Radio architecture for switching between transmission paths

Abstract

A system for signal processing includes a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) having a plurality of available transmission paths, the RFIC configured to have at least a first communication signal on a first transmission path of the available transmission paths; a plurality of power amplifier / low noise amplifier (PA / LNA) modules selectively connected to the RFIC, each of the PA / LNA modules configured to be connected to at least one respective antenna; and switching logic configured to connect the at least first communication signal to any PA / LNA module of the plurality of PA / LNA modules prior to power amplification, the first communication signal is prevented from affecting another communication signal on another one of the plurality of available transmission paths, or from being affected by another communication signal on another one of the plurality of available transmission paths.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to electronics and, more particularly, to wireless communication systems and, even more particularly, to wireless communication devices having multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) capabilities. Background Art

[0002] Wireless communication devices and technologies are becoming increasingly common, as are communication devices that operate in various frequency ranges, for example, frequencies ranging from about 410 MHz to about 7125 MHz, referred to as new radio (NR) sub-6 or sub-7 bands. Communication devices that operate at millimeter wave (mmW) frequencies from about 24,250 MHz to about 52,600 MHz or higher are also contemplated. Wireless communication devices typically transmit and / or receive communication signals. In a radio frequency (RF) transceiver, communication signals are typically amplified and transmitted by a transmit portion, and received communication signals are amplified and processed by a receive portion. A communication device may include multiple transmitters, receivers, and antennas, and may be capable of communicating on multiple frequency bands simultaneously.

[0003] Some communication devices may also use a so-called multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) architecture. A MIMO architecture may generally use multiple transmitters, multiple receivers, and multiple antennas (or antenna elements) to allow communication over a variety of communication bands. Summary of the invention

[0004] Various implementations of systems, methods and devices within the scope of the appended claims each have several aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for the desirable attributes described herein.Without limiting the scope of the appended claims, some prominent features are described herein.

[0005] Details of one or more implementations of the subject matter described in this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. Note that the relative dimensions of the following figures may not be drawn to scale.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a system for signal processing, the system including a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) having multiple available transmission paths, the RFIC being configured to have at least a first communication signal on a first transmission path among the available transmission paths; multiple power amplifier / low noise amplifier (PA / LNA) modules selectively connected to the RFIC, each of the PA / LNA modules being configured to be connected to at least one corresponding antenna; and switching logic, the switching logic being configured to connect at least the first communication signal to any of the multiple PA / LNA modules before power amplification, while preventing the first communication signal from affecting another communication signal on another available transmission path among the multiple available transmission paths, or being affected by another communication signal on another available transmission path among the multiple available transmission paths.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for signal processing, the method comprising directing at least a first communication signal on a first transmission path among multiple available transmission paths, selectively connecting multiple power amplifier / low noise amplifier (PA / LNA) modules to the multiple available transmission paths, and selectively connecting at least the first communication signal to any PA / LNA module among the multiple PA / LNA modules before power amplification, while preventing the first communication signal from affecting another communication signal on another available transmission path among the multiple available transmission paths, or being affected by another communication signal on another available transmission path among the multiple available transmission paths.

[0008] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a device comprising components for directing at least a first communication signal on a first transmission path among multiple available transmission paths, components for selectively connecting multiple power amplifier / low noise amplifier (PA / LNA) modules to the multiple available transmission paths, and components for selectively connecting at least the first communication signal to any PA / LNA module among the multiple PA / LNA modules before power amplification while preventing the first communication signal from affecting another communication signal on another available transmission path among the multiple available transmission paths or being affected by another communication signal on another available transmission path among the multiple available transmission paths.

[0009] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a radio system architecture that includes a modem, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) connected to the modem, and switching logic associated with the RFIC, the switching logic being configured to selectively connect at least a first communication signal in the RFIC to any of a plurality of available power amplifier / low noise amplifier (PA / LNA) modules prior to power amplification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] In the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals refer to the same parts in the various views. For reference numerals with alphabetic character designations (such as "102a" or "102b"), the alphabetic character designations may distinguish between two similar parts or elements in the same figure. When a reference numeral is intended to include all parts having the same reference numeral in all figures, the alphabetic character designations of the reference numeral may be omitted.

[0011] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a wireless device communicating with a wireless communication system;

[0012] Figure 2A is a block diagram illustrating a wireless device in which exemplary techniques of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0013] Figure 2B is a block diagram illustrating a wireless device in which exemplary techniques of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0014] Figure 3A is a block diagram illustrating isolation between communication paths;

[0015] Figure 3B is a block diagram illustrating an alternative exemplary embodiment of isolation between communication paths for Multiple Subscriber Identity Module (MSIM) operations;

[0016] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a communication device configured for MIMO operations;

[0017] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a communication device configured for ULCA operation;

[0018] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0019] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0020] Figure 8 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0021] Fig. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0022] Fig.10 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0023] Fig.11 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0024] Fig.12 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0025] Fig.13 is a flowchart describing an example of the operation of a method for signal processing; and

[0026] Fig.14 is a functional block diagram of a device for signal processing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects.

[0028] A communication device may include both transmission (Tx) and reception (Rx) MIMO capabilities. For example, a 5G new radio (NR) communication device may support multiple transmitters, multiple receivers, and be able to communicate on multiple communication bands. In some examples, a communication device may also include carrier aggregation (CA), where the communication device may communicate on multiple communication bands simultaneously. A 5G NR communication device may also support the transmission of a sounding reference signal (SRS), where a broadcast signal may be sent through all antennas on a communication device in a short period of time. Such communications may also support antenna switching diversity (ASDIV), where a communication signal may be routed from one circuit or module (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) to another circuit or module (e.g., one or more front-end modules (FEM)) having one or more antennas. Similarly, a reception (Rx) MIMO capability may include a received signal routed from an antenna on a FEM to one or more RFICs. Such a configuration may be referred to as a high-order MIMO architecture, and may include multiple transmitters and multiple receivers. Example transceiver MIMO architectures include one transmitter and four receivers (1T4R), one transmitter and six receivers (1T6R), one transmitter and eight receivers (1T8R), two transmitters and four receivers (2T4R), two transmitters and six receivers (2T6R), two transmitters and eight receivers (2T8R), etc. Example higher-order receiver MIMO architectures may include, for example, 6×6, 8×8, etc.

[0029] Typically, the switching of these communication signals occurs after a power amplifier (PA) or power amplifier module (e.g., between the PA or PA module and the antenna) using one or more transmission lines. However, given the complexity of modern communication devices, such routing and switching is complex, and the transmission lines are susceptible to signal loss. Therefore, it is desirable to implement a Tx and Rx MIMO communication architecture that reduces signal loss.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, a MIMO radio architecture may include the ability to switch multiple communication signals (eg, between a modem and a PA) before the transmission signal is applied to a power amplifier.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, switching the communication signal before the transmission signal is applied to the power amplifier results in switching a significantly smaller signal, thereby minimizing losses.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, switching the communication signals before the transmission signals are applied to the PA can eliminate costly and lossy transmission lines that would otherwise be used to switch the signals after the PA.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, a MIMO radio architecture may include a switch located in or integrated with an RFIC or PA module.

[0034] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing a wireless device 110 communicating with a wireless communication system 120. The wireless communication system 120 may be a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) system, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) system, a 5G NR (New Radio) system, or some other wireless system. The CDMA system may implement Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), CDMA 1X, Evolution Data Optimized (EVDO), Time Division Synchronous CDMA (TD-SCDMA), or some other version of CDMA. For simplicity, Figure 1 A wireless communication system 120 is shown that includes two base stations 130 and 132 and one system controller 140. In general, a wireless communication system may include any number of base stations and any set of network entities.

[0035] The wireless device 110 may also be referred to as a user equipment (UE), a mobile station, a terminal, an access terminal, a subscriber unit, a station, etc. The wireless device 110 may be a cellular phone, a smart phone, a tablet, a wireless modem, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device, a laptop, a smartbook, a netbook, a tablet, a cordless phone, a medical device, an automobile, a device configured to connect to one or more other devices (e.g., via the Internet of Things), a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a Bluetooth device, etc. The wireless device 110 may communicate with the wireless communication system 120. The wireless device 110 may also receive signals from a broadcast station (e.g., a broadcast station 134) and / or signals from a satellite (e.g., a satellite 150 in one or more global navigation satellite systems (GNSS)), etc. The wireless device 110 may support one or more radio technologies for wireless communication, such as LTE, WCDMA, CDMA IX, EVDO, TD-SCDMA, GSM, 802.11, 5G, etc.

[0036] The wireless device 110 may support carrier aggregation, for example, as described in one or more LTE or 5G standards. In some embodiments, a single data stream is transmitted over multiple carriers using carrier aggregation, as opposed to, for example, separate carriers being used for the corresponding data streams. The wireless device 110 may be capable of operating in a variety of communication bands, including, for example, those used by LTE, WiFi, 5G, or other communication bands over a wide frequency range. The wireless device 110 may also be capable of communicating directly with other wireless devices without communicating through a network.

[0037] Generally, carrier aggregation (CA) can be divided into two types - intra-band CA and inter-band CA. Intra-band CA refers to the operation on multiple carriers in the same frequency band. Inter-band CA refers to the operation on multiple carriers in different frequency bands.

[0038] Figure 2A is a block diagram illustrating a wireless device 200 in which exemplary techniques of the present disclosure may be implemented. The wireless device 200 may be, for example, Figure 1 An embodiment of a wireless device 110 is shown.

[0039] Figure 2A An example of a transceiver 220 having a transmitter 230 and a receiver 250 is shown. In general, the conditioning of the signals in the transmitter 230 and the receiver 250 may be performed by one or more stages of amplifiers, filters, upconverters, downconverters, etc. These circuit blocks may be associated with Figure 2A The configuration shown is arranged differently. In addition, Figure 2A Other circuit blocks not shown in FIG. 2 may also be used to condition the signals in transmitter 230 and receiver 250. Unless otherwise specified, Figure 2AAny signal in or any other diagram in the accompanying drawings may be single-ended or differential. Figure 2A Some circuit blocks in the circuit can also be omitted.

[0040] exist Figure 2A In the example shown, the wireless device 200 generally includes a transceiver 220 and a data processor 210. The data processor 210 may include a processor 296 operatively coupled to a memory 298. The memory 298 may be configured to store data and program codes, generally shown using reference numeral 299, and may generally include analog and / or digital processing components. The processor 296 and the memory 298 may cooperate to control, configure, program, or otherwise fully or partially control some or all of the operations of the embodiments of the systems and methods described herein.

[0041] The transceiver 220 includes a transmitter 230 and a receiver 250 that support bidirectional communication. In general, the wireless device 200 may include any number of transmitters and / or receivers for any number of communication systems and frequency bands. All or a portion of the transceiver 220 may be implemented on one or more analog integrated circuits (ICs), RF ICs (RFICs), mixed signal ICs, etc.

