ear, and the microphone 108 may be intended to be aligned with the user's mouth. In the illustrated embodiment, the front camera 110 is also located near the top of the device. The wireless communication device typically also includes one or more radio frequency transceivers and associated transmission and reception circuit systems, including one or more antennas that can be placed internally relative to the device. In some instances, some or all of the antenna elements may also and / or alternatively be included as part of the housing of the device.

[0024] Figure 2 A block diagram 200 of a wireless communication device 100 is illustrated in accordance with at least some embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the wireless communication device 100 includes a controller 202 adapted to manage at least some operations of the device 100. In some embodiments, the controller 202 may be implemented in the form of one or more processors 203 adapted to execute one or more sets of pre-stored instructions 204, which may be used to form or implement the operation of at least a portion of one or more controller modules, including those controller modules for managing wireless communications and / or coupling wireless communication signals to one or more antennas. The one or more sets of pre-stored instructions 204 may be stored in a storage element 206, which, although shown as separate from and coupled to the controller 202, may additionally or alternatively include some data storage functionality for storing at least some pre-stored instructions that are integrated as part of the controller 202 and used with the controller 202.

[0025] Storage element 206 may include one or more forms of volatile and / or nonvolatile memory, including traditional ROM, EPROM, RAM or EEPROM. Possible additional data storage functions may also include one or more forms of auxiliary storage, which are fixed or removable, such as hard disk drives, floppy disk drives or memory cards or memory sticks. Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that, without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure, other additional forms of storage elements may also be used. In the same or other examples, controller 202 may additionally or alternatively include state machines and / or logic circuitry, which may be used to implement at least in part some modules and / or functions associated with controller 202.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus further includes one or more transceivers 208 1 To 208 N , the one or more transceivers 208 1 To 208 N A transceiver is coupled to the controller 202 and is used to manage external communications of data, including wireless communications using one or more forms of communication. In this example, the transceiver is typically coupled to one or more antennas 210. 1 To 210 M , will be transmitted via the one or more antennas 210 1 To 210 M To transmit and receive wireless communication signals. For example, one or more transceivers 208 may include a receiver for supporting communication with a global positioning system, one or more transceivers for supporting cellular radio frequency communications, a transceiver for supporting Bluetooth@ type communications, and a transceiver for supporting Wi-Fi@ type communications. Additionally and / or alternatively, transceivers, receivers, and / or transmitters for other forms of communication are also possible. Although in some instances, each transceiver may be associated with a separate antenna, it is contemplated that in this instance, an antenna is capable of supporting multiple transceivers and / or multiple forms of communication, and some transceivers may interact with multiple antennas. In this instance, one or more transceivers 208 1 To 208 N Coupled to multiple antennas 210 via front-end circuit system 212 1 To 210 M , which can help facilitate interaction of one or more transceivers 208 with multiple antennas 210.

[0027] More specifically, the front-end circuit system 212 is intended to allow one or more transceiver ports to be selectively coupled to multiple ports associated with various antenna elements. The front-end circuit system 212 can be further used to help associate various different sets of frequencies with each of the multiple ports so that the transceivers can operate simultaneously while reducing the risk that a signal associated with a particular transceiver will negatively affect a signal intended for use with another transceiver. This can be facilitated by using one or more filters, diplexers, duplexers, and switches included as part of the front-end circuit system 212. The front-end circuit system 212 can further include impedance matching elements and / or signal amplifiers to more effectively manage signal transmission between the transceiver and the antenna elements.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the device 100 may additionally include a user interface circuit system 214, some of which may be associated with generating output 216 to be perceived by a user, and some of which may be associated with detecting input 218 from a user. For example, the user interface circuit system 214 may include a display 102 suitable for generating visually perceptible output, which may further support a touch-sensitive array for receiving input from a user. The user interface circuit system may also include a speaker 106 for generating an audio output and a microphone 108 for receiving an audio input. The user interface output 216 may further include a vibration element. The user interface input 218 may further include one or more user-actuable switches 104, one or more sensors, and one or more cameras 110. More alternative and additional forms of user interface elements are also possible.

[0029] Figure 3 A block diagram 300 of a radio frequency front end circuit system 312 for coupling one or more transceivers to multiple antennas is illustrated, which may include support for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) signaling and carrier aggregation. In the illustrated embodiment, the circuit system 312 includes support for 4x4 MIMO. A specific form of MIMO will typically specify the number of antennas required to support a specific version. In this case, 4x4 typically indicates four receive antennas and four transmit antennas, which can be used to send and decode a corresponding number of data streams. In addition, in the specific embodiment illustrated, the radio frequency front end circuit system 312 can support 4x4 MIMO of carrier aggregation signals, which involves a set of frequencies in each of the high-band range and the mid-band range.

