System and method for radio frequency (RF) sensing to determine device parameters

Abstract

A device for RF sensing includes communication circuitry configured to communicate over an unlicensed frequency band and a licensed frequency band, the communication circuitry is configured to transmit a unique signal over an unlicensed frequency band using at least one of the one or more antennas and to receive a corresponding return signal from at least one of the one or more antennas, the at least one receiver is configured to process a corresponding return signal to determine at least an amplitude and a phase (td) of the corresponding return signal, the apparatus further comprising a lookup table (LUT) having characterization information relating to the amplitude and the phase (td) of the corresponding return signal, wherein the device is configured to determine a usage state or attitude of the device using the characterization information, and to change at least one operating parameter of the device based on the determined usage state or attitude.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to electronic devices and, more particularly, to wireless communication systems and, even more particularly, to wireless communication devices configured to operate in licensed and unlicensed communication spectrums. Background Art

[0002] Wireless communication devices and technologies are becoming more common, as are communication devices operating at 5G NR Sub7 FR1 and millimeter wave (mmW) FR2 frequencies. 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 section, and received communication signals are amplified and processed by a receive section. Communication devices may include multiple transmitters, receivers, and antennas, and may be capable of communicating on licensed and unlicensed communication bands and frequencies.

[0003] Such communication devices may be configured to communicate via wireless local area network technologies, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11), or industrial, scientific, or medical (ISM) networks. Since wireless local area network communication bands are not typically allocated to specific entities by government authorities, the frequency bands associated with such technologies are typically referred to as "unlicensed" communication spectra, also known as unlicensed frequency bands. In contrast, communication spectra and frequency bands associated with wide-area wireless communication technologies are typically referred to as "licensed" communication spectra or licensed frequency bands, because they are typically allocated to specific entities by government authorities. 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 device for RF sensing, the device including a communication circuit system configured to communicate through an unlicensed frequency band and a licensed frequency band, the communication circuit system having a transmit (Tx) modulator, at least one transmitter, at least one receiver, a receiving sensing element, and one or more antennas. The communication circuit system can be configured to use at least one of the one or more antennas to transmit a unique signal through the unlicensed frequency band and receive a corresponding return signal from at least one of the one or more antennas, at least one receiver is configured to process the corresponding return signal to at least determine the amplitude and phase (td) of the corresponding return signal, the device also includes a lookup table (LUT) having characterization information related to the amplitude and phase of the corresponding return signal, wherein the device is configured to use the characterization information to determine the use state or posture of the device, and change at least one operating parameter of the device based on the determined use state or posture.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for RF sensing to determine device parameters, the method comprising transmitting a unique signal from a device on an unlicensed frequency band, receiving a return signal at the device in response to the unique signal, determining an amplitude and phase (td) of the return signal, comparing the determined amplitude and phase (td) of the return signal with a known set of amplitudes and phases corresponding to one or more device characterization curves, determining a usage status of the device based on the comparison, and changing a device parameter of the device based on the determined usage status.

[0008] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a device comprising a component for transmitting a unique signal on an unlicensed frequency band, a component for receiving a return signal in response to the unique signal, a component for determining an amplitude and phase (td) of the return signal, a component for comparing the determined amplitude and phase (td) of the return signal with a known set of amplitudes and phases corresponding to one or more device characterization curves, a component for determining a usage status of the device based on the comparison, and a component for changing an operating parameter of the device based on the determined usage status.

[0009] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a device comprising a communication circuit system configured to transmit and receive communications on a licensed frequency band; a transmission circuit system configured to send a sensing signal on an unlicensed frequency band while the device is in a call on the licensed frequency band, the transmission circuit system being configured to send the sensing signal using a power higher than that allowed by the communication circuit system during the call; a reception circuit system configured to process a received signal based on the sensing signal during the call; and a processor configured to adjust an operating parameter of the device based on the processed received signal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] In the drawings, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals represent the same components 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 components or elements present in the same figure. When a reference numeral is intended to cover all components having the same reference numeral in all figures, the alphabetic character designation of the reference numeral may be omitted.

[0011] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating 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 3 is a block diagram of a communication device;

[0015] Figure 4A is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a communication device configured for unlicensed communications;

[0016] Figure 4B , Figure 4C , Figure 4D , Figure 4E and Figure 4F is a diagram showing an exemplary usage state of a communication device;

[0017] Figure 4G An exemplary device characterization table is shown;

[0018] Figure 4H Exemplary usage states and gesture / RF detection signals are shown;

[0019] Figure 5A is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a communication device configured for unlicensed communications;

[0020] Figure 5B is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a communication device configured for unlicensed communications;

[0021] Figure 5C Shown with Figure 5B An exemplary device representation table corresponding to a communication device of

[0022] Fig. 6A is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a communication device configured for unlicensed communications;

[0023] Figure 6B is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a communication device configured for unlicensed communications;

[0024] Figure 6C An exemplary device characterization table is shown;

[0025] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a communication device configured for unlicensed communications;

[0026] Fig. 8A is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a communication device configured for permitted and unpermitted communications;

[0027] Figure 8B is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a communication device configured for permitted and unpermitted communications;

[0028] Fig. 9A , Fig. 9B , Fig. 9C , Fig.9D and Fig.9E is a diagram showing an exemplary usage state of a communication device;

[0029] Fig. 10A , Fig. 10B , Fig. 10C and Fig. 10D is a diagram illustrating exemplary usage states of a communication device and a lookup table (LUT) that may be used when characterizing the device;

[0030] Fig.11 is a flow chart describing an example of the operation of a method for changing an operating parameter of a device;

[0031] Fig.12 is a flow chart describing an example of the operation of a method for changing an operating parameter of a device;

[0032] Fig.13 is a functional block diagram of an apparatus for changing an operating parameter of a device; and

[0033] Fig.14 is a functional block diagram of an apparatus for changing an operating parameter of a device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] 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.

[0035] In a communication device that includes the ability to be configured for communication on a licensed communication band and an unlicensed communication band, it may be desirable to use a portion of the communication circuitry configured for the unlicensed band to perform device characterization and device usage status determination. For example, it may be desirable to use a portion of a transmitter configured to operate on an unlicensed communication band and a portion of a receiver configured to operate on an unlicensed communication band to perform device characterization and device usage status determination.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, the transmitter may be configured to transmit a signal such as a pilot tone using one of the available antennas on the communication device in an unlicensed communication band (e.g., WLAN 2.4GHz / 5GHz, BT, ISM, and / or 5G NR-U). The signal may be coupled from one or more other antennas or reflected from a transmit antenna (Pinc) on the communication device and then provided to a receiver to analyze the signal. The signal Pinc from the transmit antenna may also be referred to as an incident signal.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, a unique return signal corresponding to a unique transmit signal (which may be coupled or reflected) may be processed and used to characterize a device state or usage state of the device.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, the amplitude and phase (td) of the corresponding unique return signal can be used to characterize the device state or usage state of the device. The phase (td) is the phase difference between the phase of the return signal (coupling or reflection) and the phase of the signal (incident signal) emitted by the antenna (Pinc).

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, information obtained from the corresponding unique return signal can be used to build a lookup table (LUT), which can be used to provide a device usage status characterization.

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, the information in the LUT can also be used as training data for an artificial intelligence (AI) model to detect the usage state of the device. Such an AI model can be used to determine or infer the characterized usage state.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, the information in the LUT can be used to determine at least some device parameters of the communication device. Exemplary device parameters include, but are not limited to, maximum transmit power control, WAN and / or WiFi transmitter parameters, gesture actions, transmit (Tx) antenna selection, antenna tuning, etc.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, the information in the LUT may be used to determine at least some operating parameters of licensed communications band circuitry in a communications device.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, information obtained from the return signal may be used to determine the position of the object in space or gesture motion.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, information obtained from the return signal may also be combined with sensor data (e.g., accelerometer, gyroscope, camera, and other sensor data) to further refine and confirm inferences regarding usage state determinations.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, the information obtained from the return signal can be used to determine the user status and gesture actions in an application (App) (eg, Android App).

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, information obtained from the return signal may be used to change certain operating parameters of the device.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, information obtained from the return signal may be used to change certain parameters of the device's permitted communications capabilities.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, when the device operates (e.g., transmits and / or receives) in a licensed communication band, a signal (e.g., a pilot) may be transmitted and / or a return signal may be received. In some examples, the circuitry configured to operate using a licensed communication band is separate from the circuitry configured to operate using an unlicensed communication band (e.g., in different circuits or ICs or chips or modules for a modem, transceiver, and / or front-end module).

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, the unlicensed communication band and / or the signals transmitted thereon are defined in a communication standard (e.g., 802.11). In some examples, the unlicensed communication band is not an ISM band. In some examples, the only transmitted signal is not a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) signal.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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, a car, a device configured to connect to one or more other devices (e.g., through 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 satellites (e.g., 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 1X, EVDO, TD-SCDMA, GSM, 802.11, 5G NR FR1 (sub7), FR2 (mmWave), WiFi6, etc. The wireless device 110 may also be customer premises equipment (CPE), a wireless access point, a hotspot, a mobile WiFi hotspot device, a gaming device such as a handheld game or game controller or a gaming console.

[0052] The wireless device 110 may support carrier aggregation, for example, as described in one or more LTE standards or 5G standards. In some embodiments, carrier aggregation is used to transmit a single data stream over multiple carriers, for example, as opposed to using separate carriers for the corresponding data streams. The wireless device 110 may be able to operate in various communication bands over a wide frequency range, including, for example, those used by LTE, WiFi, 5G, or other communication bands. The wireless device 110 may also be able to communicate directly with other wireless devices without communicating through a network.

[0053] Generally, carrier aggregation (CA) can be classified 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.

[0054] Figure 2A is a block diagram illustrating a wireless device 200 in which exemplary techniques of the present disclosure may be implemented. For example, the wireless device 200 may be Figure 1 An embodiment of a wireless device 110 is shown.

[0055] Figure 2AAn 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 the figure may also be used to condition the signals in transmitter 230 and receiver 250. Unless otherwise specified, Figure 2A Any signal in the diagram or any other diagram in the figure can be single-ended or differential. Figure 2A Some circuit blocks in can also be omitted.

[0056] 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 / or program code, 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 control, in whole or in part, some or all of the operations of the embodiments of the systems and methods for RF sensing to determine device parameters described herein.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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, for example, 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.

[0059] 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 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., for I and Q) to the transceiver 220 in a digital manner.

[0060] In the transmitter 230, baseband (e.g., low-pass) filters 232a and 232b filter the I and Q analog transmit signals, respectively, to remove the 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 upconversion mixers 241a and 241b upconverts the I and Q baseband signals with the I and Q transmit (TX) local oscillator (LO) signals from the TX LO signal generator 290, and provides an upconverted signal. Filter 242 filters the upconverted signal to remove the undesired images caused by the upconversion and the noise in the receiving band. Power amplifier (PA) 244 amplifies the signal from filter 242 to obtain the desired output power level and provides a transmit RF signal. The transmit RF signal can be routed through a duplexer or switch 246 and transmitted via 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.

[0061] 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 at a specific RX to TX duplexer frequency interval 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. Exemplary embodiments of systems and methods for RF sensing to determine device parameters can be implemented in or as part of the LNA 252. In other embodiments, systems and methods for RF sensing to determine device parameters can be implemented in other parts of the receiver 250, or in a transceiver, such as in a transceiver circuit, module, or chip.

[0062] Downconverter mixers 261a and 261b in downconverter 260 mix the output of filter 254 with I and Q receive (RX) LO signals (i.e., LO_I and LO_Q) from 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 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.

[0063] exist Figure 2A 2 , TX LO signal generator 290 generates I and Q TX LO signals for up-conversion, while RX LO signal generator 280 generates I and Q RX LO signals for down-conversion. Each LO signal is a periodic signal having 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.

[0064] 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 various aspects described herein may be implemented in systems, devices, and / or architectures that do not support carrier aggregation. The wireless device 200 may support WiFi operation (dual-band or tri-band), 5G FR1 NR-U, and may support multiple antennas.

[0065] Figure 2A200 , and the configurations illustrated 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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 2B An example superheterodyne architecture is shown in .

[0068] 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. 1 (eg, which may be represented by the same reference numerals) may be identical to those of the wireless device 200a in FIG. Figure 2A The components in the wireless device 200 shown are similarly configured, and Figure 2B Descriptions of items with the same number will not be repeated.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] Each phase shifter 283 can be configured to receive the RF transmit 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 transmit and receive 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] In the receive direction, the output of phase shift circuitry 281 is provided to downconverter 285. In an exemplary embodiment, downconverter 285 may include I / Q generation functionality 291 and 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 signal provided by RX RF LO signal generator 279. I / Q generation functionality 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.

