Supports multiple protocols with selective amplification

Abstract

The present disclosure describes devices, methods and techniques for supporting multiple protocols with selective amplification, such as 5GHz, 2.4GHz, 2.4GHz, classic Bluetooth, 2.4GHz and / or 2.4GHz IEEE 802.15.4 (e.g., or) protocols. In more detail, the present disclosure describes a multi-protocol transceiver system that includes a front-end architecture that enables the multi-protocol transceiver system to transmit and receive wireless communication signals according to multiple protocols. The multi-protocol transceiver system can utilize one or more antennas to transmit and receive multiple protocols.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Many user devices enable wireless communication with other user devices following a variety of different communication protocols, such as 5 Gigahertz (GHz) Protocol, 2.4GHz Protocol, 2.4GHz Classic or 2.4GHz low power consumption protocols, as well as other protocols and standards established and maintained by various industrial and academic consortia and organizations, such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) communications standards (e.g., IEEE 802.15.4).

[0002] As the interconnectivity between multiple devices increases, sometimes driven by the popularity of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, some manufacturers have integrated multiple transceivers that can be embedded in or on different systems on a chip (SoC), which enables multi-protocol communications. Using these solutions, manufacturers can, for example, utilize a first transceiver embedded in or on a first SoC to communicate with a 5 GHz wireless router based on the 5 GHz wireless protocol. 2.4GHz and / or 2.4GHz Classic Protocol to transmit and receive wireless communication signals. In addition, manufacturers can use a second transceiver embedded in or on a second SoC to transmit and receive wireless signals according to 2.4GHz BLE and / or 2.4GHz IEEE 802.15.4 protocols. The solution of integrating various transceivers that can be embedded in or on various SoCs involves coordination before utilizing the first SoC or the second SoC to transmit or receive wireless communication signals. In order to do so, manufacturers can utilize a packet service arbitration (PTA) coexistence architecture (e.g., 2-wire PTA, 3-wire PTA, or 4-wire PTA) to coordinate the wireless communication signals supported by the first SoC or the second SoC. The 3-wire PTA coexistence architecture supports wired communication protocols between various transceivers according to the communication protocols outlined in the IEEE 802.15.2 standard. Although the use of the 3-wire PTA coexistence architecture enables various transceivers to be integrated into one user device, the 3-wire PTA coexistence architecture may be a bottleneck for the number of protocols that are permitted to communicate at the same time interval.

[0003] To illustrate this bottleneck in data transfer when utilizing a 3-wire PTA coexistence architecture, consider a device having a 2.4 GHz SoC that may be embedded in or on a first SoC. The device has a first transceiver that can be embedded in or on a second SoC to transmit wireless communication signals according to the 2.4 GHz protocol. and / or 2.4GHz IEEE 802.15.4 protocol to transmit wireless communication signals. To do so, initially the second SoC uses the 3-wire PTA coexistence architecture to send a "request" signal to the first SoC. The second SoC then sends a "priority" signal to the first SoC. Then, the 2.4GHz IEEE 802.15.4 protocol is used to transmit wireless communication signals. The first SoC of the protocol can send an "authorization" signal to the second SoC. Finally, the second SoC can be used to and / or 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.15.4 protocol to transmit or receive wireless communication signals. Note that in some cases, the first SoC may not send an "authorization" signal to the second SoC. Subsequently, in some cases, the second SoC may not be utilized to transmit or receive wireless communication signals according to the 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.15.4 protocol. The packet traffic arbitration communication protocol between the first SoC and the second SoC is one reason behind the bottleneck because it limits the number of protocols that are allowed to communicate at the same time interval. In addition, in some cases, the packet traffic arbitration communication can prevent some protocols (e.g., the 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.15.4 protocol) from being transmitted or received. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present disclosure describes apparatus, methods, and techniques for supporting multiple protocols, such as 5 GHz, with selective amplification. 2.4GHz 2.4GHz Classic 2.4GHz and / or 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.15.4 (e.g. or ) protocol. In more detail, the present disclosure describes a multi-protocol transceiver system that includes a front-end architecture that enables the multi-protocol transceiver system to transmit and receive wireless communication signals according to multiple protocols. The multi-protocol transceiver system can utilize one or more antennas to transmit and receive multiple protocols.

[0005] In one aspect, the present disclosure describes an apparatus for supporting multiple protocols with selective amplification. The apparatus includes multiple amplifying circuits associated with different types of wireless communication signals having different protocols or different frequencies, wherein each of the multiple amplifying circuits is configured to selectively operate in a transmission state to amplify a specific type of wireless communication signal among different types of wireless communication signals for transmission. In addition, each amplifying circuit is capable of operating in a reception state to amplify a specific type of wireless communication signal for reception. The apparatus includes a controller for selectively enabling two or more of the multiple amplifying circuits to operate during the same time interval so as to enable independent and concurrent communication of two or more types of wireless communication signals among different types of wireless communication signals.

[0006] In another aspect, the present disclosure describes a system comprising a plurality of amplifying devices associated with different types of wireless communication signals having different protocols or different frequencies. Each of the plurality of amplifying devices is configured to selectively operate in a transmission state to amplify a specific type of wireless communication signal among the different types of wireless communication signals for transmission. Alternatively, each of the plurality of amplifying devices is configured to selectively operate in a reception state to amplify a specific type of wireless communication signal for reception. The system also includes a control device for selectively enabling two or more of the plurality of amplifying devices to operate during the same time interval to enable independent and concurrent communication of two or more types of wireless communication signals among the different types of wireless communication signals.

