Multi-band radio frequency front-end circuit

Abstract

A multi-band radio frequency (RF) front-end circuit is provided. In an embodiment, the multi-band RF front-end circuit may be configured to include only five highly integrated front-end modules (FEMs), each FEM configured to transmit and / or receive in a plurality of RF bands. Specifically, the five FEMs may be flexibly configured to support a variety of transmit / receive configurations across a wide range of RF bands, such as multiple input multiple output (MIMO), dual connectivity (DC), and diversity reception. Thus, the multi-band RF front-end circuit may support multi-technology and multi-band communications while significantly reducing complexity, bill of materials (BoM) cost, and footprint compared to conventional RF front-end circuits.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 478,513, filed on January 5, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 501,529, filed on May 11, 2023, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. Technical Field

[0003] The technology of the present disclosure generally relates to an RF front - end circuit capable of supporting multiple radio frequency (RF) bands. Background Art

[0004] Mobile communication devices have become increasingly common in current society for providing wireless communication services. These mobile communication devices are conventionally driven in part by many functions now enabled on such devices. The improvement in processing power in such devices means that mobile communication devices have evolved from mere communication tools into complex mobile multimedia centers capable of enhancing the user experience.

[0005] Mobile communication devices of the current state of the art must be able to transmit radio frequency (RF) signals in multiple wireless communication systems (such as Long - Term Evolution (LTE) and New Radio (NR)) based on multiple transmission / reception configurations (such as multiple - input multiple - output (MIMO), dual - connectivity (DC), and diversity reception). In addition, mobile communication devices of the current state of the art are required to transmit RF signals over a wide range of RF spectra, which can be roughly classified into a low - band (LB), a mid - high - band (MHB), and an ultra - high - band (UHB). Conventionally, LB refers to the RF spectrum below 1 GHz, MHB refers to the RF spectrum between 1 and 3 GHz, and UHB refers to the RF spectrum between 3 and 5 GHz. Among them, MHB can be further divided into a mid - band (MB) between 1 and 2 GHz and a high - band (HB) between 2 and 3 GHz.

[0006] Each of the LB, MB, MHB, HB, and UHB RF spectra can be further configured to include one or more RF bands. As an example, LB can include RF bands 20 and 28, MB can include RF bands 3, 25, and 66, HB can include RF bands 40 and 41, and UHB can include RF bands 77 and 79.

[0007] To transmit or receive RF signals in an LTE or NR system, a mobile communication device needs to periodically transmit and receive sounding reference signals (SRS). On one hand, the mobile communication device needs to transmit uplink SRS to a base station (e.g., eNB in LTE or gNB in NR), whereby the base station can calculate the quality of the uplink channel (e.g., physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH)) in each subcarrier section across the frequency domain. In addition, when channel reciprocity exists, the base station can also use the uplink SRS to estimate the channel state information and eigenmodes of the downlink channel (e.g., physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH)). This estimation can help the base station determine the downlink and uplink channel allocations and beamforming configurations for the mobile communication device. On the other hand, the mobile communication device must use the downlink SRS transmitted by the base station to help determine the channel quality (e.g., received power) of the downlink channel (e.g., physical downlink shared channel (PUSCH)). In this regard, the mobile communication device must periodically transmit uplink SRS and receive downlink SRS.

[0008] It can be understood that various combinations of communication systems, transmission / reception technologies, and / or RF frequency bands may greatly increase the implementation complexity, bill of materials (BoM) cost, and footprint of the RF front-end circuit. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the RF front-end circuit to support multi-technology and multi-band communication while reducing complexity, BoM cost, and footprint. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a multi-band radio frequency (RF) front-end circuit. In an embodiment, the multi-band RF front-end circuit may be configured to include only five highly integrated front-end modules (FEMs), each FEM being configured to transmit and / or receive in multiple RF frequency bands. Specifically, the five FEMs can be flexibly configured to support various transmission / reception configurations, such as multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), dual connectivity (DC), and diversity reception, across a wide range of RF frequency bands. Thus, compared with conventional RF front-end circuits, the multi-band RF front-end circuit can support multi-technology and multi-band communication while significantly reducing complexity, bill of materials (BoM) cost, and footprint.

