Unified sounding reference signal input / output functionality

Abstract

To provide a system and a method, for improving a sounding reference signal functionality.SOLUTION: There is provided a front-end module for a wireless device, the front-end module comprising at least one transmit path configured to provide a first sounding reference signal, at least one transmit / receive path coupled to at least one antenna port, a sounding-reference-signal port configured to provide the first sounding reference signal and to receive a second sounding reference signal, and an antenna switching module among the at least one transmit path, the at least one transmit / receive path, and the sounding-reference-signal port. The antenna switching module is configured to provide the first sounding reference signal from the transmit path to the at least one transmit / receive path and the sounding-reference-signal port and to provide the second sounding reference signal received at the sounding-reference-signal port to the at least one transmit / receive path.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 142,264 (the "Integrated Sounding Reference Signal Input / Output Function"), filed January 27, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Background Art

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to a front - end module (FEM). Some examples relate to systems and methods for improving the sounding reference signal function in an FEM architecture.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0003] According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, a front - end module for a wireless device is provided. The front - end module includes at least one transmission path configured to supply a first sounding reference signal, at least one transmit / receive path coupled to at least one antenna port, a sounding reference signal port configured to supply a first sounding reference signal and receive a second sounding reference signal, and an antenna switching module coupled between the at least one transmission path, the at least one transmit / receive path, and the sounding reference signal port. The antenna switching module is configured to supply the first sounding reference signal from the transmission path to the at least one transmit / receive path and the sounding reference signal port, and to supply the second sounding reference signal received at the sounding reference signal port to the at least one transmit / receive path.

[0004] In some examples, the first and second sounding reference signals are supplied to at least one transmit / receive path so as to be transmitted by one or more antennas coupled to at least one antenna port. In at least one example, the first and second sounding reference signals are transmitted to at least one base station to characterize the uplink channel between the wireless device and the base station. In various examples, the first sounding reference signal is supplied from the sounding reference signal port to a second front-end module included in the wireless device. In some examples, the second sounding reference signal is received from the second front-end module.

[0005] In at least one example, at least one transmit path includes at least one power amplifier. In various examples, at least one receive path includes at least one low-noise amplifier. In some examples, the front-end module is configured to support 5G wireless communication. In at least one example, the antenna switching module includes a single-pin connection configured to be coupled to a sounding reference signal port.

[0006] According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, a mobile communication device system is provided, the mobile communication device system comprising a first front-end module and a second front-end module, the first front-end module having a first sounding reference signal port configured to supply a first sounding reference signal and receive a second sounding reference signal, and a first antenna switching module coupled to the first sounding reference signal port, the first antenna switching module routing the first sounding reference signal to the first sounding reference signal port and routing the second sounding reference signal to the first sounding reference signal The second front-end module is configured to route from a sounding reference signal port and includes a second sounding reference signal port configured to supply a second sounding reference signal to the first front-end module and to receive a first sounding reference signal from the first front-end module, and a second antenna switching module coupled to the second sounding reference signal port, the second antenna switching module configured to route the second sounding reference signal to the second sounding reference signal port and to route the first sounding reference signal from the second sounding reference signal port.

[0007] In some examples, a first front-end module includes at least one first transmission path coupled to a first antenna switching module, the first antenna switching module is configured to route a first sounding reference signal from at least one first transmission path to a first sounding reference signal port, and a second front-end module includes at least one second transmission path coupled to a second antenna switching module, the second antenna switching module is configured to route a second sounding reference signal from at least one second transmission path to a second sounding reference signal port. In at least one example, a first front-end module includes at least one first transmit / receive path coupled to at least one first antenna port and coupled to a first antenna switching module, the first antenna switching module being configured to route a second sounding reference signal from the first sounding reference signal port to at least one first transmit / receive path, and a second front-end module includes at least one second transmit / receive path coupled to at least one second antenna port and coupled to a second antenna switching module, the second antenna switching module being configured to route a first sounding reference signal from the second sounding reference signal port to at least one second transmit / receive path.