[0030] In order to support the 4x4MIMO in each corresponding frequency band, the ability of each antenna in the four antennas will be suitable in each of the high frequency band and the mid-frequency band with corresponding signal coupling.More specifically, each antenna in the four corresponding antennas is coupled to each of the primary signal (primary signal), diversity signal (diversitysignal) and two additional MIMO signals of each frequency band of interest.This embodiment allows the same antenna to be used to support the MIMO of high frequency band, and is also used to support the MIMO of mid-frequency band.In the illustrated embodiment, although low frequency band MIMO is not shown, this embodiment can be easily extended to additionally and / or alternatively support low frequency band MIMO, by providing two additional low frequency band signals with respect to every situation of selectively coupling to the antenna shown and / or not shown in addition, these antennas are not connected to use together with the low frequency band at present.

[0031] In the particular embodiment illustrated, the RF front end circuit system includes a multi-closure switch that supports coupling two separately received signal feeds to a common output port by using a switch that supports multiple synchronous throws. By using a multi-closure switch, the use of a duplexer that combines a greater number of signals relative to one signal feed of the switch can be avoided. Another solution of reusing the same four antennas is also possible. Higher order duplexers such as quadplexers may generally have a disproportionate cost increase as well as higher signal losses. Further, quadplexers may also generally support very specific frequency combinations, which may sometimes make their adaptability to more alternative combinations of carrier aggregation problematic.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment 300 , the first antenna 310 1The output of a pair of switches 320 and 322 is coupled to the duplexer 324, wherein one switch 320 is a multi-close switch, and the other switch 322 is a single-close switch. The multi-close switch 320 has at least one pair of input terminals associated with a high-frequency band primary signal feed 326 and an intermediate frequency band MIMO signal feed 328, respectively. The high-frequency band primary signal feed 326 is coupled to the corresponding input terminal of the multi-close switch 320 via a duplexer 330. The duplexer 330 supports the high-frequency band primary signal feed, which supports both the receiving channel and the transmitting channel. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving channel is associated with each of the signal feeds of the four related frequency bands, and the transmitting channel is associated with the primary signal feed of the corresponding frequency band only. Correspondingly, the intermediate frequency band MIMO signal feed 328 is coupled to the corresponding input terminal of the multi-close switch 320 via a receiving filter 332. Although not shown, more input terminals of the multiple closed switches 320 may be coupled to carry more signal feeds, which may be associated with more wireless RF communications of the same type, similar type, and / or different types. The low-band primary signal feed 334 is coupled to the input terminals of the single closed switch 322 via the duplexer 336 to support both the associated receive and transmit channels alike.

[0033] Second antenna 310 2 352 are coupled to respective outputs of a second pair of switches 340 and 342 via a diplexer 344. In the illustrated embodiment, switch 340 is a multiple closure switch having a pair of input terminals associated with a high-band diversity signal feed 346 and a separate mid-band MIMO signal feed 348, respectively. Each of the high-band diversity signal feed 346 and the separate mid-band MIMO signal feed 348 is coupled to a corresponding terminal of the pair of input terminals via respective receive filters 350 and 352. In the illustrated embodiment, switch 342 is a single closure switch having an input terminal coupled to a low-band diversity signal feed 354 via a receive filter 356.

[0034] The third antenna 310 3 The output of the multiple-close switch 360 is coupled. The multiple-close switch 360 has a pair of input terminals, which are respectively coupled to the mid-band primary signal feed 366 and the high-band MIMO signal feed 368. The mid-band primary signal feed 366 is coupled to the corresponding input terminal of the multiple-close switch 360 via a duplexer 370, which supports both the transmit channel and the receive channel. The high-band MIMO signal feed 368 is coupled to the corresponding input terminal of the multiple-close switch 360 via a receive filter 372.

[0035] Fourth antenna 310 4The multi-close switch 380 is coupled to the output of the multi-close switch 380. The multi-close switch 380 has a pair of input terminals, which are respectively coupled to the mid-band diversity signal feed 386 and the high-band MIMO signal feed 388. The mid-band diversity signal feed 386 is coupled to the corresponding input terminal of the multi-close switch 380 via the receive filter 390. The high-band MIMO signal feed 388 is coupled to the corresponding input terminal of the multi-close switch 380 via the receive filter 392. In this way, the same four antennas can be used to support 4x4 MIMO with carrier aggregation as well as separate low-band communication connections.

