Communication device

Abstract

A communication device. A communication device comprising a first communication circuit coupled to a first antenna port of the communication device; a switch having first, second, and third terminals, the first terminal coupled to a second antenna port of the communication device, the switch configured to switch between a first state in which the first terminal is coupled to the second terminal and a second state in which the first terminal is coupled to the third terminal; a third port coupled to the second terminal of the switch; and a second communication circuit coupled to the third terminal.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to French application No. 2112599, filed on November 26, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention generally relates to communication devices, and in certain embodiments, to wireless communication devices and systems. Background Technology

[0004] Communication equipment and systems, especially those specifically designed for wireless applications, can use multiple communication standards in parallel.

[0005] Using current communication equipment and systems is either expensive or does not yield optimal performance. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To use multiple communication standards in parallel, it is conceivable that communication devices and systems include an antenna for each communication standard they implement. This configuration offers performance advantages.

[0007] Communication devices and systems may also include a single antenna shared by the different communication standards they implement. This configuration can save the cost of one or more antennas.

[0008] These solutions typically require choosing one configuration or another, which limits the flexibility in using communication equipment and systems.

[0009] There is a need for a communication device and system suitable for allowing the use of one or more antennas according to user-desired configurations, while optimizing production costs and user-friendliness. One embodiment overcomes all or some of the disadvantages of known communication devices and systems.

[0010] One embodiment provides a communication device, including: a first communication circuit coupled to a first antenna port of the communication device; a switch having first, second, and third terminals, the first terminal being coupled to a second antenna port of the communication device, the switch being configured to switch between a first state and a second state, wherein in the first state the first terminal is coupled to the second terminal and in the second state the first terminal is coupled to the third terminal; a third port coupled to the second terminal of the switch; and a second communication circuit coupled to the third terminal.

[0011] According to an embodiment, the second communication circuit is coupled to the third terminal via a communication interface circuit configured to generate a transmission signal for transmission via the second antenna port.

[0012] According to an embodiment, the switch further comprises a fourth terminal, the switch being configured to switch between the first state, the second state and a third state in which the first terminal is coupled to the fourth terminal; the second communication circuit being coupled to the fourth terminal via a communication interface circuit configured to receive signals received via the second antenna port.

[0013] According to an embodiment, wherein the first communication circuit is configured to process location information received via the first antenna port.

[0014] According to an embodiment, the second communication circuit is configured to process cellular type information received via the second antenna port.

[0015] One embodiment provides a communication system comprising: such a communication device, wherein the link couples the first antenna port to the third port; and an antenna coupling the first antenna to the second antenna port.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the antenna is configured to receive or transmit signals compatible with the first and second communication circuits.

[0017] An embodiment provides a communication system comprising such a communication device, wherein the first antenna port and the third port are not linked; and wherein the second antenna port is coupled to the first antenna and the first antenna port is coupled to the second antenna.

[0018] An embodiment provides a method of configuring an antenna of such a communication system, the method comprising placing a link between the first antenna port and the third port. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] Other advantages and features of the present application will become apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments and implementations, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the application.

[0020] Figure 1 is a simplified view of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 2 is a simplified view of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 3 is a simplified view of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0023] Figure 4 is a flowchart of a method of configuring a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] ​In the various drawings, like features are denoted by like reference numerals. In particular, common structural or functional features in the various embodiments can have the same reference numerals and have the same structural, dimensional and material properties.

[0025] For the sake of clarity, only those steps and elements that are needed to understand the described embodiments are shown and described. In particular, different functions of an electronic circuit are shown in the form of blocks and transistors, memories and other elements that can implement the functions are not described in detail. The functions shown in the form of blocks can be implemented in a standard way according to the knowledge of the person skilled in the art.

[0026] Unless otherwise stated, when referring to two elements connected together, this means a direct connection without any intermediate elements other than conductors, and when referring to two elements coupled together, this means that the two elements can be connected or they can be coupled via one or more other elements.

[0027] In the following disclosure, unless otherwise stated, when referring to absolute position qualifiers, such as the terms "front", "back", "top", "bottom", "left", "right", etc., or to relative position qualifiers, such as the terms "upper", "lower", "above", "below", etc., or to orientation qualifiers, such as "horizontal", "vertical", etc., reference is made to the orientation shown in the figures.

