Front-end circuit for detecting stationary object of cellular Internet of Vehicles (C-V2X)

Abstract

Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide an apparatus and method for cellular Internet of Vehicles (C-V2X) stationary object detection. An example radio frequency (RF) front-end circuit generally includes a directional coupler having a first port for coupling to an antenna and having a second port, the delta switch has a first port coupled to the second port of the directional coupler, has a second port, and has a third port for coupling to the receive path for detection of a stationary object. An RF front-end circuit and method for C-V2X stationary object detection may allow for simultaneous (i) stationary object detection and (ii) C-V2X signal reception or transmission.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application serial number 17 / 816,602 filed on August 1, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference into this document. Technical Field

[0002] Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to electronic circuits and, more particularly, to techniques and apparatus for cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) detection of stationary objects. Background Art

[0003] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide a variety of telecommunication services such as telephony, video, data, messaging, broadcast, or other similar types of services. These wireless communication systems may employ multiple access technologies capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., bandwidth, transmit power, or other resources) with those users. Multiple access technologies may rely on any of code division, time division, frequency division, orthogonal frequency division, single carrier frequency division, or time division synchronous code division, to name just a few examples. These and other multiple access technologies have been adopted in various telecommunication standards to provide a common protocol that enables different wireless devices to communicate at a city level, a national level, a regional level, or even a global level.

[0004] Wireless communication systems have been applied to implement wireless communication services in vehicles. For example, one type of wireless communication is called cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) communication, which provides the transmission of information from a vehicle to any entity through a cellular link, and vice versa. A vehicle that supports C-V2X communication may be referred to as a C-V2X-enabled vehicle or a C-V2X vehicle. A C-V2X vehicle is able to share information about itself, such as its presence, location, direction, speed, etc., with other C-V2X vehicles. Such communication between C-V2X vehicles improves safety and efficiency by allowing C-V2X vehicles to coordinate and plan travel paths along roads. However, there is a need for further improvements to overcome various challenges in C-V2X wireless communication systems. Summary of the invention

[0005] The systems, methods, and devices of the present disclosure each have several aspects, but no single one of these aspects can be solely responsible for its desired attributes. Without limiting the scope of protection of the present disclosure as expressed by the appended claims, some features will now be briefly discussed. After considering this discussion, and particularly after reading the section entitled "Detailed Description," those skilled in the art will understand how the features of the present disclosure provide the advantages described herein.

[0006] Certain aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to techniques and apparatus for cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) detection of stationary objects, such as toll booth sensing or other electronic payment system sensing.

[0007] Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide a front-end circuit configured to support C-V2X technology. The front-end circuit generally includes a directional coupler having a first port for coupling to an antenna and having a second port, and a delta switch having a first port coupled to the second port of the directional coupler, having a second port, and having a third port for coupling to a receive path for detection of a stationary object.

[0008] Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide a vehicle. The vehicle generally includes a front-end circuit as described herein and an antenna coupled to a first port of a directional coupler.

[0009] Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide a method for wireless communication supporting C-V2X. The method generally involves receiving a first radio frequency (RF) signal with an antenna; routing the received first RF signal to a first port of a directional coupler; coupling a portion of the received first RF signal to a second port of the directional coupler; routing the coupled portion of the first RF signal from the first port of a delta switch to the second port of the delta switch; and processing the coupled portion of the first RF signal to detect a stationary object. The method may also include receiving a second RF signal at a third port of the directional coupler; coupling a portion of the received second RF signal to the second port of the directional coupler; and routing the coupled portion of the second RF signal from the first port of the delta switch to the third port of the delta switch.

[0010] To achieve the aforementioned and related purposes, one or more aspects include the features fully described below and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the accompanying drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative features of one or more aspects. However, these features indicate only some of the various ways in which the principles of the various aspects can be employed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] In order to understand in detail the manner in which the above features of the present disclosure are described, the contents briefly summarized above may be described in more detail by reference to various aspects, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the accompanying drawings illustrate only certain typical aspects of the present disclosure, and since the description may admit of other equally effective aspects, it should not be considered as limiting the scope of protection thereof.

