CONFIGURABLE RECEIVER INPUT MODULE WITH CONFIGURABLE DETECTION CAPABILITIES

Abstract

Device comprising: a receive path for receiving, processing and outputting a receive radio frequency (RF) signal, wherein the receive path includes at least one low noise amplifier (LNA) and multiple signal nodes, and wherein the receive path is configurable to operate in multiple modes; at least one filter for filtering the receive RF signal;and at least one detector circuit to detect one or more levels occurring at one or more of the multiple signal nodes, wherein the device is configured to configure a sequence for the at least one LNA and the at least one filter, at least partially based on the one or more levels detected in the at least one detector circuit, wherein the device further comprises switching circuits connected to the receive path, wherein the switching circuits: in a first mode of the multiple modes are provided to cause the at least one detector circuit to detect the level of the received RF signal at an input of the at least one LNA via a first signal node of the multiple signal nodes;In a second mode of the several modes, the switching circuits are provided to cause the at least one detector circuit to detect the level of the received RF signal at an input of the at least one filter via a second signal node of the several signal nodes; and wherein in a third mode of the several modes, the switching circuits are provided to cause the at least one detector circuit to detect the level of the received RF signal at the input of the at least one LNA, wherein in the third mode the input of the at least one LNA is connected to an output of the at least one filter via a third signal node of the several signal nodes.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED REGISTRATION

[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of US patent application No. 17 / 851,534, filed on June 28, 2022, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND

[0002] Many small radio-based devices comprise multiple integrated circuits and other components, typically all mounted on a single printed circuit board (PCB). In many examples, transceiver circuits, which perform transmit and receive functions, are connected to several off-chip components, including filters, amplifiers, and so on. In many cases, separate off-chip components are necessary. For example, there might be a first off-chip filter intended to be connected to a transmit path and a separate second off-chip filter intended to be connected to a receive path. This unnecessarily consumes PCB space and increases the bill of materials (BOM) cost.

[0003] Furthermore, for optimal operation depending on the environment in which the radio-based device is located, specialized radio solutions are often designed to operate statically in a single environment, thus limiting flexibility. Conversely, devices that can dynamically adapt to an environment may encounter difficulties in recognizing an optimal configuration and switching between different operating modes. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In one feature, a device comprises: a receive path for receiving, processing, and outputting a receive radio frequency (RF) signal, wherein the receive path includes at least one low-noise amplifier (LNA) and multiple signal nodes, and wherein the receive path is configurable to operate in multiple modes; at least one filter for filtering the receive RF signal; and at least one detector circuit for detecting one or more levels occurring at one or more of the multiple signal nodes, wherein the device is configured to configure a sequence for the at least one LNA and the at least one filter, at least partially based on the one or more levels detected in the at least one detector circuit.

[0005] In one embodiment, the device further comprises switching circuits connected to the receive path, wherein the switching circuits are designed to configure the receive path in one of several modes, at least partially based on the one or more levels detected in the at least one detector circuit. The switching circuits are designed, at least in one of the several modes, to cause the receive path to bypass the at least one LNA.

[0006] In one embodiment, the switching circuits are configured: in a first mode of several modes, they are designed to cause the at least one detector circuit to detect the level of the received RF signal at an input of the at least one LNA via a first signal node of several signal nodes; in a second mode of several modes, they are designed to cause the at least one detector circuit to detect the level of the received RF signal at an input of the at least one filter via a second signal node of several signal nodes;wherein in a third mode of the several modes the switching circuits are provided to cause the at least one detector circuit to detect the level of the received RF signal at the input of the at least one LNA, wherein in the third mode the input of the at least one LNA is connected to an output of the at least one filter via a third signal node of the several signal nodes.

[0007] In one embodiment, the at least one detector circuit comprises: a first RF detector connected to an input of the at least one LNA; and a second RF detector connected to an input of the at least one filter. The device includes an RF input circuit comprising the receive path, wherein the RF input circuit is provided to be connected to a processor having a controller, the controller being provided to control the switching circuits. The device may further comprise a first integrated circuit comprising the RF input circuit and a second integrated circuit comprising the processor, wherein the at least one filter consists of a separate component connected to the first integrated circuit.

[0008] In an example where the device is incorporated into a first radio-based device, the switching circuits are configured to keep the receive path statically in the selected of several modes. The first radio-based device may include firmware to cause the switching circuits to be configured to keep the receive path statically in the selected of several modes. The device may also include an impedance matching element connected to an input of the at least one filter.

[0009] In a further feature, a method comprises the following: detecting, in a detector circuit of an RF input circuit, a power level of a received RF signal at an input of an LNA of the RF input circuit when the RF input circuit is configured in a first mode, and sending the detected power level of the received RF signal to a controller; and detecting, in the detector circuit, a power level of another received RF signal at an input of an RF filter associated with the RF input circuit when the RF input circuit is configured in a second mode, and sending the detected power level of the other received RF signal to the controller.

[0010] In one embodiment, the method further comprises: receiving a first control signal from the controller and configuring the RF input circuit, by means of switching circuits of the RF input circuit, into the first mode, which has a first relative order of the LNA and the RF filter; and receiving a second control signal from the controller and configuring the RF input circuit, by means of switching circuits of the RF input circuit, into a third mode, which has a second relative order of the LNA and the RF filter, the second relative order being different from the first relative order. The method may further comprise: in the first mode, causing the received RF signal to be routed, by means of the switching circuits, to the LNA and then to the RF filter; and in the third mode, causing the further received RF signal to be routed, by means of the switching circuits, to the RF filter and then to the LNA.The method can also include, in the second mode, causing the received RF signal to bypass the LNA through the switching circuits.

[0011] In another characteristic, a radio-based device comprises the following: a first integrated circuit that includes an RF input module; a filter that is connected to the first integrated circuit; and a second integrated circuit that is connected to the first integrated circuit.In one embodiment, the RF input module comprises: a transmit path for receiving, processing, and outputting a transmit RF signal, wherein the transmit path includes a power amplifier; a receive path for receiving, processing, and outputting a receive RF signal, wherein the receive path includes a low-noise amplifier (LNA); switching circuits connected to the transmit path and the receive path; a control circuit connected to the switching circuits, the control circuit being configured to control the switching circuits to configure the receive path for operation in one of several modes; and a detector circuit for detecting a power level of the receive RF signal. The second integrated circuit comprises a control circuit for changing the relative order of the filter with respect to the LNA, at least partially based on the power level of the receive RF signal.

[0012] In one embodiment, the second integrated circuit further comprises a comparator to compare the power level of the received RF signal with a reference signal and to provide an interrupt to the controller when the power level exceeds the reference signal. The controller can be connected to a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), wherein the controller is configured to cause the DAC to: in a first mode, provide the reference signal to the comparator with a first value; and in a second mode, provide the reference signal to the comparator with a second value, wherein the second value is different from the first value.The controller is designed to switch the receive path from the first mode, which includes a rural mode, to the second mode, which includes an urban mode, in response to the power level of the received RF signal exceeding the first value, wherein: in rural mode, an output of the LNA is connected to the filter; and in urban mode, an input of the LNA is connected to the filter.

[0013] In one embodiment, the following applies: in a first mode, the switching circuits are designed to cause the detector circuit to detect the power level of the received RF signal at an input of the LNA; and in a second mode, the switching circuits are designed to cause the detector circuit to detect the power level of the received RF signal at an input of the filter. The detector circuit may include: a first peak detector connected to the input of the LNA; and a second peak detector connected to the input of the filter.

[0014] In yet another feature, a device comprises the following: a receive path for receiving, processing, and outputting a receive RF signal, wherein the receive path includes at least one LNA and wherein the receive path is configurable to operate in multiple modes; at least one filter for filtering the receive RF signal; and switching circuits connected to the receive path, wherein the switching circuits are configured to configure the receive path to have a selected sequence of the at least one LNA and the at least one filter, corresponding to a selected one of the multiple modes.

[0015] In one embodiment, the device further comprises at least one detector circuit for detecting a level at one or more of several signal nodes of the receive path, wherein the switching circuits are configured to configure the receive path to have the selected sequence, at least partially based on the level at the one or more of the several nodes. In another of the several modes, the switching circuits can configure the receive path to bypass the at least one LNA. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Fig. Figure 1 shows an overview block diagram of a part of a device comprising an embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 represents a schematic diagram showing further details of a switch arrangement according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 3 represents a flowchart of a process according to one embodiment. The Fig. 4A to Fig. Figure 4C presents schematic diagrams illustrating different configurable modes in which a radio-based device can be used according to one embodiment. The Fig. 5A to Fig. Section 5C presents schematic diagrams illustrating different configurable modes into which a radio-based device can be set according to one embodiment. The Fig. 6A to Fig. Figure 6B shows block diagrams of a single-chip system according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 7 represents a flowchart of a process according to one embodiment. The Fig. 8A to Fig. Figure 8B represents state operating diagrams according to one embodiment. The Fig. 9A to Fig. 9B presents flowcharts of procedures according to further embodiments. Fig. Figure 10 represents a flowchart of a process according to yet another embodiment. Fig. Figure 11 shows a block diagram of a typical IoT device, which includes one embodiment. Fig. Figure 12 shows an overview diagram of a network according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] In various embodiments, an integrated circuit comprising a transceiver circuit can also include switching circuits to allow both a transmit and a receive path to utilize a single, off-chip filter. The switching circuits can be dynamically controlled depending on the operating mode (e.g., transmit or receive) to programmably and dynamically route receive or transmit signals to such an off-chip filter. In a transmit direction, this single off-chip filter can be placed between a transmit driver and a transmit power amplifier. In a receive direction, this single off-chip filter can be placed between a receive port and an on-chip amplifier. Such switching circuits can be implemented with minimal insertion losses, resulting in a minimal impact on the system's performance.