[0010] In one aspect, a multi-band RF front-end circuit is provided. The multi-band RF front-end circuit includes a first mid-high band (MHB) front-end module (FEM) (MHB FEM). The first MHB FEM is configured to transmit and receive at least one NR MHB signal in a New Radio (NR) MHB. The multi-band RF front-end circuit further includes a low band (LB) FEM (LB FEM). The LB FEM is configured to transmit and receive NR LB signals in NR LB. The LB FEM is further configured to transmit and receive LTE LB signals in Long-Term Evolution (LTE) LB. The multi-band RF front-end circuit further includes a second MHB FEM. The second MHB FEM is configured to transmit and receive at least one LTE MHB signal in LTE MHB. The multi-band RF front-end circuit further includes a first ultra-high band (UHB) FEM. The first UHB FEM is configured to transmit and receive at least one UHB signal in UHB. The multi-band RF front-end circuit further includes a second UHB FEM. The second UHB FEM is configured to transmit and receive the at least one UHB signal in UHB.

[0011] In another aspect, a wireless device is provided. The wireless device includes a multi-band RF front-end circuit. The multi-band RF front-end circuit includes a first mid-high band (MHB) front-end module (FEM) (MHB FEM). The first MHB FEM is configured to transmit and receive at least one NR MHB signal in a New Radio (NR) MHB. The multi-band RF front-end circuit further includes a low band (LB) FEM (LB FEM). The LB FEM is configured to transmit and receive NR LB signals in NR LB. The LB FEM is further configured to transmit and receive LTE LB signals in Long-Term Evolution (LTE) LB. The multi-band RF front-end circuit further includes a second MHB FEM. The second MHB FEM is configured to transmit and receive at least one LTE MHB signal in LTE MHB. The multi-band RF front-end circuit further includes a first ultra-high band (UHB) FEM. The first UHB FEM is configured to transmit and receive at least one UHB signal in UHB. The multi-band RF front-end circuit further includes a second UHB FEM. The second UHB FEM is configured to transmit and receive the at least one UHB signal in UHB.

[0012] In another aspect, a method for operating a multi-band RF front-end circuit is provided. The method includes configuring a first MHB FEM to transmit and receive at least one NR MHB signal in an NR MHB. The method further includes configuring an LB FEM to transmit and receive NR LB signals in an NR LB and to transmit and receive LTE LB signals in an LTE LB. The method further includes configuring a second MHB FEM to transmit and receive at least one LTE MHB signal in an LTE MHB. The method further includes configuring a first UHB FEM to transmit and receive at least one UHB signal in a UHB. The method further includes configuring a second UHB FEM to transmit and receive the at least one UHB signal in the UHB.

[0013] Those skilled in the art will recognize the scope of the present disclosure and will understand additional aspects thereof after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the related drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The drawings incorporated in and forming a part of this specification illustrate several aspects of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary existing radio frequency (RF) front-end circuit that requires eleven (11) discrete front-end modules (FEMs) to support multi-band communication;

[0016] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary wireless communication circuit in which a multi-band RF front-end circuit is configured to support multi-band communication based on five (5) highly integrated FEMs according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary user element of a wireless communication circuit in which Figure 2 can be provided; and

[0018] Figure 4 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for configuring Figure 2 the multi-band RF front-end circuit in DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The embodiments set forth below represent the information necessary for those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and illustrate the best mode of practicing the embodiments. After reading the following description with reference to the drawings, those skilled in the art will understand the concepts of the present disclosure and will appreciate applications of these concepts that are not specifically set forth herein. It should be understood that these concepts and applications are within the scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims.

[0020] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0021] It should be understood that when an element such as a layer, region, or substrate is referred to as being "on" or "extending onto" another element, it can be directly on or directly extend onto the other element, or there may also be intervening elements. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" or "directly extending onto" another element, there are no intervening elements. Similarly, it should be understood that when an element such as a layer, region, or substrate is referred to as being "above" or "extending above" another element, it can be directly above or directly extend above the other element, or there may also be intervening elements. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly above" or "directly extending above" another element, there are no intervening elements. It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or there may be intervening elements. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements.