[0007] In another aspect, the present disclosure describes a method for supporting multiple protocols with selective amplification by selectively enabling a first amplification circuit in a plurality of amplification circuits and a second amplification circuit in a plurality of amplification circuits to operate during the same time interval. The method then includes using the first amplification circuit to amplify a first wireless communication signal of a first type, the first type being associated with a first protocol and a first frequency. In addition, the method includes using the second amplification circuit to amplify a second wireless communication signal of a second type, the second type being associated with a second protocol and a second frequency. The method further includes independently and concurrently transmitting the first wireless communication signal and the second wireless communication signal.

[0008] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure describes a system having one or more transceivers, a multiplexing circuit, a plurality of amplification circuits, and a controller configured to selectively enable two or more of the plurality of amplification circuits to perform the above-mentioned method.

[0009] The present disclosure describes support for multiple protocols with selective amplification, which will be further described in the following detailed description. For ease and clarity of description, the present disclosure refers to transmitting and receiving 5 GHz 2.4GHz 2.4GHz Classic 2.4GHz and / or 2.4GHz IEEE 802.15.4 (e.g. or ) protocol. The same concept can be used to transmit and receive various other radio signals, wireless signals, wireless communication signals, wireless communication protocols, etc. This summary is not intended to identify exhaustive features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Disclosed are details of one or more aspects of apparatus, methods, and techniques for supporting multiple protocols with selective amplification. The same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to reference similar features and components:

[0011] Figure 1 is a partially schematic, partial block diagram illustrating an example environment for devices supporting multiple protocols with selective amplification.

[0012] Figure 2 An example multi-protocol transceiver system, example multiplexing circuitry, and one or more antennas for transmitting and receiving multiple protocols are illustrated.

[0013] Figure 3-1 Figure 1 shows the front-end architecture of a multi-protocol transceiver system and the transmission and reception of multiple protocols between two antennas.

[0014] Figure 3-2 Diagram Figure 3-1 The first configuration of the front-end architecture.

[0015] Figure 3-3 Diagram Figure 3-1 The second configuration of the front-end architecture.

[0016] Figure 3-4 Diagram Figure 3-1 The third configuration of the front-end architecture.

[0017] Figure 3-5 Diagram Figure 3-1 The fourth configuration of the front-end architecture.

[0018] Figure 4-1 Figure 1 shows the front-end architecture of a multi-protocol transceiver system and the transmission and reception of multiple protocols between one antenna.

[0019] Figure 4-2 Diagram Figure 4-1 Configuration of a multi-protocol transceiver system capable of simultaneously receiving multiple protocols on the same frequency.

[0020] Figure 5 An example method performed by a device to support multiple protocols with amplification via a first amplification circuit and a second amplification circuit is illustrated.

[0021] Figure 6 The diagram is executed by the device so that Figure 5 The third amplification circuit other than the first amplification circuit and the second amplification circuit supports an example method of multiple protocols with amplification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Overview

[0023] The described multi-protocol transceiver system includes a front-end architecture that avoids the need for a 3-wire PTA coexistence architecture to coordinate the transmission and reception of wireless communication signals according to multiple protocols. Thus, the described multi-protocol transceiver system reduces the bottleneck of data transfer at the same time interval that exists when using conventional solutions, as described in detail below.

[0024] Example Environment

[0025] Figure 1 1 is a partially schematic, partially block diagram of an example environment 100 illustrating a user device 102 (e.g., a user device) supporting multiple protocols with selective amplification. User device 102 wirelessly communicates with user device 103 according to a first protocol, wirelessly communicates with user device 104 according to a second protocol, wirelessly communicates with user device 105 according to a third protocol, and wirelessly communicates with user device 106 according to a fourth protocol. For clarity and ease of description, the example environment 100 is illustrated in FIG. 1 . Figure 1 The first protocol is 5GHz The second protocol is 2.4 GHz and is illustrated using a wireless link 110 between user equipment 102 and 103. The third protocol is 2.4 GHz Classic or 2.4GHz protocol and is illustrated as a wireless link 112 between user equipment 102 and 105. Finally, Figure 1 The fourth protocol is 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.15.4 (e.g., or ) protocol and is illustrated as a wireless link 113 between user devices 102 and 106.

[0026] In addition, in the example environment 100, some or all of the illustrated user equipment may also communicate with one or more base stations (illustrated as base station 107). Base station 107 may communicate with user equipment 102 using wireless link 114, communicate with user equipment 105 using wireless link 115, and communicate with user equipment 106 using wireless link 116. Wireless links 114, 115, and 116 may include control and data communications, such as downlinks of data and control information transferred from base station 107 to user equipment 102, 105, and 106, uplinks of other data and control information transferred from user equipment 102, 105, and 106 to base station 107, or both. Likewise, wireless links 114, 115, and 116 may include one or more wireless links (e.g., radio links) or bearers implemented using any suitable communication protocol or standard, or combination of protocols or standards, such as Third Generation Partnership Project Long Term Evolution (3GPP LTE), Fifth Generation New Radio (5GNR), etc. Alternatively, user devices 102, 105, and 106 may utilize wired (rather than wireless) communications (e.g., using digital subscriber lines (DSL)) to transmit uplink or downlink data to a wide area network (WAN) (e.g., the Internet) and / or other types of networks.

[0027] Figure 1 The illustrated user equipment 102 may be considered a coordinating user equipment that transmits and receives multiple wireless communication signals according to multiple protocols to and from multiple user equipments, such as user equipments 103, 104, 105, 106 and base station 107. Alternatively or additionally, Figure 1 Some or all of the other user devices illustrated may also be capable of operating as coordinating user devices. For example, user device 104 may also be capable of communicating with user device 105 using wireless link 117 according to any protocol, such as 5 GHz wireless. 2.4GHz 2.4GHz Classic 2.4GHz IEEE 802.15.4 (e.g. or )wait.