[0075] 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 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.

[0076] In some embodiments, Figure 2A The architecture shown and Figure 2B The 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 transmits signals with frequencies below about 20 GHz and uses Figure 2B The illustrated architecture transmits signals with frequencies above about 20 Hz. In a device in which both architectures are implemented, Figure 2A and Figure 2BOne 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.

[0077] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a communication device 300. The device 300 may be such as Figure 2A and Figure 2B , or may be another type of device, such as a game controller or another device. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication device 300 may include the ability to operate on multiple different communication bands. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication device 300 may be configured to operate on an unlicensed communication band, such as on WiFi, Bluetooth (BT), or other unlicensed communication bands. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication device 300 may be configured to operate on a licensed communication band, such as on a WAN or other licensed communication band.

[0078] In an exemplary embodiment, the communication device 300 may include multiple antennas, such as antennas 322, 324, 326, 328, and 330. In an exemplary embodiment, antenna 322 may also be referred to as Ant0, antenna 324 may also be referred to as Ant1, antenna 326 may also be referred to as Ant2, antenna 328 may also be referred to as Ant3, and antenna 330 may also be referred to as Ant4. Antennas 322, 324, 326, 328, and 330 are shown in dashed lines and different shapes to illustrate examples in which antennas may be located at different locations within the communication device 300 and may have different shapes and configurations. The dashed lines extending from antenna 324 (Ant1) to antennas 328 (Ant3), 322 (Ant0), and 326 (Ant2) illustrate exemplary signal coupling that may occur in an embodiment in which antenna 324 (Ant1) may be used to transmit a unique signal, such as a pilot signal. The unique signal may be coupled to one or more of the other antennas and received as a return signal. In some embodiments, antenna 330 (Ant4) is optional and may not be present in the communication device. Figure 3Five exemplary antennas are shown in FIG. 1 , but the communication device may have more or fewer antennas.

[0079] Figure 4A is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a communication device 400 configured for unlicensed communications. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication device 400 may include a modem 405, a transceiver 420, a front end module (FEM) 440, and a FEM 450. In an exemplary embodiment, the modem 405, the transceiver 420, the FEM 440, and the FEM 450 may be configured to operate on unlicensed frequency bands, such as those associated with WiFi, Bluetooth (BT), or other unlicensed frequency bands. Other unlicensed frequency bands may include, but are not limited to, 5 GHz WiFi, 5G New Radio - Unlicensed (5GNR-U), and ISM bands, as well as other unlicensed frequency bands. Although Figure 4A Not shown, but the communication device 400 may also include circuit systems configured to allow communication on licensed frequency bands, for example, frequency bands that allow operation on cellular, WAN, long term evolution (LTE) systems, code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, global system for mobile communications (GSM) systems, wireless local area network (WLAN) systems, 5G NR (new radio) systems, or some other wireless system. CDMA systems may implement Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), CDMA 1X, Evolution Data Optimized (EVDO), Time Division Synchronous CDMA (TD-SCDMA), or some other version of CDMA. 5G systems may include systems that allow beamforming, simultaneous communication on multiple frequency bands, and other systems. Circuit systems configured to allow communication on licensed frequency bands may be used with Figure 4A The circuitry shown is separate (e.g., in different circuits or ICs or chips or modules), or Figure 4A One or more components shown may be shared or configured for communication in both unlicensed and licensed bands. For example, a modem and / or transceiver may be configured to operate in both unlicensed and licensed bands, or circuitry for communication in unlicensed and licensed bands may be included in a common system on chip (SoC).

[0080] In some embodiments, device 400 may not be a communication device, but another device, for example, just a game controller. The game controller may have circuitry configured to allow communication over unlicensed bands (such as WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.), and may also have a data processor (such as data processor 210) configured to run an application called an "app".

[0081] In such an embodiment, the circuitry in device 400 configured to communicate via one or more unlicensed frequency bands (which may be referred to as unlicensed communication circuitry) may be configured for device characterization indicated by the application. For example, program code 299 ( Figure 2A ) may include application code that can be executed to allow device 400 to operate as a game controller or another device and perform gesture sensing. In some embodiments, the application may include features or operations that can be adjusted, controlled, or otherwise modified based on the device characterizations described herein. In other examples, the application code can be stored and / or executed from another processor (not shown) (e.g., an app processor).

[0082] In an exemplary embodiment, the modem 405 may include a transmit (Tx) modulator 406 and a receive (Rx) / radio frequency (RF) detection and sensing element 407. In an exemplary embodiment, the Tx modulator 406 may be configured to generate a test signal, such as a pilot tone, or another signal with a unique code. In some embodiments, the modem 405 is implemented by the data processor 210.

[0083] In an exemplary embodiment, the transceiver 420 may include a local oscillator (LO) signal generator 422, a transmit filter 423, a transmit filter 425, a transmit mixer 424, a transmit mixer 426, a switch 421, a driver amplifier 436, and a driver amplifier 438. The LO signal generator 422, the transmit filter 423, the transmit filter 425, the transmit mixer 424, the transmit mixer 426, the driver amplifier 436, and the driver amplifier 438 may be similar to Figure 2A TX LO signal generator 290, baseband (eg, low pass) filters 232a and 232b, amplifiers 234a and 234b, and up-conversion mixers 241a and 241b, and may be configured for operation in an unlicensed frequency band.

[0084] In an exemplary embodiment, the transceiver 420 may include reception filters 427 , 429 , 431 , and 433 , and may include reception mixers 428 , 430 , 432 , and 434 .

[0085] Receive filters 427, 429, 431, and 433 may be similar to Figure 2A Baseband (e.g., low pass) filters 264a and 264b. Receive mixers 428, 430, 432, and 434 may be similar to Figure 2A The down-conversion mixers 261a and 261b may be configured for operation in an unlicensed frequency band.

[0086] In an exemplary embodiment, FEM 440 may include switch 447, transmit amplifier 442, and receive amplifiers 444 and 446. Transmit amplifier 442 may include one or more driver stages and power amplifier stages, and may be similar to Figure 2A PA 244 and may be configured for operation in unlicensed bands. Receive amplifiers 444 and 446 may each include a low noise amplifier (LNA) and may be similar to Figure 2A The LNA 252 may be configured for operation in unlicensed frequency bands.

[0087] In an exemplary embodiment, FEM 450 may include switch 457, transmit amplifier 452, and receive amplifiers 454 and 456. Transmit amplifier 452 may include one or more driver stages and power amplifier stages, and may be similar to Figure 2A The PA 244 can be configured for operation in unlicensed bands. The receive amplifiers 454 and 456 can each include a low noise amplifier (LNA) and can be similar to Figure 2A The LNA 252 may be configured for operation in unlicensed frequency bands.

[0088] In an exemplary embodiment, switch 447 is configured to selectively connect transmit amplifier 442 to antenna 324 (Ant1) in this example. LNA 446 is connected to antenna 328 (Ant3) in this example. In an exemplary embodiment, switch 457 is configured to selectively connect LNA 454 to antenna 326 (Ant2) in this example, and LNA 456 is connected to antenna 322 (Ant0) in this example.

[0089] According to an exemplary embodiment, Tx modulator 406 is configured to provide a signal having a unique characteristic (such as a pilot tone, which may be defined by a standard for unlicensed communications, or may be defined in other ways) to transmit filter 423 and transmit mixer 424 via connection 408 and to transmit filter 425 and transmit mixer 426 via connection 409. The output of transmit mixer 424 and the output of transmit mixer 426 are added together and provided to driver amplifier 436 or driver amplifier 438 via switch 421 in this example, but in other examples, a single (unadded or combined) signal is selectively routed to driver amplifier 436 or driver amplifier 434. In this exemplary embodiment, the added output of mixers 424 and 426 is provided to driver amplifier 436 and provided to transmit amplifier 442 via connection 465. In this way, in this example, a unique signal can be transmitted via antenna 324 (Ant1).

[0090] exist Figure 4A In the exemplary embodiment shown, a unique signal transmitted via antenna 324 may be coupled (or otherwise manifest as signal energy) at antenna 322 (Ant0), antenna 326 (Ant2), and / or antenna 328 (Ant3). In an exemplary embodiment, the coupling of signal energy from one antenna to another may occur via a mechanism known as mutual coupling. Due to the coupling of signal energy from the transmit antenna to the receive antenna, a receive signal will appear at LNA 446 (connected to antenna 328 (Ant3)), a receive signal will appear at LNA 454 (connected to antenna 326 (Ant2)), and a receive signal will appear at LNA 456 (connected to antenna 322 (Ant0)). In some embodiments, the receive signals appearing at LNA 446, LNA 454, and LNA 456 may be referred to as return signals.

[0091] In the exemplary embodiment, LNA 446 is connected to receive mixer 430 via connection 463 , LNA 454 is connected to receive mixer 432 via connection 467 , and LNA 456 is connected to receive mixer 434 via connection 468 .

[0092] In this example, because switch 447 connects transmit amplifier 442 to antenna 324 (Ant1), so that antenna 324 (Ant1) can be used as a transmit antenna in this example, LNA 444 does not receive any return signal energy.

[0093] In the exemplary embodiment, receive mixers 428 , 430 , 432 , and 434 may receive receive LO signals from LO signal generator 422 .

[0094] In this exemplary embodiment, reception mixer 428 is connected to reception filter 427 , reception mixer 430 is connected to reception filter 429 , reception mixer 432 is connected to reception filter 431 , and reception mixer 434 is connected to reception filter 433 .

[0095] In the exemplary embodiment, receive filters 427, 429, 431, and 433 are connected to Rx / RF detection and sensing element 407 via respective connections 411, 412, 413, and 414. LNAs 444, 446, 454, 456 may also be coupled to an Rx demodulator (e.g., in modem 405, not shown), which is configured to demodulate data communication signals received over the unlicensed frequency band via mixers 428, 430, 432, and / or 434 and / or receive filters 427, 429, 431, and 433, or via other circuitry. Other LNAs (not shown) may also be implemented in device 400 and configured to receive data communication signals received over the unlicensed frequency band.

[0096] In the example where signal energy is received by LNAs 446, 454, and 456, the amplitude and phase (td) provided by receive filter 429 on connection 412 corresponds to the return signal received at antenna 328 (Ant3), the amplitude and phase (td) provided by receive filter 431 on connection 413 corresponds to the return signal received at antenna 326 (Ant2), and the amplitude and phase (td) provided by receive filter 433 on connection 414 corresponds to the return signal received at antenna 322 (Ant0). The phase (td) is the phase difference between the phase of the return signal (Pcoupled) and the phase of the unique signal (Pinc) transmitted by the transmit antenna.

[0097] In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the signals on connections 412, 413, and 414 can be used in this example to characterize device 400 and determine the usage state of device 400 after characterization. For example, in this example, based on the amplitude and phase (td) of each signal on connections 412, 413, and 414 (provided by antennas 322 (Ant0), 326 (Ant2), and 328 (Ant3)), the communication device can be characterized, which can be used, for example, to determine whether one or more of the antennas are blocked. The phase (td) is the phase difference between the phase of the return signal (Pcoupled) and the phase of the signal (Pinc) transmitted by the transmitting antenna. The blocked antenna can be used to determine the holding method of the device (right hand, left hand, head side, etc.). This information can be used to establish a lookup table (or other mechanism) that can characterize various usage states of the device and can be used to determine the device usage state. Additional characterization information can be added to the lookup table by transmitting unique signals via different antennas, such as antenna 326 (Ant2), and measuring the return signals (Pcoupled) at antenna 322 (Ant0), antenna 324 (Ant1), and antenna 328 (Ant3). Knowing the usage state allows the behavior of the device to be changed based on the detected usage state. For example, the maximum allowed transmit power from a given antenna can be changed based on the detected usage state of device 400 (e.g., for RF exposure purposes). In another example, information obtained from signals associated with antennas 322 (Ant0), 326 (Ant2), and 328 (Ant3) can be used to determine the position of an object in space, or to determine gesture actions, for example, when device 400 is used as a game controller.