[0042] A transmitter or receiver can be implemented using a superheterodyne architecture or a direct conversion architecture. In a superheterodyne architecture, the signal is frequency converted between radio frequency (RF) and baseband in multiple stages, e.g., for a receiver, from RF to intermediate frequency (IF) in one stage and then from IF to baseband in another stage. In a direct conversion architecture, the signal is frequency converted between RF and baseband in one stage. Superheterodyne and direct conversion architectures may use different circuit blocks and / or have different requirements. Figure 2A In the example shown, transmitter 230 and receiver 250 are implemented using a direct conversion architecture.

[0043] In the transmit path, the data processor 210 processes the data to be transmitted and provides in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) analog output signals to the transmitter 230. In an exemplary embodiment, the data processor 210 includes digital-to-analog converters (DACs) 214a and 214b, which are used to convert the digital signals generated by the data processor 210 into I and Q analog output signals, such as I and Q output currents, for further processing. In other embodiments, the DACs 214a and 214b are included in the transceiver 220, and the data processor 210 provides data (e.g., data for I and Q) to the transceiver 220 in a digital manner.

[0044] In the transmitter 230, baseband (e.g., low-pass) filters 232a and 232b filter the I and Q analog transmission signals, respectively, to remove undesired images caused by the previous digital-to-analog conversion. Amplifiers (Amp) 234a and 234b amplify the signals from the baseband filters 232a and 232b, respectively, and provide I and Q baseband signals. An upconverter 240 having upconverting mixers 241a and 241b upconverts the I and Q baseband signals using I and Q TX LO signals from a transmission (TX) local oscillator (LO) signal generator 290, and provides an upconverted signal. Filter 242 filters the upconverted signal to remove undesired images caused by the upconversion and noise in the receive band. Power amplifier (PA) 244 amplifies the signal from filter 242 to obtain a desired output power level and provides a transmission RF signal. The transmission RF signal can be routed through a duplexer or switch 246 and transmitted via an antenna 248. Although the examples discussed herein utilize I and Q signals, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the components of a transceiver may be configured to utilize polar modulation.

[0045] In the receive path, antenna 248 receives the communication signal and provides a received RF signal, which can be routed through a duplexer or switch 246 and provided to a low noise amplifier (LNA) 252. The duplexer 246 is designed to operate with a specific RX to TX duplexer frequency separation so that the RX signal is isolated from the TX signal. The received RF signal is amplified by the LNA 252 and filtered by the filter 254 to obtain the desired RF input signal.

[0046] Downconverter mixers 261a and 261b in downconverter 260 mix the output of filter 254 with I and Q RX LO signals (i.e., LO_I and LO_Q) from receive (RX) LO signal generator 280 to generate I and Q baseband signals. The I and Q baseband signals are amplified by amplifiers 262a and 262b and further filtered by baseband (e.g., low-pass) filters 264a and 264b to obtain I and Q analog input signals, which are provided to data processor 210. In the exemplary embodiment shown, data processor 210 includes analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) 216a and 216b, which are used to convert the analog input signals into digital signals for further processing by data processor 210. In some embodiments, ADCs 216a and 216b are included in transceiver 220 and provide data to data processor 210 in a digital manner.

[0047] exist Figure 2A2, TX LO signal generator 290 generates I and Q TX LO signals for up-conversion, while RX LO signal generator 280 generates I or Q RX LO signals for down-conversion. Each LO signal is a periodic signal with a specific base frequency. Phase-locked loop (PLL) 292 receives timing information from data processor 210 and generates a control signal for adjusting the frequency and / or phase of the TX LO signal from LO signal generator 290. Similarly, PLL 282 receives timing information from data processor 210 and generates a control signal for adjusting the frequency and / or phase of the RX LO signal from LO signal generator 280.

[0048] The wireless device 200 may support CA and may (i) receive multiple downlink signals transmitted by one or more cells on multiple downlink carriers at different frequencies, and / or (ii) transmit multiple uplink signals to one or more cells on multiple uplink carriers. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the aspects described herein may be implemented in systems, devices, and / or architectures that do not support carrier aggregation.

[0049] Some components of transceiver 220 are functionally Figure 2A 2 and 3. The configurations shown therein may or may not represent physical device configurations in certain implementations. For example, as described above, transceiver 220 may be implemented in various integrated circuits (ICs), RF ICs (RFICs), mixed signal ICs, etc. In some embodiments, transceiver 220 is implemented on a substrate or board such as a printed circuit board (PCB) having various modules, chips, and / or components. For example, power amplifier 244, filter 242, and duplexer 246 may be implemented in separate modules or as discrete components, while the remaining components shown in transceiver 220 may be implemented in a single transceiver chip.

[0050] The power amplifier 244 may include one or more stages, including, for example, a driver stage, a power amplifier stage, or other components, which may be configured to amplify communication signals at one or more frequencies, in one or more frequency bands, and at one or more power levels. Depending on various factors, the power amplifier 244 may be configured to operate using one or more driver stages, one or more power amplifier stages, one or more impedance matching networks, and may be configured to provide good linearity, efficiency, or a combination of good linearity and efficiency.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, in a super-heterodyne architecture, PA 244 and LNA 252 (and in some examples filter 242 and filter 254) may be implemented separately from other components in transmitter 230 and receiver 250, such as on a millimeter wave integrated circuit. Figure 2BAn exemplary superheterodyne architecture is shown in .

[0052] Figure 2B is a block diagram illustrating a wireless device in which example techniques of this disclosure may be implemented. Figure 2B Certain components of the wireless device 200a in FIG. 2 (eg, which may be indicated by the same reference numerals) may be configured to communicate with Figure 2A The components in the wireless device 200 shown are similar, and Figure 2B The descriptions of the same numbered items will not be repeated.

[0053] Wireless device 200a is an example of a heterodyne (or superheterodyne) architecture in which upconverter 240 and downconverter 260 are configured to process communication signals between baseband and an intermediate frequency (IF). For example, upconverter 240 may be configured to provide an IF signal to upconverter 275. In an exemplary embodiment, upconverter 275 may include a summing function 278 and an upconversion mixer 276. Summing function 278 combines the I and Q outputs of upconverter 240 and provides a non-orthogonal signal to mixer 276. The non-orthogonal signal may be single-ended or differential. Mixer 276 is configured to receive the IF signal from upconverter 240 and the TX RF LO signal from TX RF LO signal generator 277, and provide the upconverted RF signal to phase shift circuitry 281. Although PLL 292 is in Figure 2B 290 , 277 , but a corresponding PLL may be implemented for each signal generator.

[0054] In an exemplary embodiment, components in phase shift circuitry 281 may include one or more adjustable or variable phased array elements and may receive one or more control signals from data processor 210 via connection 294 and operate the adjustable or variable phased array elements based on the received control signals.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, phase shift circuitry 281 includes phase shifters 283 and phased array elements 287. Although three phase shifters 283 and three phased array elements 287 are shown for ease of illustration, phase shift circuitry 281 may include more or fewer phase shifters 283 and phased array elements 287.

[0056] Each phase shifter 283 can be configured to receive the RF transmission signal from the upconverter 275, change the phase by a certain amount, and provide the RF signal to the corresponding phased array element 287. Each phased array element 287 can include transmission and reception circuitry including one or more filters, amplifiers, driver amplifiers, and / or power amplifiers. In some embodiments, the phase shifter 283 can be incorporated into the corresponding phased array element 287.

[0057] The output of phase shift circuitry 281 is provided to antenna array 248. In an exemplary embodiment, antenna array 248 includes a number of antennas that generally corresponds to the number of phase shifters 283 and phased array elements 287, e.g., such that each antenna element is coupled to a respective phased array element 287. In an exemplary embodiment, phase shift circuitry 281 and antenna array 248 may be referred to as a phased array.

[0058] In the receive direction, the output of phase shift circuitry 281 is provided to downconverter 285. In an exemplary embodiment, downconverter 285 may include an I / Q generation function 291 and a downconversion mixer 286. In an exemplary embodiment, mixer 286 downconverts the received RF signal provided by phase shift circuitry 281 to an IF signal based on the RX RF LO provided by RX RF LO signal generator 279. I / Q generation function 291 receives the IF signal from mixer 286 and generates I and Q signals for downconverter 260, which downconverts the IF signal to baseband as described above. Although PLL 282 is in Figure 2B 279, but a corresponding PLL may be implemented for each signal generator.

[0059] In some embodiments, upconverter 275, downconverter 285, and phase shift circuitry 281 are implemented on a common IC. In some embodiments, summation function 278 and I / Q generation function 291 are implemented separately from mixers 276 and 286, such that mixers 276, 286, and phase shift circuitry 281 are implemented on a common IC, but summation function 278 and I / Q generation function 291 are not (e.g., summation function 278 and I / Q generation function 291 are implemented in another IC coupled to the IC with mixers 276, 286). In some embodiments, LO signal generators 277, 279 are included in a common IC. In some embodiments where phase shift circuitry is implemented on a common IC with 276, 286, 277, 278, 279, and / or 291, the common IC and antenna array 248 are included in a module that can be coupled to other components of transceiver 220 via a connector. In some embodiments, phase shift circuitry 281 (e.g., a chip on which phase shift circuitry 281 is implemented) is coupled to antenna array 248 via an interconnect. For example, components of antenna array 248 may be implemented on a substrate and coupled to an integrated circuit implementing phase shift circuitry 281 via a flexible printed circuit.

[0060] In some embodiments, Figure 2A The architecture shown and Figure 2BThe architectures shown are all implemented in the same device. For example, wireless device 110 or 200 can be configured to use Figure 2A The architecture shown uses signals with frequencies below about 20 GHz for communication and uses Figure 2B The architecture shown utilizes signals with frequencies above about 20 GHz for communication. In a device in which both architectures are implemented, Figure 2A and Figure 2B One or more components numbered the same in the above may be shared between the two architectures. For example, a signal that has been directly down-converted from RF to baseband and a signal that has been down-converted from RF to baseband via an IF stage may both be filtered by the same baseband filter 264. In other embodiments, a first version of filter 264 is included in the implementation Figure 2A and a second version of the filter 264 is included in the implementation of the device of the architecture Figure 2B While certain example frequencies are described herein, other implementations are possible. For example, signals having frequencies above about 20 GHz (e.g., having mmW frequencies) may be transmitted and / or received using a direct conversion architecture. In such an embodiment, for example, a phased array may be implemented in a direct conversion architecture.