[0017] In some embodiments, a single chip-external filter can provide sufficient suppression of signal peaks for transmit signals, and in a receive mode, it can provide filtering of blocking signals and improve noise immunity. Although embodiments are not limited in this respect, implementations of a transceiver incorporating such switching circuitry can be used in a variety of different device types, including industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) sub-gigahertz (GHz) devices, such as those operating in a frequency range somewhere between approximately 850 megahertz (MHz) and 925 MHz.

[0018] In some implementations, there may be multiple receive modes, including a so-called rural mode, which can be used in environments with relatively few blocking or other interfering signals. In a rural mode, the switching circuitry can be controlled to provide a receive path in which an incoming RF signal received via an antenna is first routed to a low-noise amplifier (LNA) and then to an on-chip filter. In contrast, in a so-called urban mode, which can be active when a device is in an urban or otherwise heavily populated environment with potentially many blocking or interfering signals, the switching circuitry can be controlled to route an incoming RF signal received via an antenna first to the on-chip filter before it is routed to the LNA.Another receive mode can be a bypass mode, in which the LNA is bypassed and which can be used when the incoming signal strength is sufficiently high. As described later in this document, radio-based devices can be configured, statically or dynamically, to operate in one or more of these receive modes.

[0019] Such control allows a receiver implementation to achieve a good noise figure in a rural environment, while the same receiver, configured differently, can achieve good blocking in an urban environment. It should be noted that in both transmit and receive modes, it is possible to bypass the chip's external filter. Furthermore, in some situations, an external power amplifier can also be bypassed in transmit mode if a transmit RF signal is received with sufficient power in the RF input circuitry for a given environment. For example, in certain countries, such as Japan, an ISM device may be subject to regulatory requirements that limit its output power to 13 dBm (or 14 dBm in Europe). In such an implementation, the external power amplifier can be bypassed.In such cases, if an RF signal output by a SoC 110 is stronger than a certain power level (for example, 10 dBm), the chip's external filter can be bypassed to avoid damage that could occur if a signal exceeding its capabilities is applied.

[0020] Now with reference to Fig. Figure 1 shows an overview block diagram of a part of a device, such as an IoT device, which includes an embodiment. As shown in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 1, the IoT device 100 can be any type of IoT device that has radio-based communication capabilities. In one or more embodiments, the IoT device 100 can operate with a radio that uses the same frequency band for transmitting and receiving (half-duplex), unlike a mobile phone, which uses different frequencies for the uplink and downlink. Embodiments can vary, and the IoT device can be a counter device, an actuator device, a sensor device, a radio-based microcontroller (MCU), a radio-based camera, a radio-based speaker, a radio-based microphone, a radio-based light control, a lamp, and so on.

[0021] In the Fig. In the overview shown in Figure 1, a system-on-a-chip (SoC) 110 is connected via an RF input circuit 150 to an antenna 180, which can be used for both transmitting and receiving. Of course, other implementations may also provide separate antennas for receiving and transmitting. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1. The SoC 110 can be implemented in one integrated circuit (IC), and the RF input circuit 150 can be implemented in another IC. Using multiple ICs allows for the use of different IC manufacturing processes. For example, a first IC containing the RF input circuit 150 can be optimized for RF characteristics, while a second IC containing the SoC 110 can be optimized for digital design. In other cases, these two components can be implemented in a single IC. Typically, the SoC 110 circuitry can be implemented on one semiconductor die, and the RF input circuitry can be implemented on a different semiconductor die, either in separate ICs or in the same package. Furthermore, although the specific implementation in Fig. 1. In some cases, a SoC is included, while in others, a different type of digital processor may be present, such as a baseband processor and / or an application processor.

[0022] Now, with reference to the SoC 110, a digital circuit 120 is present that can perform the general processing of the device. Although embodiments are not limited in this respect, the processing can include operations such as performing sensor acquisitions, counter readings, control functionality, actuator functionality, etc. To achieve radio-based communication, the digital information can be routed from the digital circuit 120 to an analog circuit 130. In general, the analog circuit 130 can include a transceiver circuit with transmit and receive paths, which include signal processing circuits that perform various processing operations, including digital-to-analog conversion (in the transmit direction) and analog-to-digital conversion (in the receive direction), upmixing and downmixing, filtering, amplification, etc.

[0023] The Analog Circuit 130 can convert digital signals into analog form and also perform upmixing and further signal processing to generate RF signals. As shown in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the analog circuit 130 can optionally include a power amplifier (PA) 132, which can amplify the incoming RF signals and output them to the RF input circuit 150.

[0024] In one receiving direction, incoming signals received by the SoC 110 are routed to the analog circuit 130. As can also be seen, an LNA 134 can optionally be configured for gain control, which is positioned before additional signal processing. This signal processing can include, for example, filtering, further gain control, and down-converting to obtain digital signals that are then supplied to the digital circuit 120.

[0025] The RF input circuit 150 also includes a transceiver circuit comprising transmit and receive paths. Regarding the transmit path, incoming RF signals received by the SoC 110 are routed through the switch circuits 155. It should be noted that the switch circuits 155 are represented at a general level, logically as a single block. Specifically, a number of different switches can be implemented within the RF input circuit 150 to perform the configurable switching and communication of receive and transmit signals according to the various modes, as will be further explained in this document. This means that although the switch circuits 155 are represented as a single block, the various specific switch configurations can be arranged across the RF input circuit 150.Similarly, by means of the switching circuits 155, both the receive and transmit paths can use a single RF filter 170 connected to the RF input circuit 150, thereby reducing the cost of the bill of materials (BOM). In various embodiments, the RF filter 170 can be implemented as a surface acoustic wave (SAW) filter. Although for the purpose of describing this RF filter, it is generally referred to here as a SAW filter, it should be noted that any type of RF filter can be used, including various bandpass or lowpass filters.

[0026] With reference to the transmission path, RF signals to be transmitted can be routed through the switching circuits 155 to the SAW filter 170 (optional), back through the switching circuits 155 and to a PA 160 for further amplification, before being output (through additional circuits below the switching circuits 155) to the antenna 180.

[0027] In a receive path, incoming RF signals received by the antenna 180 are routed to the switching circuits 155. These received RF signals can be filtered by the SAW filter 170 before or after gain control in an LNA 165, and then continue through the switching circuits 155 before being routed to the SoC 110 and, more specifically, to the analog circuit 130. It should be noted that although this is described at the overview level in Fig. Figure 1 shows a single LNA 165, but in some cases, multiple LNAs may be present, which can be controllably connected to the SAW filter 170. For example, a receive RF signal can pass through a first LNA, then through the SAW filter 170, and subsequently through a second LNA before being routed to the SoC 110. Such multiple LNAs can also be controlled to bypass them, so that none, one, or both of these LNAs can be part of a receive path.

[0028] In some cases, the SoC 110 can provide an output signal with a power level of approximately zero dBm, which can be amplified both within the PA 132 of the SoC 110's analog circuit 130 and within the PA 160 (or, in certain cases, the PA 160 can be bypassed). It should be noted that in some cases, the SAW filter 170 may be designed to withstand only approximately 10 dBm of power, so that in the transmit direction, the transmit RF signal can be filtered in the SAW filter 170 before further amplification.

[0029] As also in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the SoC 110 can include a microcontroller unit (MCU) 135. One of the tasks of the MCU 135 is to send mode control signals to the RF input circuitry 150. As shown, these signals can be provided to a controller 158 (which can be implemented as a microcontroller, a finite state machine, etc.). In response to such control signals, the controller 158 can dynamically configure and reconfigure the switching circuitry 155 to operate in a predetermined transmit or receive mode (since the RF input circuitry 150 can only operate in one transmit or one receive direction at any given time). Furthermore, in different implementations, multiple receive modes and possibly multiple transmit modes may be available, which means different configurations of the switching circuitry 155. It should be noted that although the embodiment in Fig. As shown at this overview level 1, many variations and alternatives are possible.

[0030] Now with reference to Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing further details of a switching device according to one embodiment. As in Fig. Figure 2 shows a device 200 that provides a more detailed view of an implementation of a changeover circuit. In general, device 200 can be an IoT device similar to device 100. Fig. 1, and thus within the framework in which the same reference sign conventions are used in Fig. 2 are used (although with the “200” series instead of the “100” series in Fig. 1), similar components are shown and in some cases not discussed further below.

[0031] At an overview level, the device 200 comprises a SoC 210, an RF input circuit 250, a SAW filter 270, and an antenna 280. The SoC 210 is shown in the illustration in Fig. 2 shown with a transmit power amplifier 232 and a receive LNA 234.

[0032] In the transmit direction, the PA 232 outputs a differential RF signal, which is connected via a differential impedance matching circuit 240 (consisting of inductors L1, L2 and capacitors C1, C2). The matched differential RF signal is converted to an unbalanced (single-ended) form by a balun 245. Of course, other configurations for RF matching and for converting differential to unbalanced signals are also possible. The resulting unbalanced transmit RF signal is routed to the RF input circuit 250 via a transmit terminal B, which can also be used as a test terminal.