[0098] In an exemplary embodiment, the unlicensed communication circuitry in device 400 may not be subject to the same constraints as the licensed communication circuitry that may also be present in device 400. For example, the unlicensed communication circuitry in device 400 may not have specific timing or power requirements (or may have less stringent power requirements) that may specify the transmit time or transmit power. In this way, the unlicensed communication circuitry in device 400 is suitable for device characterization. In some examples, device state detection may be performed more frequently or at more appropriate times than the operation of known devices, and / or the increased transmit power of the unique transmit signal may allow objects or gestures to be detected at greater resolution or distance. In some examples, device state detection as described herein may be performed with a (unique) signal having reduced complexity (relative to the signal itself and / or the hardware required to transmit and / or receive it) compared to an FMCW signal. In some examples, the unique signal is not transmitted or received in the ISM band.

[0099] In an exemplary embodiment, a unique signal, such as a pilot tone with an exemplary power of -20 dBm, may be transmitted via antenna 324 (Ant1). The signal energy transmitted by antenna 324 (Ant1) may be coupled to antenna 322 (Ant0), antenna 326 (Ant2), and antenna 328 (Ant3). In an alternative exemplary embodiment, a unique signal, such as a pilot tone with an exemplary power of -20 dBm, may be transmitted via antenna 324 (Ant1) for a short duration, and thereafter switch 447 may be switched to receive a return signal reflected from an object or gesture action at antenna 324 (Ant1). In addition, the return signal reflected from an object or gesture action may be measured at antenna 322 (Ant0), antenna 326 (Ant2), and antenna 328 (Ant3).

[0100] The amplitude and phase (td) information received by the antenna can be used for device characterization, usage status determination, posture detection and other device parameters. In an exemplary embodiment, the time difference between the incident signal (Pinc) and the reflected signal can be used to estimate the distance of the object from the antenna and / or the posture action. The phase (td) is the phase difference between the phase of the return signal (Pcoupled) and the phase of the signal (Pinc) emitted by the transmitting antenna. In an exemplary embodiment, the reflected signal can come from the antenna, or from the body or object, and can be caused by the posture.

[0101] Figure 4B , Figure 4C , Figure 4D , Figure 4E and Figure 4F is a diagram showing an exemplary usage state of a communication device. Figure 4B , Figure 4C , Figure 4D , Figure 4E and Figure 4F The exemplary usage states shown may be determined according to the systems and methods for RF sensing described herein. Reference will be made to device 300 below, but such description is equally applicable to device 400 .

[0102] Figure 4B An exemplary free space usage state is shown, in which the communication device 300 is determined to be located in a free space.

[0103] Figure 4C An exemplary left-hand (HL) usage state is shown, in which the communication device 300 is determined to be located in the user's left hand.

[0104] Figure 4D An exemplary right-hand (HR) use state is shown, in which the communication device 300 is determined to be located in the user's right hand.

[0105] Figure 4E An exemplary next-to-head-left-hand (BHHL) usage state is shown in which the communication device 300 is determined to be located in the user's left hand and next to the left side of the user's 305 head.

[0106] Figure 4F An exemplary next-to-head right-hand (BHHR) usage state is shown in which the communication device 300 is determined to be located in the user's right hand and next to the right side of the user's 305 head.

[0107] Apart from Figure 4B-Figure 4F In addition to the use states shown, other use states may be determined in addition or alternatively. For example, a use state may be determined in which a user holds either end of device 300 (e.g., in a gaming mode) or in which two users each hold a respective end of device 300. As another example, a use state may be determined in which device 300 is set next to the head of user 305 and not near any of the user's hands (e.g., when the device is strapped to the front of the head for a VR configuration). Other examples are also possible.

[0108] Figure 4G An exemplary device characterization table 455 is shown. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more characterization tables may be developed as part of a device characterization training operation. For example, the device characterization table 455 may include amplitude and phase (td) information for one or more antennas. The phase (td) is the phase difference between the phase of the return signal (Pcoupled) and the phase of the unique signal (Pinc) transmitted by the transmitting antenna. Figure 4G In the example shown, the device characterization table 455 shows the corresponding Figure 4B , Figure 4C , Figure 4D , Figure 4E and Figure 4FThe usage states shown are US0 (free space), US1 (left hand), US2 (right hand), US3 (left hand next to the head), and US4 (right hand next to the head). In an exemplary embodiment, the device characterization table 455 shows that the antenna 324 (Ant1) transmits a unique signal (e.g., a pilot signal) at a power of -20 dBm. The device characterization table 455 also shows the amplitude (power measured in dBm) and phase (in degrees relative to the antenna 324 (Ant1 in this example) for each of the antennas 322 (Ant0), 326 (Ant2), and 328 (Ant3) for each usage state US0, US1, US2, US3, and US4. In this way, the amplitude and phase (td) can be developed for each usage state. The phase (td) is the phase difference between the phase of the return signal (Pcoupled) and the phase of the signal (Pinc) transmitted by the transmitting antenna. One or more device characterization tables can be developed and stored in a memory, such as Figure 2A Memory 298 in. In addition, in some examples, the determination of the usage state may depend on the power value from a single receive antenna, or may be based on values ​​obtained from several receive antennas (eg, based on transmissions from one or more antennas).

[0109] Figure 4H Exemplary usage states and attitude / RF detection signals are shown. In an exemplary embodiment, usage state 485 shows a transmit signal 466 (also referred to as a TX only (incident) signal (Pinc)) and a return signal 469 (also referred to as a coupled signal in this example); however, return signal 469 may also be a reflected signal as described herein. In an exemplary embodiment, the phase (td1) or timing delay between transmit signal 466 and return signal 469 can be used to determine the usage state of the device. Phase (td1) is the phase difference between the phase of the return signal (Pcoupled) and the phase of the signal (Pinc) transmitted by the transmitting antenna. This can be used to detect usage states, bodies, or objects near the antenna / phone (e.g., distance <= 4cm).

[0110] In an exemplary embodiment, a transmit signal 476 (also referred to as the TX only (incident) signal (Pinc)) and a return signal 479 (also referred to as a coupled signal in this example) are shown using state 475; however, return signal 479 may also be a reflected signal as described herein. In an exemplary embodiment, the phase (td2) or timing delay between transmit signal 476 and return signal 479 may be used to determine the attitude or RF state of the device. The phase (td2) is the phase difference between the phase of the return signal (Pcoupled) and the phase of the signal (Pinc) transmitted by the transmit antenna. This can be used to detect attitudes or objects that are farther away from the antenna / phone (e.g., distance > approximately 4 cm). As Figure 4H As shown, transmit signals 466 and / or 476 may be signals other than FMCW signals.

[0111] Figure 5A and Figure 5B is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a communication device 500 configured for unlicensed communications. Figure 5A and Figure 5B The portion of the communication device 500 shown is similar to Figure 4A Portion 400 of a communications device is shown, except as otherwise described below. Figure 5A and Figure 5B Zhongyu Figure 4A Similar elements in the will be numbered using the notation 5XX, where Figure 5A and Figure 5B Elements marked 5XX in the Figure 4A When measuring the incident power and phase of the coupled incident return signal from a power amplifier, the Figure 5A When measuring the power and phase of the return signal coupled from one antenna to another, the Figure 5B The configuration of the communication device 500 is shown.

[0112] In an exemplary embodiment, the communication device 500 may include a modem 505, a transceiver 520, a front end module (FEM) 540, and a FEM 550. In an exemplary embodiment, the modem 505, the transceiver 520, the FEM 540, and the FEM 550 may be configured to operate on unlicensed bands, such as those associated with WiFi, Bluetooth (BT), or other unlicensed bands. Other unlicensed bands may include, but are not limited to, 5GHz WiFi and 5G New Radio-Unlicensed (5G NR-U) and other unlicensed bands. In an exemplary embodiment, the modem 505 may include a transmit (Tx) modulator 506 and a receive (Rx) / radio frequency (RF) detection and sensing element 507. In an exemplary embodiment, the Tx modulator 506 may be configured to generate a test signal, such as a pilot tone, or another signal having a unique code or other unique characteristics.

[0113] In an exemplary embodiment, the transceiver 520 may include a local oscillator (LO) signal generator 522, a transmit filter 523, a transmit filter 525, a transmit mixer 524, a transmit mixer 526, a switch 521, a driver amplifier 536, and a driver amplifier 538. The LO signal generator 522, the transmit filter 523, the transmit filter 525, the transmit mixer 524, the transmit mixer 526, the switch 521, the driver amplifier 536, and the driver amplifier 538 may be similar to Figure 2A TX LO signal generator 290, baseband (eg, low pass) filters 232a and 232b, amplifiers 234a and 234b, and up-conversion mixers 241a and 241b.

[0114] In an exemplary embodiment, the transceiver 520 may include a receive filter 562 and a receive mixer 560. In an exemplary embodiment, the receive filter 562 and the receive mixer 560 may be a so-called feedback receiver 564, or may form a part thereof. Feedback receivers are generally used for Tx power control, antenna impedance / coupling measurement, antenna tuning, predistortion, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the feedback receiver 564 is used for use status and attitude detection. In an exemplary embodiment, the receiver mixer 560 may receive an LO signal from the Tx LO signal generator 522. In an exemplary embodiment, the switch 567 may be configured to connect the receive mixer 560 to a selected one of the FEM 540, FEM 540-1, FEM 550, and FEM 550-1. In this example, the switch 567 is shown as a four-position switch, but the capacity of the switch 567 may be designed based on the number of FEMs and / or antennas coupled thereto.

[0115] In an exemplary embodiment, FEM 540 may include a switch 547, a directional coupler 548, a transmit amplifier 542, and a receive amplifier 544. Multiple instances of FEM 540 may be implemented with FEM 540-1 shown for reference. Transmit amplifier 542 may include one or more driver stages and power amplifier stages, and may be similar to Figure 2A The receiving amplifier 544 may include a low noise amplifier (LNA) and may be similar to Figure 2A In an exemplary embodiment, switch 547 may be a three-position switch configured to select between transmit amplifier 542, LNA 544, and system ground via a terminated load (e.g., 50 ohms) 549. In an exemplary embodiment ( Figure 5A ), directional coupler 548 is configured to couple the transmit signal power (Pinc) to feedback receiver 564 via an internal switch in coupler 548 when switch 547 selects power amplifier 542. The measured Pinc (signal amplitude and phase) is used as a reference for comparison with the return signal.

[0116] In an exemplary embodiment, FEM 550 may include switch 557, directional coupler 558, transmit amplifier 552, and receive amplifier 554. Multiple instances of FEM 550 may be implemented with FEM 550-1 shown for reference. Transmit amplifier 552 may include one or more driver stages and power amplifier stages, and may be similar to Figure 2A The receiving amplifier 554 may include a low noise amplifier (LNA) and may be similar to Figure 2A 554 and the system ground. In an exemplary embodiment, the switch 557 may be a three-position switch configured to select between the transmit amplifier 552, the LNA 554 and the system ground via a terminating load (e.g., 50 ohms) 559. In an exemplary embodiment, the directional coupler 558 is configured to couple a portion of the signal traveling between the switch 557 and the antenna 326 (Ant2) (via an internal switch in the directional coupler 558) when the switch 557 is set to the system ground via the terminating load (e.g., 50 ohms) 559.

[0117] In an exemplary embodiment, switch 547 may be configured to connect transmit amplifier 542 to antenna 324 (Ant1) in this example. LNA 544 remains unconnected in this example.

[0118] In this example, circuitry on FEM 540 - 1 may be connected to antenna 328 ( Ant3 ), and in this example, circuitry on FEM 550 - 1 may be connected to antenna 322 ( Ant0 ).

[0119] According to an exemplary embodiment, Tx modulator 506 is configured to provide a unique signal (such as a pilot tone) to transmit filter 523 and transmit mixer 524 via connection 508 and to transmit filter 525 and transmit mixer 526 via connection 509. The output of transmit mixer 524 and the output of transmit mixer 526 are added together and provided to driver amplifier 536 or driver amplifier 538 via switch 521. In the exemplary embodiment, the added output of mixers 524 and 526 is provided to driver amplifier 536 and provided to transmit amplifier 542 via connection 565. In this way, in this example, the unique signal can be transmitted via antenna 324 (Ant1).

[0120] In the exemplary embodiment, directional coupler 558 is connected to receive mixer 560 via connection 568 , and receive mixer 560 is connected to receive filter 562 via connection 561 .

[0121] In this example, because switch 547 connects transmit amplifier 542 to antenna 324 (Ant1), so that antenna 324 (Ant1) can be used as a transmit antenna in this example, LNA 544 does not receive any signal energy.

[0122] In the exemplary embodiment, receive mixer 560 may receive a receive LO signal from LO signal generator 522 .