[0061] Figure 3A is a block diagram illustrating isolation between communication paths. The communication system 300 may include exemplary transmit communication paths 322 and 332, wherein communication path 322 may be referred to as Tx0 and communication path 332 may be referred to as Tx1. In an exemplary embodiment, transmit communication path 322 and transmit communication path 332 may also both be referred to as transmit paths, and may include transmit paths extending from a modem to one or more of a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), a transceiver, one or more PA / LNA modules, and at least one antenna. The communication system 300 may also include exemplary receive communication paths 326 and 336, wherein communication path 326 may be referred to as Rx0 and communication path 336 may be referred to as Rx1. For purposes of illustration only, Figure 3A 3. Only a portion of each communication path is shown in FIG. 3. In an exemplary embodiment, communication path 322 may include driver amplifier 324, power amplifier 362, and antenna 316. In an exemplary embodiment, communication path 332 may include driver amplifier 334, power amplifier 383, and antenna 311. In an exemplary embodiment, communication path 326 may include low noise amplifier (LNA) 364, receiving amplifier 327, and antenna 316. In an exemplary embodiment, communication path 336 may include LNA 381, receiving amplifier 337, and antenna 311. In an exemplary embodiment, driver amplifier 324 and driver amplifier 334 may receive the output of an up-conversion mixer (not shown).

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, the switch logic 355 may include a portion of both communication paths 322 and 332. Other elements included in each communication path include filters, mixers, local oscillator (LO) signal generators, etc. For ease of illustration, Figure 3A In an exemplary embodiment, the switch logic 355 may include one or more switches and / or switch logic configured to switch signals between the communication paths 322 and 332. In an exemplary embodiment, the switch logic 355 and other switch logic and switches described herein may be controlled by the data processor 210 or another controller.

[0063] Two exemplary implementation examples of the communication system 300 in which it may be desirable to provide electrical isolation between the communication path 322 and the communication path 332 may include a transmit MIMO implementation and an uplink carrier aggregation (ULCA) implementation. In an exemplary embodiment, it may be desirable to provide sufficient isolation between the communication paths to prevent signals on one communication path from affecting or interfering with signals on another communication path. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to provide about 30 dB to about 50 dB of isolation between the communication path 322 and the communication path 332. In an exemplary embodiment in which the switch logic 355 can route the communication signal from the driver amplifier 324 to either of the power amplifiers 362 or 383; or in an exemplary embodiment in which the switch logic 355 can route the communication signal from the driver amplifier 334 to either of the power amplifiers 362 or 383, the switch logic 355 should be able to provide the mentioned isolation, which may be about 30 dB to about 50 dB of isolation. The switch logic 355 can be implemented before the power amplifier 362 and the power amplifier 383, that is, after the driver amplifiers (324, 334) or after the mixer ( Figure 3A A mixer (not shown) after the baseband input or at a mixer input (e.g., either or both of the baseband input and / or the local oscillator (LO) input) Figure 3A Although about 30 dB to about 50 dB of isolation is mentioned herein, other isolation values ​​may be considered based on implementation.

[0064] Graphs 350 and 352 illustrate examples of providing isolation between communication paths 322 and 332 in a MIMO implementation, where signals in communication path 322 (Tx0) and communication path 332 (Tx1) appear at the same frequency but may contain different information, i.e., contain different data streams.

[0065] Graphs 360 and 363 illustrate an example of providing isolation between communication paths 322 and 332 in a ULCA implementation, where the signals in communication path 322 (Tx0) and communication path 332 (Tx1) occur at different frequencies. In a Tx MIMO implementation or a ULCA implementation, it is desirable to prevent the signal energies in communication paths 322 and 332 from interfering with each other.

[0066] Figure 3B 370 is a block diagram illustrating an alternative exemplary embodiment of isolation between communication paths for multiple subscriber identity module (MSIM) operations. The communication system 370 may be configured for MSIM operations in a dual subscription dual active (DSDA) communication system, where a single communication device may be able to communicate on two separate networks. The communication system 370 may include exemplary transmission communication paths 372 and 382, ​​where communication path 372 may be referred to as Tx0 and communication path 382 may be referred to as Tx1. In the exemplary embodiment, for simplicity of illustration, the communication paths are described in detail below. Figure 3B The receive communication path is omitted.

[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, transmit communication path 372 and transmit communication path 382 may also both be referred to as transmit paths and may include transmit paths extending from a modem to one or more of a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), a transceiver, one or more PA / LNA modules, and at least one antenna. For purposes of illustration only, Figure 3B Only a portion of each communication path is shown in FIG. In an exemplary embodiment, communication path 372 may include a driver amplifier 374, a power amplifier 375, a switch 376, a filter 377, a filter 378, a switch 379, and an antenna 380. In an exemplary embodiment, communication path 382 may include a driver amplifier 384, a power amplifier 385, a switch 386, a filter 387, a filter 388, a switch 389, and an antenna 390. In an exemplary embodiment, switches 376, 379, 386, and 389 may be used for RF band selection, and in this exemplary embodiment may be used for MSIM, DSDA.

[0068] In an exemplary embodiment, filter 377 may be configured for operation on a first frequency band and a first SIM (Band 1 SIM 1), and filter 378 may be configured for operation on a second frequency band and a second SIM (Band 2 SIM 2). In an exemplary embodiment, filter 387 may be configured for operation on a first frequency band and a first SIM (Band 1 SIM 1), and filter 388 may be configured for operation on a second frequency band and a second SIM (Band 2 SIM 2).

[0069] In an exemplary embodiment, switch 376 may be configured to switch the output of PA 375 to filter 377 or filter 378 , and switch 379 may be configured to switch antenna 380 between filter 377 and filter 378 .

[0070] In an exemplary embodiment, switch 386 may be configured to switch the output of PA 385 to filter 387 or filter 388 , and switch 389 may be configured to switch antenna 390 between filter 387 and filter 388 .

[0071] In an exemplary embodiment, the switch logic 395 may include a portion of both communication paths 372 and 382. Other elements included in each communication path include filters, mixers, local oscillator (LO) signal generators, etc. For ease of illustration, Figure 3B In an exemplary embodiment, switch logic 395 may include one or more switches and / or logic configured to switch signals between communication paths 372 and 382 .

[0072] Communication system 370 is an example of transmission path sharing in an MSIM DSDA communication environment. In an exemplary embodiment, only one PA (PA 375 or PA 385) can be active between SIM1 and SIM2 to avoid interference because the operating frequency of SIM1 can be close to the operating frequency of SIM2. For example, SIM1 and SIM2 can be active on band n78, so only PA 375 or PA 385 can transmit at a given time to minimize interference. However, when SRS is performed or when TX ASDIV is adopted between antennas 380 and 390, switch logic 395 can be used while maintaining low losses by eliminating all other switches except RF switches 376, 379, 386 and 389. SIM1 and SIM2 can operate on a frequency division duplex (FDD) or time division duplex (TDD) system.

[0073] Figure 4is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a communication device 400 configured for MIMO operation. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication device 400 may include a modem 405 (which may be implemented by the data processor 210), a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) 420 that may include some or all of a radio frequency transceiver (which may be implemented by the transceiver 220 or a portion thereof), a main power amplifier / low noise amplifier (PA / LNA) module 460, and a diversity PA / LNA module 480 (one or both of which may be implemented in whole or in part by components of the PA 244, the LNA 252, the phased array element 287, and / or other components). In an exemplary embodiment, the PA / LNA module may also be referred to as a front end module (FEM).

[0074] In an exemplary embodiment, modem 405, RFIC 420, main PA / LNA module 460, and diversity PA / LNA module 480 may be configured to operate over one or more communication bands and may be configured for MIMO operation. In an exemplary embodiment, main PA / LNA module 460 and diversity PA / LNA module 480 may be Figure 2A An example of a PA 244 and a duplexer or switch 246.

[0075] In an exemplary embodiment, the modem 405 may include a transmit (Tx) modulator 406 and a receive (Rx) / demodulator 408. In an exemplary embodiment, the Tx modulator 406 may be configured to generate a communication (data) signal, a pilot signal, and in some embodiments may be configured to generate a sounding reference signal (SRS). The SRS is a signal that may be periodically transmitted over all available antennas to allow a base station (BS) communicating with the communication device 400 to perform channel estimation and other channel establishment and channel maintenance operations. The modem 405 may be connected to the RFIC 420 via a connection 407. The connection 407 may be one or more (e.g., bidirectional) connections that carry in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) baseband communication signals.

[0076] In an exemplary embodiment, RFIC 420 may include exemplary transmit path 422, exemplary receive path 426, exemplary transmit path 432, and exemplary receive path 436. Although omitted for clarity, exemplary transmit path 422, exemplary receive path 426, exemplary transmit path 432, and exemplary receive path 436 may be connected to connection 407 and modem 405.

[0077] In an exemplary embodiment, the transmission path 422 (Tx0) may include driver amplifiers 423, 424, and 425; and the reception path 426 (Rx0) may include an Rx amplifier 427. In an exemplary embodiment, the transmission path 432 (Tx1) may include driver amplifiers 433, 434, and 435; and the reception path 436 (Rx1) may include an Rx amplifier 437. In an exemplary embodiment, each transmission path 422 and 432 is shown in a simplified manner, wherein the functions of filters, mixers, up-converters, local oscillators (LOs) (all of which are known to those of ordinary skill in the art) are embodied in respective driver amplifiers 423, 424, 425, 433, 434, and 435. Similarly, each reception path 426 and 436 is shown in a simplified manner, wherein the functions of filters, mixers, down-converters, local oscillators (LOs) (all of which are known to those of ordinary skill in the art) are embodied in respective reception amplifiers 427 and 437.

[0078] In an exemplary embodiment, the output of driver amplifier 423 may be provided to port 447, the output of driver amplifier 424 may be provided to port 448, the output of driver amplifier 425 may be provided to port 449, the output of driver amplifier 433 may be provided to port 443, the output of driver amplifier 434 may be provided to port 444, and the output of driver amplifier 435 may be provided to port 445.

[0079] In an exemplary embodiment, an input to receive amplifier 427 may be provided from port 450 via connection 451 , and an input to receive amplifier 437 may also be provided from port 446 via connection 453 .

[0080] In an exemplary embodiment, the PA / LNA module 460 may include a PA 462, a switch 467, a transmission filter 468, receiving amplifiers 464 and 466, a receiving filter 469, and a switch 470. The receiving amplifiers 464 and 466 may be referred to as low noise amplifiers (LNAs). The PA 462 may be connected to a port 477, the LNA 464 may be connected to a port 478, and the LNA 466 may be connected to a port 479. The switch 470 may also be referred to as an antenna switch, which may be configured to provide antenna switching diversity. The switch 470 may be connected to antennas 416 (Ant0), 417 (Ant2), and 418 (AntN). Additional receiving filters 472 and 474 and additional LNAs 471 and 473 are also shown to indicate that additional receivers may also be included in the communication device 400 to provide Rx MIMO operation. The LNA 471 is connected to a port 475, and the LNA 473 is connected to a port 476. In an exemplary embodiment, the additional receive filters 472 and 474 and the additional LNAs 471 and 473 may be as follows: Figure 4 The discrete components shown may be located either in PA / LNA module 460 or in another PA / LNA module similar to PA / LNA module 460 .