[0008] In various examples, a first sounding reference signal is supplied to at least one first antenna port so as to be transmitted by one or more first antennas coupled to at least one first antenna port, and a second sounding reference signal is supplied to at least one second antenna port so as to be transmitted by one or more second antennas coupled to at least one second antenna port. In some examples, the first and second sounding reference signals are transmitted to at least one base station to characterize an uplink channel between a mobile communication device system and at least one base station. In at least one example, a first antenna switching module includes a single-pin connection configured to be coupled to a first sounding reference signal port, and a second antenna switching module includes a single-pin connection configured to be coupled to a second sounding reference signal port.

[0009] According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium is provided for storing a sequence of computer-executable instructions for controlling a front-end module for a wireless device comprising a sounding reference signal port, at least one transmit path, at least one transmit / receive path coupled to at least one antenna port, and an antenna switching module coupled between the sounding reference signal port, the at least one transmit path, and the at least one transmit / receive path, wherein the sequence of computer-executable instructions includes instructions to cause at least one processor to control the antenna switching module to route a first sounding reference signal from at least one transmit path to the sounding reference signal port, and to control the antenna switching module to route a second sounding reference signal from the sounding reference signal port to at least one transmit / receive port.

[0010] In some examples, the instruction instructs at least one processor to route a first sounding reference signal and a second sounding reference signal to at least one transmit / receive path so that they are transmitted by one or more antennas coupled to at least one antenna port. In at least one example, the wireless device includes a transceiver, and the instruction instructs at least one processor to route the first sounding reference signal from the transceiver and the second sounding reference signal to the transceiver. In various examples, the instruction instructs at least one processor to supply the first sounding reference signal from a single pin coupled to a sounding reference signal port and to receive the second sounding reference signal on a single pin. In some examples, the instruction further instructs at least one processor to operate a front-end module according to a 5G wireless communication standard.

[0011] Various aspects of at least one embodiment are discussed below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not intended to be drawn to scale. The drawings are included to illustrate and further understand the various aspects and embodiments, are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, but are not intended to define any limitation of the invention. In the drawings, each component that is identical or substantially identical shown in different figures is represented by a similar number. For clarity, not all components are referenced in all figures. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram of a front-end module as an example. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram of an example front-end module system. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram of an example front-end module system. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram of an example front-end module system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The examples of methods and systems discussed herein are not limited in application to the details of the configuration and arrangement of components described below or shown in the accompanying drawings. The methods and systems are implementable in other embodiments and can be implemented or performed in various ways. Specific implementation examples are provided herein for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of implementation. In particular, actions, components, elements, and features discussed in relation to any one or more examples are not intended to be excluded from similar roles in any other examples.

[0014] Furthermore, the expressions and terms used herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered limiting. Any reference to an example, embodiment, component, element, or act of a system or method referred to herein in the singular form may encompass embodiments including the plural form, and any plural reference to any embodiment, component, element, or act herein may encompass embodiments including only the singular form. References in the singular or plural form are not intended to limit the systems or methods, their components, acts, or elements currently disclosed. The use herein of “includes,” “equips,” “has,” “contains,” “involves,” and variations thereof means that the following items and their equivalents, as well as additional items, are included.

[0015] References to “or” may be interpreted as comprehensive, such that any term described using “or” may refer to one, multiple, or all of the terms described. Furthermore, where there is a conflict in the use of terminology between this document and any document incorporated herein by reference, the use of terminology in the incorporated feature shall complement the use of terminology in this document, and in the event of any irreconcilable differences, the use of terminology herein shall prevail.

[0016] Examples of the present disclosure may relate to a front-end module (FEM) implemented in connection with one or more communication devices, such as a mobile communication device. Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example mobile device 100. The mobile device 100 includes a baseband system 101, a transceiver 102, a front-end module 103 ("FEM 103"), an antenna 104, a power management system 105, a memory 106, a user interface 107, and a battery 108.