[0123] In the exemplary embodiment, receive filter 562 is connected to Rx / RF detection and sensing element 507 via connection 563 .

[0124] In which the signal energy is the power amplifier 542 ( Figure 5A ), the return signal is coupled by directional coupler 548 to switch 567 via connection 569 and received by receive mixer 560, and the amplitude and phase (td) provided by receive filter 562 on connection 563 correspond to the power of the signal output by power amplifier 542. The coupled signal on connection 569 can be measured, and the incident power measurement is used to provide transmit power control. The phase (td) is the phase difference between the phase of the coupled return signal and the phase of the signal (Pinc) transmitted by the transmit antenna. In other exemplary embodiments, the transmit signal can be transmitted by Ant0 or Ant2 or Ant3, and the return signal is measured on a non-transmitting antenna to characterize the device 500.

[0125] Figure 5B is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a communication device 500 configured for unlicensed communications. Figure 5BThe portion of the communication device 500 shown is similar to Figure 5A The portion 500 of the communication device is shown, except as otherwise described below. Figure 5B In FIG. 5 , communication device 500 illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which transmit power is analyzed by analyzing a signal coupled from one antenna to another antenna. Figure 5B , a unique signal is transmitted via antenna 324 (Ant1) and coupled to antenna 326 (Ant2), where the return signal can be directed to FEM 550. In an exemplary embodiment, switch 557 can be set to system ground via terminating load (e.g., 50 ohms) 559, so directional coupler 558 can be configured to couple energy (via the switch of the coupler) from antenna 326 (Ant2) to feedback receiver 564.

[0126] In an exemplary embodiment, a unique signal transmitted via antenna 324 (Ant1) may be coupled (or otherwise manifest as signal energy) at antenna 326 (Ant2). In an exemplary embodiment, the coupling of signal energy from antenna 324 (Ant1) to antenna 326 (Ant2) may be a mutual coupling.

[0127] In this example, antenna 326 (Ant2) is connected to directional coupler 558 so that the coupled signal energy received from antenna 324 (Ant1) at antenna 326 (Ant2) is provided as a return signal to receive mixer 560 via switch 567 through connection 568 for processing by feedback receiver 564 as described herein.

[0128] In an exemplary embodiment, the signal on connection 563 in this example can be used to characterize device 500 and determine the usage state of device 500 after characterization. For example, the amplitude and phase (td) of the signal on connection 563 can be used to determine whether the antenna is blocked. The blocked antenna can be used to determine the way the device is held (right hand, left hand, head side, etc.). This information can be used to establish a lookup table that can characterize various usage states of the device and can be used to determine the device usage state. Knowing the usage state allows the behavior of the device to be changed based on the detected usage state. For example, the maximum allowed transmission power from a given antenna can be changed based on the detected usage state of device 500. In another example, information obtained from signals associated with one or more of antennas 322 (Ant0), 326 (Ant2), and 328 (Ant3) can be used to determine the position or gesture of an object in space, for example, when device 500 is used as a game controller.

[0129] In an exemplary embodiment, the unlicensed communication circuitry in device 500 may not be subject to the same constraints as the licensed communication circuitry that may also be present in device 500. For example, the unlicensed communication circuitry in device 500 may not have specific timing or power requirements (or may have less stringent power requirements) that may dictate transmit times or transmit powers. In this manner, the unlicensed communication circuitry in device 500 is suitable for device characterization. In some examples, device state detection may be performed more frequently or at more appropriate times than in known device operation, and / or increased transmit power of a unique transmit signal may allow objects or gestures to be detected at greater resolution or distance.

[0130] Figure 5C Shown with Figure 5B The corresponding exemplary device characterization table 555. The device characterization table 555 may include amplitude and phase (td) information for one or more antennas. The phase (td) is the phase difference between the phase of the return signal (Pcoupled) and the phase of the signal (Pinc) transmitted by the transmitting antenna. Figure 5C In the example shown, the device characterization table 555 shows Figure 4B , Figure 4C , Figure 4D , Figure 4E and Figure 4FThe usage states shown correspond to the usage states US0 (free space), US1 (left hand), US2 (right hand), US3 (left hand next to the head), and US4 (right hand next to the head). In an exemplary embodiment, the device characterization table 555 shows that the antenna 324 (Ant1) transmits a unique signal (e.g., a pilot signal) at a power of 10 dBm. The device characterization table 555 also shows the amplitude (power measured in dBm) and phase (in degrees relative to the antenna 324 (Ant1 in this example)) for each of the antennas 322 (Ant0), 326 (Ant2), and 328 (Ant3) for each usage state US0, US1, US2, US3, and US4. In this way, an amplitude and phase (td) can be generated for each usage state. The phase (td) is the phase difference between the phase of the return signal (Pcoupled) and the phase of the signal (Pinc) transmitted by the transmitting antenna. Although switch 567 is described above as coupling one of antennas 322 (Ant0), 326 (Ant2), and 328 (Ant3) at a time to feedback receiver (FBRX) 564, and table 555 is described as having individual power values ​​for each antenna for each usage state, signals from multiple antennas may be combined before the power values ​​are provided to Rx / RF detection and sensing element 507. Furthermore, in some examples, the determination of a usage state may depend on a power value from a single receive antenna, or may be based on values ​​obtained from several receive antennas (e.g., based on transmissions from one or more antennas, obtained in serial or parallel fashion).

[0131] Fig. 6A is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a communication device 600 configured for unlicensed communications. Fig. 6A The portion of the communication device 600 shown is similar to Figure 5A Portion 500 of a communications device is shown, except as otherwise described below. Fig. 6A Zhongyu Figure 5A Elements similar to the elements in the will be numbered using the symbol 6XX, where Fig. 6A The elements marked 6XX in are similar to Figure 5A When measuring the incident power and phase of a power amplifier, you can use Fig. 6A The configuration of the communication device 600 is shown.

[0132] In an exemplary embodiment, the communication device 600 may include a modem 605, a transceiver 620, a front end module (FEM) 640, and a FEM 650. In an exemplary embodiment, the modem 605, the transceiver 620, the FEM 640, and the FEM 650 may be configured to operate on unlicensed bands, such as those associated with WiFi, Bluetooth (BT), or other unlicensed bands. Other unlicensed bands may include, but are not limited to, 5GHz WiFi and 5G New Radio-Unlicensed (5G NR-U) and other unlicensed bands. In an exemplary embodiment, the modem 505 may include a transmit (Tx) modulator 606 and a receive (Rx) / radio frequency (RF) detection and sensing element 607. In an exemplary embodiment, the Tx modulator 606 may be configured to generate a test signal, such as a pilot tone, or another signal with a unique code.

[0133] In an exemplary embodiment, the transceiver 620 may include a local oscillator (LO) signal generator 622, a transmit filter 623, a transmit filter 625, a transmit mixer 624, a transmit mixer 626, a switch 621, a driver amplifier 636, and a driver amplifier 638. The LO signal generator 622, the transmit filter 623, the transmit filter 625, the transmit mixer 624, and the transmit mixer 626 may be similar to Figure 2A TX LO signal generator 290, baseband (eg, low pass) filters 232a and 232b, up-conversion mixers 241a and 241b (and Figure 2B mixer 276).

[0134] In an exemplary embodiment, the transceiver 620 may include a receive filter 662 and a receive mixer 660. In an exemplary embodiment, the receive filter 662 and the receive mixer 660 may be a so-called feedback receiver 664, or may form a part thereof, as described above. In an exemplary embodiment, the receiver mixer 660 may receive an LO signal from the Tx LO signal generator 622. In an exemplary embodiment, the switch 667 may be configured to connect the receive mixer 660 to a selected one of the FEM 640, FEM 640-1, FEM 650, and FEM 650-1. In this example, the switch 667 is shown as a four-position switch, but the capability of the switch 667 may be based on the number of FEMs and / or antennas coupled thereto.

[0135] In an exemplary embodiment, FEM 640 may include a switch 647, a directional coupler 648, a transmit amplifier 642, and a receive amplifier 644. Multiple instances of FEM 640 may be implemented with FEM 640-n shown for reference. Transmit amplifier 642 may include one or more driver stages and power amplifier stages, and may be similar to Figure 2A The receiving amplifier 644 may include a low noise amplifier (LNA) and may be similar to Figure 2A LNA 252. Fig. 6A In an exemplary embodiment of , switch 647 may be a three-position switch configured to select between transmit amplifier 642, LNA 644, and system ground via a terminated load (e.g., 50 ohms) 649. In an exemplary embodiment, directional coupler 648 is configured to couple a portion of the incident power (Pinc) traveling between switch 647 and antenna 324 (Ant1) when switch 647 selects power amplifier 642. In this example, the incident power (Pinc) energy received at signal coupler 648 is provided to receive mixer 660 via switch 667 via connection 669. In some embodiments, the signal on connection 669 may be referred to as an incident signal (Pinc). In this example where the signal energy is received by receive mixer 660, the amplitude and phase provided by receive filter 662 on connection 663 corresponds to the incident signal (Pinc) at antenna 324 (Ant1) in this example. This measured Pinc (signal amplitude and phase) is used as a reference for comparison with the return signal. The amount of power present on connection 669 depends on many factors including, for example, the loading conditions of antenna 324 (Ant1) in this example.

[0136] Figure 6B is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a communication device 600 configured for unlicensed communications. Figure 6B The portion of the communication device 600 shown is similar to Fig. 6A The portion 600 of the communication device is shown, except as otherwise described below. Figure 6B In FIG. 6 , communication device 600 illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which transmit power is analyzed by analyzing the signal coupled from transmit antenna 324 (Ant1) and reflected back to directional coupler 648 due to mismatch. Figure 6B , a unique signal is transmitted via antenna 324 (Ant1) and the reflected signal is coupled back to directional coupler 648, where the return signal can be directed onto connection 669. The return signal appears at directional coupler 648 and then travels over connection 669 and is then directed by switch 667 to receive mixer 660 for processing by feedback receiver 664, as described herein.

[0137] In this example, antenna 324 (Ant1) reflects a portion of the transmit signal back to directional coupler 648, so that the return signal (Pref) reflected from 324 (Ant2) received at directional coupler 646 is provided to receive mixer 660 via connection 669. In some embodiments, the signal on connection 669 can be referred to as the return signal (Pref) reflected from antenna 324 (Ant1). The amount of power that appears on connection 669 depends on many factors, including, for example, the load conditions of antenna 324 (Ant1) in this example.

[0138] Due to the signal energy reflected from the transmit antenna, the receive signal will appear at the receive mixer 660 in the feedback receiver 664 (connected to the directional coupler 648) via connection 669 in this example.

[0139] In this example, because switch 647 connects transmit amplifier 642 to antenna 324 (Ant1) so that antenna 324 (Ant1) can be used as a transmit antenna, LNA 644 does not receive any signal energy.

[0140] In the exemplary embodiment, receive filter 662 is connected to Rx / RF detection and sensing element 607 via connection 663 .

[0141] In the example where signal energy is received by receive mixer 660, the amplitude and phase (td) provided by receive filter 662 on connection 663 corresponds to the return signal (Pref) reflected from antenna 324 (Ant1). The phase (td) here is the phase difference between the phase (Pref) of the return signal reflected from 324Ant1 and the phase (Pinc) of the incident signal Power.

[0142] Figure 6C Exemplary device characterization tables 655 and 675 are shown. Characterization tables 655 and 675 show the incident power (Pinc) of the signal transmitted by each of antennas 322 (Ant0), 324 (Ant1), 326 (Ant2), and 328 (Ant3), and in this example, the returned reflected power (Pref) shown on various individual antennas (Ant0, Ant1, Ant2, and Ant3) for various usage states. The values ​​of reflected power (Pref) shown for each antenna and each usage state allow the usage state to be determined.

[0143] In an exemplary embodiment, the signal on connection 663 in this example can be used to characterize the device 600 and determine the usage state of the device 600 after the characterization. For example, in this example, based on the amplitude and phase (td) of the signal on connection 663, the impedance of antenna 324 (Ant1) can be determined, which can be used to determine whether the antenna is blocked. The blocked antenna can be used to determine how the device is held (right hand, left hand, head side, etc.). This information can be used to build a lookup table that can characterize various usage states of the device and can be used to determine the device usage state. Knowing the usage state allows the behavior of the device to be changed based on the detected usage state. For example, the maximum allowed transmit power from a given antenna can be changed based on the detected usage state of the device 600. In another example, information obtained from signals associated with one or more of antennas 322 (Ant0), 326 (Ant2), and 328 (Ant3) (as described above) can be used to determine the load condition of the antenna of the device 600, thereby characterizing and determining the usage state of the device according to the LUT or the posture inferred by the device. In some examples, determination of usage status may depend on a power value from a single receive antenna, or may be based on values ​​obtained from several receive antennas (eg, based on transmissions from one or more antennas, obtained in serial or parallel fashion).