[0081] In an exemplary embodiment, the PA / LNA module 480 may include a PA 482, a switch 487, a transmission filter 488, receiving amplifiers 484 and 486, a receiving filter 489, and a switch 490. The receiving amplifiers 484 and 486 may be referred to as low noise amplifiers (LNAs). The PA 482 may be connected to a port 497, the LNA 484 may be connected to a port 498, and the LNA 486 may be connected to a port 499. The switch 490 may also be referred to as an antenna switch, which may be configured to provide antenna switching diversity. The switch 490 may be connected to antennas 411 (Ant1), 412 (Ant3), and 413 (AntM). Additional receiving filters 492 and 494 and additional LNAs 491 and 493 are also shown to indicate that additional receivers may also be included in the communication device 400 in a receiving MIMO architecture. The LNA 491 is connected to a port 495, and the LNA 493 is connected to a port 496. In an exemplary embodiment, the additional receive filters 492 and 494 and the additional LNAs 491 and 493 may be as follows: Figure 4 The discrete components shown may be located either in PA / LNA module 480 or in another PA / LNA module similar to PA / LNA module 480 . Figure 4The illustrated example includes an architecture in which it is desired to achieve sufficient electrical isolation between transmission path 422 (Tx0) and transmission path 432 (Tx1) such that signals on transmission path 422 (Tx0) do not affect signals on transmission path 432 (Tx1), and signals on transmission path 432 (Tx1) do not affect signals on transmission path 422 (Tx0).

[0082] In the exemplary embodiment, driver amplifier 424 is connected to PA 462 via connection 442. In the exemplary embodiment, driver amplifier 434 is connected to PA 482 via connection 441.

[0083] In the exemplary embodiment, ports 443, 445, 447, and 449 are shown as not connected to a PA / LNA module for simplicity of illustration. Depending on implementation, ports 443, 445, 447, and 449 may be connected to a PA / LNA module similar to PA / LNA modules 460 and 480.

[0084] In an exemplary embodiment, although shown as not connected to RFIC 420, ports 479, 475 and 476 will be connected to other receive amplifiers (not shown) on RFIC 420; and although shown as not connected to RFIC 420, ports 499, 495 and 496 will be connected to other receive amplifiers (not shown) on RFIC 420.

[0085] In an exemplary embodiment in which driver amplifier 424 is connected to PA 462 and driver amplifier 434 is connected to PA 482, it is desirable to maintain electrical isolation between port 444 and port 448 (and between port 497 and port 477) to minimize the effect of the signal on connection 442 (Tx0) on the signal on connection 441 (Tx1), and to minimize the effect of the signal on connection 441 (Tx1) on the signal on connection 442 (Tx0). Although the desired amount of isolation between port 444 and port 448 (and between port 497 and port 477) can vary based on implementation details, preferably, Figure 4 In the example of FIG. 4 , about 30 dB to about 50 dB or more of isolation is achieved because the Tx0 signal passes through connection 442 and is processed by the main PA / LNA module 460 and the Tx1 signal passes through connection 441 and is processed by the diversity PA / LNA module 480. The lack of adequate isolation between ports 444 and 448 may result in error vector magnitude (EVM) degradation and undesirable intermodulation (IM) products. However, while providing the desired isolation, the Figure 4In the example shown, the Tx0 signal cannot be provided to the diversity PA / LNA module 480, and similarly, the Tx1 signal cannot be provided to the main PA / LNA module 460 without using an expensive and lossy transmission line between the main PA / LNA module 460 and the diversity PA / LNA module 480, thereby limiting the transmit MIMO capability.

[0086] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a communication device 500 configured for unauthorized communications. Figure 4 The components in Figure 5 Components in the will be numbered using the designation 5XX, where Figure 5 The components marked 5XX in Figure 4 Similar to the components marked 4XX in FIG.

[0087] In an exemplary embodiment, the communication device 500 may include a modem 505, an RFIC 520, a main power amplifier / low noise amplifier (PA / LNA) module 560, and a diversity PA / LNA module 580. In an exemplary embodiment, additional diversity PA / LNA modules 563 and 583 may also be included. In an exemplary embodiment, the diversity PA / LNA modules 563 and 583 may be configured for mid-high band (MHB) operation. Although details are omitted for ease of illustration, the diversity PA / LNA module 563 and the diversity PA / LNA module 583 may be similar to the diversity PA / LNA module 580. The diversity PA / LNA module 563 may be connected to the driver amplifier 525 and the port 549 via connection 565. The diversity PA / LNA module 583 may be connected to the driver amplifier 553 and the port 543 via connection 585.

[0088] Figure 5 The example in FIG. 5 shows an example of a communication device 500 configured for uplink carrier aggregation (ULCA), wherein a signal from a transmission path 522 (Tx0) may be transmitted at a first frequency using a main PA / LNA module 560 via a port 548, a connection 542, and a PA 562, and a signal from a transmission path 532 (Tx1) may be transmitted at a second frequency using a diversity PA / LNA module 583 via a port 543 and a connection 585. In this example, it is desirable to have at least about 30 dB to about 50 dB of isolation between port 548 and port 543, such that signals on port 548 and connection 542 do not interfere with signals at port 543, and such that signals on port 543 do not interfere with signals at port 548. Figure 5In the example shown, the lack of adequate isolation between ports 548 and 543 may result in error vector magnitude (EVM) degradation and lead to unwanted intermodulation (IM) products.

[0089] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, the duplexer 581 can be connected to the antenna 511 (Ant1) to allow the antenna 511 (Ant1) to be shared to support carrier aggregation (CA) implementation and Tx sounding reference signal carrier switching. Similarly, the duplexer 561 can be connected to the antenna 516 (Ant0) to allow the antenna 516 (Ant0) to be shared to support carrier aggregation (CA) implementation and Tx sounding reference signal carrier switching.

[0090] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 The components in Figure 6 The components in the will be numbered using the symbol 6XX, where Figure 6 The components marked 6XX in Figure 4 Similar to the components marked 4XX in FIG.

[0091] In an exemplary embodiment, the communication device 600 includes a switch logic 655. The switch logic 655 may include discrete switches, switch networks, logic, communication lines, and / or other means of switching communication signals. In an exemplary embodiment, the switch logic 655 may be connected to the port 644 via connection 621, may be connected to the port 697 via connection 641, may be connected to the port 648 via connection 642, and may be connected to the port 677 via connection 628. In an exemplary embodiment, the switch logic 655 may include a switch architecture called a double pole double throw (DP2T, or DPDT), where any input of the switch logic 655 may be connected to any output of the switch logic 655.

[0092] Despite Figure 6 6 as being external to RFIC 620 , but switch logic 655 may alternatively be located anywhere before main PA / LNA module 660 and diversity PA / LNA module 680 , such as within RFIC 620 or as part of RFIC 620 .

[0093] In an exemplary embodiment, the switch logic 655 can route the communication signal from the driver amplifier 624 to either of the power amplifiers 662 or 682; or where the switch logic 655 can route the communication signal from the driver amplifier 634 to either of the power amplifiers 662 or 682, the switch logic 655 should be able to provide sufficient isolation to prevent the signal on the transmission path 622 (Tx0) from interfering with the signal on the transmission path 632 (Tx1) and to prevent the signal on the transmission path 632 (Tx1) from interfering with the signal on the transmission path 622 (Tx0). In an exemplary embodiment, it is desirable to provide at least about 30 dB to about 50 dB of isolation between the transmission path 622 (Tx0) and the transmission path 632 (Tx1). Furthermore, depending on the configuration of the communication device 600, the switch logic 655 should be able to provide at least about 30 dB to about 50 dB of isolation between connections 642 and 621, between connections 628 and 641, between connections 621 and 641, and between connections 642 and 628. In an exemplary embodiment, switching the Tx0 and Tx1 signals using the switch logic 655 located before the PA 682 and before the PA 662 maintains signal isolation while allowing the transmit signals (Tx0 and Tx1) to be routed to any antenna 611, 612, 613 connected to the PA / LNA module 680, and / or any antenna 616, 617, and 618 connected to the PA / LNA module 660. In this example, the transmission signals (Tx0 and / or Tx1) can be routed to any antenna connected to the PA / LNA module 660 and the PA / LNA module 680 without using any transmission lines, coaxial cables, or any other interconnections or direct connections between the PA / LNA module 660 and the PA / LNA module 680, thereby minimizing the complexity and cost of the PA / LNA module 660 and the PA / LNA module 680.

[0094] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 and Figure 6 The components in Figure 7 The components in the will be numbered using the symbol 7XX, where Figure 7 The components marked 7XX in Figure 4 Components marked 4XX and Figure 6 Similar to the components marked 6XX in FIG.

[0095] In an exemplary embodiment, the communication device 700 includes a switch logic 755. In an exemplary embodiment, the switch logic 755 may include switches 757, 758, 761, and 763. In an exemplary embodiment, the switches 757, 758, 761, and 763 are shown as single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switches. In an exemplary embodiment, the switch 757 may be connected to the port 744 via the connection 721, the switch 758 may be connected to the port 797 via the connection 741, the switch 761 may be connected to the port 748 via the connection 742, and the switch 763 may be connected to the port 777 via the connection 728. In an exemplary embodiment, the switch logic 755 may present a switch architecture known as a double-pole double-throw (DP2T or DPDT). In some examples, the switch logic 755 is disposed on a substrate or board (e.g., a PCB) on which one or more of the RFIC 720, the main PA / LNA module 760, and the diversity PA / LNA module 780 are disposed. In some examples, the switch logic 755 is implemented with one or more discrete components or other elements or circuit systems. In other examples, circuitry for switch logic 755 is integrated into circuitry in a PCB, or implemented in another manner.

[0096] Despite Figure 7 7 as being external to RFIC 720 , but switch logic 755 may alternatively be located anywhere before main PA / LNA module 760 and diversity PA / LNA module 780 , such as within RFIC 720 or as part of RFIC 720 .

[0097] In an exemplary embodiment, switch logic 755 can route communication signals from driver amplifier 724 to either power amplifier 762 or 782; and / or switch logic 755 can route communication signals from driver amplifier 734 to either power amplifier 762 or 782. In an exemplary embodiment, preferably, there is at least about 30 dB to about 50 dB of isolation between switch 757 and switch 758 and between switch 761 and switch 763. Similarly, preferably, there is at least about 30 dB to about 50 dB of isolation between switch 757 and switch 761 and between switch 763 and switch 758. In some examples, there are known switches that can provide such isolation when set, arranged, and configured as described herein.

[0098] exist Figure 7In the exemplary embodiment shown, in the single transmitter example, the switch logic 755 is configured to route the transmit signal (Tx0) from the driver amplifier 724 to the power amplifier 782 on the diversity PA / LNA module 780. In this manner, the signal from the transmit path 722 (Tx0) can be routed to the diversity PA / LNA module 780, which can then route the transmit signal to any one of the antennas 711, 712, and 713 via the switch 790.