[0028] Unless otherwise stated, the expressions "about", "approximately", "substantially" and "of the order of" mean within 10%, preferably within 5%.

[0029] Figure 1 is a simplified view of a communication device 100 according to an embodiment.

[0030] The communication device 100 comprises a first antenna port PORT1, a second antenna port PORT2 and a third port PORT3. The first and second antenna ports PORT1, PORT2 are for example configured to be able to be coupled to an antenna, for example via an element that transmits radio frequency signals, such as a waveguide or a radio frequency wave conducting track formed in a printed circuit board (PCB). The third port PORT3 is for example configured to be connected to an element that transmits radio frequency signals, for example a waveguide or a radio frequency wave conducting track formed in a printed circuit board.

[0031] The communication device 100 further comprises a switch 110. Figure 1 The switch 110 of the example comprises first, second and third terminals TERM1, TERM2, TERM3. The second antenna port PORT2 is coupled to the first terminal TERM1. The third port PORT3 is coupled to the second terminal TERM2.

[0032] The communication device 100 further comprises a first communication circuit CIRCUIT_1 and a second communication circuit CIRCUIT_2. The first communication circuit CIRCUIT_1 is coupled to the first antenna port PORT1. The second communication circuit CIRCUIT_2 is coupled to the third terminal TERM3 of the switch. According to an example, the circuit CIRCUIT_1 comprises components capable of handling signals of a first type or a second type transmitted via the port PORT1. According to an example, the circuit CIRCUIT_2 comprises components capable of handling signals of the first type or the second type. The signals of the first type are for example signals related to a position, for example GPS, GNSS or GALILEO type signals. The signals of the second type are for example cellular type signals such as according to GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, DC-HSPA or LTE protocols. The signals of the first and second type are for example analog or digital. According to an embodiment, the signals of the first or second type are formed by input signals originating from outside the communication device 100 and intended for the communication circuit CIRCUIT_1 or CIRCUIT_2. According to an embodiment, the signals of the first or second type are for example formed by output signals intended to be transmitted to the outside of the communication device 100, for example via an antenna. According to an embodiment, the signals of the first type are similar to the signals of the second type. According to an embodiment, the communication circuits CIRCUIT_1 and CIRCUIT_2 form part of the same digital signal processor (DSP).

[0033] According to Figure 1 According to an example, a communication interface circuit COM INTERFACE_1, 120 is arranged between the first communication circuit CIRCUIT_1 and the first antenna port PORT1. The communication interface circuit COM INTERFACE_1, 120 is for example configured to process input or output signals so that the input signals are usable by the first communication circuit CIRCUIT_1 or so that the output signals are suitable for transmission by an antenna coupled to the first port PORT1. The communication interface circuit 120 can for example comprise an impedance matching circuit, or a frequency filter or an amplifier or a low noise amplifier. According to an embodiment not shown, the communication interface circuit COM INTERFACE_1, 120 is integrated to the communication circuit CIRCUIT_1.

[0034] A further communication interface circuit COM INTERFACE 2, 130 having a functionality similar to that of the communication interface circuit COM INTERFACE 1, 120 can also be provided between the second communication circuit CIRCUIT 2 and the second antenna port PORT 2. According to one example, the communication interface circuit COM INTERFACE 2, 130 is provided between the second communication circuit CIRCUIT 2 and a third terminal TERM 3 of the switch 110. According to an embodiment not shown, the communication interface circuit COM INTERFACE 2, 130 is integrated into the communication circuit CIRCUIT 2.

[0035] The switch 110 is driven, for example, by a microcontroller (not shown in Figure 1 In particular, the switch 110 is configured to be able to alternate between a first state in which the first terminal TERM 1 is coupled to the second terminal TERM 2 and a second state in which the first terminal TERM 1 is coupled to the third terminal TERM 3.

[0036] When the switch 110 is in the second state, signals can be communicated, for example, otherwise between the second antenna port PORT 2 and the second communication circuit CIRCUIT 2.