[0012] Figure 1is a block diagram illustrating an example wireless communication system in which aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented.

[0013] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an example radio frequency (RF) front end circuit in which aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented.

[0014] Figure 3A is a block diagram of an example RF front-end circuit that supports cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) detection of stationary objects in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 3B In accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure, Figure 3A Example path for stationary object detection in an RF front-end circuit.

[0016] Figure 3C In accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure, Figure 3A Example paths for simultaneous C-V2X reception and stationary object detection in the RF front-end circuitry of an EV-2000.

[0017] Figure 3D In accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure, Figure 3A Example paths for daisy-chain lines in an RF front-end circuit.

[0018] Figure 3E In accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure, Figure 3A Example paths for C-V2X transmissions in the RF front-end circuit of FIG.

[0019] Figure 4 is a flow diagram illustrating example operations for supporting wireless communications for C-V2X in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0020] To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It should be appreciated that elements disclosed in one aspect may be beneficially utilized in other aspects without specific recitation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide radio frequency (RF) front-end circuits and techniques for cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) stationary object detection. Stationary object detection can facilitate, for example, toll booth sensing or other electronic payment system sensing. In some aspects, the technology can include simultaneously (i) detecting stationary objects and (ii) sending or receiving C-V2X signals without affecting coexistence with other means of transportation wireless communication standards (such as WiFi 5GHz). To achieve this, an example RF front-end circuit typically includes a directional coupler and a delta switch.

[0022] Various aspects of the present disclosure are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms, and should not be construed as being limited to any specific structure or function given throughout the present disclosure. Instead, these aspects are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and the protection scope of the present disclosure will be fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. Based on the teachings herein, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the protection scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any aspect of the disclosure disclosed herein, whether independently implemented or implemented in combination with any other aspect of the present disclosure. For example, a device may be implemented or a method may be practiced using any number of aspects set forth herein. In addition, the protection scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover such a device or method practiced using other structures, functions, or structures and functions other than the various aspects of the disclosure set forth herein or different from the various aspects of the disclosure set forth herein. It should be understood that any aspect of the disclosure disclosed herein may be embodied by one or more elements of the claims.

[0023] As used herein, the term "connected with" in various tenses of the verb "connect" may mean that element A is directly connected to element B, or that other elements may be connected between elements A and B (i.e., element A is indirectly connected to element B). In the case of electrical components, the term "connected with" may also be used herein to mean that elements A and B (and any elements electrically connected therebetween) are electrically connected using wires, traces, or other conductive materials. Example Wireless Communication System

[0024] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example wireless communication system 100 in which aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented. Figure 1 As shown in , wireless communication system 100 may include a vehicle 102 , a stationary object 110 , and a network 112 .

[0025] The vehicle 102 may be a car, truck, motorcycle, boat, or any other vehicle. The vehicle 102 may include a cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) circuit 104 coupled to an antenna 106, which may be placed in and / or on the vehicle. In the case where the antenna 106 is placed in the vehicle 102, the antenna 106 may extend from the vehicle.

[0026] The stationary object 110 may be located along or near a road or waterway to be traversed by the vehicle 102. The stationary object 110 may be used to facilitate electronic payment by the vehicle 102 for entering, continuing to use, or leaving the road or waterway. For example, the road or waterway may include a toll road, a scenic route, a park, a parking lot, a parking lot, a passage, a dock, or a boat slip. The stationary object 110 may include a reader 108 coupled to an antenna 114. In the case where the stationary object 110 is an electronic toll booth, the reader 108 may be a toll tag reader.

[0027] The network 112 may be communicatively coupled (wired or wirelessly) to the stationary object 110, and more specifically, in some cases to the reader 108, the antenna 114, or a different antenna (not shown). The network 112 may be a wired network (e.g., a wide area network (WAN)), a wireless network, or a combination thereof. In the case of a wireless network, the network may be a new radio (NR) system (e.g., a 5G NR network), an evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) system (e.g., a 4G network), a universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) (e.g., a 2G / 3G network), or a code division multiple access (CDMA) system (e.g., a 2G / 3G network), or may be configured for communication according to an IEEE standard such as one or more 802.11 standards, among others.