[0033] In the transmit direction, the RF input circuit 250 comprises a transmit signal path that includes various switches and other circuit elements to process the transmit RF signal and direct it to its destination, the antenna 280. More precisely, with reference to Fig. 2. The transmit RF signal can be routed via switches SW1 and SW2 (each with attenuation via an attenuator 268 using an additional switch SW7, or undamped) to a SAW filter 270 (via chip-external pins D and E, respectively). In one embodiment, the SAW filter 270 can be a bandpass filter configured to allow a band suitable for a given device to pass through (for example, between 875 and 950 MHz). After being filtered in the SAW filter 270, the filtered transmit RF signal is routed via a switch SW3 to a power amplifier (PA) 260 before being output via a matching network 263 (comprising an inductor L4 and capacitors C5 and C6).From there, the amplified transmit RF signal is routed via a switch SW4 and output by the RF input circuit 250. It is then passed through a low-pass filter (LPF) 275 to the antenna 280, which is connected to terminal A. In one embodiment, the LPF 275 can be a third-order harmonic low-pass filter with a typical loss level of approximately 0.5 dB. It should be noted that the positions of the LPF 275 and the SAW filter 270 should not be interchanged, as in some applications the RF signal level passing through the LPF 275 would damage the SAW filter 270. In one embodiment, the LPF 275 is configured to have a much lower insertion loss and a much higher power handling capacity than the SAW filter 270; however, it may also have a much lower selectivity and a wider transition band.

[0034] Furthermore with reference to Fig. In one receiving direction, incoming RF signals are routed via antenna 280 and LPF 275 into the RF input circuit 250. In the receiving direction, the incoming receive RF signal is routed via switch SW4 and, depending on the mode, either directly to LNA 265 (via switch SW8) or via switch SW3 to SAW filter 270 (and subsequently via switches SW2 and SW8) and then to LNA 265. This route can be determined by whether the filtering is to take place before or after amplification in LNA 265.

[0035] As shown, it is also possible for the amplified received RF signal output by the LNA 265 to be routed to the SAW filter 270 via switches SW5 and SW3. In other cases, the SAW filter 270 can be bypassed in the receive direction, such that the amplified received RF signal is routed directly from switches SW4 and SW8 via the LNA 265 and via switches SW5 and SW6, and then externally through an impedance matching circuit 245, formed by an inductor L3 and a capacitor C3, to the SoC 210, and more precisely to the LNA 234.

[0036] Furthermore, it is possible that attenuation occurs in the receive direction due to the attenuator 268, which is connected between switches SW2 and SW7, whereby the attenuated received RF signal is then routed to the SoC 210 via switch SW6. Although switches SW1 to SW8 in Fig. Although 2 are shown as different single-pole multiple switches (P / T), other switch types can also be used.

[0037] It goes without saying that although this particular implementation is represented by the paths described above through the RF input circuit 250, the switching circuits can take various forms to allow transmit and receive paths to share a single SAW filter, thereby reducing cost and complexity. However, embodiments are not limited in this respect, and it is also possible to have multiple filters. In this case, it is also possible to switch several different filters for different operating bands into the receive path. Furthermore, by controlling the various switches differently, it is possible to ensure that both transmit and receive RF signals pass through their respective transmit and receive paths in different sequences.

[0038] Furthermore with reference to Fig. 2. The controller 258 can dynamically configure the various switches to enable operation in a desired transmit or receive mode, as well as in sub-modes that may be available in a given implementation. For this purpose, the controller 258 receives incoming input control signals from the SoC 210 (more precisely from the MCU 235).

[0039] In response to these control signals, the controller 258 can control the various switches, as described above. In one particular embodiment, the MCU 235 can output four input sub-mode control signals. The controller 258 can dynamically configure the switches of the RF input circuit 250 accordingly, at least partially based on these control signals. With four control lines dedicated to the controller 258, sufficient programmability for 16 different modes can be provided, with approximately half of these modes available for transmit operations and half for receive operations. However, certain states can also be reserved for other modes, such as modes for testing or measurement.

[0040] Now with reference to Fig. Figure 3 shows a flowchart of a process according to one embodiment. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, Method 300 is a method for controlling switching circuits of an RF input circuit, as may be performed by a controller or other hardware circuitry within the RF input circuit. In some cases, the controller may execute instructions stored in non-volatile memory. In one embodiment, this non-volatile memory may be implemented as a non-transient storage medium capable of storing instructions and data. Such non-volatile memory may optionally store instructions that include instructions for receiving mode control signals and for controlling the switching circuits in response to the mode control signals, as described in this document.

[0041] As shown, procedure 300 begins by receiving input control signals from a processor (block 310). As described above, multiple control lines can be set up to provide control signals to indicate a desired mode and sub-mode, namely a transmit mode or a receive mode, and possible sub-modes including bypass modes, urban / rural modes, etc. Next, the input control signals can be decoded in block 320, for example, to control the RF input circuitry.

[0042] Furthermore with reference to Fig. 3. The control goes to block 330, in which the switching circuits of the RF input circuit can be dynamically configured, at least partially based on the decoded signals. In an embodiment as in Fig. 2. The single-pole multiple switches can be controlled to provide a selected connection between a common terminal and a specific one of the available output terminals. At this point, the RF input circuitry is suitably configured for operation in a particular mode. Thus, in block 340, RF signals can be transmitted through the RF input circuitry via these configured switching circuits. In this way, transmit or receive RF signals can pass through at least some of the switching circuitry along a desired path, such that the RF signals can optionally pass through a single external SAW filter that can be used for both transmit and receive modes. It should be noted that although the embodiment in Fig. As shown at this overview level 3, many variations and alternatives are possible.

[0043] In various embodiments, the characteristics can be optimized for radio devices (especially OFDM radios) used in radio-based networks and for environments with different RF spectra. By controlling the switching circuits described in this document, a radio-based device can operate in one of several predefined modes. It should be noted that although embodiments describe three modes, designated as rural, urban, and bypass modes, additional or other modes may exist using the techniques described in this document.

[0044] The operating mode can be determined, at least in part, based on information from the detection of an RF signal level received by one or more RF level detectors present in a processing path of the receiver RF signal. A controller can determine, at least in part based on such information, when to perform a mode switch. In other cases, another unit can determine a suitable mode without reference to this detected information. For example, an installation routine or a central unit could determine the mode based on knowledge of the location. Or, a selected mode could be configurable based on information obtained from a system-on-a-chip (SoC), such as SoC signal quality, RSSI, or packet error rate information.

[0045] Thus, in certain embodiments, an input module (FEM, front end module) can have multiple receiver operating modes to provide optimal reception under varying interference conditions. The best-protected mode, the bypass mode, with respect to interference handling, also has the highest noise figure, which affects (degrades) the receive sensitivity. Generally, switching to a more protected operating mode comes at the cost of reduced receive sensitivity. In one or more embodiments, if no strong interference is present, the least protected operating mode (the rural mode) can be used, as this results in the highest receive sensitivity.

[0046] If the signal level of a received RF signal exceeds a given threshold, the signal could potentially damage the LNA by overloading its input. If such an overload condition is detected, the controller can reconfigure the FEM to a more protected mode (for example, from urban or bypass mode) to protect the LNA. Under various conditions, the FEM can switch from rural to urban mode, or from urban to bypass mode, or vice versa. For example, when switching from rural to urban mode, the signal level of the received RF signal may no longer exceed a predefined detection threshold, allowing the LNA to operate without serious overload issues. Switching to bypass mode bypasses the LNA, completely eliminating the problems associated with LNA overload.After switching to a more protected mode, a certain decrease in the noise factor may occur, and it may therefore be undesirable to remain in the more protected mode indefinitely.

[0047] In rural environments, greater distances between radios are necessary to keep network costs down. Improved sensitivity allows for greater coverage over longer distances. The best sensitivity is achieved when there is no signal attenuation (filters introduce signal attenuation) between the antenna and the LNA; however, the quality would be compromised by strong blocking out-of-band signals, as these would not be filtered out before reaching the LNA. Fortunately, rural locations often have fewer blocking signals than urban locations. Therefore, in one embodiment, in a rural mode, the optimal relative order in a receiver RF signal processing path might be as follows: antenna, LNA, filter, and then to a receiver output section. In one or more embodiments, a wide-bandwidth RF level detector can be connected to an input of the LNA.In rural mode, the RF detector can measure the signal coming from the antenna.

[0048] In certain implementations, firmware or other control mechanisms can be used to cause a radio-based device with an input module according to one embodiment to switch to a rural mode as a start-up mode. If the RF level detector determines that the signal level is low enough (for example, less than a certain threshold) that no significant distortion occurs at the LNA, reception can safely continue in this mode. It should be noted that calibration can be performed to precisely set this switching threshold.

[0049] Strong unwanted signals, such as those outside the band, can distort desired signals. The effect of distortion on desired OFDM signals can be significantly worse than on desired FSK signals. If the unwanted signal is also an OFDM signal, such as those used in cellular LTE networks, the distortion can be even more severe. If the RF level detector determines that the signal level is high enough to cause distortion at the LNA and affect the desired RF signal, the controller can initiate a rapid switch to urban mode.

[0050] In urban environments, radios are typically positioned close together, so long-range capabilities are less important. Strong blocking out-of-band signals are common and are usually the limiting factor for system performance. While a filter between the antenna and the LNA (Load Signal Amplifier) ​​reduces sensitivity, it significantly attenuates out-of-band blocking signals.