[0037] When the switch 110 is in the first state (TERM 1 coupled to TERM 2) and a removable link (not shown in Figure 1 is implemented between the third port PORT 3 and the first antenna port PORT 1, signals can be communicated, for example, otherwise between the second antenna port PORT 2 and the first communication circuit CIRCUIT 1. According to the state of the switch 110, the second antenna port PORT 2 can then be coupled alternately to the first and second communication circuits CIRCUIT 1 and CIRCUIT 2. In this configuration with a link between the first antenna port PORT 1 and the third port PORT 3, the first and second communication circuits CIRCUIT 1, CIRCUIT 2 can receive signals from or transmit signals to an antenna according to the state of the switch 110, if the antenna is coupled to the second communication port PORT 2. This configuration enables a limitation of costs.

[0038] According to one example, an antenna (not shown in Figure 1 may be coupled to the first antenna port PORT 1, while another antenna (not shown in Figure 1The antenna coupled to the second antenna port PORT2 can be compatible with a second type of signal, for example, although the opposite is possible. In this configuration, there is no link between the first antenna port PORT1 and the third port PORT3. The switch 110 is then driven to be in its second state only. This example allows for increased performance because the used antennas are optimized by avoiding antenna switching to the two communication circuits CIRCUIT_1 and CIRCUIT_2 and further by different handling of the different types of signals by the first and second communication circuits CIRCUIT_1 and CIRCUIT_2.

[0039] Because of the use of the switch 110 associated with the 3 different ports PORT1, PORT2, PORT3, multiple configurations (e.g. with 1 or 2 antennas) can be implemented from a single communication device 100, thereby increasing the flexibility of use. This further enables to limit production costs.

[0040] Figure 2 A simplified view of an embodiment of a communication device 200 is shown. The communication device 200 can implement a Time Division Multiple Access mode (TDMA).

[0041] The communication device 200 has certain similarities with the device 100 of Figure 1 In particular, the communication device 200 comprises first and second communication circuits CIRCUIT_1, CIRCUIT_2 and first and second antenna ports PORT1 and PORT2 and a third port PORT3.

[0042] The switching device 200 comprises a switch 210 instead of the switch 110, the switch 210 having an additional terminal TERM4 with respect to the switch 110. The switch 210 is configured to switch between a first state, a second state and a third state. The first and second states are similar to the first and second states of the switch 110, respectively. In the third state, the first terminal TERM1 is coupled to the fourth terminal TERM4.

[0043] The communication device 200 further comprises a communication interface circuit 202 formed by a first signal reception circuit 230 and a second signal transmission circuit 232. The second communication circuit CIRCUIT_2 is coupled to the fourth terminal TERM4 via the first circuit 230. The second communication circuit CIRCUIT_2 is further coupled to the third terminal TERM3 via the second circuit 232.

[0044] The first circuit 230 includes, for example, an impedance matching circuit configured to optimize power delivery and the transmission of an input signal, such as an antenna coupled to the second antenna port PORT2, wherein the switch 210 is configured in a third state. For example, the first circuit 230 includes an amplifier for the input signal located at the output of the impedance matching circuit. The first circuit 230 may also include a receiver module (Rx) capable of decoding and modulating the signal, which is then interpreted by the second communication circuit CIRCUIT_2.

[0045] For example, the second circuit 232 includes a transmission module Tx that has the function of encoding and transforming the output signal generated by the second communication circuit CIRCUIT_2. After amplification, the signal is filtered, for example, by a harmonic filter (e.g., a low-pass filter (LPF)) or processed by an impedance matching circuit to optimize power transmission and transmission of the output signal to an antenna, for example, coupled to the second antenna port PORT2, wherein the switch 210 is configured in a second state.

[0046] according to Figure 2 For example, the first communication circuit CIRCUIT_1 is coupled to the first antenna port PORT1 via the communication interface circuit 240. According to... Figure 2 For example, the communication interface circuit 240 is formed by a signal receiving circuit. For instance, the communication interface circuit 240 includes functions similar to the first circuit 230. Impedance matching parameters can be adjusted based on the characteristics of the possible antenna coupled to the first antenna port PORT1 to optimize power and signal transmission.