[0099] In an exemplary embodiment, when the switch logic 755 is configured in the position shown, switching the Tx0 signal from the transmit path 722 using the switch logic 755 located before the PA 782 and before the PA 762 maintains isolation while allowing the transmit signal (Tx0) to be routed to any antenna 711, 712, 713 connected to the PA / LNA module 780. In this example, the transmit signal (Tx0) can be routed from the transmit path 722 to any antenna connected to the diversity PA / LNA module 780 in this example without using any transmission lines, coaxial cables, or any other interconnects between the main PA / LNA module 760 and the diversity PA / LNA module 780, thereby minimizing the complexity and cost of the main PA / LNA module 760 and the diversity PA / LNA module 780. Similarly, the transmit signal (Tx1) can be routed from the transmit path 732 to any antenna connected to the main PA / LNA module 760. In an exemplary embodiment, any of the transmission signals Tx0 and Tx1 may be routed to any antenna connected to any of the main PA / LNA module 760 and the diversity PA / LNA module 780 .

[0100] Figure 8 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 and Figure 6 The components in Figure 8 The components in the will be numbered using the symbol 8XX, where Figure 8 The components marked 8XX in Figure 4 Components marked 4XX and Figure 6 Similar to the components marked 6XX in FIG.

[0101] In an exemplary embodiment, the communication device 800 includes switch logic 855. In an exemplary embodiment, the switch logic 855 may include switches 857, 858, 861, and 863. In an exemplary embodiment, the switches 857, 858, 861, and 863 are shown as single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switches. In an exemplary embodiment, switch 857 may be connected to port 844 via connection 821, switch 858 may be connected to port 897 via connection 841, switch 861 may be connected to port 848 via connection 842, and switch 863 may be connected to port 877 via connection 828. In an exemplary embodiment, the switch logic 855 may present an architecture known as a double-pole double-throw (DP2T or DPDT).

[0102] Despite Figure 8 820 , but the switch logic 855 may alternatively be located anywhere before the main PA / LNA module 860 and the diversity PA / LNA module 880 , such as within the RFIC 820 or as part of the RFIC 820 .

[0103] In an exemplary embodiment, switch logic 855 can route communication signals from driver amplifier 824 to either power amplifier 862 or 882; and switch logic 855 can route communication signals from driver amplifier 834 to either power amplifier 862 or 882. In an exemplary embodiment, preferably, there is at least about 30 dB to about 50 dB of isolation between switch 857 and switch 858 and between switch 861 and switch 863. Similarly, preferably, there is at least about 30 dB to about 50 dB of isolation between switch 857 and switch 861 and between switch 863 and switch 858.

[0104] exist Figure 8In the exemplary embodiment shown, in a multi-transmitter Tx (MIMO) example, the switch logic 855 is configured to route the transmission signal (Tx0) from the driver amplifier 824 to the power amplifier 862 on the main PA / LNA module 860; and is configured to route the transmission signal (Tx1) from the driver amplifier 834 to the power amplifier 882 on the diversity PA / LNA module 880. In this way, the signal from the transmission path 822 (Tx0) can be routed to the main PA / LNA module 860, which can then route the transmission signal (Tx0) to any one of the antennas 816, 817, and 818 via the switch 870; and the signal from the transmission path 832 (Tx1) can be routed to the diversity PA / LNA module 880, which can then route the transmission signal (Tx1) to any one of the antennas 811, 812, and 813 via the switch 890.

[0105] In another example, the switch logic 855 can be configured to route the transmission signal (Tx0) from the driver amplifier 824 to the power amplifier 882 on the diversity PA / LNA module 880; and can be configured to route the transmission signal (Tx1) from the driver amplifier 834 to the power amplifier 862 on the main PA / LNA module 860. In this way, the signal from the transmission path 822 (Tx0) can be routed to the diversity PA / LNA module 880, and then the diversity PA / LNA module 880 can route the transmission signal (Tx0) to any one of the antennas 811, 812, and 813 via the switch 890; and the signal from the transmission path 832 (Tx1) can be routed to the main PA / LNA module 860, and then the main PA / LNA module 860 can route the transmission signal (Tx1) to any one of the antennas 816, 817, and 818 via the switch 870.

[0106] In an exemplary embodiment, when the switch logic 855 is configured in the position shown, the use of the switch logic 855 before the PA 882 and before the PA 862 to switch the Tx0 signal from the transmit path 822 and switch the Tx1 signal from the transmit path 832 maintains isolation while allowing the transmit signal (Tx0) to be routed to any antenna 816, 817, 818 connected to the main PA / LNA module 860, and while allowing the transmit signal (Tx1) to be routed to any antenna 811, 812, 813 connected to the diversity PA / LNA module 880 in this example without the need to use any transmission lines, coaxial cables, or any other interconnects between the main PA / LNA module 860 and the diversity PA / LNA module 880, thereby minimizing the complexity and cost of the main PA / LNA module 860 and the diversity PA / LNA module 880. In this example, the transmit signal (Tx0) can be routed from transmit path 822 to any antenna connected to the diversity PA / LNA module 880 or the main PA / LNA module 860; and the transmit signal (Tx1) can be routed from transmit path 832 to any antenna connected to the diversity PA / LNA module 880 or the main PA / LNA module 860.

[0107] Fig. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 The components in Fig. 9 Components in the 9XX series are numbered using the symbol 9XX, unless otherwise specified. Fig. 9 The components marked 9XX in Figure 4 Similar to the components marked 4XX in FIG.

[0108] In an exemplary embodiment, the communication device 900 includes a modem 905, an RFIC 920, a main PA / LNA module 960, and a diversity PA / LNA module 980. In an exemplary embodiment, the RFIC 920 may include a switch logic 901, a transmission path 922, a transmission path 932, a switch logic 956, a switch logic 915, and a switch logic 957. The switch logic 901, the switch logic 956, the switch logic 915, and the switch logic 957 may include switches, communication lines, logic, and / or other ways of switching communication signals. In an exemplary embodiment, the I and Q communication signals may be routed to one or both of the transmission path 922 and the transmission path 932. In an exemplary embodiment, the switch logic 901 may be configured to switch baseband signals and may be referred to as baseband switch logic.

[0109] In an exemplary embodiment, transmission path 922 may include filter 902, mixer 903, driver amplifiers 904 and 909, and switch logic 915. In an exemplary embodiment, transmission path 932 may include filter 951, mixer 952, driver amplifiers 933, 953, and 954, and switch logic 956. Local oscillator (LO) signal generator 959 may provide LO signals to mixer 903 and mixer 952. In an exemplary embodiment, baseband communication signals may also be provided from filter 902 to mixer 903 and from filter 951 to mixer 952. In some embodiments, a separate LO signal generator may be implemented for each mixer.

[0110] In an exemplary embodiment, switch logic 956 may have port 930 connected to port 944, and may have port 938 connected to switch logic 957 via connection 921. In an exemplary embodiment, switch 915 may have port 981 connected to port 948, and may have port 988 connected to switch logic 957 via connection 928.

[0111] The driver amplifier 953 may be connected to the port 929, and the driver amplifier 954 may be connected to the port 931. The driver amplifier 909 may be connected to the port 983, and the driver amplifier 904 may be connected to the port 965.

[0112] In an exemplary embodiment, when not conducting, the switch logic 915 can provide about 15 dB to about 25 dB of isolation between the port 965 and the port 981 and between the port 983 and the port 988. Similarly, in an exemplary embodiment, when not conducting, the switch logic 956 can provide about 15 dB to about 25 dB of isolation between the port 931 and the port 938 and between the port 929 and the port 930. The switch logic 915 can also provide about 15 dB to about 25 dB of isolation between the port 983 and the port 965, and can provide about 15 dB to about 25 dB of isolation between the port 988 and the port 981. The switch logic 956 can also provide about 15 dB to about 25 dB of isolation between the port 929 and the port 931, and can provide about 15 dB to about 25 dB of isolation between the port 930 and the port 938.

[0113] In an exemplary embodiment, when not conducting, the switch logic 957 can provide about 15dB to about 25dB of isolation between the connection 928 and the connection 921. Depending on the implementation, other levels of isolation can be provided. In this single Tx example, where the transmission signal (Tx0) is provided from the transmission path 922 to the connection 928 through the switch logic 915, and then provided to the connection 941 to the PA 982 in the diversity PA / LNA module 980 through the switch logic 957, the switch logic 956 and the switch logic 957 provide a combined isolation of about 30dB to about 50dB between the port 944 and the connection 941, and provide a combined isolation level sufficient to meet the Tx EVM and intermodulation requirements in the ULCA communication system. In some examples, there are known switches that can provide such isolation when set, arranged and configured as described herein. The isolation values ​​mentioned here are exemplary and depend on the application.

[0114] In an exemplary embodiment, when the switch logic 915 and the switch logic 957 are in the positions shown, switching the Tx0 signal from the transmit path 922 to the diversity PA / LNA module 980 using the switch logic 915 and the switch logic 957, both located in the RFIC 920 in this example and located before the PA 982 and before the PA 962, maintains isolation while allowing the transmit signal (Tx0) to be routed to any antenna 911, 912, 913 connected to the diversity PA / LNA module 980. Similarly, by appropriately configuring the switch logic 901 and the switch logic 915, the transmit signal (Tx0) can be routed from the transmit path 922 to any antenna connected to the main PA / LNA module 960. In an exemplary embodiment, the transmit signal (Tx0) with the sounding reference signal can be transmitted by any antenna, for example, so that the SRS can be transmitted serially by each relevant antenna in a short time allowed by a communication standard such as 5G. In this example, the transmission signal (Tx0) can be routed from the transmission path 922 to any antenna connected to the diversity PA / LNA module 980 or, in this example, to the main PA / LNA module 960 without using any transmission lines, coaxial cables, or any other interconnects or direct connections between the main PA / LNA module 960 and the diversity PA / LNA module 980, thereby minimizing the complexity and cost of the main PA / LNA module 960 and the diversity PA / LNA module 980. Similarly, the transmission signal (Tx1) can be routed from the transmission path 932 to any antenna connected to the main PA / LNA module 960 or the diversity PA / LNA module 980.

[0115] Fig.10 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 and Fig. 9 The components in Fig.10 Components in the 10XX series are numbered using the symbol 10XX, unless otherwise specified. Fig.10 Components marked 10XX in Figure 4 Components marked 4XX and Fig. 9 Similar to the components marked 9XX in FIG.

[0116] In an exemplary embodiment, the communication device 1000 includes a modem 1005, an RFIC 1020, a main PA / LNA module 1060, and a diversity PA / LNA module 1080. In an exemplary embodiment, an additional main MHB PA / LNA module 1063 and an additional diversity MHB PA / LNA module 1083 may also be included. Although details are omitted for ease of illustration, the main MHB PA / LNA module 1063 may be similar to the main PA / LNA module 1060, and the diversity MHB PA / LNA module 1083 may be similar to the diversity PA / LNA module 1080. The main MHB PA / LNA module 1063 may be connected to the driver amplifier 1025 and the port 1049 via the connection 1055. The diversity MHB PA / LNA module 1083 may be connected to the driver amplifier 1033 and the port 1043 via the connection 1085. Fig.10 In the example shown, the duplexer 1098 can be connected to the antenna 1016 (Ant0) to allow the antenna 1016 to be shared to support carrier aggregation (CA) implementation and Tx sounding reference signal carrier switching. Similarly, the duplexer 1099 can be connected to the antenna 1011 (Ant1) to allow the antenna 1011 to be shared to support carrier aggregation (CA) implementation and Tx sounding reference signal carrier switching.