[0036] Figure 4 A block diagram 400 of a radio frequency front end circuit system 412 for coupling signal feeds of one or more transceivers to multiple antennas is illustrated according to another embodiment. Figure 3 The illustrated embodiment is similar except that some signaling associated with the intermediate frequency band has been rearranged relative to the corresponding antenna. Correspondingly, the duplexer used with the intermediate frequency band primary signal feed has also been rearranged. More specifically, in this embodiment, the first antenna 410 has been rearranged relative to the first antenna 410. 1 All primary signal feeds and all duplexers relative to each frequency band are grouped. 2 All diversity signal feeds relative to each frequency band are grouped. Conversely, the third and fourth antennas are each associated with a corresponding set of MIMO signals, wherein the MIMO signals are present in each different signal frequency band. More rearrangements are also possible without departing from the teachings of the present application.

[0037] By using a switch that can close multiple throws simultaneously, as part of 4x4 MIMO operation, the layout of the signal routing circuitry can be streamlined and duplexers, such as quadplexers, that manage groupings of a greater number of signal feeds can be avoided. This is also the case for MIMO operation in a carrier aggregation environment. In addition, when 4x4 MIMO operation is not needed or desired, the multi-close switch can be operated to close only a single throw, providing more flexibility for coupling the signal feed to the appropriate antenna. Such an implementation can help reduce the overall number of antennas used to support various wireless radio usage configurations. Further, such a configuration will support 4x4 MIMO even in situations where MIMO operation in only a single frequency band is desired. In such an instance, limiting the multi-close switch to closing a single throw may be sufficient to support the desired operation.

[0038] Figure 5A flow chart 500 of a method in a radio frequency front end of a wireless communication device is illustrated. The method 500 includes coupling 502 signals to support carrier aggregation and multiple-input multiple-output for multiple operating bands between one or more transceivers and multiple antennas, wherein each antenna is associated with a respective signal from each of a first operating band and a second operating band of the one or more transceivers. Associating 504 a multi-closure front end switch with one of the multiple antennas, wherein individual terminals of the multi-closure front end switch are respectively associated with respective signals from each of the first operating band and the second operating band of the one or more transceivers corresponding to the associated antenna. Simultaneously coupling 506 the individual terminals of the multi-closure front end switch to ports coupled to the associated antennas via multiple throws within the multi-closure front end switch.

[0039] Although preferred embodiments have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the invention is not so limited. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A radio frequency front end circuit for coupling signals to support carrier aggregation and multiple input multiple output for multiple operating bands between one or more transceivers and multiple antennas, wherein: Each antenna is associated with a respective signal from each of the first operating frequency band and the second operating frequency band of the one or more transceivers, the RF front end circuit comprising: a multi-closure front end switch associated with one of the plurality of antennas, wherein separate terminals of the multi-closure front end switch are respectively associated with respective signals from the one or more transceivers for each of the first operating frequency band and the second operating frequency band corresponding to the associated antenna, and wherein the separate terminals of the multi-closure front end switch are simultaneously coupleable to ports coupled to the associated antenna via a plurality of throws within the multi-closure front end switch.

2. The RF front-end circuit according to claim 1, wherein: The first operating frequency band is a high frequency band.

3. The RF front-end circuit according to claim 1, wherein: The second operating frequency band is a mid-frequency band.

4. The RF front-end circuit according to claim 1, wherein: The carrier aggregation includes a set of frequencies from the first operating frequency band and a set of frequencies from the second operating frequency band.

5. The RF front-end circuit according to claim 1, wherein: At least one antenna of the plurality of antennas is additionally associated with a corresponding signal of a third operating frequency band; wherein each of the plurality of antennas additionally associated with a corresponding signal of the third operating frequency band is associated with an additional front end switch in addition to an associated multi-close front end switch, the corresponding signal of the third operating frequency band being coupled to a terminal of the additional front end switch, the terminal of the additional front end switch being coupleable to a port of the additional front end switch via a throw within the additional front end switch; and Wherein, a port associated with the additional front-end switch and a port associated with the multi-closure front-end switch are each coupled to an associated antenna via a diplexer.

6. The RF front-end circuit according to claim 5, wherein: The third operating frequency band is a low frequency band.

7. The RF front-end circuit according to claim 1, wherein: The multi-closure front end switch is included as part of a plurality of multi-closure front end switches, each of the plurality of multi-closure front end switches being respectively associated with one of the plurality of antennas, wherein individual terminals of each of the plurality of multi-closure front end switches are respectively associated with respective signals of each of the first operating frequency band and the second operating frequency band from the one or more transceivers corresponding to the associated antenna, and wherein the individual terminals of each of the plurality of multi-closure front end switches are capable of being simultaneously coupled to a port coupled to the associated antenna via a plurality of throws within the associated multi-closure front end switch.