[0028] At certain times (e.g., when the vehicle 102 approaches a stationary object 110), the wireless communication system 100 may also establish a communication link between the C-V2X circuit 104 and the reader 108 (e.g., via the antenna 106 and the antenna 114), which may facilitate electronic payment sensing (e.g., toll booth sensing). The electronic payment detection may follow an electronic toll payment standard, such as a standard provided by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN, French: Comité Européen de Normalisation) or other standards in different geographic regions. CEN detection may be used in C-V2X communications to ensure that electronic payment is made when requested. The C-V2X circuit 104 may perform electronic payment sensing, and may facilitate electronic payment with the reader 108 when certain conditions are met (e.g., when the C-V2X circuit 104 detects a stationary object 110). When the vehicle 102 comes within a certain distance (e.g., 100 feet) of the stationary object 110, or when the vehicle 102 passes by the stationary object 110, the C-V2X circuit 104 can detect the stationary object 110. The reader 108 can receive the electronic payment information, which can then be sent to the network 112 to complete the transaction. Example RF front-end circuit for C-V2X

[0029] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an example radio frequency (RF) front-end circuit 200 in which aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented. The RF front-end circuit 200 may support C-V2X and may include one or more antennas (e.g., antenna 106), a directional coupler 202, an RF switch 204, a transmit (Tx) path 206 (labeled “Tx path”), and a first receive (RX) path 208 (labeled “Rx path A”). In some cases, the RF front-end circuit 200 may also include an optional second receive path 210 (labeled “Rx path B”). The directional coupler 202 may include an input port, a transmit port, a coupled port, and an isolated port. From a receive perspective, the antenna 106 may be coupled to an input port of the directional coupler 202, and the transmit port of the directional coupler 202 may be coupled to a port of the RF switch 204. The RF switch 204 may be selectively coupled to the transmit path 206, the first receive path 208, and optionally to the second receive path 210. The receiving paths 208 and / or 210 may be designed to receive and process C-V2X signals and / or WiFi 5 GHz signals, for example. The coupled port and the isolated port of the directional coupler 202 are not shown as coupled to Figure 2 The RF front-end circuit 200 may also include additional components not shown, such as filters, mixers, amplifiers, impedance matching circuits, etc. in various receive paths and transmit paths.

[0030] In some cases, the RF front-end circuit 200 may include (e.g., in receive path 208 or 210) a filter (e.g., a bulk acoustic wave (BAW) bandpass filter, not shown) coupled to the RF switch 204 that, by design, may prevent sensing of signals outside the bandwidth of the filter (e.g., the C-V2X receive bandwidth or the WiFi 5 GHz receive bandwidth). For example, a reader (e.g., reader 108) on a stationary object (e.g., stationary object 110) may transmit an RF signal having signal content in a frequency band outside the bandwidth of the filter of the RF front-end circuit 200 (or having a very wide frequency band with one or more portions outside the bandwidth of the existing filter). As a result, the RF front-end circuit 200 may be unable to detect the RF signal from the reader using the existing filter, and therefore may be unable to detect the stationary object. In such a scenario, the RF front-end circuit 200 may be unable to complete an electronic payment (e.g., a toll payment) with the reader using an electronic payment system.

[0031] To address this issue, one option is to widen the filter bandwidth to accommodate the stationary object detection band. However, widening the filter bandwidth may increase the complexity of the RF front-end circuitry and may prohibit WiFi 5GHz from coexisting with C-V2X. As another option, the RF front-end circuit 200 may be designed to include another receive path (not shown) for selectively coupling to the antenna 106 via the RF switch 204, thereby allowing detection of stationary objects. However, routing to this additional receive path to detect stationary objects may cause the receive path 208 (and optional receive path 210) to be disconnected, preventing simultaneous C-V2X reception and stationary object detection in the RF front-end circuit 200. Instead, the RF front-end circuit 200 may be forced to wait until after stationary object detection is completed to receive C-V2X signaling.