[0051] Therefore, in one embodiment, in an urban mode, the optimal relative order in a receiver RF signal processing path can be as follows: antenna, filter, LNA, and then to the receiver output stage. The RF level detector can be located at the LNA input and filter output. With this configuration, the signal level of out-of-band blocking signals can be significantly reduced. If the RF level detector determines that the signal level is low enough to prevent distortion at the LNA, reception will continue safely in this mode. If a strong blocking signal lies within the filter's passband, it would not reduce it. It is possible that the RF level detector determines that the signal level is high enough to cause distortion at the LNA and impair the desired RF signal. In this case, the controller can initiate a rapid switch to bypass mode.

[0052] Bypass mode can be used in environments where radios are so closely spaced that the LNA (Load Signal Amplifier) ​​is unnecessary and can even cause distortion, even with the filter placed before it. In such cases, the optimal relative order in the processing path of a receiver RF signal in bypass mode might be as follows: antenna and filter (bypassing the LNA), and then to the receiver output stage. In this mode, an RF level detector placed between the antenna and the filter can be used to determine if the strong blocking signals have disappeared.

[0053] RF level detection and mode switching can be performed quickly enough to make it possible to simply start each receiving operation in rural mode and only switch to the next, more protected mode when necessary.

[0054] Using an input module with configurable switching circuits, as described in this document, various applications can employ a common architecture for a radio at any given location, and the radio can actively adapt to the environment, even as the environment changes. Such an environmental change might occur, for example, if a location is initially less densely populated but, over time, undergoes further development that introduces a much larger number of radios in the vicinity.

[0055] In other cases, certain applications may already be aware of the environment in which they will be used. In these cases, the application can hardcode a radio for the selected environment into a single desired mode, for example, through firmware settings. The hardware, however, allows use in any of the three environments and avoids the need for three different types of hardware that would have to be distributed, manufactured, and stocked. In contrast, existing techniques require modifications to the radio's design and are tailored to only one specific environment. Existing techniques do not allow for firmware configuration of a desired mode if the environment is known and predetermined, nor do they allow for dynamic adaptation to different RF spectrum environments as those environments change.

[0056] Now with reference to the Fig. 4A to Fig. Figure 4C shows schematic diagrams illustrating different configurable modes in which a radio-based device can be used according to one embodiment.

[0057] First, starting with Fig. Figure 4A shows a schematic diagram of a radio-based device 400 in a first operating mode, namely a rural mode 401. On the Fig. In the overview level shown in Figure 4A, a processing path for a received RF signal runs from an antenna 480 via an antenna connector (Ant) to an LNA 465 and then to a SAW filter 475 (which can be an on-chip SAW filter) via additional connection pins SAW2 and SAW1. The amplified and filtered RF signal is then output via another connection pin (Rx) to an accompanying device (for example, a SoC, which, for the sake of simplicity, is shown in Figure 4A). Fig. (4A is not shown). Of course, further signal processing can also take place in an input module.

[0058] It should be noted that the various components discussed above are in Fig. 4A can correspond to those previously referred to Fig. 2 were discussed (designated with the same reference numbers, although from the "400" series), and they will therefore not be discussed further. Although, for the sake of simplicity, in Fig. 4A not shown, it should be noted that switching circuits of an input module, as controlled by control signals received from the SoC, can cause the configuration of the radio-based device 400 to the rural mode 401.

[0059] Now with reference to Fig. Figure 4B shows a schematic diagram of the radio-based device 400 in a second operating mode, namely an urban mode 402. On the Fig. In the overview level shown in Figure 4B, the relative positions of the SAW filter 475 and the LNA 465 are reversed. It should be noted that no material differences exist in the hardware, as the same hardware remains in the same positions: instead, the switching circuits of the Fig. The processing path of the received RF signal shown in Figure 4B is implemented.

[0060] Now with reference to Fig. Figure 4C shows a schematic diagram of the radio-based device 400 in a third operating mode, namely a bypass mode 403. On the Fig. In the overview level shown in 4C, the processing path of a received RF signal runs from the antenna 480 to the SAW filter 475 and then the filtered RF signal is output to the accompanying device without passing through an LNA.

[0061] It should be noted that although the Fig. 4A to Fig. 4C shows certain modes that are possible with a radio-based device according to one embodiment, but other embodiments are also feasible. Furthermore, although a single SAW filter and a single LNA are shown, in other examples a radio-based device and its input module may also include multiple LNAs and SAW filters, with a suitable selection of an active component by means of switching circuits, as described in this document.

[0062] Furthermore, some implementations may include additional circuitry placed between a SAW filter and an antenna. For example, a transmission line (of a non-zero length) or an inductor may be connected externally to the chip along a path between the antenna and a SAW filter. Where present, these components can be used to provide impedance matching and, if necessary, additional filtering. Generally, the SAW filter can be understood as a filter that passes through the relevant frequency band with relatively low attenuation and attenuates frequencies outside the relevant band. It is apparent to those skilled in the art that the SAW filter can be replaced by other filter types, such as a filter formed by any combination of transmission lines, inductors, and capacitors.Furthermore, the SAW filter can be combined with additional filtering, such as with further SWA filters or a filter constructed from capacitors and inductors. Various filter types can be implemented in different versions, such as bandpass filters, bandstop filters, low-pass filters, or high-pass filters.

[0063] Furthermore, it should be noted that although the Fig. 4A to Fig. 4C represents three different operating modes. For a given radio-based device, as programmed for a specific end user at a work site, it is possible to be configured either statically or dynamically to allow only one or two of these operating modes. Thus, depending on the actual use case, only one or two of the three operating modes described above may be available, although the underlying hardware for realizing the relative component arrangements of the Fig. 4A to Fig. 4C is present.

[0064] For example, a designer or supplier of a wireless device comprising an embodiment can specify, when deploying a wireless network to the environment, that certain modes are statically enabled / disabled. In this way, embodiments provide the capability to schedule wireless devices into a network in such a way that certain modes are enabled / disabled and / or to control which modes / combinations are allowed to occur and in what order.

[0065] As an example, let's assume that during the planning phase, conditions indicate a network environment located in an area with many blockers. In this situation, wireless devices can be statically configured within the network to enable / disable specific modes and / or state transitions. In this example, wireless devices deployed in this area with many blockers can be configured to start operating in an urban mode (and / or disable rural mode).

[0066] Depending on the specific system implementation, the selection of an active operating mode (in a dynamic example) can be controlled by a system-on-a-chip (SoC). In various implementations, the SoC can make such decisions based on receiving and evaluating metric information related to incoming RF signals (for example, received signal strength information (RSSI), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), blocker information, or other signal quality metrics). In still other cases, an input module can include one or more detector circuits, such as RF detectors for measuring RF signal levels at various points in a receiver RF signal's processing path, and it can provide this level information for use by the SoC's controller.

[0067] Now with reference to the Fig. 5A to Fig. Figure 5C shows schematic diagrams illustrating various configurable modes into which a radio-based device according to an embodiment can be configured, at least partially based on information on power levels obtained from power detector circuits.

[0068] As in Fig. As shown in 5A, a radio-based device 500 can be used as in Fig. 4A can be set up in a rural mode 501 (and thus the same reference numbers are used, albeit from the "500" series). As shown, the radio-based device 500 comprises, in addition to an RF input circuit, a SoC 510. A sampling amplifier 554 and a detector circuit 555 are also shown. In one or more embodiments, the detector circuit 555 can be implemented as an RF peak detector.

[0069] As in the implementation of a rural mode in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5A, the sampling amplifier 554 and the detector circuit 555 are connected to an input of an LNA 565, so that an RF level detected by the detector circuit 555 provides a signal level of the RF signal received by an antenna 580. In the illustration of the Fig. 5A It should be noted that this signal level information output by the detector circuit 555 is provided to the SoC 510 via another connection pin (Analog sense).

[0070] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5B, the radio-based device 500 can be used as described in Figure 5B. Fig. 4B may be configured in an urban mode 502 (and thus the same reference numbers are used, albeit from the "500" series). The same relative position of the detector circuit 555 with respect to the LNA 565 as in rural mode 501 is found in urban mode 502; however, the RF signal input to the detector circuit 555 (via the sampling amplifier 554) is filtered in a filter 575. It should be noted that additional detector circuits may be present, such as a second RF peak detector (comprising an amplifier and peak detector) used to monitor the signal level at connection pad SAW2. The detected information can be used to determine when to switch back from urban to rural mode. For example, if a strong out-of-band blocking signal is present, the second peak detector will detect a much higher value than the first peak detector.If the value measured by the second peak detector falls below a second threshold (for example, when the out-of-band blocker has finished its transmission), a determination can be made to effect a mode change back to rural mode.

[0071] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5C, the radio-based device 500 can be used as described in Figure 5C. Fig. 4C can be set up in a bypass mode 503 (and thus the same reference numbers are used, albeit from the "500" series). In bypass mode 503, the detector circuit 555 can be connected to an input with a SAW filter 575, since there is no active LNA in this mode. It should also be noted that a sampling amplifier is not required in this configuration. It should be pointed out that an additional peak detector connected to the SAW1 connection pad can be useful in determining whether it might be appropriate to switch back from bypass mode to urban mode. It is also understood here that, as stated above with reference to the Fig. 4A to Fig. As discussed in section 4C, there are no differences in the hardware, but only a different control of switching circuits to set up the various modes that are available in the Fig. 5A to Fig. 5C are shown. It should also be noted that it is possible, for example based on firmware and / or hardware control, to cause an associated SoC to switch to a given low-power mode while the RF detector infrastructure is active.