[0022] Relative terms such as "below" or "above" or "upper" or "lower" or "horizontal" or "vertical" may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element, layer, or region to another element, layer, or region as shown in the figures. It should be understood that these terms and those discussed above are intended to include different orientations of the device in addition to the orientations depicted in the figures.

[0023] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms. It should also be understood that when used herein, the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", and / or "including" specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0024] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It should be further understood that, unless explicitly defined herein, the terms used herein should be construed as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0025] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a multi-band radio frequency (RF) front-end circuit. In an embodiment, the multi-band RF front-end circuit may be configured to include only five highly integrated front-end modules (FEMs), each FEM being configured to transmit and / or receive in multiple RF bands. Specifically, the five FEMs can be flexibly configured to support multiple transmission / reception configurations, such as multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), dual connectivity (DC), and diversity reception, across a wide range of RF bands. Thus, compared with conventional RF front-end circuits, the multi-band RF front-end circuit can support multi-technology and multi-band communications while significantly reducing complexity, bill of materials (BoM) cost, and footprint.

[0026] Before discussing the multi-band RF front-end circuit of the present disclosure, starting from Figure 2 and beginning, first refer to Figure 1 A brief overview of a conventional RF front-end circuit is provided to help illustrate the technical problems to be solved by the multi-band RF front-end circuit of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 1 FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary existing RF front-end circuit 10 that requires eleven (11) discrete front-end modules (FEMs) 12(1)-12(11) to support multi-band communication. Specifically, FEM 12(1) is configured to transmit and receive in the long-term evolution (LTE) mid-high band (MHB), FEM 12(2) is configured to transmit and receive in the LTE low band (LB), FEM 12(3) is configured to transmit and receive in the new radio (NR) MHB, FEM 12(4) is configured to provide diversity reception in the LTE MHB, FEM 12(5) is configured to provide diversity reception in the NR MHB, FEM 12(6) is configured to provide diversity reception in the LTE LB, FEM 12(7) is configured to provide power amplification for the NR LB, FEM 12(8) and 12(9) are configured to transmit and receive in ultra-high band (UHB) number 77 (n77) or UHB number 79 (n79), and FEM 12(10) and 12(11) are configured to transmit and receive in UHB number 79 (n79).

[0028] The existing RF front-end circuit 10 may face several challenges. First, the FEMs 12(1)-12(11) will inevitably require more space on the printed circuit board (PCB). This proves to be very challenging because the overall size of the PCB continues to shrink partly due to the miniaturization of mobile devices. Second, since the FEMs 12(1)-12(11) need to be interconnected with other active / passive components (such as antennas, switches, filters, etc.) on the PCB, it becomes increasingly challenging not only to arrange such complex interconnections but also to provide sufficient spacing to help reduce interference between the interconnections. Third, each of the FEMs 12(1)-12(11) may need to provide more physical pins to enable interconnection with other components on the PCB, thus resulting in an increase in complexity in the FEMs 12(1)-12(11). Finally but equally importantly, by adopting the FEMs 12(1)-12(11), the existing RF front-end circuit 10 may be associated with a higher BoM cost, thus being less attractive to many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Therefore, the technical problem to be solved is to support multi-band communication with a smaller number of FEMs.

[0029] In this regard, Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary wireless communication circuit 14, in which a multi-band RF front-end circuit 16 is configured to support multi-band communication based on five (5) highly integrated FEMs 18(1)-18(5) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; in the context of the present disclosure, each of the FEMs 18(1)-18(5) may be provided as a system-in-package (SiP). In an embodiment, the FEM 18(1) (also referred to as the "first MHB FEM") is Figure 1 the integration of the FEMs 12(3), 12(5) and 12(7) in Figure 1 the FEM 18(2) (also referred to as the "LB FEM") is Figure 1 the integration of the FEMs 12(2) and 12(6) in Figure 1 the FEM 18(3) (also referred to as the "second MHB FEM") is Figure 1 the integration of the FEMs 12(1) and 12(4) in

[0030] By integrating Figure 1The discrete FEMs 12(1)-12(11) in the existing RF front-end circuit 10 are reduced to the highly integrated FEMs 18(1)-18(5) herein, and the multi-band RF front-end circuit 16 can support multi-band communication while reducing the occupied area, complexity, and BoM cost. Therefore, it is possible to effectively solve the technical problems described above.