[0032] Thus, aspects of the present disclosure provide apparatus and methods for simultaneously (i) detecting stationary objects and (ii) receiving or transmitting C-V2X signals. This can be performed without affecting coexistence with other wireless communication standards used in transportation vehicles (such as WiFi 5GHz).

[0033] Figure 3A is a block diagram of an example RF front-end circuit 300 that supports C-V2X detection of stationary objects according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. RF front-end circuit 300 may be similar to RF front-end circuit 200, but may also include a delta switch 306 coupled to directional coupler 202 for providing power control, daisy chaining, and stationary object detection (e.g., in an electronic payment system, such as a toll tag reader). In this manner, simultaneous stationary object detection (e.g., CEN detection) and C-V2X reception (or transmission) may be supported.

[0034] The delta switch 306 can be implemented as a three-way delta switch having three ports: a first port 330, a second port 332, and a third port 334. The delta switch 306 can connect any two of the ports 330, 332, and 334 to each other, and can transmit signals in either direction. Thus, the delta switch 306 can couple the first port 330 to the second port 332, the second port 322 to the third port 334, or the third port 344 to the first port 330 to transmit signals in either direction between the ports. In some aspects, as Figure 3A As shown in FIG. 1 , the second port 332 of the delta switch 306 can be coupled to the first terminal 340 of the RF front end circuit 300, and the third port 334 of the delta switch 306 can be coupled to the second terminal 342 in the RF front end circuit 300. The delta switch 306 can avoid using an external or additional switch to share the function of the directional coupler 202.

[0035] The directional coupler 202 may have four ports. The antenna 106 may be coupled to a first port 312 of the directional coupler 202. The directional coupler 202 may include a second port 316 coupled to a first port 330 of the delta switch 306. The directional coupler 202 may have a third port 318 coupled to a first port 320 of the RF switch 204. The directional coupler 202 may have a fourth port 314, which may be coupled to a shunt termination impedance 315, as shown.

[0036] The first port 320 of the RF switch 204 can be selectively coupled to the second port 322, the third port 324, and the optional fourth port 326 of the RF switch 204. The second port 322 of the RF switch 204 can be coupled to the transmit path 206, which can include the PA 310. The third port 324 of the RF switch 204 can be coupled to the first receive path 208, which can include a low noise amplifier (LNA) 308a. The fourth port 326 of the RF switch 204 can be coupled to the second receive path 210, which can include the PA 310. Figure 3A The LNA 308b shown or any of a variety of other suitable components, such as a filter (e.g., Figure 3C ). The RF front-end circuit 300 may also include additional components not shown, such as filters, mixers, amplifiers, impedance matching circuits, etc. in each receiving path and transmitting path.

[0037] Figure 3B In accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure, a method for Figure 3A 350 for stationary object detection in the RF front-end circuit 300 of the present invention. As described above, stationary object detection can include, for example, electronic toll payment detection according to an electronic toll payment standard, such as a standard provided by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN, French: Comité Européen de Normalisation) or other standards in different geographic regions. CEN detection can be used in C-V2X communications to ensure that electronic payment is made when requested. For example, when a C-V2X system (e.g., C-V2X circuit 104) detects a stationary object (e.g., stationary object 110) and an electronic payment (e.g., toll payment) is requested, the electronic payment may be beneficial. As other examples, the electronic payment system can also be used to facilitate payment for a vehicle (e.g., vehicle 102) to enter or exit a toll road, scenic route, park, parking lot, or parking lot.

[0038] In certain aspects, the antenna 106 may receive an RF signal (e.g., in a cellular frequency band for C-V2X). The RF signal may be routed from the antenna 106 to the first port 312 of the directional coupler 202. A portion of the RF signal may be coupled to the second port 316 of the directional coupler 202, and routed to the first port 330 of the delta switch 306. The coupled portion of the RF signal may be routed from the first port 330 of the delta switch 306 to the third port 334 of the delta switch 306 and to the second terminal 342 of the RF front-end circuit 300, and processed to detect a stationary object (e.g., to perform CEN detection). In this manner, the signal path 350 from the antenna 106 through the directional coupler 202 and the delta switch 306 to the second terminal 342 illustrates an example of stationary object detection (e.g., CEN detection) in the RF front-end circuit 300.