[0028] For ease and clarity of description, the present disclosure focuses on the user device 102 and the wireless communications between the user device 102 and other user devices (e.g., 103, 104, 105, and 106). The user device 102 may be any mobile or non-mobile device. As a mobile device, the user device 102 may be a mobile phone (e.g., a smart phone), a laptop computer, a wearable device (e.g., a watch, glasses, headphones, clothing), a tablet device, a car / vehicle device, a portable gaming device, an e-reader device, or a remote control device, or may be based on a 5 GHz wireless communication protocol such as a 5 GHz wireless communication protocol. 2.4GHz classic and IEEE 802.15.4 (e.g. or ) protocol to transmit and receive one or more wireless communication signals. As a non-mobile device, user device 102 can represent a server, a network terminal device, a desktop computer, a television device, a display device, an entertainment set-top box device, a streaming device, a desktop assistant device, a non-portable gaming device, a business conference device, a payment station, or other non-mobile computing devices capable of communicating wirelessly according to multiple protocols.

[0029] The user device 102 includes one or more application processors (illustrated as application processor 120) and one or more computer-readable storage media (CRM 122). The application processor 120 may include any combination of one or more controllers, microcontrollers, processors, microprocessors, hardware processors, hardware processing units, digital signal processors, graphics processors, graphics processing units, etc. The application processor 120 processes computer-executable instructions 124 (e.g., code) stored by the CRM 122. The CRM 122 may include any suitable memory media and storage media, such as volatile memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM)), non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory), optical media, magnetic media (e.g., disk or tape), etc. As shown in FIG. Figure 1 As illustrated, CRM 122 may store instructions 124, data 126, and / or other information (not illustrated), and CRM 122 excludes propagating signals.

[0030] The user device 102 may also include one or more input / output ports 128 (I / O ports 128) and / or at least one display 130, which may present graphical images provided by the user device 102 and may assist a user in interacting with the user device 102. Examples (not shown) of the I / O ports 128 are secure digital input / output (SDIO), general purpose input / output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), pulse code modulation (PCM), universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter (UART), etc.

[0031] The user device 102 can use a multi-protocol transceiver system 132 to communicate with other devices (e.g., user devices 103, 104, 105, and 106). The multi-protocol transceiver system 132 can be implemented in one or more SoCs. The multi-protocol transceiver system 132 may include one or more communication processors (communication processor 134), one or more transceivers (transceiver 136), multiplexing circuit 160, and one or more antennas (antenna 180) to transmit and receive multiple wireless communication signals according to multiple protocols.

[0032] Generally speaking, the multi-protocol transceiver system 132 may include various numbers of communication processors 134 and various numbers of transceivers 136, which may include various numbers of communication processors 134 and various numbers of transceivers 136. 2.4GHz 2.4GHz Classic 2.4GHz The present invention relates to a method for transmitting and receiving bidirectional wireless communication signals in a manner that is compatible with and / or 2.4GHz IEEE 802.15.4 protocols ...

[0033] The multi-protocol transceiver system 132 includes a front-end architecture 140 that avoids the need for a 3-wire PTA coexistence architecture to coordinate the transmission and reception of wireless communication signals between the user device 102 and other devices (e.g., user devices 103, 104, 105, and 106). The front-end architecture 140 includes an amplification circuit 150 that enables the multi-protocol transceiver system 132 of the user device 102 to communicate multiple wireless communication signals according to multiple protocols. To do so, the user device 102 utilizes a controller 170 to dynamically control the states of the amplification circuit 150 and the multiplexing circuit 160 to enable independent and concurrent communication of two or more wireless communication signals associated with different protocols.

[0034] The controller 170 can include at least one processor and a CRM that stores computer executable instructions. The processor and associated instructions can be implemented together in a separate circuit system, fixed logic circuit system, hard compiled logic, etc. The processor and CRM of the controller 170 can be located in one module or one integrated circuit, such as Figure 1 As shown. Alternatively, the controller 170 can be distributed across multiple modules or chips. Thus, the controller 170 can be implemented as part of the multi-protocol transceiver system 132, the application processor 120, a general purpose processor, some combination thereof, or the like.

[0035] In the context of this disclosure, the terms radio, wireless signal, standard, wireless communication protocol, and protocol may be interchangeable. As an example, when this disclosure discusses the ability of user device 102 to communicate with user device 106 using a 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.15.4 radio, the communication between user devices 102 and 106 may use or This is another reason why this disclosure discusses the ability of user device 102 to wirelessly communicate signals according to multiple protocols.

[0036] Selective Amplification

[0037] Figure 2 1 is a block diagram of an example circuit 132 illustrating transmission and reception of multiple protocols between a transceiver 136 and (multiple) antennas 180. In the depicted configuration, the front-end architecture 140 is coupled to a multiplexing circuit 160, which is coupled to (multiple) antennas 180, such as Figure 2 The front-end architecture 140 and the multiplexing circuit 160 enable transmission and reception of multiple protocols between the transceiver(s) 136 and the antenna(s) 180. In one aspect, the antenna 180 includes a dual-band antenna 212 (illustrated as DB Ant 212), as shown in FIG. Figure 4-1 and Figure 4-2 In another aspect, the antenna 180 includes a dual-band antenna 212 and a single-band antenna 214 (illustrated as SB Ant 214), as described with respect to Figures 3-1 to 3-5 Further described.

[0038] The front-end architecture 140 includes a first amplification circuit 150-1 coupled to the transceiver 136, a second amplification circuit 150-2 coupled to the transceiver 136, and a third amplification circuit 150-3 coupled to the transceiver 136. Although only the first amplification circuit 150-1 is illustrated, each of the first, second, and third amplification circuits (150-1, 150-2, and 150-3) includes a power amplifier (illustrated as PA 202), a low noise amplifier (illustrated as LNA 204), and a single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switch (illustrated as SPDT 206). The output terminal of PA 202 is coupled to a first terminal (throw) of SPDT 206, and the input terminal of LNA 204 is coupled to a second terminal (throw) of SPDT 206.