[0144] In an exemplary embodiment, the unlicensed communication circuitry in device 600 may not be subject to the same constraints as the licensed communication circuitry that may also be present in device 600. For example, the unlicensed communication circuitry in device 600 may not have specific timing or power requirements (or may have less stringent power requirements) that may dictate transmit times or transmit powers. In this manner, the unlicensed communication circuitry in device 600 is suitable for device characterization. In some examples, device state detection may be performed more frequently or at more appropriate times than in known device operation, and / or increased transmit power of a unique transmit signal may allow objects or gestures to be detected at greater resolution or distance.

[0145] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a communication device 700 configured for unlicensed communications.

[0146] Figure 7 The portion of the communication device 700 shown is similar to Figure 4A The portion of the communication device 400 shown is similar to Figure 5A The portion of the communication device 500 shown in FIG. Fig. 6A Portions of communication device 600 are shown except as otherwise described below. Figure 7 Zhongyu Figure 4ASimilar elements in the will be numbered using the symbol 7XX, where Figure 7 The elements marked 7XX in the Figure 4A Elements marked as 4XX in Figure 7 Zhongyu Figure 5A Similar elements in the will be numbered using the symbol 7XX, where Figure 7 The elements marked 7XX in the Figure 5A Elements marked 5XX in Figure 7 Zhongyu Fig. 6A Similar elements in the will be numbered using the symbol 7XX, where Figure 7 The elements marked 7XX in the Fig. 6A Elements marked 6XX in .

[0147] In an exemplary embodiment, the communication device 700 may include a modem 705, a transceiver 720, a front end module (FEM) 740, and a FEM 750. In an exemplary embodiment, the modem 705, the transceiver 720, the FEM 740, and the FEM 750 may be configured to operate on unlicensed bands, such as those associated with WiFi, Bluetooth (BT), or other unlicensed bands. Other unlicensed bands may include, but are not limited to, 5GHz WiFi and 5G New Radio-Unlicensed (5G NR-U) and other unlicensed bands. In an exemplary embodiment, the modem 705 may include a transmit (Tx) modulator 706 and a receive (Rx) / radio frequency (RF) detection and sensing element 707. In an exemplary embodiment, the Tx modulator 706 may be configured to generate a test signal, such as a pilot tone, or another signal with a unique code.

[0148] In an exemplary embodiment, the transceiver 720 may include a local oscillator (LO) signal generator 722, a transmit filter 723, a transmit filter 725, a transmit mixer 724, a transmit mixer 726, a switch 721, a driver amplifier 736, and a driver amplifier 738. The LO signal generator 722, the transmit filter 723, the transmit filter 725, the transmit mixer 724, and the transmit mixer 726 may be similar to Figure 2A TX LO signal generator 290, baseband (eg, low pass) filters 232a and 232b, amplifiers 234a and 234b, and up-conversion mixers 241a and 241b.

[0149] In an exemplary embodiment, the transceiver 720 may include reception filters 727 , 729 , 731 , and 733 , and may include reception mixers 728 , 730 , 732 , and 734 .

[0150] Receive filters 727, 729, 731 and 733 may be similar to Figure 2A Baseband (e.g., low pass) filters 264a and 264b. Receive mixers 728, 730, 732, and 734 may be similar to Figure 2A Down-conversion mixers 261a and 261b.

[0151] In an exemplary embodiment, the transceiver 720 may include a receive filter 762 and a receive mixer 760. In an exemplary embodiment, as described above, the receive filter 762 and the receive mixer 760 may be a so-called feedback receiver 764, or may form part thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the receive mixer 760 may receive an LO signal from the Tx LO signal generator 722.

[0152] Switch 780 may be connected to receive mixer 760 via connection 781 , and may be configured to switchably connect receive mixer 760 to connection 769 or connection 766 .

[0153] In an exemplary embodiment, FEM 740 may include switch 747, directional coupler 748, switch 741, transmit amplifier 742, and receive amplifiers 744 and 746. Transmit amplifier 742 may include one or more driver stages and power amplifier stages, and may be similar to Figure 2A PA 244. Transmit amplifier 742 may be connected to antenna 324 (Ant1) or antenna 328 (Ant3) via switch 741. In an exemplary embodiment, switch 741 may be a double-pole double-throw (DPDT) switch. Receive amplifiers 744 and 746 may each include a low noise amplifier (LNA) and may be similar to Figure 2A LNA 252.

[0154] In an exemplary embodiment, switch 747 may be a three-position switch configured to select among transmit amplifier 742, LNA 744, and through a terminating load (e.g., 50 ohms) 749. In an exemplary embodiment, switch 741 may be configured to connect between antenna 324 (Ant1), antenna 328 (Ant3), LNA 756, and switch 747. In an exemplary embodiment, a logic "0" turns switch 741 (e.g., Figure 7 ) is configured to connect antenna 324 (Ant1) to switch 747 via directional coupler 748. In an exemplary embodiment, directional coupler 748 is configured to couple a portion of the signal traveling between switch 741 (i.e., antenna 324 (Ant1) in this example) and switch 747 when switch 747 is set to be connected to transmit amplifier 742. Figure 7In the example shown, switch 747 is configured to connect transmit amplifier 742 to antenna 324 (Ant1) via directional coupler 748 and switch 741. Switch 741 is also configured to connect antenna 328 (Ant3) to LNA 746 via connection 743 in the exemplary embodiment.

[0155] In an exemplary embodiment, FEM 750 may include switch 757, directional coupler 758, transmit amplifier 752, switch 751, and receive amplifiers 754 and 756. Transmit amplifier 752 may include one or more driver stages and power amplifier stages, and may be similar to Figure 2A PA 244. Receive amplifiers 754 and 756 may each include a low noise amplifier (LNA) and may be similar to Figure 2A LNA 754 may be connected to receive mixer 732 via connection 767 , and LNA 756 may be connected to receive mixer 734 via connection 768 .

[0156] In an exemplary embodiment, switch 757 may be a three-position switch configured to select among transmit amplifier 752, LNA 754, and ground via a terminating load (e.g., 50 ohms) 759. In an exemplary embodiment, switch 751 may be a DPDT switch similar to switch 741 configured to connect among antenna 326 (Ant2), antenna 322 (Ant0), LNA 756, and switch 757. In an exemplary embodiment, a logic "0" configures switch 751 to connect antenna 326 (Ant2) to switch 757 via a directional coupler 758. In an exemplary embodiment, directional coupler 758 is configured to couple a portion of a signal traveling between switch 751 (i.e., antenna 326 (Ant2) in this example) and switch 757 when switch 757 is set to system ground via a terminating load 759 (e.g., 50 ohms). Figure 7 In the example shown, switch 757 is arranged to connect a terminating load 759 (50 ohms) to antenna 326 (Ant2) via directional coupler 758 and switch 751. Switch 751 also connects antenna 322 (Ant0) to LNA 756 via connection 753.

[0157] According to an exemplary embodiment, Tx modulator 706 is configured to provide a unique signal (such as a pilot tone) to transmit filter 723 and transmit mixer 724 through connection 708 and to transmit filter 725 and transmit mixer 726 through connection 709. The output of transmit mixer 724 and the output of transmit mixer 726 are added together and provided to driver amplifier 736 or driver amplifier 738 through switch 721. In the exemplary embodiment, the added output of mixers 724 and 726 is provided to driver amplifier 736 and provided to transmit amplifier 742 through connection 765. In this way, in this example, the unique signal can be transmitted via switch 741 and antenna 324 (Ant1).

[0158] In an exemplary embodiment, a unique signal transmitted via antenna 324 (Ant1) may be coupled (or otherwise manifest as signal energy) at antenna 322 (Ant0), antenna 326 (ant2), and antenna 328 (Ant3); or may be reflected by antenna 324 (Ant1) back to FEM 740.

[0159] For example, if switch 780 is set to connect directional coupler 748 to receive mixer 760 in feedback receiver 764, the return signal (Pref) reflected from antenna 324 (Ant1) through directional coupler 748 and connection 769 appears as the return signal (Pref) reflected from antenna 324 (Ant1) at receive mixer 760. In some embodiments, the signal on connection 769 may be referred to as a return signal.

[0160] The return signal (Pref) reflected from the transmit antenna appears at the receive mixer 760 (connected to the directional coupler 748 via switch 780 in this example) through connection 769 in this example.

[0161] However, if switch 780 is set to connect directional coupler 758 to receive mixer 760, energy coupled from antenna 326 (Ant2 in this example) through directional coupler 758 and connection 766 appears as a return signal (coupled) at receive mixer 760. In some embodiments, the signal on connection 766 may be referred to as a return signal.

[0162] In this example, antenna 326 (Ant2) is connected to directional coupler 758 such that coupled signal energy received at antenna 326 (Ant2) is provided to receive mixer 760 through connection 766 and via switch 780.

[0163] In this example, switch 747 and switch 741 connect transmit amplifier 742 to antenna 324 (Ant1) so that antenna 324 (Ant1) can be used as a transmit antenna in this example, and LNA 746 is connected to antenna 328 (Ant3).

[0164] In the exemplary embodiment, receive mixers 728 , 730 , 732 , and 734 and receive mixer 760 may receive a receive LO signal from LO signal generator 722 .

[0165] In this exemplary embodiment, receive mixer 728 is connected to receive filter 727, receive mixer 730 is connected to receive filter 729, receive mixer 732 is connected to receive filter 731, and receive mixer 734 is connected to receive filter 733. Receive mixer 760 is connected to receive filter 762 via connection 761.

[0166] In the exemplary embodiment, receive filters 727, 729, 731, 733, and 762 are connected to switch 715 via respective connections 710, 711, 712, 713, and 714. Switch 715 may be a multi-position switch that connects receive filters 727, 729, 731, and one or more of 733 and 762 to Rx / RF detection and sensing element 707 via connection 763. Figure 7 In the example shown, switch 715 is configured to connect the output of receive filter 762 to Rx / RF detection and sensing element 707 via connection 710 .

[0167] In the example where the switch 780 is configured so that the return signal (Pref) reflected by the antenna 324Ant1 is received by the receive mixer 760 via the connection 769, the amplitude and phase (td) provided by the receive filter 762 on the connection 710 correspond to the signal reflected by the antenna 324 (Ant1). The phase (td) is the phase difference between the phase (Pref) of the return signal reflected from the antenna 324 (Ant1) and the phase of the incident signal (Pinc) at the output of the power amplifier 742.

[0168] In the example where switch 780 is configured such that the return signal is received by receive mixer 760 via connection 766, the amplitude and phase (td) provided by receive filter 762 on connection 710 corresponds to the signal energy coupled to antenna 326 (Ant2).

[0169] In the example where switch 741 is configured so that the return signal (Pcoupled) via LNA 746 is received by receiver mixer 730 via connection 773, the amplitude and phase (td) provided by receive filter 729 on connection 712 corresponds to the signal coupled to antenna 328 (Ant3). In this example, the phase (td) is the phase difference between the phase of the return signal (Pcoupled) and the phase of the signal (Pinc) transmitted by transmit antenna 324 (Ant1).

[0170] In the example where switch 751 is configured so that the return signal (Pcoupled) via LNA 756 is received by receive mixer 734 via connection 768, the amplitude and phase (td) provided by receive filter 733 on connection 714 corresponds to the signal coupled to antenna 322 (Ant0). In this example, the phase (td) is the phase difference between the phase of the return signal (Pcoupled) and the phase of the signal (Pinc) transmitted by transmit antenna 324 (Ant1).

[0171] In the example where switch 751 is configured so that a return signal (Pcoupled) via LNA 754 connected to switch 757 is received by receiver mixer 732 via connection 767, the amplitude and phase (td) provided by receive filter 731 on connection 713 corresponds to the signal coupled to antenna 326 (Ant2). The phase (td) is the phase difference between the phase of the return signal (Pcoupled) and the phase of the signal (Pinc) transmitted by transmit antenna (324 (Ant1)).