[0031] In an embodiment, the multi-band RF front-end circuit 16 includes a first primary antenna ANT P1 , a second primary antenna ANT P2 , a third primary antenna ANT P3 , a first secondary antenna ANT S1 , a second secondary antenna ANT S2 , and a third secondary antenna ANT S3 . In a non-limiting example, the first primary antenna ANT P1 , the second primary antenna ANT P2 , and the third primary antenna ANT P3 can be disposed on the back of a mobile device (e.g., a smart phone), while the first secondary antenna ANT S1 , the second secondary antenna ANT S2 , and the third secondary antenna ANT S3 are disposed on the front of the mobile device. The first primary antenna ANT P1 , the second primary antenna ANT P2 , the third primary antenna ANT P3 , the first secondary antenna ANT S1 , the second secondary antenna ANT S2 , and the third secondary antenna ANT S3 can be antennas of any type and / or shape, including but not limited to patch antennas and shorted monopole antennas.

[0032] In an embodiment, the FEMs 18(1) and 18(2) are coupled to the first primary antenna ANT via a first filter circuit 20 P1 , the FEMs 18(2) and 18(3) are coupled to the second primary antenna ANT via a second filter circuit 22 P2 , the FEMs 18(1) and 18(5) are coupled to the third secondary antenna ANT via a third filter circuit 24 S3 , the FEM 18(3) is also directly coupled to the third primary antenna ANT P3 , and the FEM 18(4) is directly coupled to the first secondary antenna ANT S1 and the second secondary antenna ANT S2 .

[0033] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first filter circuit 20 includes an MHB transmit / receive filter, an LB transmit filter, and a UHB receive filter. The second filter circuit 22 includes an LB transmit filter and an MHB receive filter. The third filter circuit 24 includes an MHB receive filter and a UHB transmit / receive filter. For simplicity, various filters in the first filter circuit 20, the second filter circuit 22, and the third filter circuit 24 are omitted herein.

[0034] The FEMs 18(1)-18(5) may each be configured to include a respective one of a plurality of antenna switch modules (ASW) 26(1)-26(5). More specifically, the ASW 26(1) may selectively couple the FEM 18(1) to the first primary antenna ANT P1 and / or the third secondary antenna ANT S3 , the ASW 26(2) may selectively couple the FEM 18(2) to the first primary antenna ANT P1 and / or the second primary antenna ANT P2 , the ASW 26(3) may selectively couple the FEM 18(3) to the second primary antenna ANT P2 and / or the third primary antenna ANT P3 , the ASW 26(4) may selectively couple the FEM 18(4) to the first secondary antenna ANT S1 , the second secondary antenna ANT S2 and / or the FEM 18(5), and the ASW 26(5) may selectively couple the FEM 18(5) to the third secondary antenna ANT S3 and / or the FEM 18(4). It will be appreciated that the ASW 26(1)-26(5) may each be configured to include any number and / or type of switches deemed appropriate.

[0035] The wireless communication circuit 14 may be configured to further include a transceiver circuit 28. Herein, the transceiver circuit 28 may provide an outgoing RF signal 30 to be transmitted by any one of the FEMs 18(1)-18(5), and receive an incoming RF signal 32 received by any one of the FEMs 18(1)-18(5).

[0036] In an embodiment, the first FEM 18(1) may be configured to transmit an outgoing sounding reference signal (NR SRS0) in NR MHB via the first primary antenna ANT P1 and receive an incoming sounding reference signal (NR SRS1) via the first primary antenna ANT P1 and the third secondary antenna ANT S3A pair of incoming SRSs (NR SRS0 and NR SRS1) are received in the NRMHB. In this regard, the first FEM 18(1) can be used to provide both primary transmission and diversity reception functionality in the NR MHB. Notably, the FEM 18(1) is configured to transmit / receive SRSs (NR SRS0 and NR SRS1) without interrupting diversity reception for enhanced dual connectivity (EN-DC) in the high frequency band (HB) 40(n40) and HB 41(n41). In an embodiment, the ASW 26(1) can be multi-closed such that the FEM 18(1) can transmit / receive in HB n40 / n41 while receiving in the intermediate frequency band (MB) 3, 25, and / or 66. To achieve multi-closure, the ASW26(1) is implemented to provide more than 60 dB of transmit-to-receive isolation in HB 40 and HB 41.