[0039] The SPDT 206 enables each amplification circuit (150-1, 150-2, and 150-3) to be in a transmission state 230 (illustrated as Tx 230) or a reception state 232 (illustrated as Rx 232). In the transmission state 230, the power amplifier 202 is in an on state and the SPDT 206 connects the power amplifier 202 to the multiplexing circuit 160. In the reception state 232, the low noise amplifier 204 is in an on state and the SPDT 206 connects the low noise amplifier 204 to the multiplexing circuit 160. Both the transmission state 230 and the reception state 232 represent enabled states in which the associated amplification circuits 150-1 to 150-3 provide amplification for transmission or reception, respectively. Although in Figure 2 Although not shown in the figure, each amplification circuit 150-1 to 150-3 can also be in a disabled state in which the power amplifier 202 and the low noise amplifier 204 are in an off state. In the disabled state, the SPDT 206 can connect the power amplifier 202 or the low noise amplifier 204 to the multiplexing circuit 160.

[0040] The multiplexing circuit 160 includes a duplexer 208, which can be utilized if the multi-protocol transceiver system 132 uses a dual-band antenna 212. In some implementations, the multi-protocol transceiver system 132 also includes another single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switch (illustrated as SPDT 210) to enable transmission and reception of multiple protocols.

[0041] To support various configurations of the multi-protocol transceiver system 132, the controller 170 uses control signals 216, 218, and 220 to enable the amplifier circuits 150-1, 150-2, and 150-3, respectively, for transmission or reception (Tx 230 or Rx 232). The controller 170 can also use the control signals 216, 218, and 220 to disable the amplifier circuits 150-1 to 150-3. Finally, depending on the implementation of the multi-protocol transceiver system 132, the controller 170 can also use the control signal 222 to support the configuration of the multiplexing circuit 160, such as Figure 4-1 and Figure 4-2 As shown in the figure.

[0042] Example Multiple Antenna Implementation

[0043] Figure 3-1 One aspect of a multi-protocol transceiver system 132 is illustrated that supports transmission and reception of multiple protocols between a front-end architecture 140 and two antennas, antennas 180. Antennas 180 include a dual-band antenna 212 and a single-band antenna 214. Although not illustrated, it should be understood that the coupling between the transceiver 136 and the front-end architecture 140 can be the same in all aspects described in the present disclosure.

[0044] In the depicted configuration, the first amplification circuit 150-1 is coupled to a first terminal of the duplexer 208 via the transmit and receive path 310 and amplifies the 5 GHz or, despite the Figure 3-1 Although not shown in the figure, the first amplifier circuit 150-1 can amplify the 6 GHz Protocol (e.g., Wi-Fi ) associated wireless communication signals. In addition, instead of the depicted Figure 3-1 The illustrated single-input single-output (SISO) system, the first amplification circuit 150-1 is capable of amplifying wireless communication signals of a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system. Note that in the case of a MIMO system, the multiplexing circuit 160 is changed to accommodate the number of inputs and outputs of the MIMO system. For example, the number of duplexers in the multiplexing circuit 160 is increased.

[0045] like Figure 3-1 As shown, the second amplification circuit 150-2 is coupled to the second terminal of the duplexer 208 via the transmission and reception path 312 and amplifies the 2.4 GHz The third terminal of the duplexer 208 is coupled to the dual-band antenna 212 using the transmit and receive path 316 to transmit and receive 5 GHz wireless communication signals. and 2.4GHz Protocol. Note that the dual-band antenna 212 supports wireless transmission and reception of protocols at two different frequencies, namely 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz. The protocols supported by the first amplification circuit 150-1 and the second amplification circuit 150-2 are associated with two frequencies (5 GHz and 2.4 GHz), which enables the dual-band antenna 212 to be shared via the duplexer 208. Space conservation is achieved by using one dual-band antenna instead of two single-band antennas to receive and transmit 5 GHz. and 2.4GHz One advantage of the protocol.

[0046] The multiplexing circuit 160 couples the third amplifying circuit 150-3 to the single-band antenna 214 via the transmission and reception path 314. The third amplifying circuit 150-3 amplifies the 2.4 GHz classical 2.4GHz and / or 2.4GHz IEEE802.15.4 (e.g. or ) protocol. In existing solutions, the 3-wire PTA algorithm or coexistence engine manages the wireless communication signals associated with the 2.4 GHz and 3.4 GHz PTA protocols. The timing and priority of various wireless communication signals associated with the protocol. Figure 3-1 The design implementation is capable of delivering various 2.4GHz protocols simultaneously and independently.

[0047] By controlling signals 216, 218 and 220, controller 170 can use Figure 3-2 to Figure 3-5 The configurations 302, 304, 306, and 308 described further are used to utilize Figure 3-1 The design and implementation of the multi-protocol transceiver system 132. Figure 3-1 In the embodiment, the multiplexing circuit 160 includes a duplexer 208 and does not utilize Figure 2 The SPDT 210 shown in the figure. Therefore, ( Figure 2 The control signal 222 is not required to support the different configurations 302 to 308.

[0048] Regardless of the configuration of the multi-protocol transceiver system 132, it should be understood that the multi-protocol transceiver system 132 is capable of transmitting or receiving 5 GHz protocol without interfering with the 2.4GHz protocol (e.g. 2.4GHz Classic 2.4GHz and 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.15.4). In other words, in configurations 302, 304, 306, and 308, the controller 170 may configure the first amplification circuit 150-1 to be in the transmission state 230 or the reception state 232 to transmit or receive 5 GHz protocol.