[0047] According to an example not shown, the communication interface circuit 240 may also include a signal transmission circuit having a function similar to the second circuit 232. The first communication circuit CIRCUIT_1 can then be coupled to a secondary switch (not shown) via the signal transmission circuit. If a secondary switch is implemented, it can be driven to alternate between two states to transmit signals to or receive signals from the second antenna PORT2. Specifically, the secondary switch may occupy the state where the signal receiving circuit of the communication interface circuit 240 is coupled to the first antenna port PORT1. The secondary switch may also occupy the state where the signal transmission circuit of the communication interface circuit 240 is coupled to the first antenna port PORT1.

[0048] The communication device 200 includes, for example, a driver circuit FCT1, which is, for example, a microcontroller. The driver circuit FCT1 controls at least the switch 210 and may control the communication circuitry or different communication interface circuitry.

[0049] According to an example where the communication circuits CIRCUIT_1 and CIRCUIT_2 form part of the same digital signal processor DSP, the driver circuit FCT1 can be integrated into the digital signal processor. In this example, the digital signal processor DSP can control the switch 210 via the driver circuit FCT1 so that it privileges the reception or transmission of signals processed by one of the circuits CIRCUIT_1, CIRCUIT_2. For example, if the first communication circuit CIRCUIT_1 is configured to process positioning signals and if the second communication circuit CIRCUIT_2 is configured to process cellular type signals, the digital signal processor DSP can control the switch 210 via the driver circuit FCT1 so that it privileges the reception or transmission of cellular signals.

[0050] According to one example, when the switch 210 is in the first state and the link (not shown in Figure 2 The input signal at the level of the second antenna port PORT2 can be transmitted to the first communication circuit CIRCUIT_1 when the switch 210 is in the first state and the link (not shown in

[0051] The switch 210 is for example driven to take the second state to transmit the output signal of the second communication circuit CIRCUIT_2 to the second antenna port PORT2.

[0052] When the switch 210 is driven to take the third state, the input signal at the level of the second antenna port PORT2 can be processed by the second communication circuit CIRCUIT_2.

[0053] According to one example, the switch 210 is of the 3-branch type, for example of the SP3T type.

[0054] Thus, when the communication device 210 is implemented in the communication system described in the example of Figure 3 The communication device 210 is compatible with configurations having a single antenna and two antennas when it is implemented in the communication system described in the example of

[0055] Figure 3 is a simplified view of a communication system 300 according to an embodiment of the present description.

[0056] The communication system 300 comprises a communication device 100 or a communication device 200 such as described in the previous paragraphs.

[0057] According to an embodiment of the Figure 3 The communication system 300 also comprises a power supply element BATT which can for example be a battery, an accumulator, a supercapacitor or also a coil rechargeable by induction. The power supply element BATT is configured to supply power to the different elements of the communication system 300.

[0058] According to an embodiment of theFigure 3 For example, communication system 300 includes a microprocessor MICRO to specifically drive communication devices 100, 200.

[0059] The communication system 300 may also include a functional center FCT2, which is configured to perform functions necessary for the basic operation of the communication system, such as management of the memory (not shown) of the communication devices 100 and 200, power management, or management of the data bus (not shown) connecting different components of the communication system 300.

[0060] In a single-antenna configuration, the communication system 300 includes a first antenna ANT-A coupled to the second antenna port 2 and a link CONNECT1 coupled to the third port and the first antenna port PORT1. The link CONNECT1 is, for example, an element configured to transmit radio frequency signals, such as a waveguide or a radio frequency waveguide track formed in a printed circuit board. The link CONNECT1 can be formed, for example, by a fixed connection, such as a printed trace on a PCB on which communication devices 100, 200 are arranged. In another example, the link CONNECT1 is removable to easily switch from a configuration compatible with one antenna to a configuration compatible with two antennas. In a configuration including the link, switches 110, 210 are driven to switch, for example, between first and second states, and in the case of switch 210, to switch between first, second, and third states. The first antenna ANT-A can, for example, be configured to receive, transmit, or transmit signals compatible with the first and second communication circuits CIRCUIT_1, CIRCUIT_2. This configuration optimizes cost.

[0061] In a dual-antenna configuration, the communication system 300 also includes a second antenna, ANT-B, coupled to the first antenna port PORT1. In this dual-antenna configuration, there is no link CONNECT1. Switch 110 is then driven to remain in the second state, or in the case of switch 210, to remain in the third state, or to switch between the second and third states.