[0017] Mobile device 100 may be used to communicate using a wide variety of communication technologies, including, but not limited to, 2G, 3G, 4G (including LTE, LTE-Advanced, and LTE-Advanced Pro), 5G NR, WLAN (e.g., Wi-Fi), WPAN (e.g., Bluetooth® and ZigBee®), WMAN (e.g., WiMAX®), GPS technology, and / or other communication technologies.

[0018] The transceiver 102 is capable of generating RF signals for transmission via the antenna 104 and processing incoming RF signals received from the antenna 104. It is understood that various functions related to the transmission and reception of RF signals can be achieved by one or more components collectively represented as the transceiver 102 in Figure 1. In one example, a separate component (e.g., a separate circuit or die) may be provided for processing a certain type of RF signal.

[0019] The FEM103 assists in tuning the signals transmitted to and / or received from the antenna 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the FEM103 includes an antenna tuning circuit 110, a power amplifier (PA) 111, a low-noise amplifier (LNA) 112, a filter 113, a switch 114, and a signal splitting / coupling circuit 115. However, other implementations are possible. The filter 113 may include one or more filter circuits having harmonic rejection, including one or more features of the examples disclosed herein. In some examples, the FEM103 may be an FEM system having multiple FEMs.

[0020] For example, the FEM103 can provide several functions. Some of these functions, but are not limited to, amplifying signals for transmission, amplifying received signals, filtering signals, switching between different bands, switching between different power modes, switching between transmit and receive modes, signal duplication, signal multiplexing (e.g., diplexing or triplexing), transmitting and / or receiving SRS signals, or any combination thereof.

[0021] Antenna 104 can include antennas used for a wide variety of communication types. For example, antenna 104 can include antennas for transmitting and / or receiving signals related to a wide variety of frequencies and communication standards, including RF signals.

[0022] Antenna 104 may include one or more antennas. In certain implementations, antenna 104 supports multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication and / or switched diversity communication. For example, MIMO communication uses multiple antennas to communicate multiple data streams over a single radio frequency channel. MIMO communication benefits from a higher signal-to-noise ratio, improved coding, and / or reduced signal interference resulting from the spatial multiplexing differences in the wireless environment. Switched diversity refers to communication where a particular antenna is selected for operation at a particular time. For example, the switch can be used to select a particular antenna from a group of antennas based on various factors such as the observed bit error rate and / or signal strength indicator.

[0023] Baseband system 101 is coupled to user interface 107 to facilitate the processing of various user inputs and outputs (I / O) such as voice and data. Baseband system 101 provides the digital representation of the transmit signal to transceiver 102 for processing to generate an RF signal for transmission. Also, baseband system 101 processes the digital representation of the received signal provided by transceiver 102. As shown in FIG. 1, baseband system 101 is coupled to memory 106 to facilitate the operation of mobile device 100.

[0024] Memory 106 can be used for a variety of purposes, such as storing data and / or instructions to facilitate the operation of mobile device 100 and / or to provide storage of information such as user information. In some examples, memory 106 can be coupled to at least one controller configured to control the operation of mobile device 100. For example, mobile device 100 can include at least one controller. The at least one controller can be coupled to one or more components of mobile device 100, and in some examples, mobile device 100 includes at least one controller. Memory 106 can include one or more non-transitory computer-readable media configured to store instructions, and the at least one controller can be configured to read the instructions to operate mobile device 100.

[0025] Power management system 105 provides some power management functions of mobile device 100. In some embodiments, power management system 105 includes a PA supply control circuit that controls the supply voltage of power amplifier 111. For example, power management system 105 can be configured to change the supply voltage provided to one or more of power amplifiers 111 to improve efficiency such as power-added efficiency (PAE).

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, power management system 105 receives a battery voltage from battery 108. Battery 108 can be any suitable battery for use in mobile device 100 and can include, for example, a lithium-ion battery.

[0027] In one example, the FEM103 can support a Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) function to provide an estimate or characterization of uplink (i.e., transmit) channel quality over a wide bandwidth. In some examples, the SRS is an RF signal. The FEM103 can transmit the SRS to a base station, which can then utilize or analyze the received SRS to estimate channel quality and determine resource (e.g., channel) allocation. In some examples, the SRS can provide information corresponding to multipath fading, scattering, Doppler effect, power loss, and other radio frequency transmission characteristics. In some cases, the FEM103 can be configured as a 5G system, and the SRS function can be utilized to support 5G communication. In some cases, SRS support on each TX / RX antenna of the FEM103 (e.g., antenna 104) may be required and / or desirable for a 5G system (or device).