[0172] In an exemplary embodiment, one or more signals on connection 763 in this example can be used to characterize device 700 and determine the usage state of device 700 after characterization. For example, in this example, based on the amplitude and phase (td) of the signal on connection 763, the return signal (Pref) reflected from antenna 324 (Ant1), and the return signal (Pcoupled) at antenna 326 (Ant2), antenna 328 (Ant3) and antenna 322 (Ant0) can be determined, which can be used to determine whether one or more antennas are blocked. Blocked antennas can be used to determine how the device is held (right hand, left hand, head side, etc.). This information can be used to establish a lookup table that can characterize various usage states of the device and can be used to determine the device usage state. Knowing the usage state allows the behavior of the device to be changed based on the detected usage state. For example, the maximum allowed transmit power from a given antenna can be changed based on the detected usage state of device 700. In another example, information obtained from signals associated with one or more of antennas 324 (Ant1), 322 (Ant0), 326 (Ant2), and 328 (Ant3) can be used to determine the position of an object in space or recognize gestures, for example, when device 700 is used as a game controller.

[0173] In another example, similar characterization and usage status determination may be performed on other transmitting antennas ( 328 (Ant3 ), 322 (Ant0 ), 326 (Ant2 )) by setting appropriate switches and their corresponding logic.

[0174] In an exemplary embodiment, the unlicensed communication circuitry in device 700 may not be subject to the same constraints as the licensed communication circuitry that may also be present in device 700. For example, the unlicensed communication circuitry in device 700 may not have specific timing or power requirements (or may have less stringent power requirements) that may dictate transmission times or transmission powers. In this manner, the unlicensed communication circuitry in device 700 is suitable for device characterization. In some examples, device state detection may be performed more frequently or at more appropriate times than in known device operation, and / or increased transmit power of a unique transmit signal may allow objects or gestures to be detected at greater resolution or distance.

[0175] Fig. 8A is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a communications device 800 configured for permitted and unlicensed communications. Fig. 8AThe exemplary embodiment shown describes sharing a WAN antenna with an unlicensed frequency band (e.g., 2.4 GHz WiFi) for use status characterization and determination. The exemplary WiFi 2.4 GHz signals will be reflected by the WAN front-end circuits because they are open circuits at frequencies in the 2.4 GHz band. These reflected signals can be used for use status characterization and determination described herein.

[0176] Fig. 8A The portion of the communication device 800 shown is similar to Figure 4A Portions of the communication device 400 are shown except as otherwise described below. Fig. 8A Zhongyu Figure 4A Similar elements in the same way will be numbered using the notation 8XX, where Fig. 8A The elements marked 8XX in the Figure 4A Elements marked as 4XX in .

[0177] In an exemplary embodiment, portions of the communication device 800 include components that allow the communication device 800 to communicate in licensed frequency bands as well as unlicensed communication bands.

[0178] For example, portions of the communication device 800 include a wide area network (WAN) front end module 880, a switch 888, and a WiFi extractor 890. The WAN front end module 880 may communicate with other WAN signal processing and communication circuitry such as a modem and / or a transceiver.

[0179] In an exemplary embodiment, the WAN front end module 880 may include one or more transmit amplifiers 881 and one or more receive amplifiers (LNAs) 882. Although shown as a single element for ease of illustration, the WAN front end module 880 may include multiple instances that may be configured to communicate over multiple communication bands. In addition, although shown as a single element having a transmit amplifier and an LNA, the WAN front end module 880 may be implemented as separate transmit and receive elements.

[0180] In an exemplary embodiment, WAN front-end module 880 may be connected to switch 888 via exemplary connections 884, 885, 886, and 887. Switch 888 may also be connected to WiFi extractor 890 via connection 889, to antenna 322 (Ant0) via connection 891, to antenna 328 (Ant3) via connection 892, and to antenna 326 (Ant2) via connection 893. WiFi extractor 890 may be connected to antenna 324 (Ant1) via connection 895. WiFi extractor 890 may also be connected to switch 447 via connection 894.

[0181] In an exemplary embodiment, another antenna 330 ( ant4 ) may be connected to switch 457 via connection 899 .

[0182] In an exemplary embodiment, portions of communication device 800 may include 2.4 GHz WiFi / unlicensed FEM 840 and 2.4 GHz WiFi / unlicensed FEM 850 .

[0183] Portions of the communication device 800 also include a directional coupler 897 and a directional coupler 896. The directional coupler 897 can be configured to couple the signal on the connection 886 to the connection 883, which is connected to the receive amplifier 446 in the 2.4 GHz WiFi / unlicensed FEM 840. The directional coupler 896 can be configured to couple the signal on the connection 887 to the connection 898, which is also connected to the receive amplifier 456 in the 2.4 GHz WiFi / unlicensed FEM 850.

[0184] In an exemplary embodiment, the only signal can be transmitted from antenna 324 (Ant1) via Tx modulator 406, as described above. Directional coupler 897 can provide a return signal (Pcoupled WiFi) reflected from WAN RF front end 880, and directional coupler 896 can provide a return signal (Pcoupled) from WAN RF front end 880. The return signal from directional coupler 897 can be provided to LNA 446 via connection 883, and the return signal from directional coupler 896 can be provided to LNA 456 via connection 898.

[0185] The information in the return signal (on connection 883 and / or 898, and / or other return signals as described above) can be used to establish a lookup table that can characterize various usage states of the device and can be used to determine the device usage state, as described above. Knowing the usage state allows one or more behaviors of the device to be changed based on the detected usage state. For example, the maximum allowed transmit power from a given antenna can be changed based on the detected usage state of device 800.

[0186] Figure 8B is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a communication device 860 configured for permitted and unpermitted communications. Figure 8B The exemplary embodiment shown describes the sharing of WAN antennas with additional unlicensed bands (5 / 6GHz WiFi / 5G NR-U) for usage status characterization and determination.

[0187] Figure 8B The portion of the communication device 860 shown is similar to Fig. 8APortion 800 of a communications device is shown, except as otherwise described below. Figure 8B Zhongyu Fig. 8A Similar elements in the same way will be numbered using the notation 8XX, where Figure 8B The elements marked 8XX in the Fig. 8A Elements marked 8XX in the .

[0188] In an exemplary embodiment, portions of the communication device 860 include components that allow the communication device 860 to communicate on licensed frequency bands as well as unlicensed communication bands.

[0189] exist Figure 8B In the exemplary embodiment shown, duplexer 890a is connected to antenna 324 (Ant1) via connection 895, to switch 888 via connection 889, and to switch 447 via connection 876. Figure 8B In the exemplary embodiment shown, duplexer 890 b is connected to antenna 326 ( Ant2 ) via connection 891 , to switch 888 via connection 893 , and to LNA 446 via connection 894 .

[0190] In this exemplary embodiment, a unique signal may be transmitted from antenna 324 (Ant1) via Tx modulator 406, transceiver 420, and 5 / 6 GHz WiFi / 5G NR-U FEM 841, and LNA 446 may receive a return signal (coupled WiFi Tx) via antenna 326 (Ant2) on connection 894. LNA 454 may receive a return signal via antenna 330 (Ant4) on connection 899, and LNA 456 may receive a return signal via antenna 331 (Ant5) on connection 871. Information in the return signal may be used to establish a lookup table that may characterize various usage states of the device and may be used to determine the device usage state, as described above. Knowing the usage state allows one or more behaviors of the device to be changed based on the detected usage state. For example, the maximum allowed transmit power from a given antenna may be changed based on the detected usage state of device 800. Similarly, a unique signal may be transmitted from antenna 330 (Ant4) via power amplifier 452, and a return signal may be received on antenna 324 (Ant1) via LNA 444; on antenna 326 (Ant2) via LNA 446; and on antenna (Ant5) via LNA 456. Information in the return signal may be used to build a lookup table that may characterize various usage states of the device and may be used to determine the device usage state.

[0191] Fig. 9A , Fig. 9B , Fig. 9C , Fig.9D and Fig.9E is a diagram showing an exemplary usage state of a communication device. Fig. 9A , Fig. 9B , Fig. 9C , Fig.9D and Fig.9E The exemplary usage states shown may be determined according to the systems and methods for RF sensing described herein.

[0192] Fig. 9A An exemplary free space usage state is shown, in which the communication device 300 is determined to be located in a free space.

[0193] Fig. 9B An exemplary left-hand (HL) usage state is shown, in which the communication device 300 is determined to be located in the left hand 907 of the user.

[0194] Fig. 9C An exemplary right-hand (HR) use state is shown, in which the communication device 300 is determined to be located in the right hand 909 of the user.

[0195] Fig.9D An exemplary next-to-head right-hand (BHHR) usage state is shown, in which the communication device 300 is determined to be located in the user's right hand 909 and next to the right side of the user's 905 head (in this example, the user 905 is facing away).

[0196] Fig.9E An exemplary next-to-head left-hand (BHHL) usage state is shown, in which the communication device 300 is determined to be located in the user's left hand 907 and next to the left side of the user's 905 head (in this example, the user 905 is facing away). Figure 9A-9E Other usage states than those shown may additionally or alternatively be determined.

[0197] Fig. 10A , Fig. 10B , Fig. 10C and Fig. 10D is a diagram illustrating exemplary usage states of a communication device and a lookup table (LUT) that may be used when characterizing the device.

[0198] Fig. 10A The communication device 300 is shown in a free space usage state, which will be referred to as usage state 0 (US0).

[0199] Fig. 10BThe communication device 300 is shown in a left-hand (HL) use state, which will be referred to as use state 1 (US1). In this example, the user's left hand 1007 is adjacent to antenna 322 (Ant0) and antenna 326 (Ant2). In this example, antenna 324 (Ant1) and antenna 328 (Ant3) remain unobstructed.

[0200] Fig. 10C The communication device 300 is shown in a next-to-head right-hand (BHHR) use state, which will be referred to as use state 4 (US4). In this example, the communication device 300 is adjacent to the user's head 1005. In this exemplary embodiment, antenna 324 (Ant1) and antenna 328 (Ant3) are close to the user's head 1005. In this exemplary embodiment, the palm of the user's right hand 1009 is next to antenna 322 (Ant0). In this example, antenna 326 (Ant2) is unobstructed.

[0201] although Fig. 10A , Fig. 10B and Fig. 10C Only three usage states (US0, US1 and US4) are shown, but other usage states can also be considered, such as Fig. 9A , Fig. 9B , Fig. 9C , Fig.9D and Fig.9E The usage states described in and other states.

[0202] Fig. 10D An exemplary lookup table (LUT) 1050 is shown. In this example, LUT 1050 includes device parameters, maximum transmit power information allowed for each antenna associated with a usage state of a device such as communication device 300. For example, LUT 1050 may include maximum allowed antenna power information associated with usage states US0, US1, and US4, such as Fig. 10A , Fig. 10B and Fig. 10C , and also includes the maximum permissible antenna power associated with other usage conditions, such as Fig. 9A , Fig. 9B , Fig. 9C , Fig.9D and Fig.9E In an exemplary embodiment, the LUT 1050 may include information showing the maximum power allowed for each antenna based on the detected usage status of the communication device 300 .

[0203] There are many ways to implement a LUT table, such as LUT 1050. There can be a machine learning (ML) based approach where an inference model can be trained on various data sets (usage states) and corresponding parameter values, and the antenna transmit power for the detected use case can be derived. Sensors and other data available on the device can also be combined with this information to confirm or add other conditions, such as horizontal position, vertical position, left hand holding vs. right hand holding, etc., to further enhance the probability of detecting the use case to take into account appropriate transmission requirements.

[0204] Fig.11 1 is a flow chart describing an example of the operation of a method 1100 for changing operating device parameters. For example, exemplary device parameters include maximum power control of a device's WAN and / or WiFi transmitters, transmit antenna selection, antenna tuning, etc. The blocks in the method 1100 may or may not be executed in the order shown, and in some embodiments, may be executed at least partially in parallel.

[0205] A cellular connection is established on a communication device in block 1102. For example, any of the communication devices 400, 500, 600, 700, and 800 described herein may establish a cellular communication connection or another connection using circuitry operating on a licensed frequency band.