8. The RF front-end circuit according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of antennas includes four antennas to support 4x4 multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO).

9. The RF front-end circuit according to claim 8, wherein: Each of the four antennas is associated with a respective one of a primary receiver path, a secondary receiver path, a tertiary receiver path, and a quaternary receiver path for each of the first operating frequency band and the second operating frequency band.

10. The radio frequency front-end circuit according to claim 9, wherein: The primary receiver path of each of the operating frequency bands includes a set of frequencies within the respective operating frequency band that support transmitting signals, and a set of frequencies within the respective operating frequency band that support receiving signals.

11. The radio frequency front-end circuit according to claim 10, wherein: A set of frequencies associated with a primary receiver path for each of transmitting and receiving signals in at least one of the one or more transceivers are commonly coupled to one of the terminals of an associated multi-closure front end switch via a duplexer.

12. The RF front-end circuit according to claim 9, wherein: A set of frequencies associated with each of the secondary receiver path, the tertiary receiver path, and the quaternary receiver path for receiving signals in at least one of the one or more transceivers is coupled to a corresponding one of the terminals of the associated multi-closure front end switch via a receive filter.

13. The RF front-end circuit according to claim 9, wherein: The primary receiver path and the secondary receiver path of the first operating frequency band are respectively associated with the first and second of the four antennas, and wherein the primary receiver path and the secondary receiver path in the second operating frequency band are respectively associated with the third and fourth of the four antennas.

14. The RF front-end circuit according to claim 13, wherein: The tertiary receiver path and the quaternary receiver path of the second operating frequency band are respectively associated with the first and second of the four antennas, and wherein the tertiary receiver path and the quaternary receiver path of the first operating frequency band are respectively associated with the third and fourth of the four antennas.

15. The radio frequency front-end circuit according to claim 9, wherein: The primary receiver path of the first operating frequency band and the primary receiver path of the second operating frequency band are associated with a first of the four antennas, and wherein the secondary receiver path of the first operating frequency band and the secondary receiver path of the second operating frequency band are associated with a second of the four antennas.

16. The radio frequency front-end circuit according to claim 15, wherein: The three-level receiver path of the first operating frequency band and the three-level receiver path of the second operating frequency band are associated with the third of the four antennas, and wherein the four-level receiver path of the first operating frequency band and the four-level receiver path of the second operating frequency band are associated with the fourth of the four antennas.

17. The RF front-end circuit according to claim 1, wherein: The radio frequency front end circuit is included as part of a wireless communication device.

18. A method in a radio frequency front end of a wireless communication device, the method comprising: coupling signals to support carrier aggregation and multiple-input multiple-output for multiple operating frequency bands between one or more transceivers and a plurality of antennas, wherein each antenna is associated with a respective signal from each of a first operating frequency band and a second operating frequency band of the one or more transceivers; associating a multi-closure front end switch with one of the plurality of antennas, wherein separate terminals of the multi-closure front end switch are respectively associated with the respective signals from the one or more transceivers for each of the first operating frequency band and the second operating frequency band corresponding to the associated antenna; and The individual terminals of the multiple-closure front end switch are simultaneously coupled to a port coupled to an associated antenna via multiple throws within the multiple-closure front end switch.

19. A wireless communication device, comprising: one or more transceivers; a plurality of antennas, wherein each antenna is associated with a respective signal from each of the first operating frequency band and the second operating frequency band of the one or more transceivers; and A radio frequency front end circuit, the radio frequency front end circuit is used to couple signals to support carrier aggregation and multiple input multiple output for multiple operating bands between the one or more transceivers and the multiple antennas, the radio frequency front end circuit comprising: a multi-closure front end switch associated with one of the plurality of antennas, wherein separate terminals of the multi-closure front end switch are respectively associated with respective signals from the one or more transceivers for each of the first operating frequency band and the second operating frequency band corresponding to the associated antenna, and wherein the separate terminals of the multi-closure front end switch are simultaneously coupleable to ports coupled to the associated antenna via a plurality of throws within the multi-closure front end switch.

20. The wireless communication device according to claim 19, wherein: At least one antenna of the plurality of antennas is additionally associated with a corresponding signal of a third operating frequency band; wherein each of the plurality of antennas additionally associated with a corresponding signal of the third operating frequency band is associated with an additional front end switch in addition to an associated multi-close front end switch, the corresponding signal of the third operating frequency band being coupled to a terminal of the additional front end switch, the terminal of the additional front end switch being coupleable to a port of the additional front end switch via a throw within the additional front end switch; and Wherein, a port associated with the additional front-end switch and a port associated with the multi-closure front-end switch are each coupled to an associated antenna via a diplexer.

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