[0028] In many cases, wireless communication devices include multiple FEMs. Multiple FEMs may be included in a FEM system with an integrated SRS implementation. To support full SRS functionality, the transmit path of each FEM may be connected to the transmit / receive paths of each of the other FEMs in the FEM system via their respective ports (or pins). Thus, each FEM in a FEM system (e.g., including FEM103) may include a multi-port (or pin) SRS interface. For example, FEM103 may include an input SRS port for receiving SRS from another FEM included in the FEM system. Similarly, FEM103 may include an output SRS port that can provide SRS to another FEM included in the FEM system.

[0029] In some cases, each additional SRS port on each FEM's multi-port SRS interface may reduce the FEM's input / output (IO) availability and increase the overall package size of the FEM. Furthermore, routing between each FEM's multi-port SRS interface may occupy valuable area within the wireless communication device (e.g., on the circuit board). In some cases, to support these multi-port SRS interfaces, the FEM may include a larger antenna switching module, incurring additional losses and occupying additional area within the FEM (and the wireless communication device containing the FEM).

[0030] In light of the above, improved FEMs and FEM systems are provided herein. In at least one embodiment, each FEM in a multi-FEM system includes a single-port SRS interface configured to receive and provide SRS. In some examples, the FEM includes a simplified antenna switching module that suffers reduced loss. Furthermore, the FEMs can be included in the FEM system with reduced routing between the SRS interfaces of each FEM.

[0031] Figure 2 shows a block diagram of an example FEM system 200. In some examples, the FEM system 200 may be included in a wireless communication device such as a mobile device 100. For example, the FEM system 200 may be an implementation of FEM 103. The FEM system 200 includes a first FEM 202a and a second FEM 202b (collectively FEM 202). Each FEM 202 may be an example of or included in FEM 103. In at least one example, each of FEM 202a and 202b is substantially identical to one another. As an example, each of FEM 202a and 202b is shown in an arrangement of one transmit (e.g., including one PA) and two receive (e.g., including two LNAs), so that the FEM system 200 as a whole shows a two transmit, four receive arrangement (2T4R). This configuration is shown for illustrative purposes only, and it should be understood that different configurations are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0032] The first FEM202a includes a first antenna switch module (ASM) 204a, a first SRS input port 206a (or pin), a first SRS output port 208a (or pin), a first transmit port 210a (or pin), a first receive port 212a (or pin), a second receive port 214a (or pin), a first antenna port 216a (or pin), and a second antenna port 218a (or pin). The second FEM202b includes a second ASM204b, a second SRS input port 206b (or pin), a second SRS output port 208b (or pin), a second transmit port 210b (or pin), a third receive port 212b (or pin), a fourth receive port 214b (or pin), a third antenna port 216b (or pin), and a fourth antenna port 218b (or pin). Similar named components of FEM202a and 202b may be referred to collectively in this specification, such as by referring to ASM204a and 204b collectively as "ASM204". A similar principle applies to the FEM202 itself.

[0033] Each ASM204 is configured to be connected to the respective ports 208-218, that is, ASM204a is configured to be connected to the SRS input port 206a, the SRS output port 208a, etc., and ASM204b is configured to be connected to the SRS input port 206b, the SRS output port 208b, etc. The first SRS input port 206a is configured to be connected to the first ASM204a via the SRS input path (indicated as "SRS input") and to the second SRS output port 208b via the first trace 220. The first SRS output port 208a is configured to be connected to the first ASM204a via the SRS output path (indicated as "SRS output") and to the second SRS input port 206b via the second trace 222.