[0039] Figure 3C In accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure, a method for Figure 3A Example signal paths 350, 352 for simultaneous C-V2X reception (labeled “C-V2X Rx”) and stationary object detection in an RF front-end circuit of FIG.

[0040] For certain aspects, the antenna 106 may receive an RF signal that may have signal content for both C-V2X reception and stationary object detection. The RF signal may be routed from the antenna 106 to the first port 312 of the directional coupler 202. As described above, a first portion of the RF signal may travel along a signal path 350 from the antenna 106 through the directional coupler 202 and the delta switch 306 to the second terminal 342, and may be processed to detect a stationary object (e.g., via CEN detection). A second portion of the RF signal may be coupled to a third port 318 of the directional coupler 202. As shown, the second portion of the RF signal may be routed from the third port 318 of the directional coupler 202 to the first port 320 of the RF switch 204, and then to the third port 324 of the RF switch 204 (coupled to the first receive path 208). In this manner, an example of C-V2X reception in the RF front-end circuit 300 is shown from the antenna 106 through the first receive path 208. C-V2X reception can occur simultaneously with stationary object detection in the RF front-end circuit 300, such as by Figure 3C As shown in the two signal paths 350 and 352 in FIG.

[0041] Figure 3D According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the Figure 3A FIG. 3 is an example signal path 356 of a daisy chain of delta switches 306 in an RF front end circuit.

[0042] In some aspects, a signal (e.g., an RF signal, such as a feedback receive signal) is routed from another circuit to the second terminal 342 of the RF front end circuit 300. The signal may be routed from the second terminal 342 to the third port 334 of the delta switch 306, to the second port 332 of the delta switch 306, and then to the first terminal 340 of the RF front end circuit 300. The signal may then be routed from the first terminal 340 to yet another circuit. An example of a daisy chain path is shown by the signal path 356 through the delta switch 306. The daisy chain path may allow multiple circuits (including the RF front end circuit 300) to be coupled together.

[0043] Figure 3E In accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure, Figure 3A Example signal path 358 for C-V2X transmission (labeled “C-V2X Tx”) in the RF front-end circuit of FIG. Figure 3E In the embodiment, the first terminal 340 of the RF front end circuit 300 may be coupled to another component, such as a receive chain (not shown) for power control, such as a feedback receive chain.

[0044] In the signal path 358, the RF signal may travel from the PA 310 along the transmit path 206 to the second port 322 of the RF switch 204. The RF switch 204 may be configured such that the RF signal may be routed from the second port 322 of the RF switch 204 to the first port 320 of the RF switch 204. The third port 318 of the directional coupler 202 may receive the RF signal from the first port 320 of the RF switch 204. A portion of the RF signal may be coupled to the second port 316 of the directional coupler 202 and routed to the first port 330 of the delta switch 306. The coupled portion of the RF signal may be routed from the first port 330 of the delta switch 306 to the second port 332 of the delta switch 306 and the first terminal 340 of the RF front end circuit 300. The coupled portion of the RF signal may be routed from the first terminal 340 of the RF front end circuit 300 to another component, such as for transmission or for power control. For other aspects, the coupled portion of the RF signal may be routed from the first terminal 340 to another antenna (not shown) for transmission.

[0045] although Figure 3E Not shown, but for certain aspects, the RF front end circuit 300 may also perform stationary object detection simultaneously with C-V2X transmissions (e.g., along signal path 358) at low power levels. Figure 3BAn example of stationary object detection is shown in the signal path 350 from the antenna 106 through the second terminal 342 of the RF front-end circuit 300. After a stationary object (e.g., a CEN signal) is detected in this simultaneous C-V2X transmission and stationary object detection scenario, the C-V2X transmission power can be reduced (i.e., power backoff). Such reduced transmission power can avoid or at least reduce the impact of C-V2X transmission on stationary object detection for one or more other vehicles. Sample Operations for Cellular Vehicle Networking

[0046] Figure 4 4 is a flow chart illustrating example operations 400 for supporting wireless communications in support of cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. Operations 400 may be performed by an RF front-end circuit such as Figure 3A-3E The flowchart includes a block representing operation 400.