[0072] Now with reference to Fig. Figure 6A shows a block diagram of a system-on-a-chip according to one embodiment. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 6A, the SoC 600 comprises a controller 610, which may be a radio processor and which is implemented, for example, as a sequence controller (which in one embodiment may be implemented as an embedded ARM M0 central processing unit (CPU)) configured to control, statically or dynamically, an input circuit with switching circuits, as described in this document. In one or more embodiments, the controller 610 may execute instructions stored in a non-volatile memory medium. Such instructions, used to execute the control of switching circuits, may be implemented as firmware and / or software.For example, a given manufacturer of radio-based devices may provide firmware designed to statically configure the switching circuitry to provide a static operating mode, such as a predefined rural, urban, and / or bypass mode described in this document. In other cases, the firmware is used to provide dynamic control. In this case, a specific mode may be selected based on environmental conditions, and the selection may change dynamically during operation based on these conditions (such as detected RF levels).

[0073] With reference to Fig. 6A provides the 610 controller with control signals to control an input module, as described in this document. Such control, in a dynamic implementation, can be based on responding to detected RF levels received via one or more analog sample inputs.

[0074] In one embodiment, the RF level detector signal from the FEM is multiplexed and transmitted to the SoC 600, where it is measured and compared to a predefined threshold. If the signal is below the threshold, no changes are made. If the signal is above the threshold, the SoC 600 quickly switches the receiver operating mode of the FEM to urban mode. In one embodiment, this switch can be implemented within an automatic gain control (AGC) algorithm. During the switch, the relative order of the processing path of the receiver RF signal is changed, but the amplitude of the desired signal may change very little. Out-of-band blocking signal levels at the LNA input would decrease by the amount of the filter selectivity.

[0075] As shown, feedback information from the input module is fed to an analog comparator 620, which also receives a reference voltage generated by a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 615. The controller 610 can supply a reference level signal to the DAC 615 to cause it to generate the reference voltage at a specific level. More precisely, the DAC 615 can generate a reference voltage signal, specifically one of several predefined threshold levels, depending on the operating mode and controlled by the controller 610.

[0076] In various embodiments, the comparator 620 performs comparisons continuously without requiring a processor, thus improving response time. If a detected RF signal level exceeds a given threshold, the comparator 620 sends an interrupt to the controller 610. Once the controller 610 receives this interrupt, it selects the next mode (in some cases, depending on the application, certain modes may not be permitted). The controller 610 sends a message to indicate the mode change to the input module. In one embodiment, this message can be a transmission of control signals, such as a 4-bit signal on the FEM lines CTRL0-3.

[0077] Furthermore with reference to Fig. Incoming RF signals are received from the input module via an Rx connection pin and routed to an RF circuit 630, which may include an optional LNA and other signal processing circuitry, such as filters, additional gain controls, and so on. The received RF signal is then down-converted in a mixer 640, which receives a mixer signal from a local oscillator (LO) 645. The down-converted signals output by the mixer 640 can be routed to a baseband processor 650 for baseband processing and subsequently to a digital signal processor (DSP) 660 (which in turn may be connected to a main CPU of the SoC 600, which is located in Fig. (not shown in 6A). It should be noted that although the embodiment in Fig. As shown at this overview level in 6A, many variations and alternatives are possible.

[0078] For example, the SoC 600 is in Fig. 6A is shown at a relatively coarse level of detail, and various components are not fully visible. Now with reference to Fig. Figure 6B shows a more detailed block diagram of a SoC according to one embodiment. As in Fig. As shown in 6B, the SoC 600 can generally be used in the same way as the SoC in Fig. It is built according to the 6A standard. However, further details of the included components are illustrated.

[0079] This embodiment illustrates further details of a processing path for a receiver RF signal. Thus, as shown, an RF circuit 630 is depicted in more detail, including a passive network 632, which may comprise one or more passive attenuators or similar components, and an LNA 634. As also shown, a down-converted signal output by the mixer 640 can be additionally controlled with respect to its gain in a programmable gain amplifier (PGA) 647, the output of which is routed to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 648, which digitizes the signal information and routes it to a modem 650 (which may be part of the DSP 650 located in the Fig. 6A is shown).

[0080] As also in Fig. As shown in Figure 6B, various detectors, in particular an RF peak detector 633 and an intermediate frequency (IF) peak detector 646, can be connected to the RF signal processing path to measure signal levels and provide the information to an AGC control circuit 670. Based at least partially on this information, the AGC control circuit 670 can control the various gain network components within the SoC 600. Furthermore, in response to an indication of a load level of the passive network 632, and based at least partially on the power level detected by the RF peak detector 633, the control circuit 610 can be triggered, for example in response to an interrupt, to switch to a bypass mode to eliminate such an overload, as described in this document.

[0081] Now with reference to Fig. Figure 7 shows a flowchart of a process according to one embodiment. Specifically, as shown in Fig. Figure 7 shows Method 700, a method for dynamically controlling a radio-based device to operate in one of several selected modes. Thus, Method 700 can be executed by a controller located in a system-on-a-chip (SoC) of the radio-based device, which is connected to an input module of the radio-based device. In other cases, the controller can be contained within the input module itself. It is also possible to integrate the entire processing circuitry, controller, and input module circuitry into a single integrated circuit.

[0082] In any case, procedure 700 begins by configuring the radio-based device in a rural mode (block 710). In this mode, switching circuits establish a processing path for a receiver signal to route an RF signal received via an antenna to an LNA and then to a filter (for example, a SAW filter), which may be implemented externally from the input module.

[0083] At this point, the radio-based device can enter normal operation, receiving and processing RF signals and, if necessary, transmitting RF signals. During operation, the RF signal level at the LNA input can be measured in block 720, for example, by an RF level detector. This information can be provided to the controller via an analog sampling pin. Subsequently, it can be determined in diamond 725 whether the RF signal level is lower than a first threshold. In embodiments, this first threshold can be set to a relatively low level, so that this comparison indicates whether the highest sensitivity conditions are suitable for the received RF signal. If it is determined that the RF signal level is lower than the first threshold, the controller proceeds to block 730, where operation in rural mode can be maintained. The controller then returns to block 720.

[0084] Furthermore with reference to Fig. Section 7 states that if the RF signal level is found to exceed the first threshold, the control system proceeds to block 735, where the radio-based device can be configured in an urban mode. In this urban mode, an RF signal received via the antenna can be routed to the filter and then to the LNA. The control system then proceeds to diamond 740 to determine, during this operation in urban mode, whether the RF signal level is below a second threshold. It should be noted that this second threshold may be set at a higher level than the first threshold.

[0085] If it is determined that the RF signal level is lower than the second threshold, the controller proceeds to block 745 to determine whether the conditions are such that one or more criteria for returning to a rural mode are met. Although embodiments are not restricted in this respect, such criteria may include a timeout condition, signal loss, or other such criteria. Another criterion may include additional detected information, such as a level measured by a second peak detector, as discussed above. If it is determined that such criteria are met, the controller returns to block 710, discussed above, to return to rural mode. Otherwise, the controller proceeds to block 750, where the operation of the radio-based device is maintained in urban mode.

[0086] Furthermore with reference to Fig. According to section 7, if the RF signal level is detected to exceed the second threshold, the control signal passes to terminal 760, where the radio-based device can be configured in bypass mode. In this bypass mode, the LNA is removed from the signal processing path because the incoming RF signal has sufficient strength. In bypass mode, the control signal then passes to terminal 770, where it can be determined whether the RF signal is below a third threshold, which may be at a level different from the other thresholds. It should be noted that in bypass mode, the RF signal can be detected at an input (and / or output) of the filter, since there is no LNA in the processing path of the received signal.

[0087] If the RF signal level is detected exceeding the third threshold, operation in bypass mode is maintained (block 780). Otherwise, if the RF signal level is detected falling below the third threshold, the controller goes to hashtag 790 to determine if one or more criteria for returning to another mode are met. Such criteria may be as discussed above (such as a timeout period, signal loss, etc.). If one or more such criteria are met, the controller goes to hashtag 795 to determine whether the radio-based device needs to be reconfigured to urban or rural mode.

[0088] It should be noted that although in Fig. 7. A method for dynamically reconfiguring a radio-based device for operation in one of three modes is disclosed, and embodiments are not limited thereto. Thus, in other cases, a radio-based device can be configured in more than three operating modes. In still other cases, only two modes may be available, such as the two of the three modes described above. In such cases, operation can be performed as described in Fig. 7 can be performed, removing any mode that is not available.

[0089] Embodiments can be used to determine whether switching back to a less protected mode will cause a recurrence of an overload condition. To handle this problem, embodiments can provide a timer-based mechanism with an adaptive timeout period. The timer starts after switching to a more protected mode. If a timeout occurs, the controller switches to a less protected mode.

[0090] The timeout period is based on the duration between switching to the less protected mode and the time before the next overload condition is detected. If this period is short, it may indicate a hostile environment (for example, a frequently occurring strong adjacent channel), making a longer stay in the more protected mode desirable (increasing the timeout period). Conversely, if the duration between switching to the less protected mode and the time before the next overload condition is relatively long, it may be desirable to decrease the timeout period. Adjusting the timeout period can be done in steps, performing multiple iterations (multiple switches from a protected to a less protected mode), resulting in a timeout period based on an average over changing channel conditions.