[0117] In an exemplary embodiment, RFIC 1020 may include switch logic 1001, transmission path 1022, transmission path 1032, switch logic 1057, switch logic 1015, and switch logic 1056. Switch logic 1001, switch logic 1057, switch logic 1015, and switch logic 1056 may include switches, communication lines, logic, and / or other ways of switching communication signals. In an exemplary embodiment, I and Q communication signals may be routed to one or both of transmission path 1022 and transmission path 1032.

[0118] In an exemplary embodiment, transmission path 1022 may include filter 1002, mixer 1003, driver amplifiers 1004 and 1009, and switch logic 1015. In an exemplary embodiment, transmission path 1032 may include filter 1051, mixer 1052, driver amplifiers 1053 and 1054, and switch logic 1056. Local oscillator (LO) signal generator 1059b may provide LO signal to mixer 1003, and local oscillator (LO) signal generator 1059a may provide LO signal to mixer 1052. In some embodiments, a single LO signal generator may be implemented. In an exemplary embodiment, baseband communication signals may also be provided from filter 1002 to mixer 1003 and from filter 1051 to mixer 1052.

[0119] In an exemplary embodiment, switch logic 1056 may have port 1030 connected to port 1044 and may have port 1038 connected to switch 1057 via connection 1021. In an exemplary embodiment, switch 1015 may have port 1081 connected to port 1048 and may have port 1088 connected to switch 1057 via connection 1028.

[0120] The driver amplifier 1053 may be connected to the port 1029, and the driver amplifier 1054 may be connected to the port 1031. The driver amplifier 1009 may be connected to the port 1095, and the driver amplifier 1004 may be connected to the port 1065.

[0121] In an exemplary embodiment, when non-conductive, switch logic 1015 can provide about 15 dB to about 25 dB of isolation between port 1065 and port 1081 and between port 1095 and port 1088. Similarly, in an exemplary embodiment, when non-conductive, switch logic 1056 can provide about 15 dB to about 25 dB of isolation between port 1031 and port 1038 and between port 1029 and port 1030.

[0122] In an exemplary embodiment, when non-conductive, switch logic 1057 may provide approximately 15 dB to approximately 25 dB of isolation between connection 1028 and connection 1021 .

[0123] In this Tx MIMO example, where a transmit signal (Tx0) is provided from transmit path 1022 through switch logic 1015 to port 1048, and provided to PA 1062 on main PA / LNA module 1060 through connection 1042; and where a transmit signal (Tx1) is provided from transmit path 1032 through switch logic 1056 to port 1038 and provided to switch logic 1057 through connection 1021, and provided to PA 1082 on diversity PA / LNA module 1080 through connection 1041, switch logic 1015 and switch logic 1057 provide a combined isolation of approximately 30 dB to approximately 50 dB between connection 1042 and connection 1041.

[0124] In an exemplary embodiment, when switch logic 1015, switch logic 1056, and switch logic 1057 are in the positions shown, the Tx0 signal from transmit path 1022 is switched using switch logic 1015, which in this example is located in RFIC 1020 and before PA 1082 on diversity PA / LNA module 1080 and before PA 1062 on main PA / LNA module 1060; and the Tx0 signal from transmit path 1022 is switched using switch logic 1015, which in this example is located in RFIC 1020 and before PA 1082 on diversity PA / LNA module 1080. The switch logic 1056 and the switch logic 1057 before 1082 switch the Tx1 signal from the transmission path 1032, maintaining the isolation between the transmission signal Tx0 and the transmission signal Tx1, while allowing the transmission signal (Tx0) to be routed to any antenna 1016, 1017, 1018 connected to the main PA / LNA module 1060, and allowing the transmission signal (Tx1) to be routed to any antenna 1011, 1012, 1013 connected to the diversity PA / LNA module 1080.

[0125] In this example, the transmission signal (Tx0) can be routed from the transmission path 1022 to any antenna connected to the main PA / LNA module 1060 or any antenna connected to the diversity PA / LNA module 1080; and in this example, the transmission signal (Tx1) can be routed from the transmission path 1032 to any antenna connected to the diversity PA / LNA module 1080 without using any transmission line, coaxial cable, or any other interconnection or direct connection between the main PA / LNA module 1060 and the diversity PA / LNA module 1080, thereby minimizing the complexity and cost of the main PA / LNA module 1060 and the diversity PA / LNA module 1080. In this example, the transmission signal (Tx0) with the sounding reference signal (SRS) can be transmitted by any antenna connected to the PA / LNA module 1060, and the transmission signal (Tx1) with the sounding reference signal (SRS) can be transmitted by any antenna connected to the PA / LNA module 1080. For example, for SRS carrier switching in DLCA band combination n41+n79, only n79 or n41 transmits UL MIMO in either band. Both available transmitters (in the transceiver) may be in use, so they cannot be used to detect the antenna of the other band. Therefore, the SRS carrier switching framework can be used. SRS carrier switching downgrades the current ULMIMO band to SISO Tx, and another available Tx chain is used to detect the antenna of the other band. After the other band antennas have been detected, the main band UL MIMO can be restored. Either of the transmission signal Tx0 or the transmission signal Tx1 can also be routed to the main MHB PA / LNA module 1063 or the diversity MHB PA / LNA module 1083 via the switch logic 1015, the switch logic 1056, and the switch logic 1057. In an exemplary embodiment, the local oscillator (LO) signal generator 1059a or 1059b can be programmed to the appropriate frequency in the MHB, respectively. The MHB PA / LNA modules 1063 and / or 1083 have multiple antenna connections (shared with Ant0, Ant1, etc.), similar to the PA / LAN modules 1080 and 1060. MHB PA / LNA modules 1063 and 1083 supporting TDD bands will also benefit from the architecture that uses the switch logic in the RFIC 1020 to support inter-band SRS carrier switching.

[0126] Fig.11 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 and Fig. 9 The components in Fig.11 Components in the 11XX series are numbered using the symbol 11XX, unless otherwise specified. Fig.11 The components marked 11XX in Figure 4 Components marked 4XX or Fig. 9 Similar to the components marked 9XX in FIG.

[0127] In an exemplary embodiment, communication device 1100 includes a modem 1105 , an RFIC 1120 , a main PA / LNA module 1160 , and a diversity PA / LNA module 1180 .

[0128] In an exemplary embodiment, RFIC 1120 may include switch logic 1101, transmission path 1122, transmission path 1132, switch logic 1139, and switch logic 1140. Switch logic 1101 may include switches, communication lines, logic, and / or other means of switching communication signals. In an exemplary embodiment, I and Q communication signals may be routed to one or both of transmission path 1122 and transmission path 1132.

[0129] In an exemplary embodiment, the transmission path 1122 may include a filter 1102, a switch logic 1101, a mixer 1103a, a mixer 1103b, and driver amplifiers 1104, 1109a, and 1109b. In an exemplary embodiment, the transmission path 1132 may include a filter 1151, a switch logic 1101, a mixer 1152a, a mixer 1152b, and driver amplifiers 1153, 1154a, and 1154b. A local oscillator (LO) signal generator 1159a may provide an LO signal to the switch logic 1139 (and selectively to the mixers 1152a, 1152b, and 1103b). A local oscillator (LO) signal generator 1159b may provide an LO signal to the switch logic 1140 (and selectively to the mixers 1103a, 1103b, and 1152b).

[0130] exist Fig.11 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the switching of the Tx0 and Tx1 transmission signals can occur before the signal is up-converted (i.e., before the mixers 1152a, 1152b, 1103a, and 1103b). In some exemplary embodiments, it may be preferred to switch the PLL input, i.e., switch the outputs of the LO signal generators 1159a and 1159b between the mixers 1103a, 1103b, 1152a, and 1152b, rather than switching the driver amplifier output signals at ports 1143, 1144, 1145, 1147, 1148, and 1149, via the switch logic 1139 and the switch logic 1140.

[0131] In an exemplary embodiment, switch logic 1101 may be configured to switch the outputs of filters 1102 and 1151 to one or more of mixers 1152a, 1152b, 1103a, and 1103b. In an exemplary embodiment, switch logic 1139 may be configured to switch the output of LO signal generator 1159a to one or more of mixers 1152a, 1152b, and 1103b; and switch logic 1140 may be configured to switch the output of LO signal generator 1159b to one or more of mixers 1152b, 1103b, and 1103a.

[0132] In an exemplary embodiment, mixer 1103a and driver amplifier 1104; and mixer 1152a and driver amplifier 1153 may be configured to operate in a so-called mid-high band (MHB).

[0133] In an exemplary embodiment, mixer 1103b and driver amplifiers 1109a and 1109b; and mixer 1152b and driver amplifiers 1154a and 1154b may be configured to operate over a so-called ultra-high frequency band (UHB).

[0134] In an exemplary embodiment, the Tx0 signal from the transmission path 1122 is switched using switch logic 1101 to direct the Tx0 signal to the mixer 1152b, the switch logic 1139 is configured to provide the output of the LO signal generator 1159a to the mixer 1152b, and the output of the mixer 1152b is provided to the driver amplifier 1154b by controlling the input signal of the mixer 1152b, and provided to the PA 1182 on the diversity PA / LNA module 1180 through the connection 1141. In this example, isolation can be maintained while allowing the transmission signal (Tx0) to be routed to any antenna 1111, 1112, 1113 connected to the diversity PA / LNA module 1180. In this example, when the switch logic 1101, the switch logic 1139, and the switch logic 1140 are configured as shown, the transmission signal (Tx0) can be routed from the transmission path 1122 to any antenna connected to the diversity PA / LNA module 1180 in this example without using any transmission lines, coaxial cables, or any other interconnects between the main PA / LNA module 1160 and the diversity PA / LNA module 1180, thereby minimizing the complexity and cost of the main PA / LNA module 1160 and the diversity PA / LNA module 1180. Similarly, the transmission signal (Tx0) can be routed from the transmission path 1122 to any antenna connected to the main PA / LNA module 1160, and the transmission signal (Tx1) can be routed from the transmission path 1132 to any antenna connected to the main PA / LNA module 1160 or the diversity PA / LNA module 1180. In this example, the transmission signal (Tx0) sounding reference signal (SRS) can be transmitted by any antenna connected to the main PA / LNA module 1060 or to the diversity PA / LNA module 1180, and the transmission signal (Tx1) sounding reference signal (SRS) can be transmitted by any antenna connected to the main PA / LNA module 1060 or to the diversity PA / LNA module 1180. Similarly, SRS carrier switching in DLCA band combination can be supported.