[0034] The first transmit port 210a is coupled to the first ASM204a via a transmit path ("TX path") and is configured to couple with a transceiver (not shown in Figure 2), such as transceiver 102. The first receive port 212a and the second receive port 214a are each coupled to the first ASM204a via their respective receive paths ("RX path 1" and "RX path 2," respectively) and are configured to couple with a transceiver (not shown in Figure 2), such as in association with antenna 104. The first antenna port 216a and the second antenna port 218a are each coupled to the first ASM204a via their respective transmit / receive paths ("T / R path 1" and "T / R path 2," respectively) and are configured to couple with their respective antennas (not shown in Figure 2), such as in association with antenna 104.

[0035] The second SRS input port 206b is configured to be connected to the second ASM 204b via an SRS input path ("SRS input") and to the first SRS output port 208a via a second trace 222. The second SRS output port 208b is configured to be connected to the second ASM 204b via an SRS output path ("SRS output") and to the first SRS input port 206a via a first trace 220.

[0036] The second transmit port 210b is coupled to the second ASM204b via a transmit path ("TX path") and configured to couple with a transceiver such as transceiver 102. The third receive port 212b and the fourth receive port 214b are each coupled to the second ASM204b via their respective receive paths ("RX path 1" and "RX path 2," respectively) and configured to couple with a transceiver such as transceiver 102. The third antenna port 216b and the fourth antenna port 218b are each coupled to the second ASM204b via their respective transmit / receive paths ("T / R path 1" and "T / R path 2," respectively) and configured to couple with their respective antennas, such as in association with antenna 104.

[0037] It should be recognized that, at the very least, each identified path can be coupled to its respective port, so supplying a signal to a port, from a port, or through a port can be understood as supplying a signal to the corresponding path, from the corresponding path, or via the corresponding path. For example, a signal supplied at the first antenna port 216a can be understood as being supplied via the T / R path 1 of the first FEM 202a, and an SRS output at the first SRS output 208a can be understood as being supplied via the SRS output path.

[0038] In various examples, the ASM204 is controlled or operated to connect the transmit port 210 and receive ports 212, 214 of each respective FEM202 to their respective antenna ports 216, 218. Figure 2 shows some exemplary switchable connections that the ASM204 may facilitate or establish based on one or more control signals, and it should be noted that in other examples, the ASM204 may facilitate or establish additional, fewer, or different switchable connections. In some examples, the FEM system 200 and / or mobile device 100 includes at least one controller configured to control the ASM204, for example, by opening and closing one or more switchable connections. The at least one controller may be coupled to memory 106 as described above.

[0039] Transmit / receive paths ("T / R paths") corresponding to antenna ports 216 and 218 are coupled between the ASM204 and the respective antenna ports. In some examples, each T / R path includes a bandpass filter corresponding to the wireless application of the FEM system 200 (e.g., 5G).

[0040] In transmit operation mode, the ASM204 can operate to connect the transmit port 210 (by extension, the TX path) of each FEM202 to one of the respective antenna ports 216, 218 (and by extension, T / R path 1 or T / R path 2). As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the ASM may include multiple switchable connections such that one connection to the ASM may be coupled to another connection to the ASM. Figure 2 shows the switchable connections within the ASM204 that may be established in several examples, and in alternative examples, different connections may be established.

[0041] Similarly, in receive operation mode, the ASM204 can be operated to connect at least one of the receive ports 212, 214 (and, by extension, at least one of RX path 1 or RX path 2) to the antenna ports 216, 218 (and, by extension, T / R path 1 and T / R path 2). For example, the ASM204 can be operated to connect each of the receive ports 212, 214 to each of the antenna ports 216, 218, thereby connecting each of the receive paths (RX path 1, RX path 2) to each of the T / R paths (T / R path 1, T / R path 2). In some cases, in transmit / receive operation mode, the ASM204 can operate by connecting transmit port 210 (via the TX path) to one of antenna ports 216, 218 (via T / R path 1 or T / R path 2), and by connecting one of receive ports 212, 214 (via RX path 1 or RX path 2) to the other antenna port 216, 218 (via T / R path 2 or T / R path 1). In certain examples, the FEM202 can be controlled simultaneously (for example, in the same operating mode). In other embodiments, the FEM202 may be controlled independently.