[0047] At block 402, operations 400 may begin with an RF front-end circuit receiving a first RF signal (e.g., an electronic fee payment signal, such as a CEN signal) using an antenna (e.g., antenna 106). At block 404, the RF front-end circuit may route the received first RF signal to a first port (e.g., first port 312) of a directional coupler (e.g., directional coupler 202).

[0048] At block 406, the RF front-end circuit may couple a portion of the received first RF signal to a second port (e.g., second port 316) of the directional coupler. At block 408, the RF front-end circuit may route the coupled portion of the first RF signal from a first port (e.g., first port 330) of a delta switch (e.g., delta switch 306) to a second port (e.g., third port 334) of the delta switch. At block 410, the RF front-end circuit (e.g., RF front-end circuit 300) may process the coupled portion of the first RF signal (from the second port of the delta switch) to detect a stationary object (e.g., stationary object 110).

[0049] At block 412, the RF front-end circuitry may receive a second RF signal at a third port (e.g., third port 318) of the directional coupler. At block 414, the RF front-end circuitry may couple a portion of the received second RF signal to the second port of the directional coupler. At block 416, the RF front-end circuitry may route the coupled portion of the second RF signal from the first port of the delta switch to a third port (e.g., second port 332) of the delta switch (e.g., for C-V2X transmissions, which may be performed simultaneously with stationary object detection).

[0050] According to certain aspects, a stationary object can include a reader (eg, reader 108).

[0051] According to certain aspects, the stationary object can be associated with an electronic payment system (eg, CEN detection).

[0052] According to certain aspects, operation 400 may also involve transmitting the coupled portion of the second RF signal. For example, the coupled portion of the second RF signal may be transmitted via an antenna (eg, an antenna (not shown) coupled to the first terminal 340 of the RF front end circuit).

[0053] According to certain aspects, operation 400 may also involve controlling an RF switch (e.g., RF switch 204) to route a second RF signal from a transmit path for C-V2X (e.g., transmit path 206) to a third port of the directional coupler. In some cases, operation 400 may also involve controlling the RF switch to route a remaining portion of the received first RF signal to a first receive path for C-V2X (e.g., first receive path 208). In other cases, operation 400 may also involve controlling the RF switch to route another portion of the received first RF signal to a second receive path for C-V2X (e.g., second receive path 210). For certain aspects, operation 400 may also involve controlling the RF switch to route a remaining portion of the received first RF signal to an RF filter (e.g., optional RF filter 351) before the received first RF signal is routed to the first receive path for C-V2X. For certain aspects, detection of a stationary object (e.g., stationary object detection at block 410) is performed simultaneously with C-V2X reception via the first receive path (e.g., along path 352 through directional coupler 202) (e.g., as shown in FIG. Figure 3C ).

[0054] According to some aspects, the first port of the directional coupler can be an input port of the directional coupler. For some aspects, the second port of the directional coupler can be a coupling port of the directional coupler. According to some aspects, the third port of the directional coupler can be a transmission port of the directional coupler.

[0055] According to certain aspects, detection of stationary objects (e.g., along path 350 and at block 410) may be performed concurrently with C-V2X reception (e.g., along path 352), e.g., as Figure 3C as shown in .

[0056] According to certain aspects, operation 400 may also involve routing a third RF signal from the second port of the delta switch to a third port of the delta switch, or from the third port of the delta switch to the second port (e.g., as Figure 3DPath 356). Example aspects

[0057] In addition to the various aspects described above, specific combinations of the various aspects are within the protection scope of the present disclosure, some of which are detailed as follows:

[0058] Aspect 1: A front-end circuit configured to support cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) technology, comprising: a directional coupler having a first port for coupling to an antenna and having a second port; and a delta switch having a first port coupled to the second port of the directional coupler, having a second port, and having a third port for coupling to a receiving path for detection of stationary objects.

[0059] Aspect 2: The front-end circuit according to aspect 1, wherein the stationary object comprises a toll tag reader.

[0060] Aspect 3: The front-end circuit according to aspect 1, wherein the stationary object is associated with an electronic payment system.