[0135] Fig.12 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 and Fig.10 The components in Fig.12 Components in the 12XX series are numbered using the symbol 12XX, unless otherwise specified. Fig.12 The components marked 12XX in Figure 4 Components marked 4XX or Fig.10 Similar to the components marked 10XX in FIG.

[0136] In an exemplary embodiment, communication device 1200 includes a modem 1205 , an RFIC 1220 , a main PA / LNA module 1260 , and a diversity PA / LNA module 1280 .

[0137] In an exemplary embodiment, RFIC 1220 may include switch logic 1201, transmission path 1222, transmission path 1232, switch logic 1239, and switch logic 1240. Switch logic 1201, switch logic 1239, and switch logic 1240 may include switches, communication lines, logic, and / or other means of switching communication signals. In an exemplary embodiment, I and Q communication signals may be routed to one or both of transmission path 1222 and transmission path 1232.

[0138] In an exemplary embodiment, the transmission path 1222 may include a filter 1202, a switch logic 1201, a mixer 1203a, a mixer 1203b, and driver amplifiers 1204, 1209a, and 1209b. In an exemplary embodiment, the transmission path 1232 may include a filter 1251, a switch logic 1201, a mixer 1252a, a mixer 1252b, and driver amplifiers 1253, 1254a, and 1254b. A local oscillator (LO) signal generator 1259a may provide an LO signal to the switch logic 1239 (and selectively to the mixers 1252a, 1252b, and 1203b). A local oscillator (LO) signal generator 1259b may provide an LO signal to the switch logic 1240 (and selectively to the mixers 1203a, 1203b, and 1252b).

[0139] exist Fig.12 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the switching of the Tx0 and Tx1 transmission signals can occur before the signal is up-converted (i.e., before the mixers 1203a, 1203b, 1252a, and 1252b). Compared with switching the output signals at ports 1243, 1244, 1245, 1247, 1248, and 1249, it may be preferable to switch the PLL input, i.e., switch the outputs of the LO signal generators 1259a and 1259b between the mixers 1203a, 1203b, 1252a, and 1252b.

[0140] In an exemplary embodiment, switch logic 1201 may be configured to switch the outputs of filters 1202 and 1251 to one or more of mixers 1252a, 1252b, 1203a, and 1203b. Similarly, switch logic 1239 may be configured to switch the output of LO signal generator 1259a to one or more of mixers 1252a, 1252b, and 1203b; and switch logic 1240 may be configured to switch the output of LO signal generator 1259b to one or more of mixers 1252b, 1203b, and 1203a.

[0141] In an exemplary embodiment, mixer 1203a and driver amplifier 1204; and mixer 1252a and driver amplifier 1253 may be configured to operate in a so-called mid-high band (MHB).

[0142] In an exemplary embodiment, mixer 1203b and driver amplifiers 1209a and 1209b; and mixer 1252b and driver amplifiers 1254a and 1254b may be configured to operate over a so-called ultra-high frequency band (UHB).

[0143] In this Tx MIMO example, where a transmit signal (Tx0) is provided from transmit path 1222 through switch logic 1201 through mixer 1203b and driver amplifier 1209b to port 1247, and provided to PA 1262 on main PA / LNA module 1260 through connection 1242; and where a transmit signal (Tx1) is provided from transmit path 1232 through switch logic 1201 through mixer 1252b and driver amplifier 1254b to port 1244 and provided to PA 1282 on diversity PA / LNA module 1280 through connection 1241, a combined isolation of about 30 dB to about 50 dB is provided between connection 1242 and connection 1241. In some examples, there are known switches that are capable of providing such isolation when set, arranged, and configured as described herein.

[0144] In an exemplary embodiment, when switch logic 1201, switch logic 1239, and switch logic 1240 are configured as shown, isolation between connections 1241 and 1242 is maintained by selectively switching the input of mixer 1203b to switch the Tx0 signal from transmit path 1222 and by selectively switching the input of mixer 1252b to switch the Tx1 signal from transmit path 1232, while allowing the transmit signal (Tx0) to be routed to any antenna 1216, 1217, 1218 connected to the main PA / LNA module 1260, and while allowing the transmit signal (Tx1) to be routed to any antenna 1211, 1211, 1213 connected to the diversity PA / LNA module 1280 in this example. In this example, the transmission signal (Tx0) can be routed from the transmission path 1222 to any antenna connected to the main PA / LNA module 1260 or to the diversity PA / LNA module 1280; and the transmission signal (Tx1) can be routed from the transmission path 1232 to any antenna connected to the main PA / LNA module 1260 or, in this example, to the diversity PA / LNA module 1280, without using any transmission line, coaxial cable, or any other interconnection or direct connection between the main PA / LNA module 1260 and the diversity PA / LNA module 1280, thereby minimizing the complexity and cost of the main PA / LNA module 1260 and the diversity PA / LNA module 1280. In this example, the transmission signal Tx0 SRS and the transmission signal Tx1 SRS can be detected simultaneously, thereby providing dual Tx SRS capability.

[0145] Fig.13 is a flow chart describing an example of the operation of a method 1300 for signal processing. The blocks in the method 1300 may be performed in the order shown or out of the order shown, and in some embodiments, may be performed at least partially in parallel.

[0146] In block 1302, a communication signal may be directed to at least one of a plurality of available transmission paths. For example, a signal (Tx0) on exemplary transmission path 822 may be directed to driver amplifier 824, or a signal (Tx1) on exemplary transmission path 832 may be directed to driver amplifier 834. Alternatively, a signal (Tx0) on exemplary transmission path 922 may be directed to driver amplifier 904 or driver amplifier 909, and / or a signal (Tx1) on exemplary transmission path 932 may be directed to driver amplifier 953 or driver amplifier 954.

[0147] In block 1304, the communication signal is selectively switched between the plurality of transmission paths prior to the power amplifier performing signal amplification. For example, the signal (Tx0) may be switched from connection 842 to connection 828 or connection 841. Similarly, the signal (Tx1) may be switched from connection 821 to connection 841 or connection 828. Alternatively, the signal (Tx0) on the exemplary transmission path 922 and / or the signal (Tx1) on the exemplary transmission path 932 may be directed to the main PA / LNA module 960 and / or the diversity PA / LNA module 980. In an exemplary embodiment, the selective switching provides isolation for the communication signal. For example, at least about 30 dB to about 50 dB of isolation may be provided between the signal (Tx0) on connections 842 and 828 and the signal (Tx1) on connections 821 and 841. Alternatively, at least about 30 dB to about 50 dB of isolation may be provided between a signal on connection 941 (Tx0) and a signal on connection 944 or another connection (Tx1).

[0148] In block 1306, communication may be selectively switched to one of the plurality of antennas. For example, the signal (Tx0) may be switched to one of the antennas 816, 817, or 818 connected to the main PA / LNA module 860, or one of the plurality of antennas 811, 812, or 813 connected to the diversity PA / LNA module 880. Similarly, the signal (Tx1) may be switched to one of the antennas 816, 817, or 818 connected to the main PA / LNA module 860, or one of the plurality of antennas 811, 812, or 813 connected to the diversity PA / LNA module 880. Alternatively, the signal (Tx0) may be switched to one of the antennas 916, 917, or 918 connected to the main PA / LNA module 960, or one of the plurality of antennas 911, 912, or 913 connected to the diversity PA / LNA module 980. Similarly, the signal (Tx1) may be switched to one of the antennas 916, 917 or 918 connected to the main PA / LNA module 960 or one of the plurality of antennas 911, 912 or 913 connected to the diversity PA / LNA module 980.

[0149] Fig.14 1400 includes a component 1402 for directing a communication signal to at least one of a plurality of available transmission paths. In some embodiments, the component 1402 for directing a communication signal to at least one of a plurality of available transmission paths may be configured to perform method 1300 ( Fig.13). In an exemplary embodiment, the component 1402 for directing the communication signal to at least one of the plurality of available transmission paths may include a circuit system configured to direct the signal (Tx0) on the exemplary transmission path 822 to the driver amplifier 824, or to direct the signal (Tx1) on the exemplary transmission path 832 to the driver amplifier 834. For example, a modem and / or various connections or circuit systems coupled to the input of the driver amplifier may be configured in this manner. Alternatively, the component 1402 for directing the communication signal to at least one of the plurality of available transmission paths may include a circuit system configured to direct the signal (Tx0) on the exemplary transmission path 922 to the driver amplifier 904 or the driver amplifier 909, and / or to direct the signal (Tx1) on the exemplary transmission path 932 to the driver amplifier 953 or the driver amplifier 954. For example, a modem and / or various connections or circuit systems including the switch logic 901 coupled to the input of the driver amplifier may be configured in this manner.

[0150] The apparatus 1400 also includes a component 1404 for selectively switching the communication signal between the plurality of transmission paths before the signal is amplified. The component 1404 for selectively switching the communication signal between the plurality of transmission paths before the signal is amplified can be configured to perform the method 1300 ( Fig.13 ). In an exemplary embodiment, the means 1404 for selectively switching the communication signal between the plurality of transmission paths prior to signal amplification may include switch logic 855 configured to switch the communication signal between the plurality of transmission paths. Alternatively, the means 1404 for selectively switching the communication signal between the plurality of transmission paths prior to signal amplification may include switch logic 915, switch logic 956, and / or switch logic 957 configured to direct the signal (Tx0) on the exemplary transmission path 922 and / or the signal (Tx1) on the exemplary transmission path 932 to the main PA / LNA module 960 and / or the diversity PA / LNA module 980. In an exemplary embodiment, the means 1404 for selectively switching the communication signal between the plurality of transmission paths prior to signal amplification provides isolation for the communication signal. For example, isolation of at least about 30 dB to about 50 dB may be provided between the signal (Tx0) on the connections 842 and 828 and the signal (Tx1) on the connections 821 and 841. Alternatively, at least about 30 dB to about 50 dB of isolation may be provided between a signal on connection 941 (Tx0) and a signal on connection 944 or another connection (Tx1).

[0151] The apparatus 1400 also includes a component 1406 for selectively switching the communication signal to one of the plurality of antennas. The component 1406 for selectively switching the communication signal to one of the plurality of antennas may be configured to perform the method 1300 ( Fig.13 ). In an exemplary embodiment, the component 1406 for selectively switching the communication signal to one of the plurality of antennas may include a switch 870 or a switch 890 configured to switch the communication signal between the plurality of antennas. Alternatively, the component 1406 for selectively switching the communication signal to one of the plurality of antennas may include a switch 970 or a switch 990 configured to switch the signal (Tx0) to one of the antennas 916, 917, or 918 connected to the main PA / LNA module 960, or to one of the plurality of antennas 911, 912, or 913 connected to the diversity PA / LNA module 980. Similarly, component 1406 for selectively switching a communication signal to one of a plurality of antennas may include a switch 970 or a switch 990 configured to switch the signal (Tx1) to one of antennas 916, 917, or 918 connected to the main PA / LNA module 960, or to one of a plurality of antennas 911, 912, or 913 connected to the diversity PA / LNA module 980.