[0049] Figure 3-2 Pictured Figure 3-1 Configuration 302 of the front-end architecture 140 of FIG. In configuration 302, as described above, the controller 170 configures the first amplification circuit 150-1 to be in the transmission state 230 or the reception state 232. Additionally, the controller 170 configures the second amplification circuit 150-2 and the third amplification circuit 150-3 to be in the transmission state 230. By doing so, configuration 302 enables 2.4 GHz and 2.4GHz Classic simultaneous (ie, concurrent or overlapping) transmission of the protocol, or 2.4 GHz Simultaneous transmission with 2.4GHz BLE protocol, or 2.4GHz and IEEE 802.15.4 (e.g., or ) protocol simultaneously. It should be appreciated that the multi-protocol transceiver system 132 simultaneously transmits the 2.4 GHz protocol without utilizing a PTA coexistence architecture (e.g., 3-wire PTA). In this manner, configuration 302, like all other configurations described further below, reduces the bottleneck in data transfer discussed in the background section of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 3-3 Pictured Figure 3-1 Configuration 304 of the front-end architecture 140. In this configuration, the controller 170 configures the second amplification circuit 150-2 and the third amplification circuit 150-3 to be in the receiving state 232. By doing so, configuration 304 enables 2.4 GHz 2.4GHz Classic 2.4GHz and IEEE 802.15.4 (e.g. or ) protocol simultaneously.

[0051] Figure 3-4 Pictured Figure 3-1 The controller 170 configures the second amplification circuit 150-2 to be in the transmission state 230 and the third amplification circuit 150-3 to be in the reception state 232. By doing so, the configuration 306 enables the multi-protocol transceiver system 132 to simultaneously transmit 2.4 GHz protocol, while simultaneously receiving 2.4GHz Classic 2.4GHz and IEEE 802.15.4 (e.g. or ) any or all of the agreements.

[0052] Figure 3-5 Pictured Figure 3-1 The controller 170 configures the second amplification circuit 150-2 to be in the receiving state 232 and the third amplification circuit 150-3 to be in the transmitting state 230. By doing so, the configuration 308 enables the multi-protocol transceiver system 132 to simultaneously receive 2.4 GHz protocol, while transmitting 2.4GHz classic 2.4GHz or IEEE 802.15.4 (e.g. or In other words, configuration 308 enables the multi-protocol transceiver system 132 to receive 2.4 GHz protocol, while transmitting 2.4GHz classic and 2.4GHz Alternatively, configuration 308 enables the multi-protocol transceiver system 132 to receive 2.4 GHz protocol, while transmitting IEEE 802.15.4 (e.g. or )protocol.

[0053] It is worth noting that ( Figure 3-2 Configuration 302, ( Figure 3-3 Configuration 304, ( Figure 3-4 Configuration 306 and ( Figure 3-5 The configuration 308 enables dynamic and selective transmission and / or reception of multiple protocols at the same time interval. As discussed in the overview section, conventional solutions using a 3-wire PTA architecture do not allow for the implementation of two protocols at the same frequency, such as 2.4 GHz. and 2.4GHz Classic or any similar combination thereof.

[0054] Example Single Antenna Implementation

[0055] Figure 4-1An aspect of the front-end architecture 140 that supports transmission and reception of multiple protocols between the front-end architecture 140 and one antenna (antenna 180). Antenna 180 includes a dual-band antenna 212. In this design implementation, antenna 180 does not include or utilize a single-band antenna 214. To enable transmission and reception of multiple protocols, multiplexing circuit 160 includes a duplexer 208 and a SPDT 210.

[0056] like Figure 4-1 As shown, the first amplification circuit 150-1 is coupled to the first terminal of the duplexer 208 via the transmission and reception path 410 and amplifies the 5 GHz The second amplification circuit 150-2 is coupled to the first terminal (throw) of the SPDT 210 via the transmission and reception path 412 and amplifies (transmits and receives) the wireless communication signal associated with the 2.4 GHz protocol. The wireless signal associated with the protocol. Figure 4-2 In the configuration depicted in FIG. 1 , the second amplifier circuit 150 - 2 is capable of transmitting and receiving signals via the transmission and reception paths 412 according to the 2.4 GHz 2.4GHz Classic 2.4GHz and / or 2.4GHz IEEE 802.15.4 (e.g. or ) protocol to amplify and receive wireless signals. Figure 2 1, but the LNA 204 of the second amplifier circuit 150-2 can have two outputs coupled to the transceiver 136. Figure 4-1 and Figure 4-2 In the design implementation, the LNA 204 of the second amplifier circuit 150-3 can be shared or coupled to a 2.4 GHz The first transceiver 136 supports the 2.4 GHz protocol and 2.4GHz Classic 2.4GHz and / or 2.4GHz IEEE 802.15.4 (e.g. or ) protocol.

[0057] The third amplification circuit 150-3 is coupled to the second terminal (throw) of the SPDT 210 via the transmission path 414 and amplifies the 2.4 GHz classical 2.4GHz and / or 2.4GHz IEEE 802.15.4 (e.g. or ) protocol. Then, the third terminal of the SPDT is coupled to the second terminal of the duplexer 208 using the transmission and reception path 408 to transmit and receive the 2.4 GHz 2.4GHz Classic 2.4GHz and / or 2.4GHz IEEE 802.15.4 (e.g. or ) protocol. Finally, the third terminal of the duplexer 208 is coupled to the dual-band antenna 212 using the transmit and receive path 416 to transmit and receive the 5 GHz and 2.4GHz Protocol (all protocols).