[0062] Such a communication system 300 can be used with a single antenna or with two antennas without requiring an additional switch outside the communication devices 100 and 200.

[0063] Figure 4 Configuration based on the embodiments described herein Figure 3 A flowchart of a method for a communication system.

[0064] In the first step (coupling port 2 to the first antenna ANT-A, 402), the first antenna ANT-A is connected to the second antenna port PORT2.

[0065] In the single antenna configuration, in an additional step (coupling PORT 1 to which CONNECT 1 is coupled to PORT 3, 404), the link CONNECT 1 is installed to couple the first antenna port PORT 1 and the third port PORT 3. Thereafter, during operation of the communication system, the switch 110, 210 is driven (alternating switching the switch between TERM 2, TERM 3 and TERM 4, 406) to alternate between the first and second state in case of the switch 110 and between the first and second state or between the first and third state or between the second and third state in case of the switch 210.

[0066] In the dual antenna configuration, the method comprises the step of connecting the second antenna ANT-B to the first antenna port PORT 1 (coupling the second antenna ANT-B to PORT 1, 408). This step can optionally comprise previously removing the link CONNECT 1 between the first antenna port PORT 1 and the third port PORT 3. In this dual antenna configuration, the switch 110, 210 is driven (switching the switch only between TERM 3 and TERM 4, 410) to remain in the second state in case of the switch 110 or to remain in the second state or the third state or to alternate between the second and third state in case of the switch 210.

[0067] This method enables the use of the communication system 300 with a single antenna or two antennas, which allows a great flexibility.

[0068] Various embodiments and variants have been described. The skilled person will understand that certain features of these various embodiments and variants can be combined and that other variants will occur to the skilled person. More antennas can be used, which will be coupled to other antenna ports of the communication device. The skilled person can deduce from the present disclosure the number of terminals required for the switch. If the number of communication circuits is greater than 2, a plurality of links of the same type as the link CONNECT 1 can also be implemented to couple a plurality of ports.

[0069] Finally, the actual implementation of the described embodiments and variants is within the capabilities of the skilled person based on the functional indications given above. In particular, the processing of the first and second type of signals by the communication interface circuit is within the capabilities of the skilled person.

[0070] Although the present specification has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. In the various drawings, like elements are designated with like reference numerals. Furthermore, the scope of the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments described in the specification, because the disclosure is described in one form that will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following description and the appended claims. As such, the disclosure is intended to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations or equivalents that fall within the scope of the present disclosure, including its processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods or steps.

[0071] Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all modifications, variations, combinations or equivalents that are within the scope of the present disclosure are to be deemed to be covered by the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A communication device, comprising: First antenna port, second antenna port and third antenna port; A first communication circuit is coupled to the first antenna port; A switch includes a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal, the first terminal being coupled to a second antenna port, the second terminal being coupled to the third antenna port, the switch being configured to switch between a first state and a second state, in the first state the first terminal being coupled to the second terminal, and in the second state the first terminal being coupled to the third terminal; The second communication circuit is coupled to the third terminal; as well as The link transmission line can be selectively coupled between the first antenna port and the third antenna port. In the first configuration, the link transmission line is coupled between the first antenna port and the third antenna port to achieve a single antenna operating mode, wherein the first communication circuit and the second communication circuit share the first antenna coupled to the first antenna port; In the second configuration, the link transmission line is disconnected from at least one of the first antenna port and the third antenna port to achieve a dual-antenna operating mode, wherein the first communication circuit communicates via the first antenna coupled to the first antenna port, and the second communication circuit communicates via the second antenna coupled to the second antenna port.

2. The communication device of claim 1, wherein the second communication circuit is coupled to the third terminal via a communication interface circuit, the communication interface circuit being configured to generate a transmission signal for transmission via the second antenna port.

3. The communication device of claim 1, wherein the switch further includes a fourth terminal coupled to the first terminal, the switch being configured to switch between the first state, the second state and the third state, the second communication circuit being coupled to the fourth terminal via a communication interface configured to receive signals received via the second antenna port.

4. The communication device of claim 1, wherein the first communication circuit is configured to process location information received via the first antenna port.