[0152] Implementation examples are described in the following numbered clauses:

[0153] 1. A system for signal processing, comprising:

[0154] a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) having a plurality of available transmission paths, the RFIC being configured to have at least a first communication signal on a first transmission path of the available transmission paths;

[0155] a plurality of power amplifier / low noise amplifier (PA / LNA) modules selectively connected to the RFIC, each of the PA / LNA modules being configured to be connected to at least one respective antenna; and

[0156] and switching logic configured to connect the at least a first communication signal to any of the plurality of PA / LNA modules prior to power amplification while preventing the first communication signal from affecting or being affected by another communication signal on another available transmission path of the plurality of available transmission paths.

[0157] 2. A system according to clause 1, wherein the system comprises a single transmit signal and receive MIMO system.

[0158] 3. The system of clause 1, wherein the system comprises a transmit MIMO system and a receive MIMO system.

[0159] 4. The system of clause 1, wherein the at least first communication signal is switched between available transmission paths prior to power amplification and after mixing.

[0160] 5. The system of clause 1, wherein the at least first communication signal is switched between available transmission paths prior to power amplification and prior to frequency mixing.

[0161] 6. The system of clause 1, wherein the at least first communication signal is switched between available transmission paths prior to power amplification and after driver amplification.

[0162] 7. A system according to any of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the at least first communication signal is a sounding reference signal (SRS).

[0163] 8. The system of clause 5, further comprising baseband switching logic, wherein a local oscillator (LO) input and a baseband input are switched separately prior to mixing.

[0164] 9. The system of any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the switching logic is located on the RFIC.

[0165] 10. The system of any of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the plurality of available transmission paths extends to the plurality of PA / LNA modules.

[0166] 11. A system as described in any of clauses 1 to 10, wherein the plurality of available transmission paths operates in an uplink carrier aggregation (ULCA) communication system.

[0167] 12. A system according to any of clauses 1 to 11, wherein the plurality of available transmission paths operates in a Multiple Subscriber Identity Module (MSIM) communication system.

[0168] 13. The system of any of clauses 1 to 12, wherein no direct connections exist between the plurality of PA / LNA modules.

[0169] 14. The system of clause 7, wherein the system is configured to transmit the sounding reference signal (SRS) using SRS carrier switching.

[0170] 15. A method for signal processing, comprising:

[0171] directing at least a first communication signal over a first transmission path of a plurality of available transmission paths;

[0172] selectively connecting a plurality of power amplifier / low noise amplifier (PA / LNA) modules to the plurality of available transmission paths; and

[0173] The at least first communication signal is selectively connected to any PA / LNA module among the plurality of PA / LNA modules before power amplification, while preventing the first communication signal from affecting another communication signal on another available transmission path among the plurality of available transmission paths, or being affected by the another communication signal on the another available transmission path among the plurality of available transmission paths.

[0174] 16. The method of clause 15, further comprising: prior to power amplification and after mixing, selectively switching the at least first communication signal between available transmission paths.

[0175] 17. The method of clause 15, further comprising: selectively switching the at least first communication signal between available transmission paths prior to power amplification and prior to mixing.

[0176] 18. The method of clause 15, further comprising selectively switching the at least first communication signal between available transmission paths prior to power amplification and after driver amplification.

[0177] 19. The method of clause 15, further comprising selectively switching the at least first communication signal between available transmission paths at baseband prior to mixing.

[0178] 20. An apparatus comprising:

[0179] means for directing at least a first communication signal over a first transmission path of a plurality of available transmission paths;

[0180] means for selectively connecting a plurality of power amplifier / low noise amplifier (PA / LNA) modules to the plurality of available transmission paths; and

[0181] A component for selectively connecting the at least a first communication signal to any PA / LNA module among the multiple PA / LNA modules before power amplification while preventing the first communication signal from affecting another communication signal on another available transmission path among the multiple available transmission paths or being affected by the other communication signal on the another available transmission path among the multiple available transmission paths.

[0182] 21. The apparatus of clause 20, further comprising means for selectively switching the at least first communication signal between available transmission paths prior to power amplification and after mixing.

[0183] 22. The apparatus of clause 20, further comprising means for selectively switching the at least first communication signal between available transmission paths prior to power amplification and prior to mixing.

[0184] 23. The apparatus of clause 20, further comprising means for selectively switching the at least first communication signal between available transmission paths prior to power amplification and after driver amplification.

[0185] 24. The apparatus of clause 20, further comprising means for selectively switching the at least first communication signal between available transmission paths at baseband prior to mixing.

[0186] 25. A radio system architecture comprising:

[0187] modem;

[0188] a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) coupled to the modem; and

[0189] Switching logic associated with the RFIC is configured to selectively connect at least a first communication signal in the RFIC to any available power amplifier / low noise amplifier (PA / LNA) module of a plurality of available PA / LNA modules prior to power amplification.

[0190] 26. The radio system architecture of clause 25, wherein the switch logic comprises a double pole double throw (DPDT, DP2T) architecture.

[0191] 27. A radio system architecture as described in any of clauses 25 to 26, wherein the switch logic is external to the RFIC.

[0192] 28. A radio system architecture as described in any of clauses 25 to 26, wherein the switch logic is located inside the RFIC.

[0193] 29. The radio system architecture of clause 25, further comprising switching logic configured to switch the local oscillator signal.

[0194] 30. The radio system architecture of clause 27, wherein the RFIC and at least one of the plurality of available power amplifier / low noise amplifier (PA / LNA) modules are mounted on a board, and wherein the switching logic comprises one or more discrete components mounted on the board.

[0195] The circuit architecture described herein may be implemented on one or more ICs, analog ICs, RFICs, mixed-signal ICs, ASICs, printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronic devices, etc. The circuit architecture described herein may also be manufactured using various IC process technologies, such as complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), N-channel MOS (NMOS), P-channel MOS (PMOS), bipolar junction transistor (BJT), bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS), silicon germanium (SiGe), gallium arsenide (GaAs), heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT), high electron mobility transistor (HEMT), silicon on insulator (SOI), etc.

[0196] An apparatus implementing the circuits described herein may be a stand-alone device or part of a larger device. A device may be (i) a stand-alone IC, (ii) a group of one or more ICs that may include a memory IC for storing data and / or instructions, (iii) an RFIC such as an RF receiver (RFR) or RF transmitter / receiver (RTR), (iv) an ASIC such as a mobile station modem (MSM), (v) a module that may be embedded in other devices, (vi) a receiver, a cellular phone, a wireless device, a handset or a mobile unit, (vii) etc.

[0197] Although selected aspects have been shown and described in detail, it should be understood that various substitutions and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A system for signal processing, comprising: a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) having a plurality of available transmission paths, the RFIC being configured to have at least a first communication signal on a first transmission path of the available transmission paths; a plurality of power amplifier / low noise amplifier (PA / LNA) modules selectively connected to the RFIC, each of the PA / LNA modules being configured to be connected to at least one respective antenna; as well as and switching logic configured to connect the at least a first communication signal to any of the plurality of PA / LNA modules prior to power amplification while preventing the first communication signal from affecting or being affected by another communication signal on another available transmission path of the plurality of available transmission paths.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the system comprises a single transmit signal and receive MIMO system.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the system comprises a transmit MIMO system and a receive MIMO system.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least first communication signal is switched between available transmission paths prior to power amplification and after mixing.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least first communication signal is switched between available transmission paths prior to power amplification and prior to mixing.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least first communication signal is switched between available transmission paths prior to power amplification and after driver amplification.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least first communication signal is a sounding reference signal (SRS).

8. The system of claim 5, further comprising baseband switching logic, wherein a local oscillator (LO) input and a baseband input are switched separately before mixing.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the switching logic is located on the RFIC.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of available transmission paths extend to the plurality of PA / LNA modules.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of available transmission paths operate in an uplink carrier aggregation (ULCA) communication system.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of available transmission paths operate in a Multiple Subscriber Identity Module (MSIM) communication system.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein no direct connections exist between the plurality of PA / LNA modules.

14. The system of claim 7, wherein the system is configured to transmit the sounding reference signal (SRS) using SRS carrier switching.

15. A method for signal processing, comprising: directing at least a first communication signal over a first transmission path of a plurality of available transmission paths; selectively connecting a plurality of power amplifier / low noise amplifier (PA / LNA) modules to the plurality of available transmission paths; as well as The at least first communication signal is selectively connected to any PA / LNA module among the plurality of PA / LNA modules before power amplification, while preventing the first communication signal from affecting another communication signal on another available transmission path among the plurality of available transmission paths, or being affected by the another communication signal on the another available transmission path among the plurality of available transmission paths.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: The at least first communication signal is selectively switched between available transmission paths prior to power amplification and after mixing.

17. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: The at least first communication signal is selectively switched between available transmission paths prior to power amplification and prior to mixing.

18. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: The at least first communication signal is selectively switched between available transmission paths prior to power amplification and after driver amplification.

19. The method according to claim 17, further comprising: The at least first communication signal is selectively switched between available transmission paths at baseband prior to mixing.

20. An apparatus comprising: means for directing at least a first communication signal over a first transmission path of a plurality of available transmission paths; means for selectively connecting a plurality of power amplifier / low noise amplifier (PA / LNA) modules to the plurality of available transmission paths; as well as A component for selectively connecting the at least a first communication signal to any PA / LNA module among the multiple PA / LNA modules before power amplification while preventing the first communication signal from affecting another communication signal on another available transmission path among the multiple available transmission paths or being affected by the other communication signal on the another available transmission path among the multiple available transmission paths.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, further comprising means for selectively switching the at least first communication signal between available transmission paths prior to power amplification and after mixing.

22. The apparatus of claim 20, further comprising means for selectively switching the at least first communication signal between available transmission paths prior to power amplification and prior to mixing.

23. The apparatus of claim 20, further comprising means for selectively switching the at least first communication signal between available transmission paths prior to power amplification and after driver amplification.

24. The apparatus of claim 20, further comprising means for selectively switching the at least first communication signal between available transmission paths at baseband prior to mixing.

25. A radio system architecture comprising: modem; a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) connected to the modem; as well as Switching logic associated with the RFIC is configured to selectively connect at least a first communication signal in the RFIC to any available power amplifier / low noise amplifier (PA / LNA) module of a plurality of available PA / LNA modules prior to power amplification.

26. The radio system architecture of claim 25, wherein the switch logic comprises a double pole double throw (DPDT, DP2T) architecture.

27. The radio system architecture of claim 25, wherein the switch logic is external to the RFIC.

28. The radio system architecture of claim 25, wherein the switch logic is located inside the RFIC.

29. The radio system architecture of claim 25, further comprising switching logic configured to switch a local oscillator signal.

30. The radio system architecture of claim 27, wherein the RFIC and at least one of the plurality of available power amplifier / low noise amplifier (PA / LNA) modules are mounted on a board, and wherein the switching logic comprises one or more discrete components mounted on the board.

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