[0037] As previously mentioned, herein, Figure 1 the FEM 12(7) in is integrated into the FEM 18(1). Thus, the FEM 18(1) can include an LB power amplifier (not shown) to amplify the NR LB signal 34 and / or the LTE LB signal 36 and provide the amplified NR LB signal 34 and / or the amplified LTE LB signal 36 to the FEM 18(2).

[0038] The FEM 18(2) can in turn transmit the amplified NR LB signal 34 via the first primary antenna ANT P1 and / or transmit the amplified LTE LB signal 36 via the second primary antenna ANT P2 In an embodiment, the FEM 18(2) can support EN-DC operation by simultaneously transmitting / receiving the NR LB signal 34 and the LTE LB signal 36. In this regard, the first FEM 18(2) can be used to provide both primary transmission and diversity reception functionality in NR and LTE LB.

[0039] The FEM 18(3) can be configured to transmit an outgoing SRS (LTE SRS0) in the LTE MHB via the second primary antenna ANT P2 and receive a pair of incoming SRSs (LTE SRS0 and LTE SRS1) in the LTE MHB via the second primary antenna ANT P2 and the third primary antenna ANT P3 respectively. In this regard, the first FEM 18(3) can be used to provide both primary transmission and diversity reception functionality in the LTE MHB. In an embodiment, the outgoing SRS (LTE SRS0) and / or the incoming SRSs (LTE SRS0 and LTE SRS1) can be transferred between the FEM 18(1) and 18(3).

[0040] The FEM 18(4) can be configured to transmit an outgoing SRS (UHB SRS0) via a first secondary antenna ANT S1 in the UHB, and to receive a pair of incoming SRSs (UHB SRS0 and UHB SRS1) via the first secondary antenna ANT S1 and a second secondary antenna ANT S2 in the UHB, respectively.

[0041] Alternatively, the FEM 18(5) can be configured to transmit an outgoing SRS (UHB SRS0) via a third secondary antenna ANT S3 in the LTE MHB, and to receive the pair of incoming SRSs (UHB SRS0 and UHB SRS1) via a third primary antenna ANT S3 and a first primary antenna ANT P1 in the LTE MHB, respectively.

[0042] In this document, the FEM 18(4) and the FEM 18(5) are provided as separate circuits. It should be understood that it is also possible to integrate the FEM 18(4) and the FEM 18(5) into a single SiP.

[0043] As described herein, the multi-band RF front-end circuit 16 is superior to the existing RF front-end circuit 10 in many aspects. Figure 1 In one aspect, compared with the 11 FEMs 12(1)-12(11) in Figure 1 , the multi-band RF front-end circuit 16 includes only five FEMs 18(1)-18(5). This brings significant savings in terms of space, cost, and / or the number of bus lines (e.g., RF front-end (RFFE) bus lines). Therefore, it is possible to simplify inventory and logistics management and shorten the PCB development time. In another aspect, by sharing the corresponding one of the ASWs 26(1)-26(5) among multiple transmit / receive paths in each of the FEMs 18(1)-18(5), it is possible to implement a simpler antenna swapping and SRS configuration. In another aspect, by performing multiple closures on the ASW 26(1) in the FEM 18(1), it is possible to enable the band 40 / 41 transmit current to be received in bands 3 / 25 / 66, thus helping to support SRS functionality without interrupting EN-DC operation.

[0044] On the other hand, interconnectivity is made easier due to the need for less wiring and will help reduce coupling issues on the PCB. In addition, the multi-band RF front-end circuit 16 can also provide cost reduction associated with laminate manufacturing and assembly. Further, by integrating, for example, MHB transmission and diversity reception, it is possible to reduce the BoM cost by using a common ASW and low-noise amplifier (LNA), thereby reducing the footprint of the multi-band RF front-end circuit 16.