[0091] For example, in an urban environment, there may be several neighboring transmitters causing significant interference, thus increasing the likelihood of needing a protected mode. With an adaptive timeout period, a relatively long timeout duration can ensure that the FEM remains in the more protected mode for a relatively longer time. This can lead to a lower probability of packet loss due to interference, simply because the FEM does not spend much time operating in the less protected rural mode.

[0092] Otherwise, in a rural mode, there may be very few neighboring transmitters, and thus a low probability that a more protected mode will be needed. With an adaptive timeout period, a relatively short timeout period can cause the FEM to remain in the more protected mode for a relatively longer time. This can lead to a relatively low probability of packet loss due to lack of sensitivity, simply because the FEM does not operate in a more protected mode for a long time.

[0093] Now with reference to Fig. Figure 8A shows a state diagram of the dynamic operation of a radio-based device according to one embodiment. As shown in Fig. Figure 8A illustrates the three available modes in which a radio-based device can be configured: a rural mode (810), an urban mode (820), and a bypass mode (830). The different modes and their configurations and operating modes have been described above. The state diagram (800) can represent control operations performed by a controller, such as a system-on-a-chip (SoC), associated with an input module that includes switching circuitry, as described in this document. Of course, in other implementations, a single integrated circuit may include an input circuit and associated switching circuitry. In still other implementations, an input module may include sufficient processing circuitry to implement the execution of the state diagram (800) itself.

[0094] In any case, it begins as in Fig. Figure 8A illustrates the operation of a radio-based device in rural mode 810. Then, in response to a given interrupt, the state of the radio-based device can switch to a given state, either urban mode 820 or bypass mode 830. More precisely, in response to a first interrupt type (int_1), the radio-based device can be reconfigured from rural mode 810 to urban mode 820. In one or more embodiments, this first interrupt type can be triggered in response to the detection of an RF signal level exceeding a given threshold, as discussed above.

[0095] Thus, with regard to this first interrupt type, if a power level deviation is detected that exceeds a given threshold, the radio-based device can be reconfigured to urban mode 820. Subsequently, after a timeout (TO) period, the state can return to rural mode 810. In various embodiments, as previously described, this timeout period can be adaptive or adjustable. For example, if the dwell time in rural mode 810 is short (e.g., shorter than a target duration), the timeout period can be extended so that operation in urban mode 820 occurs for longer periods.

[0096] Furthermore with reference to Fig. In 8A, the controller can also switch directly from rural mode 810 to bypass mode 830 in response to a different interrupt type. In one or more embodiments, this second interrupt type (int_2) can occur when a passive network of a processing path for a receiver RF signal reaches an attenuation threshold. In one or more embodiments, this second interrupt type can have a higher priority than the first interrupt type. Thus, in response to the triggering of these two interrupts, the controller switches from rural mode 810 to bypass mode 830 instead of from rural mode 810 to urban mode 820. As shown, after a timeout period, the controller switches back from bypass mode 830 to rural mode 810.

[0097] Furthermore with reference to Fig. 8A states that if the second interrupt type is triggered in urban mode 820, the state changes from urban mode 820 to bypass mode 830. It should be noted that although the special in Fig. Section 8A shows the existing state changes and modes; variations and alternatives are possible. For example, in some cases the timeout timer can be reset if the power exceeds a given threshold. Such timeout resets can occur when one of the urban or bypass modes is running.

[0098] Now with reference to Fig. Figure 8B shows a state diagram of the dynamic operation of a radio-based device according to a further embodiment. In general, this state diagram operates in the same way as in Fig. 8A, with the addition of resetting time-out timers when a given condition exists and detected RF signals are above a given threshold.

[0099] Therefore, as in Fig. Figure 8B shows that if a first interrupt type is triggered while the urban or bypass mode is active, a timer reset state (825 or 835) occurs, in which the timeout timer is reset. In this implementation, it should be noted that the return from urban or bypass mode to rural mode can occur if the timeout period has expired and the measured RF power level remains below the given threshold during the timeout period. Otherwise, if an RF power level deviation exceeding a given threshold occurs in either of these modes, the first interrupt type is triggered and the timeout timer is reset.

[0100] To control the dwell time in a more protected mode, a control mechanism can be configured to compare a target or threshold value for the dwell time with the time spent in the less protected mode. For example, if the time spent in rural mode is between the target dwell time and (for example) 2 times the target dwell time, then the dwell time in urban mode (u_dwell Time-out) remains unchanged. If the time spent in rural mode is shorter than the target dwell time, indicating significant interference, the dwell time in urban mode is increased. This reduces the frequency of switches between rural and urban modes. During such a switch, a packet may be lost, whereas it might have been successfully received if the system had remained in urban mode.If the time spent in rural mode exceeds twice the target dwell time, indicating no significant interference, the dwell time in urban mode can be reduced. This allows the receiver to spend more time in a more sensitive mode to receive weaker signals.

[0101] Now with reference to Fig. Figure 9A shows a flowchart of a process according to a further embodiment. More precisely, the process is shown in Figure 900. Fig. 9A a more detailed method for the dynamic control of an input circuit of a radio-based device according to an embodiment. Method 900 can be described in Fig. 9A can be executed by hardware circuits, such as a controller present in the radio-based device, for example, a microcontroller within a SoC, control circuits in an input module itself, or other processing circuits. The hardware circuits can execute instructions stored in a non-volatile memory medium, such as non-volatile memory, which may be present within the SoC, the input module, or another integrated circuit of the radio-based device.

[0102] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9A, procedure 900 begins when a receiver is activated and previous dwell times can be restored as initial values ​​(Block 905). In one or more embodiments, these initial dwell times can be given in the form of exponential values, which can be used to set dwell times in urban and bypass modes. In one or more such embodiments, these exponential values ​​can be set to have an initial value, for example, seven (which acts as an exponential value when no history is available). Although an exponent was used in this example to modify the dwell times, a linear approach can be used in other cases.These exponential values ​​can thus define the dwell time in urban and bypass modes (which must be controlled to remain within minimum and maximum values ​​(E_urban_min and max and E_bypass_min and max), as used in the following tables), with initial values ​​of E = 7 if no history is available (E_urban_prev and E_bypass_prev). The following tables also assume a typical packet duration (tpd) of 20 milliseconds (ms) and a target value for the duration in a given mode without the need for a switch (target value) of 1024 tpd.

[0103] As in Fig. As shown in section 9A, the control then proceeds to block 910, where the radio-based device (and more precisely, the input module) can be initialized into rural mode. Various operations can be performed for this initialization and configuration into rural mode, including setting the switching circuits, as described in this document. Additionally, one or more RF level detectors can be initialized, for example, by discharging filter capacitors. Furthermore, a timer can be set to maintain an operating time in rural mode. Finally, an analog comparator, which compares a detected RF power level with a given threshold, can be enabled to trigger an interrupt in response to a power deviation.

[0104] Furthermore with reference to Fig. 9A, during operation in rural mode, the controller next checks whether an interrupt is detected (#915), indicating that a power level has exceeded a threshold. If so, the controller then goes to #920 to determine if urban mode is disabled (which may be based on an enable bit being set to indicate that urban mode is being skipped). If such an enable bit is set to allow this skipping, the controller goes directly from #920 to block 965 to reconfigure the radio-based device (more specifically, the input module) to bypass mode, as described below.

[0105] Otherwise, if no skip is indicated, control proceeds from diamond 920 to block 925, where the operation of the radio-based device (specifically, the input module) can be reconfigured for urban mode. In block 925, various operations can be performed to appropriately reconfigure the input module for urban mode, including setting suitable switching circuits. Additionally, similar operations to those described above for rural mode configuration can be performed. These operations include reading a rural duration and updating a dwell time calculation for urban mode that is at least partially based on it (an example of which is shown in Table 1). Further operations include setting a timeout period for the urban dwell time, starting the timer, and resetting an AGC control circuit of the SoC.Accordingly, operations will continue in urban mode at this point.

[0106] Now, with reference to Table 1, pseudocode for performing an update calculation for an urban dwell time according to one embodiment is presented. The parameters described above can be used in this pseudocode in Table 1.

[0107] Furthermore with reference to Fig. In block 930, it can be determined whether the dwell time of the urban mode has expired. If so, and AGC freezing is not active, the controller returns to block 910 to revert to rural mode. It should be noted that AGC freezing indicates that changes to the AGC circuit are blocked in response to the detection of a valid packet. In this way, embodiments can be configured to prevent mode changes while a valid packet is being received, thus avoiding potential interruptions of the receive process. For this purpose, a controller can check for a detection indicating that a valid packet is currently being received. Examples of signals that can be used to check for valid packet reception include: clock detection, preamble detection, sync word detection, RSSI, AGC activity, and so on.If there is an indication that a valid packet is being received, the controller can wait until the packet has been received, or it can use a timeout and switch after the timeout. In one embodiment, an AGC controller can be prevented from updating the AGC settings (a so-called AGC freeze, as in [reference]). Fig. 9A), when a valid packet is detected.

[0108] If the dwell time of the urban mode has not yet expired, the next step in block 935 is to check whether an interrupt has been received. If so, and if the AGC has not frozen (which is determined in block 940), the controller proceeds to block 965 for reconfiguration into bypass mode. Operations in block 965 to reconfigure the FEM into bypass mode can include: reading an urban timer, updating a dwell time calculation for bypass mode (for example, according to Table 2 below), setting a timeout period for the bypass dwell time, and starting the timer and resetting the AGC control circuit.