[0058] exist Figure 3-1 to Figure 3-4 In FIG. 1 , when the multi-protocol transceiver system 132 uses two antennas (DB Ant 212 and SB Ant 214) for transmission and reception, the controller 170 uses three control signals (216, 218, and 220) to support all configurations. In contrast, in Figure 4-1 and Figure 4-2 In FIG. 1 , when the multi-protocol transceiver system 132 uses one antenna (DB Ant 212) for both transmission and reception, the controller 170 uses four control signals (216, 218, 220, and 222) to support all configurations. Figure 3-1 to Figure 3-5 The configuration shown is the same as in the figure. Figure 4-1 and Figure 4-2 Regardless of the configuration of the front-end architecture 140, the controller 170 can configure the first amplifier circuit 150-1 to be in the transmission state 230 or the reception state 232 to transmit or receive 5 GHz protocol without interfering with the 2.4GHz protocol (e.g. 2.4GHz Classic 2.4GHz and 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.15.4). Using one dual band antenna (DB Ant 212) to transmit and receive the above mentioned 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz protocols reduces the size, cost and complexity of the user device 102 while utilizing the same multi-protocol transceiver system 132. However, unlike the conventional method where simultaneous transmission of various 2.4 GHz protocols is possible by utilizing two antennas (DB Ant 212 and SB Ant 214), the SB Ant 214 is used to transmit and receive the above mentioned 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz protocols. Figure 3-2 Unlike the configuration 302 discussed above, the use of one antenna (DBAnt 212) in FIG. 4 limits the ability of the multi-protocol transceiver system 132 to simultaneously transmit various 2.4 GHz protocols. Figure 4-1The multi-protocol transceiver system 132 is capable of simultaneously receiving multiple 2.4 GHz protocols without utilizing a PTA coexistence architecture (e.g., 3-wire PTA). Figure 4-2 As described in .

[0059] Figure 4-2 Pictured Figure 4-1 2.4 GHz protocols simultaneously. To do so, the controller 170 uses the control signal 218 to configure the second amplification circuit 150-2 to be in the receive state 232. In addition, using the control signal 220, the controller 170 disables the low noise amplifier of the third amplification circuit 150-3 and enables the bypass mode of the power amplifier of the third amplification circuit 150-3, thereby effectively creating an isolation state (illustrated as "disabled") for the third amplification circuit 150-3. Finally, using the control signal 222, the controller 170 enables the transmit and receive paths 412. In this configuration, the low noise amplifier 204 (shared LNA) of the second amplification circuit 150-2 is able to simultaneously and independently amplify the 2.4 GHz protocols. 2.4GHz Classic Reception of 2.4GHz BLE and 2.4GHz IEEE802.15.4 protocols.

[0060] Example Method

[0061] Figure 5 An example method 500 is depicted for supporting multiple protocols with amplification via a first amplification circuit and a second amplification circuit. The methods described herein, such as Figure 5 The illustrated method 500 or Figure 6 The illustrated method 600 illustrates a set of operations (or behaviors) performed in the order or combination in which the operations are described herein, but not necessarily limited thereto. In addition, any one of one or more operations of these methods may be repeated, combined, reorganized, skipped, or linked to provide a variety of additional methods and / or alternatives.

[0062] At 502, the device enables a first amplification circuit in a plurality of amplification circuits and a second amplification circuit in a plurality of amplification circuits to operate during the same time interval. For example, the user device 102 uses the controller 170 to enable the first amplification circuit 150-1 and the second amplification circuit 150-2 to operate during the same time interval, such as Figure 3-1 to Figure 4-2 As described in .

[0063] At 504, the device uses the first amplification circuit to amplify a first wireless communication signal of a first type, the first type being associated with a first protocol and a first frequency. For example, the user device 102 enables the first amplification circuit 150-1 to be in the transmission state 230 or the reception state 232 to transmit or receive 5 GHz. protocol.

[0064] At 506, the device uses the second amplification circuit to amplify a second wireless communication signal of a second type, the second type being associated with a second protocol and a second frequency. For example, the user device 102 enables the second amplification circuit 150-2 to be in the transmission state 230 or the reception state 232 to transmit or receive 2.4 GHz. Agreement, such as Figure 3-2 to Figure 3-5 In addition, in some embodiments ( Figure 4-2 ), the device (eg, user device 102) can enable the amplification circuit 150-2 to amplify the additional type of protocol of the second frequency. In particular, Figure 4-2 The user equipment 102 enables the second amplification circuit 150-2 in the receiving state 232 to receive the 2.4 GHz 2.4GHz Classic 2.4GHz BLE and 2.4GHz IEEE 802.15.4 protocols.

[0065] At 508, the device independently and concurrently communicates the first wireless communication signal and the second wireless communication signal. In other words, in stages 502 to 508, the device does not prioritize when to send the first wireless communication signal versus when to send the second wireless communication signal.

[0066] Figure 6 Describes the use of Figure 5 The device may include a third amplifying circuit other than the first amplifying circuit and the second amplifying circuit, and may include a third amplifying circuit that supports multiple protocols with amplification. At 602, the device enables the third amplifying circuit. At 604, the device uses the third amplifying circuit to amplify a third wireless communication signal of a third type, the third type being associated with a third protocol and a second frequency. For example, the third amplifying circuit 150-3 is based on the 2.4 GHz classical 2.4 GHz BLE and 2.4 GHz IEEE802.15.4 protocols to amplify the wireless communication signal. At 606, the device independently and concurrently transmits the first wireless communication signal, the second wireless communication signal, and the third wireless communication signal. For example, Figure 3-2 to Figure 3-5 As shown, the user equipment 102 transmits 5 GHz protocol, independently and concurrently passing 2.4GHz In addition, the user device 102 independently and concurrently transmits the 2.4 GHz classic 2.4GHz BLE and 2.4GHz IEEE 802.15.4 protocols, while transmitting 5GHz and 2.4GHz protocol.

[0067] The following are additional examples of the described apparatus, methods, and techniques for supporting multiple protocols with selective amplification:

[0068] Example 1: A device comprising: a plurality of amplifying circuits associated with different types of wireless communication signals having different protocols or different frequencies, each of the plurality of amplifying circuits being configured to selectively: operate in a transmission state to amplify a specific type of wireless communication signal among the different types of wireless communication signals for transmission; or operate in a reception state to amplify the specific type of wireless communication signal for reception; and a controller configured to selectively enable two or more of the plurality of amplifying circuits to operate during the same time interval to enable independent and concurrent communication of two or more types of wireless communication signals among the different types of wireless communication signals.