[0061] Aspect 4: The front-end circuit according to any of the preceding aspects further includes a radio frequency (RF) switch having a first port coupled to the third port of the directional coupler and having a second port for coupling to a transmission path for C-V2X.

[0062] Aspect 5: The front-end circuit according to Aspect 4, wherein the RF switch has a third port for coupling to the first receiving path for C-V2X.

[0063] Aspect 6: The front-end circuit according to Aspect 5, wherein the RF switch has a fourth port for coupling to a second receiving path for C-V2X.

[0064] Aspect 7: The front-end circuit according to aspect 5, wherein the RF switch has a fourth port for coupling to an input of an RF filter, and the RF filter has an output coupled to the third port of the RF switch.

[0065] Aspect 8: A front-end circuit according to any of Aspects 5 to 7, wherein the first port of the directional coupler is an input port of the directional coupler, wherein the second port of the directional coupler is a coupling port of the directional coupler, and wherein the third port of the directional coupler is a transmission port of the directional coupler.

[0066] Aspect 9: A front-end circuit according to any of the preceding aspects, wherein the front-end circuit is configured to support simultaneous stationary object detection and C-V2X reception.

[0067] Aspect 10: A vehicle comprising the front-end circuit according to any of the preceding aspects, the vehicle further comprising an antenna coupled to the first port of the directional coupler.

[0068] Aspect 11: A method for wireless communication supporting cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X), the method comprising: receiving a first radio frequency (RF) signal using an antenna; routing the received first RF signal to a first port of a directional coupler; coupling a portion of the received first RF signal to a second port of the directional coupler; routing the coupled portion of the first RF signal from the first port of a delta switch to the second port of the delta switch; processing the coupled portion of the first RF signal to detect a stationary object; receiving a second RF signal at a third port of the directional coupler; coupling a portion of the received second RF signal to the second port of the directional coupler; and routing the coupled portion of the second RF signal from the first port of the delta switch to the third port of the delta switch.

[0069] Aspect 12: The method of aspect 11, wherein the stationary object comprises a toll tag reader.

[0070] Aspect 13: The method according to aspect 11, wherein the stationary object is associated with an electronic payment system.

[0071] Aspect 14: The method according to any of aspects 11 to 13, further comprising: transmitting a coupled portion of the second RF signal.

[0072] Aspect 15: The method according to any of Aspects 11 to 14, further comprising: controlling a radio frequency (RF) switch to route a second RF signal from a transmission path for C-V2X to a third port of the directional coupler.

[0073] Aspect 16: The method according to any of Aspects 11 to 15, wherein the first port of the directional coupler is an input port of the directional coupler, wherein the second port of the directional coupler is a coupled port of the directional coupler, and wherein the third port of the directional coupler is a transmit port of the directional coupler.

[0074] Aspect 17: The method according to Aspect 15 further includes: controlling the RF switch to route the remaining portion of the received first RF signal to the first receiving path for C-V2X.

[0075] Aspect 18: The method according to Aspect 17 further includes: controlling the RF switch to route another portion of the received first RF signal to a second receiving path for C-V2X.

[0076] Aspect 19: The method according to Aspect 17 or 18 further includes: controlling the RF switch to route the remaining portion of the received first RF signal to the RF filter before the received first RF signal is routed to the first receiving path for C-V2X.

[0077] Aspect 20: A method according to any of Aspects 17 to 19, wherein the detection of the stationary object is performed simultaneously with the C-V2X reception via the first reception path.

[0078] Aspect 21: A method according to any of Aspects 11 to 19, wherein detection of stationary objects is performed simultaneously with C-V2X reception.

[0079] Aspect 22: The method according to any of aspects 11 to 21, further comprising: routing the third RF signal from the second port of the delta switch to the third port of the delta switch. Additional considerations

[0080] The various operations of the methods described above may be performed by any suitable unit capable of performing the corresponding functions. These units may include various hardware and / or software components and / or modules, including but not limited to circuits, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or processors. Typically, where operations are shown in the accompanying drawings, those operations may have corresponding paired functional module components that are similarly numbered.