[0045] Figure 2 The wireless communication circuit 14 of can be provided in the user element to provide beamforming phase correction. Figure 3 is an example in which Figure 2 a schematic diagram of an exemplary user element 100 of the wireless communication circuit 14 of can be provided.

[0046] In this document, the user element 100 can be any type of user element, such as a mobile terminal, smart watch, tablet computer, computer, navigation device, access point, and similar wireless communication devices that support wireless communication, such as cellular, wireless local area network (WLAN), Bluetooth, and near field communication. The user element 100 will typically include a control system 102, a baseband processor 104, a transmission circuit system 106, a reception circuit system 108, an antenna switch circuit system 110, a plurality of antennas 112, and a user interface circuit system 114. In a non-limiting example, for instance, the control system 102 can be a field programmable gate array (FPGA). In this regard, the control system 102 can at least include a microprocessor, an embedded memory circuit, and a communication bus interface. The reception circuit system 108 receives radio frequency signals from one or more base stations via the antenna 112 and through the antenna switch circuit system 110. A low-noise amplifier and a filter cooperate to amplify and eliminate broadband interference from the received signals for processing. Then, a down-conversion and digitization circuit (not shown) down-converts the filtered received signal to an intermediate or baseband frequency signal, and then digitizes the signal into one or more digital streams using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

[0047] The baseband processor 104 processes the digitized received signals to extract the information or data bits transmitted in the received signals. Such processing typically includes demodulation, decoding, and error correction operations, which will be discussed in more detail below. The baseband processor 104 is typically implemented in one or more digital signal processors (DSPs) and application specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

[0048] For transmission, the baseband processor 104 receives digitized data representing voice, data, or control information from the control system 102, and the baseband processor encodes the digitized data for transmission. The encoded data is output to the transmission circuitry 106, where a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) converts the digitally encoded data into an analog signal, and a modulator modulates the analog signal onto a carrier signal at the desired transmission frequency or frequencies. A power amplifier amplifies the modulated carrier signal to a level suitable for transmission and delivers the modulated carrier signal to the antenna 112 via the antenna switch circuitry 110 for the antenna 112. Multiple antennas 112 and replicated transmission circuitry 106 and reception circuitry 108 can provide spatial diversity. Those skilled in the art will understand the modulation and processing details.

[0049] In an embodiment, Figure 2 the multi-band RF front-end circuit 16 in P1 can be incorporated with the antenna switch circuitry 110. The antenna 112 can include a first primary antenna ANT P2 a second primary antenna ANT P3 a third primary antenna ANT S1 a first secondary antenna ANT S2 a second secondary antenna ANT S3 .

[0050] Figure 2 the multi-band RF front-end circuit 16 in Figure 4 can be configured according to a certain process. In this regard, Figure 2 is a flowchart of an exemplary process 200 for configuring the multi-band RF front-end circuit 16 in

[0051] Herein, process 200 includes configuring the first MHB FEM 18(1) to transmit and receive at least one NR MHB signal in the New Radio (NR) multi-band (MHB) (step 202). Process 200 also includes configuring the LB FEM 18(2) to transmit and receive NR LB signals in NR low band (LB) and to transmit and receive LTE LB signals in Long Term Evolution (LTE) LB (step 204). Process 200 also includes configuring the second MHB FEM 18(3) to transmit and receive at least one LTE MHB signal in LTE MHB (step 206). Process 200 also includes configuring the first ultra-high band (UHB) FEM 18(4) to transmit and receive at least one UHB signal in UHB (step 208). Process 200 also includes configuring the second UHB FEM 18(5) to transmit and receive at least one UHB signal in UHB (step 210).

[0052] Those skilled in the art will recognize improvements and modifications to the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure. All such improvements and modifications are considered to be within the scope of the concepts disclosed herein and the claims below.