[0069] Example 2: The apparatus according to Example 1 further comprises: one or more transceivers, the one or more transceivers being coupled to the multiple amplifying circuits, the one or more transceivers being configured to transmit and receive the different types of wireless communication signals, the one or more transceivers comprising multiple local oscillators, the number of the multiple local oscillators being equal to or greater than the number of the different protocols; and a multiplexing circuit, the multiplexing circuit being coupled between the multiple amplifying circuits and at least one transmission and reception path, the multiplexing circuit being configured to selectively couple the two or more of the multiple amplifying circuits to the at least one transmission and reception path, the at least one transmission and reception path being configured to be coupled to at least one antenna.

[0070] Example 3: An apparatus according to Example 2, wherein: the multiple amplification circuits include a first amplification circuit and a second amplification circuit; and the multiplexing circuit includes a duplexer having a first terminal, a second terminal and a third terminal, the first terminal of the duplexer is coupled to the first amplification circuit, the second terminal of the duplexer is coupled to the second amplification circuit, the third terminal of the duplexer is coupled to the at least one transmission and reception path, and the at least one transmission and reception path is configured to be coupled to a dual-band antenna of the at least one antenna.

[0071] Example 4: An apparatus according to Example 3, wherein: the controller is configured to: enable the first amplifying circuit to operate in the transmission state or the reception state; and enable the second amplifying circuit to operate in the reception state; and the multiplexing circuit is configured to couple the first amplifying circuit and the second amplifying circuit among the multiple amplifying circuits to the transmission and reception path, and the transmission and reception path is configured to couple to the dual-band antenna of the at least one antenna.

[0072] Example 5: An apparatus according to Example 4, wherein: the multiple amplification circuits include a third amplification circuit; the multiplexing circuit includes a switch having a first terminal, a second terminal and a third terminal, the first terminal of the switch is coupled to the second amplification circuit, the second terminal of the switch is coupled to the third amplification circuit, and the third terminal of the switch is coupled to the second terminal of the duplexer; and the controller is configured to disable the third amplification circuit in response to enabling the second amplification circuit to operate in the receiving state.

[0073] Example 6: The apparatus of Example 4, wherein: the different protocols include: a first protocol; a second protocol of a second frequency, wherein the second protocol includes at least one of the following: a second Protocol; Classic Protocol; Low power consumption protocol; or Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers IEEE 802.15.4 protocol; the first amplifier circuit is configured to become the first The protocol provides amplification; and the second amplification circuit is configured to provide amplification for the second protocol.

[0074] Example 7: An apparatus according to Example 3, wherein: the multiple amplification circuits include a third amplification circuit; and the multiplexing circuit is configured to connect the third amplification circuit to the at least one transmission and reception path, and the at least one transmission and reception path is configured to be coupled to a single-band antenna of the at least one antenna.

[0075] Example 8: An apparatus according to Example 7, wherein the controller is configured to: enable the first amplifying circuit to operate in the transmission state or the reception state; and enable at least one of the following to be achieved: enable the second amplifying circuit to operate in the transmission state or the reception state; or enable the third amplifying circuit to operate in the transmission state or the reception state.

[0076] Example 9: The apparatus of Example 1, 3, 7 or 8, wherein: the different protocols include: a first frequency Protocol; Second frequency second protocol; and a third protocol, the third protocol comprising at least one of the following: a classic Protocol; Low power consumption and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers IEEE802.15.4 protocol; the first amplifier circuit is configured to become the first The protocol provides amplification, the second amplification circuit is configured to be the second The third amplification circuit is configured to provide amplification for the third protocol.

[0077] Example 10: The apparatus of any of the preceding examples, wherein the apparatus is configured to direct the transmission and reception of the different types of wireless communication signals without utilizing a packet traffic arbitration (PTA) coexistence architecture.

[0078] Example 11: An apparatus according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein each of the plurality of amplification circuits comprises: at least one power amplifier; at least one low noise amplifier; and at least one single-pole double-throw SPDT switch, the at least one single-pole double-throw SPDT switch having a first throw coupled to the at least one power amplifier and a second throw coupled to the at least one low noise amplifier.

[0079] Example 12: A method comprising: enabling a first amplification circuit among a plurality of amplification circuits and a second amplification circuit among the plurality of amplification circuits to operate during the same time interval; using the first amplification circuit to amplify a first wireless communication signal of a first type, the first type being associated with a first protocol and a first frequency; using the second amplification circuit to amplify a second wireless communication signal of a second type, the second type being associated with a second protocol and a second frequency; and independently and concurrently transmitting the first wireless communication signal and the second wireless communication signal.

[0080] Example 13: According to the method described in Example 12: the method further includes using a third amplifier circuit among the multiple amplifier circuits to amplify a third wireless communication signal of a third type, and the third type is associated with a third protocol and the second frequency, wherein: enabling includes enabling the third amplifier circuit among the multiple amplifier circuits; and the independent and concurrent transmission includes independently and concurrently transmitting the first wireless communication signal, the second wireless communication signal and the third wireless communication signal.

[0081] Example 14: A method according to Example 12 or 13, wherein: the first frequency is the same as the second frequency and the first protocol is different from the second protocol; the first frequency is different from the second frequency and the first protocol is the same as the second protocol; or the first frequency is different from the second frequency and the first protocol is different from the second protocol.

[0082] Example 15: A method according to Example 12, 13 or 14, wherein independent transmission or reception includes: concurrently transmitting the first wireless communication signal and transmitting the second wireless communication signal; concurrently transmitting the first wireless communication signal and receiving the second wireless communication signal; concurrently receiving the first wireless communication signal and receiving the second wireless communication signal; or concurrently receiving the first wireless communication signal and transmitting the second wireless communication signal.