[0206] In block 1104, the communication device transmits a unique signal, such as a pilot signal, on an unlicensed frequency band. For example, the communication device 400 may transmit a pilot signal using the Tx modulator 406 to generate a pilot signal transmitted by the transmit amplifier 442 through the antenna 324 (Ant1). In an exemplary embodiment, because the pilot signal is transmitted on an unlicensed frequency band, the timing and power requirements for the conditions under which the unlicensed pilot signal may be transmitted are less (if any). The unlicensed pilot signal may be transmitted periodically according to a schedule, or may be transmitted on demand. In some examples, a system or subsystem for licensed communication in a device may communicate with a system or subsystem for unlicensed communication in a device to determine when to send a pilot signal. In some examples, a system (e.g., an exposure management system) that coordinates with multiple transmission systems or subsystems (e.g., licensed and unlicensed) may determine when a system for licensed communication requires a state determination, and cause the system for unlicensed communication to send a pilot signal accordingly. In some examples, usage state detection may be performed more frequently or at more appropriate times compared to operation of known devices, and / or increased transmit power of a unique transmit signal may allow objects or gestures to be detected at greater resolution or distance.

[0207] In block 1106, a return signal (such as a reflected or coupled signal) in response to the unlicensed unique signal transmitted in block 1104 may be received and analyzed by an unlicensed receiver circuitry (such as a WiFi receiver or a feedback receiver) to determine, for example, amplitude and phase (td). For example, one or more return signals may be provided to Figure 4A The receiving mixers 430, 432 and / or 434 of the feedback receiver, or the return signal including the coupled signal or the reflected return signal may be provided to the receiving mixer 560 ( Figure 5A )、660( Fig. 6A ) and 760( Figure 7 A).

[0208] In block 1108, the amplitude and phase (td) of the return signal may be compared to amplitude and phase (td) values ​​that may correspond to a previously characterized usage state that may be stored in a lookup table (LUT) to determine the current usage state of the communication device. The device that performs the comparison may be the same device used to populate (or edit) the values ​​in the LUT, or may be a different device. For example, the device may enter these values ​​in the LUT, or refine them over time based on measurements taken during use of the device. In other examples, the values ​​in the LUT are determined by a representative device (e.g., during a characterization process during manufacturing) and loaded into a memory of a device (e.g., memory 298) that performs the comparison in block 1108, which is a device that is different from the representative device.

[0209] In block 1110, a usage state of the communication device may be determined based on the comparison in block 1108. For example, it may be determined that the communication device is in a free space usage state or another usage state.

[0210] In block 1112, based on the usage status determined in block 1110, device parameters of the communication device may be adjusted. Fig. 10D ), where the communication device 300 is determined to be in the user's right hand and close to the user's head, the transmission power allowed to be provided by antenna 322 (Ant0) can be limited to 21dBm, the transmission power allowed to be provided by antenna 324 (Ant1) can be limited to 20dBm, the transmission power allowed to be provided by antenna 326 (Ant2) can be limited to 22dBm, and the transmission power allowed to be provided by antenna 328 (Ant3) can be limited to 20dBm. In other examples, the transmission power is not determined based on the table, such as with respect to Fig. 10D As described, it is instead determined by the exposure manager based on usage status and past transmit power and / or exposure.

[0211] In block 1114, a determination is made as to whether the cellular connection should end. If the cellular connection is not ending, the process returns to block 1104. If the cellular connection should end, then in block 1116, the cellular connection ends and the process ends. Fig.11 It is described that a unique signal is sent and a usage state is determined when the device is calling a licensed communication, but such operation is not necessary. For example, the usage state can be determined based on transmitting a unique signal on an unlicensed frequency band, and thereafter the usage state can be used to determine an operation or device parameter for communication on a licensed frequency band in a subsequent call on the licensed frequency band.

[0212] The LUT table may include other device parameters, such as WAN Tx antenna selection or tuning, and based on the usage status determination, appropriate Tx antenna selection or tuning may be performed.

[0213] Fig.12 1 is a flow chart describing an example of the operation of a method 1200 for changing an operating device parameter of a device (e.g., maximum transmit power control, antenna selection, attitude, and object detection). The blocks in the method 1200 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.

[0214] In block 1202, an application is launched on a device. For example, any of the communication devices 400, 500, 600, 700, and 800 described herein may launch an application.

[0215] In block 1204, the communication device transmits a unique signal, such as a pilot signal, on an unlicensed frequency band. For example, the communication device 400 may transmit a pilot signal using the Tx modulator 406 to generate a pilot signal transmitted by the transmit amplifier 442 through the antenna 324 (Ant1). In an exemplary embodiment, because the pilot signal is transmitted on an unlicensed frequency band, the timing and power requirements for specifying the conditions under which the unlicensed pilot signal may be transmitted are less (if any). The unlicensed pilot signal may be transmitted periodically according to a schedule, or may be transmitted on demand. In some examples, the application may communicate with a system or subsystem in the device for unlicensed communication to determine when to send the pilot signal. In some examples, use status detection may be performed more frequently or at more appropriate times than the operation of known devices, and / or the increased transmit power of the unique transmit signal may allow detection of objects or gestures at greater resolution or distance.

[0216] In block 1206, a return signal (such as a return (reflected or coupled) signal) in response to the unlicensed unique signal transmitted in block 1204 may be received and analyzed by an unlicensed receiver circuitry (such as a WiFi receiver or a feedback receiver) to determine, for example, amplitude and phase (td). For example, one or more return signals may be provided to Figure 4A The receiving mixers 430, 432 and / or 434, or the return signal including the coupled signal or the reflected signal may be provided to the feedback receiver 564 ( Figure 5A )、664( Fig. 6A ) and 764( Figure 7 A).

[0217] In block 1208, the amplitude and phase (td) of the return signal may be compared to amplitude and phase shift (td) values ​​that may correspond to a previously characterized use state (e.g., for a device's maximum transmit power control, antenna selection, attitude or object detection use case, or other use case) that may be stored in a lookup table (LUT) to determine the current use state (or use case) of the communication device. The device performing the comparison may be the same device used to populate (or edit) the values ​​in the LUT, or may be a different device. For example, the device may enter these values ​​in the LUT, or refine them over time based on measurements taken during use of the device. In other examples, the values ​​in the LUT are determined by a representative device (e.g., during a characterization process during manufacturing) and loaded into a memory (e.g., memory 298) of a device that performs the comparison in block 1208, which is a device different from the representative device.

[0218] In block 1210, a usage state (or use case) of the communication device may be determined based on the comparison in block 1208. For example, it may be determined that the communication device is in a free space usage state (or use case) or another usage state.

[0219] In block 1212, device parameters of the communication device may be adjusted, or appropriate application functionality may be activated, based on the usage state (or use case) determined in block 1210. For example, based on the use case, the application may configure device parameters of a game controller (e.g., antenna selection, gesture or object detection, etc.).

[0220] In block 1214, a determination is made as to whether the application should end. If the application should not end, the process returns to block 1204. If the application should end, then in block 1216, the application ends and the process ends. Fig.12It is described that a unique signal is sent when an application is running on a device and a usage state is determined, but such operation is not necessary. For example, the usage state can be determined based on transmitting a unique signal on an unlicensed frequency band, and thereafter the usage state can be used to determine an operation or device parameter for application operation in a subsequently launched application.

[0221] Fig.13 It is a functional block diagram of an apparatus for changing operating equipment parameters.

[0222] The apparatus 1300 includes a component for initiating a cellular connection. In some embodiments, the component 1302 for initiating a cellular connection may be configured to perform the method 1100 ( Fig.11 ) in one or more of the functions described in operation block 1102 of ). In an exemplary embodiment, the component for initiating a cellular connection 1302 may include any one of the communication devices 400, 500, 600, 700, and 800 configured to establish a cellular communication connection (or a portion of such a device, such as a modem), or another connection using circuitry operating on a licensed frequency band.

[0223] The apparatus 1300 may also include a component 1304 for transmitting a unique signal on an unlicensed frequency band. In some embodiments, the component 1304 for transmitting a unique signal on an unlicensed frequency band may be configured to perform the method 1100 ( Fig.11 ) may include one or more of the functions described in operation block 1104 of the unlicensed frequency band. In an exemplary embodiment, the component 1304 for transmitting a unique signal on an unlicensed frequency band may include a Tx modulator 406 configured to generate a pilot signal and a transmit amplifier 442 configured to transmit the pilot signal through the antenna 324 (Ant1).

[0224] The apparatus 1300 may further include a component 1306 for reading a return signal. In some embodiments, the component 1306 for reading a return signal may be configured to perform the method 1100 ( Fig.11 ) may include one or more of the functions described in operation block 1106 of the embodiment of the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment, means for reading a return signal 1306 may include circuitry configured to read and analyze a return signal in response to the unlicensed unique signal transmitted in block 1304, such as a signal reflected or coupled by an unlicensed receiver circuitry (such as a WiFi receiver or a feedback receiver) to determine, for example, amplitude and phase (td).

[0225] The apparatus 1300 may also include a component 1308 for comparing the read return signal. In some embodiments, the component 1308 for comparing the read return signal may be configured to perform the method 1100 ( Fig.11 ) in operation block 1108 of the communication device. In an exemplary embodiment, the component for comparing the read return signal 1308 may include a circuit system configured to compare the amplitude and phase (td) of the return signal with the amplitude and phase (td) values ​​that may correspond to the previously characterized usage state that may be stored in a lookup table (LUT) to determine the current usage state of the communication device.

[0226] The apparatus 1300 may also include a component 1310 for determining a usage status of the device. In some embodiments, the component 1310 for determining a usage status of the device may be configured to perform the method 1100 ( Fig.11 ) in one or more of the functions described in operation block 1110 of ). In an exemplary embodiment, component 1310 for determining the use state of the device may include a circuit system configured to determine the use state of the communication device based on the comparison in block 1308. For example, it may be determined that the communication device is in a free space use state or another use state. Components 1308 and / or 1310 may include Rx / RF detection and sensing elements.

[0227] The apparatus 1300 may also include a component 1312 for selecting and transmitting on a cellular antenna. In some embodiments, the component 1312 for selecting and transmitting on a cellular antenna may be configured to perform the method 1100 ( Fig.11 ) of the operation block 1112. In an exemplary embodiment, the component 1312 for selecting and transmitting on the cellular antenna may include a circuit system configured to adjust a device parameter of the communication device based on the usage state determined in block 1310. For example, based on, for example, US4 ( Fig. 10D ) usage state, where the communication device 300 is determined to be in the user's right hand and next to the user's head, the transmission power allowed to be provided by antenna 322 (Ant0) can be limited to 21dBm, the transmission power allowed to be provided by antenna 324 (Ant1) can be limited to 20dBm, the transmission power allowed to be provided by antenna 326 (Ant2) can be limited to 22dBm, and the transmission power allowed to be provided by antenna 328 (Ant3) can be limited to 20dBm. Such components can include a modem (shared between licensed circuitry and unlicensed circuitry, or separate for cellular connections), a data processor 210, an RF exposure manager (which can be implemented in a modem or elsewhere), etc.

[0228] The apparatus 1300 may also include a component 1314 for ending the call. In some embodiments, the component 1314 for ending the call may be configured to perform the method 1100 ( Fig.11 ) may include one or more of the functions described in operation block 1116 of the communication device. In an exemplary embodiment, the component for ending the call 1314 may include a circuit system (e.g., a modem) configured to end the call on the communication device.

[0229] Fig.14 1400 includes a component for launching an application (app). In some embodiments, the component 1402 for launching the application can be configured to execute the method 1200 ( Fig.12 ) may include one or more of the functions described in operation block 1202 of the embodiment of the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment, the component 1402 for launching an application may include any one of the communication devices 400, 500, 600, 700, and 800 (or a portion of such a device, such as an application processor) configured to launch an application.

[0230] The apparatus 1400 may also include a component 1404 for transmitting a unique signal on an unlicensed frequency band. In some embodiments, the component 1404 for transmitting a unique signal on an unlicensed frequency band may be configured to perform the method 1200 ( Fig.12 ) may include one or more of the functions described in operation block 1204 of the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment, the component 1404 for transmitting a unique signal on an unlicensed frequency band may include a Tx modulator 406 configured to generate a pilot signal and a transmit amplifier 442 configured to transmit the pilot signal through the antenna 324 (Ant1).

[0231] The apparatus 1400 may further include a component 1406 for reading a return signal. In some embodiments, the component 1406 for reading a return signal may be configured to perform the method 1200 ( Fig.12 ) may include one or more of the functions described in operation block 1206 of the embodiment of the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment, means for reading a return signal 1406 may include circuitry configured to read and analyze a return signal in response to the unlicensed unique signal transmitted in block 1404, such as a signal reflected or coupled by an unlicensed receiver circuitry (such as a WiFi receiver or a feedback receiver) to determine, for example, amplitude and phase (td).