Claims

1. A multi-band radio frequency (RF) front-end circuit (16), comprising: A first mid-high band (MHB) front-end module (FEM) (MHB FEM (18(1))), configured to transmit and receive at least one New Radio (NR) MHB signal in the NR MHB; A low band (LB) FEM (LB FEM (18(2))), configured to: Transmit and receive NR LB signals in the NR LB; and Transmit and receive Long Term Evolution (LTE) LB signals in the LTE LB; A second MHB FEM (18(3)), configured to transmit and receive at least one LTE MHB signal in the LTE MHB; A first ultra-high band (UHB) FEM (18(4)), configured to transmit and receive at least one UHB signal in the UHB; And A second UHB FEM (18(5)), configured to transmit and receive the at least one UHB signal in the UHB.

2. The multi-band RF front-end circuit according to claim 1, further comprising: The first primary antenna (ANT P1 ), which is coupled to the first MHB FEM (18(1)), the LB FEM (18(2)), and the second UHB FEM (18(5)); Second primary antenna (ANT P2 ), which is coupled to the LB FEM (18(2)) and the second MHB FEM (18(3)); The third primary antenna (ANT P3 ), which is coupled to the second MHB FEM (18(3)); The first secondary antenna (ANT S1 ) and the second secondary antenna (ANT S2 ), each of which is coupled to the first UHB FEM (18(4)); And The third secondary antenna (ANT S3 ), which is coupled to the second UHB FEM (18(5)) and the first MHB FEM (18(1)).

3. The multi-band RF front-end circuit according to claim 2, wherein the first UHB FEM (18(4)) is further configured to: Via the first secondary antenna (ANT S1 ) transmit an outgoing sounding reference signal SRS (UHB SRS0) in the UHB; and Receive a pair of incoming SRSs (UHB SRS0 and UHB SRS1) in the UHB via the first secondary antenna (ANT S1 ) and the second secondary antenna (ANT S2 ), respectively.

4. The multi-band RF front-end circuit according to claim 2, wherein the second UHB FEM (18(5)) is further configured to: Transmitting an outgoing sounding reference signal SRS (UHB SRS0) via the third secondary antenna (ANT S3 ) in the UHB; and A pair of incoming SRSs (UHB SRS0 and UHB SRS1) are received in the UHB via the third secondary antenna (ANT S3 ) and the first primary antenna (ANT P1 ), respectively.

5. The multi-band RF front-end circuit according to claim 2, wherein the first MHB FEM is further configured to: Transmit an outgoing sounding reference signal SRS (NR SRS0) in the NR MHB via the first primary antenna (ANT P1 ); and A pair of incoming SRSs (NR SRS0 and NR SRS1) are received in the NR MHB via the first primary antenna (ANT P1 ) and the third secondary antenna (ANT S3 ), respectively.

6. The multi-band RF front-end circuit according to claim 5, wherein the first MHB FEM (18(1)) is further configured to: Amplify one or more of the NR LB signal (34) and the LTE LB signal (36); and Provide one or more amplified NR LB signals (34) and amplified LTE LB signals (36) to the LB FEM (18(2)).

7. The multi-band RF front-end circuit according to claim 2, wherein the LB FEM (18(2)) is further configured to: Transmitting and receiving the NR LB signal (34) via the first primary antenna (ANT P1 ) and Transmit and receive the LTE LB signal (36) via the second primary antenna (ANT P2 ).

8. The multi-band RF front-end circuit according to claim 2, wherein the second MHB FEM (18(3)) is further configured to: Via the second primary antenna (ANT P2 ) transmit an outgoing sounding reference signal SRS (LTE SRS0) in the LTE MHB; and Via the second primary antenna (ANT P2 ) and the third primary antenna (ANT P3 ), a pair of incoming SRSs (LTE SRS0 and LTE SRS1) are received in the LTE MHB.

9. The multi-band RF front-end circuit according to claim 8, wherein the second MHB FEM (18(3)) is further configured to: Receive the outgoing sounding reference signal (LTE SRS0) from the first MHB FEM (18(1)); and Provide the pair of incoming sounding reference signals (LTE SRS0 and LTE SRS1) to the first MHB FEM (18(1)).