[0083] Example 16: A system comprising: one or more transceivers; a multiplexing circuit; a plurality of amplification circuits; and a controller configured to selectively enable two or more of the plurality of amplification circuits to perform operations according to any one of Examples 12 to 15.

[0084] in conclusion

[0085] Although implementations of techniques and apparatus for supporting multiple protocols with selective amplification have been described using language specific to features and / or methods, it should be understood that the subject matter of the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as example implementations of supporting multiple protocols with selective amplification.

Claims

1. An apparatus for supporting multiple protocols with selective amplification, comprising: A plurality of amplifying circuits associated with different types of wireless communication signals having different protocols or different frequencies, each of the plurality of amplifying circuits being configured to selectively: operating in a transmission state to amplify a specific type of wireless communication signal among the different types of wireless communication signals for transmission; or operating in a receiving state to amplify the wireless communication signal of the specific type for reception; a controller configured to selectively enable two or more of the plurality of amplification circuits to operate during a same time interval to enable independent and concurrent communication of two or more of the different types of wireless communication signals; as well as a multiplexing circuit coupled between the plurality of amplification circuits and a transmit and receive path, the multiplexing circuit being configured to selectively couple the two or more of the plurality of amplification circuits to the transmit and receive path, the transmit and receive path being configured to be coupled to at least one antenna, in: The plurality of amplifying circuits include a first amplifying circuit and a second amplifying circuit; and The multiplexing circuit includes a duplexer having a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal, the first terminal of the duplexer coupled to the first amplification circuit, the second terminal of the duplexer coupled to the second amplification circuit, and the third terminal of the duplexer coupled to the transmission and reception paths; in: The controller is configured to: enabling the first amplifying circuit to operate in the transmitting state or the receiving state; and enabling the second amplification circuit to operate in the receiving state; and the multiplexing circuit is configured to couple the first amplification circuit and the second amplification circuit of the plurality of amplification circuits to the transmission and reception path, the transmission and reception path being configured to be coupled to the dual-band antenna of the at least one antenna; in: The plurality of amplifying circuits include a third amplifying circuit; The multiplexing circuit includes a switch having a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal, the first terminal of the switch being coupled to the second amplification circuit, the second terminal of the switch being coupled to the third amplification circuit, and the third terminal of the switch being coupled to the second terminal of the duplexer; and The controller is configured to disable the third amplification circuit in response to enabling the second amplification circuit to operate in the receiving state.

2. The device according to claim 1, further comprising: One or more transceivers, the one or more transceivers are coupled to the plurality of amplification circuits, the one or more transceivers are configured to transmit and receive the different types of wireless communication signals, the one or more transceivers include a plurality of local oscillators, the number of the plurality of local oscillators is equal to or greater than the number of the different protocols.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The different protocols include: The first frequency protocol; A second protocol for a second frequency, wherein the second protocol includes at least one of the following: second protocol; protocol; Agreement; and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers IEEE 802.15.4 protocol; The first amplifier circuit is configured as the first The agreement provides for amplification; and The second amplification circuit is configured to provide amplification for the second protocol.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The apparatus is configured to direct transmission and reception of the different types of wireless communication signals without utilizing a packet traffic arbitration (PTA) coexistence architecture.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: Each of the plurality of amplifier circuits comprises: at least one power amplifier; at least one low noise amplifier; and At least one single-pole double-throw SPDT switch having a first throw coupled to the at least one power amplifier and a second throw coupled to the at least one low noise amplifier.

6. A method for supporting multiple protocols with selective amplification, comprising: enabling a first amplifier circuit among a plurality of amplifier circuits and a second amplifier circuit among the plurality of amplifier circuits to operate during a same time interval; amplifying a first wireless communication signal of a first type associated with a first protocol and a first frequency using the first amplification circuit; amplifying a second wireless communication signal of a second type associated with a second protocol and a second frequency using the second amplification circuit; and independently and concurrently communicating the first wireless communication signal and the second wireless communication signal; in: The method further includes amplifying a third wireless communication signal of a third type using a third amplification circuit of the plurality of amplification circuits, the third type being associated with a third protocol and the second frequency, wherein: The enabling includes enabling a third amplifier circuit among the plurality of amplifier circuits; selectively coupling the first amplifying circuit, the second amplifying circuit, and the third amplifying circuit to the transmit and receive paths via a multiplexing circuit coupled between the first amplifying circuit, the second amplifying circuit, and the third amplifying circuit and the transmit and receive paths; Enable the first amplifying circuit to operate in the transmission state or the reception state through a controller; coupling the first amplification circuit and the second amplification circuit to the transmission and reception paths via the multiplexing circuit; coupling the transmit and receive paths to a dual-band antenna; The third amplification circuit is disabled, by the controller, in response to enabling the second amplification circuit to operate in the receiving state.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The first frequency is the same as the second frequency and the first protocol is different from the second protocol; or The first frequency is different from the second frequency and the first protocol is the same as the second protocol; or The first frequency is different from the second frequency and the first protocol is different from the second protocol.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: Individual transmissions or receptions include: concurrently transmitting the first wireless communication signal and transmitting the second wireless communication signal; concurrently transmitting the first wireless communication signal and receiving the second wireless communication signal; concurrently receiving the first wireless communication signal and receiving the second wireless communication signal; or The first wireless communication signal is received and the second wireless communication signal is transmitted concurrently.

9. A system for supporting multiple protocols with selective amplification, comprising: one or more transceivers; Multiplexing circuits; Multiple amplifier circuits; as well as A controller configured to selectively enable two or more of the plurality of amplification circuits to perform the method according to any one of claims 6 to 8.

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