[0232] The apparatus 1400 may also include a component 1408 for comparing the read return signal. In some embodiments, the component 1408 for comparing the read return signal may be configured to perform the method 1200 ( Fig.12) in operation block 1208 of the communication device. In an exemplary embodiment, the component for comparing the read return signal 1408 may include a circuit system configured to compare the amplitude and phase (td) of the return signal with amplitude and phase (td) values ​​that may correspond to previously characterized use states (e.g., maximum transmit power control, antenna selection, attitude or object detection use cases or other use cases of the device) that may be stored in a lookup table (LUT) to determine the current use state of the communication device.

[0233] The apparatus 1400 may also include a component 1410 for determining a usage status of the device. In some embodiments, the component 1410 for determining a usage status of the device may be configured to perform the method 1200 ( Fig.12 ) in one or more of the functions described in operation block 1210 of ). In an exemplary embodiment, component 1410 for determining the use state of the device may include a circuit system configured to determine the use state of the communication device based on the comparison in block 1408. For example, it can be determined that the communication device is in a free space use state or another use state. Components 1408 and / or 1410 may include Rx / RF detection and sensing elements.

[0234] The apparatus 1400 may also include a component 1412 for activating appropriate application device parameters. In some embodiments, the component 1412 for activating appropriate application device parameters may be configured to perform the method 1200 ( Fig.12 ) in one or more of the functions described in operation block 1212 of the embodiment of the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment, the component for activating appropriate application device parameters 1412 may include a circuit system (e.g., an application processor) configured to adjust device parameters of the communication device or activate appropriate application functions based on the usage state determined in block 1410. For example, based on a use case in which the application is configuring device parameters of a game controller (e.g., maximum transmit power control, antenna selection, gesture or object detection, etc.).

[0235] The apparatus 1400 may also include a component 1414 for terminating an application. In some embodiments, the component 1414 for terminating an application may be configured to execute the method 1200 ( Fig.12 ) may include one or more of the functions described in operation block 1216 of the device. In an exemplary embodiment, the component for ending the application 1414 may include a circuit system (e.g., an application processor) configured to end the application on the device.

[0236] Implementation examples are described in the following numbered clauses:

[0237] 1. A device for RF sensing, comprising:

[0238] A communication circuit system configured to communicate via an unlicensed frequency band and a licensed frequency band, the communication circuit system having:

[0239] a transmit (Tx) modulator, at least one transmitter, at least one receiver,

[0240] a receiving sensing element and one or more antennas;

[0241] the communication circuitry being configured to transmit a unique signal over an unlicensed frequency band using at least one of the one or more antennas and to receive a corresponding return signal from at least one of the one or more antennas, the at least one receiver being configured to process the corresponding return signal to determine at least an amplitude and a phase (td) of the corresponding return signal; and

[0242] A lookup table (LUT) having characterization information associated with the amplitude and phase (td) of the corresponding return signal, wherein the device is configured to use the characterization information to determine a usage state or posture of the device and to change at least one operating parameter of the device based on the determined usage state or posture.

[0243] 2. The device according to clause 1, wherein the corresponding return signal is a coupled signal.

[0244] 3. The apparatus according to clause 1, wherein the corresponding return signal is a reflected signal.

[0245] 4. A device according to clause 1, wherein the transmitter is a WiFi, Bluetooth or 5G NR-U transmitter.

[0246] 5. A device according to clause 1, wherein the receiver is a WiFi, Bluetooth or 5G NR-U receiver.

[0247] 6. Apparatus according to any of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the receiver is a feedback receiver.

[0248] 7. A device according to any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the device is a communication device.

[0249] 8. The device of clause 1, wherein changing an operating parameter of the device comprises changing an operating parameter associated with the communication circuitry being configured to communicate over one or more licensed frequency bands.

[0250] 9. A device according to clause 8, wherein the operating parameters include maximum transmit power or antenna tuning.

[0251] 10. The apparatus of any one of clauses 1 to 9, further comprising using a sensor selected from the group consisting of a gyroscope, an accelerometer, and a camera to vary the selected operating parameter.

[0252] 11. A method for RF sensing to determine device parameters, comprising:

[0253] transmitting a unique signal from the device in an unlicensed frequency band;

[0254] receiving a return signal at the device in response to the unique signal;

[0255] Determine the amplitude and phase (td) of the return signal;

[0256] comparing the determined amplitude and phase (td) of the return signal to a known set of amplitudes and phases corresponding to one or more device characterization curves;

[0257] determining a usage status of the device based on the comparison; and

[0258] A device parameter of the device is changed based on the determined usage status.

[0259] 12. The method according to clause 11, wherein the return signal is a coupled signal.

[0260] 13. The method according to clause 11, wherein the return signal is a reflected signal.

[0261] 14. The method of clause 11, wherein changing a device parameter of the device comprises changing a device parameter associated with the communication circuitry being configured to communicate over one or more licensed frequency bands.

[0262] 15. The method of clause 14, wherein the device parameters include maximum transmit power or antenna tuning.

[0263] 16. A device comprising:

[0264] Components for transmitting a unique signal in an unlicensed frequency band;

[0265] means for receiving a return signal in response to the unique signal;

[0266] Components for determining the amplitude and phase (td) of the return signal;

[0267] means for comparing the determined amplitude and phase (td) of the return signal with a known set of amplitudes and phases corresponding to one or more device characterization curves;

[0268] means for determining a usage status of the device based on the comparison; and

[0269] Means for changing an operating parameter of the device based on the determined usage status.

[0270] 17. The device according to clause 16, wherein the return signal is a coupled signal.

[0271] 18. The apparatus according to clause 16, wherein the return signal is a reflected signal.

[0272] 19. The device of clause 16, wherein the means for changing an operating parameter of the device comprises changing an operating parameter associated with the communication circuitry being configured to communicate over one or more licensed frequency bands.

[0273] 20. The device according to clause 19, wherein the device parameters include maximum transmit power or antenna tuning.

[0274] 21. A device comprising:

[0275] communications circuitry configured to transmit and receive communications over a licensed frequency band;

[0276] transmit circuitry configured to transmit a sensing signal on an unlicensed frequency band while the device is on a call on a licensed frequency band, the transmit circuitry configured to transmit the sensing signal using a higher power than permitted by the communication circuitry during the call;

[0277] receiving circuitry configured to process a received signal based on the sensed signal during a call; and

[0278] A processor is configured to adjust an operating parameter of the device based on the processed received signal.

[0279] 22. The apparatus according to clause 21, wherein the received signal is a coupled signal.

[0280] 23. The apparatus according to clause 21, wherein the received signal is a reflected signal.

[0281] 24. A device according to any of clauses 21 to 23, wherein the device includes multiple antennas, wherein each of the multiple antennas is configured to receive a reflected version of a sensing signal, wherein the receiving circuit system is configured to process versions of the reflected signals from the multiple antennas, and wherein the processor is configured to adjust an operating parameter based on the processed version of the reflected signal.

[0282] 25. The apparatus of any of clauses 21 to 24, wherein the receiving circuitry comprises a feedback receiver configured to operate with a subsystem for communicating over an unlicensed frequency band.

[0283] 26. The apparatus of any of clauses 21 to 25, wherein the communications circuitry is configured to send and receive subsequent communications over the licensed frequency band using the adjusted operating parameters.

[0284] 27. Apparatus according to any of clauses 21 to 26, wherein the sensing signal complies with a communication standard for communicating over an unlicensed frequency band.

[0285] 28. Apparatus according to any of clauses 21 to 27, wherein the operating parameters comprise maximum transmit power or antenna tuning.

[0286] 29. The device of any of clauses 21 to 28, wherein the processor is configured to sense a gesture based on the processed received signal, and to adjust an operating parameter based on the sensed gesture.

[0287] 30. The apparatus of any of clauses 21 to 29, further comprising using a sensor selected from the group consisting of a gyroscope, an accelerometer, and a camera to vary the selected operating parameter.

[0288] 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.

[0289] An apparatus implementing the circuits described herein may be a stand-alone device or part of a larger device. The device may be (i) a stand-alone IC, (ii) a group of one or more ICs, which 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.

[0290] While selected aspects have been illustrated and described in detail, it will be understood that various substitutions and changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for RF sensing, comprising: A communication circuit system configured to communicate via an unlicensed frequency band and a licensed frequency band, the communication circuit system having: a transmit (Tx) modulator, at least one transmitter, at least one receiver, a receiving sensing element and one or more antennas; the communication circuitry being configured to transmit a unique signal over the unlicensed frequency band using at least one of the one or more antennas and to receive a corresponding return signal from at least one of the one or more antennas, the at least one receiver being configured to process the corresponding return signal to determine at least an amplitude and a phase (td) of the corresponding return signal; as well as A lookup table (LUT) having characterization information related to the amplitude and phase (td) of the corresponding return signal, wherein the device is configured to use the characterization information to determine a usage state or posture of the device, and to change at least one operating parameter of the device based on the determined usage state or posture. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the corresponding return signal is a coupled signal. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the corresponding return signal is a reflected signal.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the transmitter is a WiFi, Bluetooth, or 5G NR-U transmitter.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the receiver is a WiFi, Bluetooth, or 5G NR-U receiver. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the receiver is a feedback receiver. The device of claim 1 , wherein the device is a communication device.

8. The device of claim 1 , wherein changing the operating parameter of the device comprises: An operating parameter associated with the communication circuitry being configured to communicate over one or more licensed frequency bands is changed.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the operating parameters include maximum transmit power or antenna tuning.

10. The device of claim 1, further comprising using a sensor selected from the group consisting of a gyroscope, an accelerometer, and a camera to vary the selected operating parameter.

11. A method for RF sensing to determine device parameters, comprising: transmitting a unique signal from the device in an unlicensed frequency band; receiving a return signal at the device in response to the unique signal; determining the amplitude and phase (td) of the return signal; comparing the determined amplitude and phase (td) of the return signal to a known set of amplitudes and phases corresponding to one or more device characterization curves; determining a usage status of the device based on the comparison; as well as A device parameter of the device is changed based on the determined usage status. The method according to claim 11 , wherein the return signal is a coupled signal. The method of claim 11 , wherein the return signal is a reflected signal.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein changing the device parameter of the device comprises: Device parameters associated with the communication circuitry being configured to communicate over one or more licensed frequency bands are changed.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the device parameters include maximum transmit power or antenna tuning.

16. A device comprising: Components for transmitting a unique signal in an unlicensed frequency band; means for receiving a return signal in response to said unique signal; means for determining the amplitude and phase (td) of said return signal; means for comparing said determined amplitude and phase (td) of said return signal with a known set of amplitudes and phases corresponding to one or more device characterization curves; means for determining a usage status of the device based on the comparison; as well as Means for changing an operating parameter of the device based on the determined usage status. The apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the return signal is a coupled signal. The apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the return signal is a reflected signal.

19. The device of claim 16, wherein the means for changing the operating parameters of the device comprises: An operating parameter associated with the communications circuitry being configured to communicate over one or more licensed frequency bands is changed.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein the device parameters include maximum transmit power or antenna tuning.

21. A device comprising: communications circuitry configured to transmit and receive communications over a licensed frequency band; transmit circuitry configured to transmit a sensing signal on an unlicensed frequency band while the device is in a call on the licensed frequency band, the transmit circuitry configured to transmit the sensing signal using a higher power than allowed by the communication circuitry during the call; a receiving circuit system configured to process a received signal based on the sensing signal during the call; as well as A processor is configured to adjust an operating parameter of the device based on the processed received signal.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the received signal is a coupled signal.

23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the received signal is a reflected signal.

24. A device according to claim 23, wherein the device includes multiple antennas, wherein each of the multiple antennas is configured to receive a reflected version of the sensing signal, wherein the receiving circuit system is configured to process the versions of the reflected signals from the multiple antennas, and wherein the processor is configured to adjust the operating parameters based on the processed versions of the reflected signals.

25. The device of claim 21, wherein the receive circuitry comprises a feedback receiver configured to operate with a subsystem for communicating over the unlicensed frequency band.

26. The device of claim 21, wherein the communication circuitry is configured to send and receive subsequent communications over the licensed frequency band using the adjusted operating parameters.

27. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the sensing signal complies with a communication standard for communicating over the unlicensed frequency band.

28. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the operating parameters include maximum transmit power or antenna tuning.

29. The device of claim 21, wherein the processor is configured to sense a gesture based on the processed received signal, and to adjust the operating parameter based on the sensed gesture.

30. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising using a sensor selected from the group consisting of a gyroscope, an accelerometer, and a camera to vary the selected operating parameter.

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