[0109] Now, with reference to Table 2, pseudocode for performing an update calculation for a bypass dwell time according to one embodiment is shown. The parameters described above can be used in this pseudocode in Table 2.

[0110] Furthermore with reference to Fig. 9A and for operation in bypass mode, it can be determined in diamond 970 whether the dwell time of the bypass mode has expired. If this is the case and if there is no AGC freeze (which is determined in diamond 975), the controller switches to a selected urban or rural mode, depending on whether the jump from bypass to urban mode is active (as determined in diamond 980).

[0111] It should be noted that although the embodiment in Fig. As shown in section 9A at this overview level, many variations and alternatives are possible. For example, dynamic updates of urban and dwell time-out durations could occur, and furthermore, can only take place if it can be determined that a given mode change is not associated with a desired packet (which can be determined, if necessary, based on preamble detection and time structure information). In this way, dwell time adjustments can be excluded if changes might be the result of receiving a desired packet with high performance.

[0112] Overload conditions that trigger switches can be handled in the same way (as in Fig. (described in 9A), regardless of whether they are caused by interference or by desired packets. Just like strong interference, a strong desired packet can also drive the power level above the detection threshold. If this happens shortly after switching to a less protected mode, it will likely result in calculating a longer dwell timeout, just as it would if a strong interfering signal is received. A desired signal may be successfully received even if the FEM switches to a more protected mode while receiving the preamble. Therefore, increasing the dwell time based on the timing of a desired signal may be unnecessary.

[0113] This allows us to determine whether the switch to a more protected mode can be attributed to a desired signal. In one or more embodiments, this determination can be made by considering preamble detection. If this switch is attributed to a desired packet, it can be assumed that the preamble will be detected within a specific time interval (RXpdt) after the switch. Instead of preamble detection, many other detection signals could be used, such as sync word detection, time structure detection, AGC freeze detection, etc. The time structures of these signals may differ from the preamble detection timeout (RXpdt), so adjustments for this time interval can be based on which signal or signal combination is used.

[0114] If the switch can indeed be associated with a desired packet (x_dwell < RXpdt), the dwell timeout remains unchanged. However, if the switch cannot be associated with a desired signal (x_dwell ≥ RXpdt), then the timeout x_dwell can be recalculated based on the time spent in the less protected mode prior to the switch to the current more protected mode. This allows desired packets to be excluded from setting the dwell timeouts.

[0115] Now with reference to Fig. Figure 9B shows a flowchart of a process according to a further embodiment. The process 901 in Fig. 9B is generally the same as procedure 900 in Fig. 9A, and common elements are not discussed. Instead, the following discussion concerns further dynamic updates of dwell times, depending on whether mode changes are caused by desired signal detections.

[0116] Thus, in this implementation, if a preamble is detected while operating in urban or bypass mode (as noted in blocks 955 and 985), the next step is to determine (in blocks 960 and 990) whether the current duration in the relevant mode (either urban or bypass) is shorter than a receiver preamble-to-detection timeout (Rx_pdt), which can be used to determine if a switch is caused by a desired signal. If the current duration in the given mode exceeds this preamble detection timeout value, the relevant dwell timeout period can be updated (in either blocks 950 or 995). In other respects, the operation of procedure 901 may be the same as described above for procedure 900. Fig. 9A was discussed. Of course, variations and alternatives are possible.

[0117] In some use cases, it is possible to configure a radio-based device, when deployed in a specific field environment, to a fixed mode. Consider, for example, a radio-based device such as a smart meter or similar device installed in a rural area. At the time of installation, the radio-based device, although it may have several modes available, can be statically configured, for example via firmware, to operate in rural mode. However, over time, as the nature of the environment changes and further developments occur, this rural location may have many more radio-based devices, leading to a degree of interference from blockers. As a result, rural mode may no longer be the most suitable mode for operating the initially present radio-based device.

[0118] Now with reference to Fig. Figure 10 shows a flowchart of a process according to yet another embodiment. More precisely, it shows Fig. 10 a method 1000 for monitoring a network environment over a period of time and for detecting when the character of a network environment has changed sufficiently to cause selected radio-based devices to be configured to operate in a different static mode.

[0119] In one embodiment, Method 1000 can be executed by a central control unit, such as a central server of a service provider that maintains a number of radio-based devices, such as smart meters. Method 1000 can also be executed by hardware circuits, such as those that may be present in one or more cloud servers. These cloud servers may include processors, memory or other data storage, network interfaces, and non-volatile memory (for example, for storing instructions for executing Method 1000).

[0120] As shown, Method 1000 begins by monitoring quality information from radio-based devices in the network environment (Block 1010). The network environment may be, for example, a radio-based mesh network such as that found in a given neighborhood where each dwelling has at least one smart meter with a radio-based device comprising switching circuits, etc., as described in this document. The quality information may, in one embodiment, be one or more signal quality metrics, such as one or more of the following: number of transmission retries, number of payload errors, number of frame checksum (FCS) errors, number of cyclic redundancy check (CRC) errors, RSSI, SNR, blocking signal information, etc.In some cases, the quality information may also include network quality information, such as latency data relating to the delay of data transmissions between the central server and the wireless device (for example, based on transmission retries or otherwise). It should be noted that this monitoring can take place on a recurring basis, such as monthly, annually, or on another relatively long-term basis.

[0121] The controller then moves to block 1020, where a monitoring database can be updated based on the monitoring data. For example, a single entry can be provided to contain an overall quality metric, or there can be multiple entries, each associated with a radio-based device and storing some type of signal quality information or other quality information. The controller then goes to block 1030 to determine if a sufficient amount of time has passed since the last network analysis. As mentioned earlier, this can be a relatively long period. If not, the controller returns to block 1010 for further monitoring of the network environment.

[0122] If it is determined that a sufficient amount of time has elapsed, the control system goes to Block 940 to analyze the monitoring database to determine whether the radio-based devices should be switched to a different operating mode. For example, based on the assumptions made above, radio-based devices initially configured for a rural mode might show a deterioration in quality information over time, perhaps due to an increased number of radio-based devices in the vicinity.

[0123] The statement in block 1050 can be used to initiate a configuration update to a different mode. Control therefore passes to block 1060 in this case. In block 1060, the central server can send a code update to the wireless device in this network environment. For example, the cloud server can send an over-the-air firmware update. This update can include code to instruct a controller in each of the wireless devices in the network environment to reconfigure from rural mode to urban mode. It is understood that, although this has been discussed with this particular example, reconfigurations between other modes can, of course, also occur using procedure 1000.

[0124] For example, in an implementation, the network environment can be divided into different segments or sections (e.g., based on physical location) that can be monitored and controlled independently. In this way, an update can first be performed on one or more wireless devices in an initial section. These updated wireless devices can then undergo further monitoring and analysis to confirm that the given update (e.g., a code update) results in acceptable quality levels. Once such improved quality is confirmed, the central server can initiate the update of additional wireless devices, for example, in one or more further sections of the network environment.In further embodiments, the dynamic updates described in this document can be performed on the basis of individual radio-based devices if it is determined that the quality of an individual radio-based device has deteriorated (for example, below a given threshold).

[0125] These embodiments can be implemented in many different devices. Now, with reference to... Fig. Figure 11 shows a block diagram of a typical IoT device 1100 according to one embodiment. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, the IoT device 1100 can be any connected device to provide a variety of different functionalities. In the embodiment shown in Fig. As shown in the overview in Figure 11, the IoT device 1100 comprises an integrated circuit 1105, for example, a microcontroller, a radio-based transceiver capable of operating according to one or more radio-based protocols (e.g., WLAN-OFDM, WLAN-DSSS, Bluetooth, among others), or another device suitable for use in a variety of applications, including sensor sensing, meter readings, embedded applications, communications, and other applications, and which may be particularly suitable for use in an IoT device. The integrated circuit 1105 is connected to an input module 1190, which includes switching circuits 1192, and also to an on-chip filter 1185.In embodiments, the switching circuits can be controlled to allow operation, either statically or dynamically, in one of several available reception modes, as described in this document.

[0126] In the illustrated embodiment, the integrated circuit 1105 comprises a memory system 1110, which in one embodiment may include non-volatile memory, such as flash memory, and volatile memory, such as RAM. In one embodiment, this non-volatile memory may be implemented as a non-transient storage medium capable of storing instructions and data. Such non-volatile memory may store instructions that include instructions for generating control signals (for example, in the form of the input part-mode control signals discussed above) for use in controlling the switching of the switching circuits 1192, as described in this document.

[0127] The memory system 1110 is connected via a bus 1150 to a digital core 1120, which can comprise one or more cores and / or microcontrollers that function as a main processing unit of the integrated circuit. The digital core 1120 can, in turn, be connected to clock signal generators 1130, which can provide one or more phase-locked loops or other clock generation circuitry to generate various clock signals for use by circuits of the IC.

[0128] As further shown, the IC 1105 also includes a power circuit 1140, which may contain one or more voltage regulators. Additional circuits may be optionally present, depending on a specific implementation, to provide various functionalities and interactions with external devices. Such circuits may include an interface circuit 1160, which can provide an interface to various chip-external devices, and sensor circuits 1170, which may contain various chip-internal sensors, including digital and analog sensors, to acquire desired signals, such as for meter reading applications, etc.