10. The multi-band RF front-end circuit according to claim 1, wherein the first MHB FEM is further configured to provide primary transmission and diversity reception capabilities in the NR MHB.

11. The multi-band RF front-end circuit according to claim 1, wherein the LB FEM is further configured to provide primary transmission and diversity reception capabilities in the NR LB and the LTE LB.

12. The multi-band RF front-end circuit according to claim 1, wherein the second MHB FEM is further configured to provide primary transmission and diversity reception capabilities in the LTE MHB.

13. The multi-band RF front-end circuit according to claim 1, wherein the first UHB FEM and the second UHB FEM are integrated into a single in-package system SiP.

14. A wireless device (100) comprising: A multi-band radio frequency RF front-end circuit (16) comprising: A first mid-high band MHB front-end module FEM (MHB FEM (18(1))), which is configured to transmit and receive at least one NR MHB signal in a new radio NR MHB; A low band LB FEM (LB FEM (18(2))), which is configured to: Transmit and receive NR LB signals in the NR LB; and Transmit and receive LTE LB signals in a long term evolution LTE LB; A second MHB FEM (18(3)), which is configured to transmit and receive at least one LTE MHB signal in the LTE MHB; A first ultra-high band UHB FEM (18(4)), which is configured to transmit and receive at least one UHB signal in the UHB; and A second UHB FEM (18(5)), which is configured to transmit and receive the at least one UHB signal in the UHB.

15. The wireless device according to claim 14, further comprising: The first primary antenna (ANT P1 ), the second primary antenna (ANT P2 ), the third primary antenna (ANT P3 ), the first secondary antenna (ANT S1 ), the second secondary antenna (ANT S2 ), and the third secondary antenna (ANT S3 ); Antenna switch circuit system (110), which is coupled to the first primary antenna (ANT P1 ), the second primary antenna (ANT P2 ), the third primary antenna (ANT P3 ), the first secondary antenna (ANT S1 ), the second secondary antenna (ANT S2 ), and the third secondary antenna (ANT S3 ), and includes the multi-band RF front-end circuit (16); and A transmission circuit system (106) and a reception circuit system (108), each coupled to the antenna switch circuit system (110).

16. The wireless device according to claim 15, wherein: The first primary antenna (ANT P1 ) is coupled to the first MHB FEM (18(1)), the LB FEM (18(2)), and the second UHB FEM (18(5)); The second primary antenna (ANT P2 ) is coupled to the LB FEM (18(2)) and the second MHB FEM (18(3)); The third primary antenna (ANT P3 ) is coupled to the second MHB FEM (18(3)); The first secondary antenna (ANT S1 ) and the second secondary antenna (ANT S2 ) are each coupled to the first UHB FEM (18(4)); and The third secondary antenna (ANT S3 ) is coupled to the second UHB FEM (18(5)) and the first MHB FEM (18(1)).

17. The wireless device according to claim 14, wherein the first MHB FEM is further configured to provide primary transmission and diversity reception capabilities in the NR MHB.

18. The wireless device according to claim 14, wherein the LB FEM is further configured to provide primary transmission and diversity reception capabilities in the NR LB and the LTE LB.

19. The wireless device according to claim 14, wherein the second MHB FEM is further configured to provide primary transmission and diversity reception capabilities in the LTE MHB.

20. The wireless device according to claim 14, wherein the first UHB FEM and the second UHB FEM are integrated into a single in-package system SiP.

21. A method for operating a multi-band radio frequency RF front-end circuit (16), comprising: Configuring a first mid-high band MHB front-end module FEM (MHB FEM (18(1))) to transmit and receive at least one NR MHB signal in a new radio NR MHB; Configure the low-band LB FEM (LB FEM(18(2))) to: Transmit and receive NR LB signals in the NR LB; and Transmit and receive LTE LB signals in the Long-Term Evolution LTE LB; Configure the second MHB FEM (18(3)) to transmit and receive at least one LTE MHB signal in the LTE MHB; Configure the first ultra-high-band UHB FEM (18(4)) to transmit and receive at least one UHB signal in the UHB; And Configure the second UHB FEM (18(5)) to transmit and receive the at least one UHB signal in the UHB.

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