5. The communication device of claim 1, wherein the second communication circuit is configured to process cellular type information received via the second antenna port.

6. The communication device of claim 1, wherein the link transmission line is detachable to facilitate switching between the first configuration and the second configuration, and When the link transmission line is coupled between the first antenna port and the third antenna port in the first configuration, the switch is driven to switch between the first state and the second state.

7. A communication system, comprising: First antenna; as well as Communication circuit, including: First antenna port The second antenna port is coupled to the first antenna. Third antenna port A first communication circuit is coupled to the first antenna port. A switch includes a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal. The first terminal is coupled to a second antenna port, and the second terminal is coupled to the third antenna port. The switch is configured to switch between a first state and a second state, in which the first terminal is coupled to the second terminal, and in the second state, the first terminal is coupled to the third terminal. A second communication circuit is coupled to the third terminal; and The link transmission line can be selectively coupled between the first antenna port and the third antenna port. In the first configuration, the link transmission line is coupled between the first antenna port and the third antenna port to achieve a single antenna operating mode, wherein the first communication circuit and the second communication circuit share the first antenna coupled to the first antenna port; In the second configuration, the link transmission line is disconnected from at least one of the first antenna port and the third antenna port to achieve a dual-antenna operating mode, wherein the first communication circuit communicates via the first antenna coupled to the first antenna port, and the second communication circuit communicates via the second antenna coupled to the second antenna port.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the first antenna is configured to receive, transmit, or receive and transmit signals compatible with the first communication circuit and the second communication circuit.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the second communication circuit is coupled to the third terminal via a communication interface circuit, the communication interface circuit being configured to generate a transmission signal for transmission via the second antenna port.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the switch further includes a fourth terminal coupled to the first terminal, the switch being configured to switch between the first state, the second state and the third state, the second communication circuit being coupled to the fourth terminal via a communication interface configured to receive signals received via the second antenna port.

11. The system of claim 7, wherein the first communication circuit is configured to process location information received via the first antenna port.

12. The system of claim 7, wherein the second communication circuit is configured to process cellular type information received via the second antenna port.

13. The system of claim 7, wherein the link transmission line comprises a radio frequency waveguide track formed in a printed circuit board, and wherein the system is configured to: In the first configuration, the switch is driven to alternate between a first state and a second state, enabling the first communication circuit and the second communication circuit to perform time-division multiplexing access to the first antenna; and In the second configuration, the switch is driven to remain in the second state.

14. A communication method, comprising: A switch that switches communication devices between a first state and a second state, the communication device having a first antenna port, a second antenna port and a third antenna port, the communication device having a first communication circuit coupled to the first antenna port, the switch having a first terminal, a second terminal and a third terminal, the first terminal being coupled to the second antenna port, the second terminal being coupled to the third antenna port, the communication device having a second communication circuit coupled to the third terminal, the first terminal being coupled to the second terminal in the first state and the first terminal being coupled to the third terminal in the second state; as well as Selectively couple the link transmission line located between the first antenna port and the third antenna port. In the first configuration, the link transmission line is coupled between the first antenna port and the third antenna port to achieve a single-antenna operating mode, wherein the first communication circuit and the second communication circuit share a single antenna coupled to the first antenna port. In the second configuration, the link transmission line is disconnected from at least one of the first antenna port and the third antenna port to achieve a dual-antenna operating mode, wherein the first communication circuit communicates via the first antenna coupled to the first antenna port, and the second communication circuit communicates via the second antenna coupled to the second antenna port.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the second communication circuit is coupled to the third terminal via a communication interface circuit, the method further comprising: The communication interface circuit is used to generate a transmission signal for transmission via the second antenna port.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the switch further comprises a fourth terminal coupled to the first terminal, the method further comprising: The switch is switched between the first state, the second state, and the third state, and the second communication circuit is coupled to the fourth terminal via a communication interface; as well as The communication interface receives signals received via the second antenna port.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising: Location information is received from the first antenna port via the first communication circuit; as well as The location information is processed using the first communication circuit.

18. The method of claim 14, further comprising: Cellular type information is received from the second antenna port via the second communication circuit; as well as The cellular type information is processed using the second communication circuit.

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