[0129] Additionally, as in Fig. Figure 11 shows a transceiver circuit 1180 to enable the transmission and reception of radio signals, for example, according to one or more from a radio-based local or long-range communication system, such as Zigbee, Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.15.4, mobile communications, etc., and via a connection to an input module 1190, which in turn is connected to an antenna 1195. It should be noted that although this is a simplified representation, many variations and alternatives are possible.

[0130] It should be noted that an IoT device using an embodiment can be, as two examples, an IoT device for a home or industrial automation network or a smart meter for use in a smart utility network, where this is, for example, a mesh network where communication takes place according to an IEEE 802.15.4 specification or another such radio-based protocol.

[0131] Now with reference to Fig. Figure 12 shows an overview diagram of a network according to one embodiment. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, a network 1200 comprises a variety of devices, including smart devices such as IoT devices, coordinator devices, and remote service providers. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 12. A mesh network 1205 may be present, for example in a building that has several IoT devices 1210.0-n has, for example, smart meters.

[0132] Such IoT devices can include switching circuits, as described in this document, to enable controllable operation in a given of available transmit and receive modes. As shown, at least one IoT device 1210 is connected to a coordinator device 1230, which in turn communicates with a remote service provider 1260 via a wide area network 1250, for example, the Internet.

[0133] In one embodiment, the remote service provider 1260 can include one or more backend servers that can be used to provide and manage communication with the IoT devices 1210. Such backend servers can include one or more processors, various memory components, interface circuits, etc., to enable cooperation within the network 1200. Furthermore, the remote service provider 1260 can perform long-term network analysis and update the operating modes of one or more IoT devices 1210 based on the history of the quality analysis, as described in Fig. 10 previously described. It should be noted that although the embodiment in Fig. As is shown at this overview level, many variations and alternatives are possible.

[0134] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to a limited number of implementations, numerous modifications and variations thereof are apparent to the person skilled in the art from the teachings of this disclosure. It is intended that the appended claims cover all such modifications and variations. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 17 / 851534

[0001]

Claims

[1] Device comprising the following: a receive path for receiving, processing and outputting a receive radio frequency (RF) signal, wherein the receive path includes at least one low noise amplifier (LNA) and multiple signal nodes, and wherein the receive path is configurable to operate in multiple modes; at least one filter to filter the received RF signal; and at least one detector circuit to detect one or more levels occurring at one or more of the multiple signal nodes, wherein the device is configured to configure a sequence for the at least one LNA and the at least one filter, at least partially based on the one or more levels detected in the at least one detector circuit. [2] Device according to claim 1, further comprising switching circuits connected to the receive path, wherein the switching circuits are provided to configure the receive path in one of the several modes selected, at least partially based on the one or more levels detected in the at least one detector circuit. [3] Device according to claim 2, wherein the switching circuits, in at least one of the several modes, are provided to cause the receive path to bypass the at least one LNA. [4] Device according to claim 2, wherein the switching circuits: in a first mode of the several modes provided to cause the at least one detector circuit to detect the level of the received RF signal at an input of the at least one LNA via a first signal node of the several signal nodes; in a second mode of the several modes provided to cause the at least one detector circuit to detect the level of the received RF signal at an input of the at least one filter via a second signal node of the several signal nodes; and wherein in a third mode of the several modes the switching circuits are provided to cause the at least one detector circuit to detect the level of the received RF signal at the input of the at least one LNA, wherein in the third mode the input of the at least one LNA is connected to an output of the at least one filter via a third signal node of the several signal nodes. [5] Device according to claim 2, wherein the at least one detector circuit comprises the following: a first RF detector connected to an input of the at least one LNA; and a second RF detector connected to an input of at least one filter. [6] Device according to claim 2, wherein the device comprises an RF input circuit comprising the receive path, wherein the RF input circuit is provided to be connected to a processor having a controller, wherein the controller is provided to control the switching circuits. [7] Device according to claim 6, further comprising a first integrated circuit comprising the RF input circuit and a second integrated circuit comprising the processor, wherein the at least one filter consists of a separate component connected to the first integrated circuit. [8] Device according to claim 6, wherein the control is configured to receive a first interrupt to indicate that the receive RF signal is overloading the at least one LNA, and, in response to the first interrupt, to reconfigure the receive path from a first mode of the multiple modes to a second mode of the multiple modes. [9] Device according to claim 6, wherein the control is configured to receive a second interrupt to indicate that the receive RF signal is overloading at least one passive network, and, in response to the second interrupt, to reconfigure the receive path from a first mode of the multiple modes to a second mode of the multiple modes. [10] Device according to claim 6, wherein the control is configured to reconfigure the receive path from a first mode of the several modes to a second mode of the several modes after the expiry of a time-out period, wherein in the first mode the receive path has a first relative order and in the second mode the receive path has a second relative order. [11] Device according to claim 6, wherein the control is configured for the following: Initializing the receive path in a first mode of several modes, in which the receive path includes the at least one LNA that has an output connected to the at least one filter; and In response to the fact that the received RF signal has a level greater than a first threshold, the receive path is reconfigured into a second mode of the several modes in which the at least one filter is connected to an input of the at least one LNA. [12] Device according to claim 2, wherein if the device is installed in a first radio-based device, the switching circuits are configured to keep the receive path statically in the selected of the several modes. [13] Device according to claim 12, wherein the first radio-based device comprises firmware to cause the switching circuits to be configured to keep the receive path static in the selected of the multiple modes. [14] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, which further comprises an impedance matching element connected to an input of the at least one filter. [15] Procedures, comprising the following: Detecting, in a detector circuit of a radio frequency (RF) input circuit, a power level of a received RF signal at an input of a low noise amplifier (LNA) of the RF input circuit, when the RF input circuit is configured in a first mode, and sending the detected power level of the received RF signal to a controller; and Detect, in the detector circuit, a power level of another received RF signal at an input of an RF filter that is assigned to the RF input circuit when the RF input circuit is configured in a second mode, and send the detected power level of the other received RF signal to the controller. [16] The method of claim 15, further comprising: Receiving an initial control signal from the controller and configuring the RF input circuitry, through switching circuitry of the RF input circuitry, into the first mode, which has a first relative order of the LNA and the RF filter; and Receiving a second control signal from the controller and configuring the RF input circuit, through switching circuits of the RF input circuit, into a third mode which has a second relative order of the LNA and the RF filter, the second relative order being different from the first relative order. [17] The method of claim 16, further comprising: In the first mode, the switching circuits cause the received RF signal to be routed to the LNA and then to the RF filter; and In the third mode, the switching circuits cause the further received RF signal to be routed to the RF filter and then to the LNA. [18] Method according to claim 16, which further comprises in the second mode causing, by means of the switching circuits, the received RF signal to bypass the LNA. [19] Computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a controller, cause the controller to execute the method according to any one of claims 15 to 18. [20] Wireless device, comprising the following: a first integrated circuit comprising a high-frequency (RF) input module, wherein the RF input module comprises the following: a transmit path to receive, process and output a transmit RF signal, wherein the transmit path includes a power amplifier; a receive path to receive, process and output a receive RF signal, wherein the receive path includes a low noise amplifier (LNA); Switching circuits connected to the transmit path and the receive path; a control circuit connected to the switching circuits, wherein the control circuit is configured to control the switching circuits to configure the receive path for operation in one of several modes; and a detector circuit to detect the power level of the received RF signal; a filter connected to the first integrated circuit; and a second integrated circuit connected to the first integrated circuit, wherein the second integrated circuit includes a control to change a relative order of the filter with respect to the LNA, at least partially based on the power level of the received RF signal. [21] Radio-based device according to claim 20, wherein the second integrated circuit further comprises a comparator to compare the power level of the received RF signal with a reference signal and to provide an interrupt to the controller when the power level exceeds the reference signal. [22] Radio-based device according to claim 21, wherein the controller is connected to a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and wherein the controller is designed to cause the DAC to do the following: In a first mode, the provision of the comparison signal to the comparator with a first value; and In a second mode, the comparison signal is provided to the comparator with a second value, where the second value is different from the first value. [23] Radio-based device according to claim 22, wherein the control is configured to cause the receive path to switch from the first mode, which includes a rural mode, to the second mode, which includes an urban mode, in response to the power level of the received RF signal exceeding the first value, wherein: In rural mode, one output of the LNA is connected to the filter; and In urban mode, one input of the LNA is connected to the filter. [24] Radio-based device according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein: In a first mode, the switching circuits are designed to cause the detector circuit to detect the power level of the received RF signal at an input of the LNA; and In a second mode, the switching circuits are designed to cause the detector circuit to detect the power level of the received RF signal at an input of the filter. [25] Radio-based device according to claim 24, wherein the detector circuit comprises: a first peak detector connected to the input of the LNA; and a second peak detector connected to the filter input. [26] Device comprising the following: a receive path for receiving, processing and outputting a receive radio frequency (RF) signal, wherein the receive path includes at least one low noise amplifier (LNA) and wherein the receive path is configurable to operate in multiple modes; at least one filter to filter the received RF signal; and Switching circuits connected to the receive path, wherein the switching circuits are configured to configure the receive path to have a selected sequence of the at least one LNA and the at least one filter, corresponding to a selected one of the several modes. [27] Device according to claim 26, which further comprises at least one detector circuit to detect a level at one or more of several signal nodes of the receive path, wherein the switching circuits are configured to configure the receive path to have the selected sequence, at least partially based on the level at the one or more of the several nodes.

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