[0081] As used herein, the term "determine" encompasses a wide variety of actions. For example, "determine" may include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, searching (e.g., searching in a table, a database, or another data structure), ascertaining, etc. In addition, "determine" may include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory), etc. In addition, "determine" may include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, etc.

[0082] As used herein, a phrase referring to "at least one of" a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. For example, "at least one of a, b, or c" is intended to cover: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, and abc, as well as any combination with multiples of the same elements (e.g., aa, aaa, aab, aac, abb, acc, bb, bbb, bbc, cc, and ccc or any other ordering of a, b, and c).

[0083] The methods disclosed herein include one or more steps or actions for implementing the described methods. The method steps and / or actions may be interchangeable without departing from the scope of the claims. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is specified, the order and / or use of specific steps and / or actions may be modified without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0084] It should be understood that the claims are not limited to the precise configuration and components shown above. Various modifications, changes and variations may be made to the arrangement, operation and details of the methods and apparatus described above without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A front-end circuit configured to support cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) technology, comprising: a directional coupler having a first port for coupling to an antenna and having a second port; as well as A delta switch having a first port coupled to the second port of the directional coupler, having a second port, and having a third port for coupling to a receive path for detection of a stationary object.

2. The front-end circuit according to claim 1, wherein: The stationary object includes a toll tag reader.

3. The front-end circuit according to claim 1, wherein: The stationary object is associated with an electronic payment system.

4. The front-end circuit of claim 1 , further comprising a radio frequency (RF) switch having a first port coupled to the third port of the directional coupler and having a second port for coupling to a transmission path for C-V2X.

5. The front-end circuit according to claim 4, wherein: The RF switch has a third port for coupling to a first receive path for C-V2X.

6. The front-end circuit according to claim 5, wherein: The RF switch has a fourth port for coupling to a second receive path for C-V2X.

7. The front-end circuit according to claim 5, wherein: The RF switch has a fourth port for coupling to an input of an RF filter, the RF filter having an output coupled to the third port of the RF switch.

8. The front-end circuit according to claim 4, wherein: The first port of the directional coupler is an input port of the directional coupler, wherein the second port of the directional coupler is a coupled port of the directional coupler, and wherein the third port of the directional coupler is a transmit port of the directional coupler.

9. The front-end circuit according to claim 1, wherein: The front-end circuit is configured to support simultaneous stationary object detection and C-V2X reception.

10. A vehicle comprising the front end circuit of claim 1, the vehicle further comprising the antenna coupled to the first port of the directional coupler.

11. A method for wireless communication supporting cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X), the method comprising: receiving a first radio frequency (RF) signal using an antenna; routing the received first RF signal to a first port of the directional coupler; coupling a portion of the received first RF signal to a second port of the directional coupler; routing the coupled portion of the first RF signal from a first port of a delta switch to a second port of the delta switch; processing the coupled portion of the first RF signal to detect a stationary object; receiving a second RF signal at a third port of the directional coupler; coupling a portion of the received second RF signal to the second port of the directional coupler; as well as The coupled portion of the second RF signal is routed from the first port of the delta switch to a third port of the delta switch.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising transmitting the coupled portion of the second RF signal.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising controlling a radio frequency (RF) switch to route the second RF signal from a transmission path for C-V2X to the third port of the directional coupler.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The first port of the directional coupler is an input port of the directional coupler, wherein the second port of the directional coupler is a coupled port of the directional coupler, and wherein the third port of the directional coupler is a transmit port of the directional coupler.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising controlling the RF switch to route a remaining portion of the received first RF signal to a first receive path for C-V2X.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising controlling the RF switch to route another portion of the received first RF signal to a second receive path for C-V2X.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising controlling the RF switch to route the remaining portion of the received first RF signal to an RF filter before the received first RF signal is routed to the first receive path for C-V2X.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The detection of the stationary object is performed simultaneously with C-V2X reception via the first reception path.

19. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The detection of the stationary object is performed simultaneously with the C-V2X reception.

20. The method of claim 11, further comprising routing a third RF signal from the second port of the delta switch to the third port of the delta switch.

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