[0042] In one example, the FEM system 200 is configured with full SRS functionality. To support full SRS functionality, each transmit path within the FEM system 200 may be connected to its respective T / R path. For example, in the first FEM 202a, the TX path coupled to the transmit port 210a may be coupled to T / R path 1 coupled to the first antenna port 216a and T / R path 2 coupled to the second antenna port 218a.

[0043] The ASM204 can be controlled to connect each transmit path to the respective T / R path within the FEM202. However, an SRS interface is included in each of the FEM202 to connect the transmit path of the first FEM202a to the T / R path of the second FEM202b (or vice versa). For example, the first FEM202a includes a first SRS input port 206a and a first SRS output port 208a, and the second FEM202b includes a second SRS input port 206b and a second SRS output port 208b.

[0044] As described above, the first SRS input port 206a is coupled to the second SRS output port 208b via the first trace 220, and the first SRS output port 206b is coupled to the second SRS input port 206b via the second trace 222. Therefore, when the first SRS is supplied from the first transmit port 210a, the ASM 204a can be controlled to supply the first SRS to the first antenna port 216a, the second antenna port 218a, and the first SRS output port 208a via the T / R path 1, T / R path 2, and SRS output path of the first FEM 202a, respectively. For example, the first ASM 204a can be operated to switchably connect the TX path of the first FEM 204a to the T / R path 1, T / R path 2, and SRS output path of the first FEM 202a.

[0045] The first SRS is supplied from the first SRS output port 208a of the second FEM 202b to the second SRS input port 206b via the first signal trace 222, and the second ASM 204b is controlled to supply the first SRS to the third antenna port 216b and the fourth antenna port 218b of the second FEM 202b. For example, the second ASM 204b can be operated to connect the second SRS input port 206b of the second FEM 202b to the antenna ports 216b and 218b, respectively. In some examples, the second ASM 204b may be operated to connect the second SRS input port 206b of the second FEM 202b to the second SRS output port 208b.

[0046] Similarly, when a second SRS is supplied from the second transmit port 210b of the second FEM202b, the second ASM204b is controlled to supply a second SRS to the third antenna port 216b, the fourth antenna port 218b, and the second SRS output port 208b of the second FEM202b via T / R path 1, T / R path 2, and SRS output path, respectively. For example, the second ASM204b can be operated to switchably connect the TX path of the second FEM204b to T / R path 1, T / R path 2, and SRS output path of the second FEM202b. The second SRS is supplied from the second SRS output port 208b of the first FEM202a to the first SRS input port 206a via the first signal trace 220, and the first ASM204a is controlled to supply the second SRS to T / R paths 1 and 2 of the first FEM202a. For example, the first ASM204a can be operated to connect the first SRS input port 206a of the first FEM202a to the antenna ports 216a and 218a, respectively. In some examples, the first ASM204a may be operated to connect the first SRS input port 206a of the first FEM202a to the first SRS output port 208a. In some examples, the first and second SRS may be the same signal. In other examples, the first and second SRS may be different signals.

[0047] As explained above, traces 220 and 222 between SRS ports 206 and 208 can occupy valuable area within a wireless communication device (e.g., on the circuit board). In some examples, if the SRS can be an RF signal, traces 220 and 222 can be RF transmit lines with specific characteristics (e.g., length, width, etc.) and routing constraints (e.g., crosstalk interval). Therefore, including traces 220 and 222 can increase the complexity of signal routing within the wireless communication device. In addition, each of the SRS ports 206 and 208 of the FEM202 can reduce the individual input / output (IO) availability of the FEM202 and increase the overall package size of the FEM202. For example, in a typical 24-pin device package, the input and output SRS interface pins can occupy about 8% of the total IO availability. Therefore, a larger device package (and thus more pins) may be required to include a multi-port SRS interface while maintaining full FEM functionality. In some cases, pin selection for the SRS interface can determine or otherwise affect the orientation of the FEM202, and thus increase the complexity of the design / layout of the FEM system 200 (or wireless device).

[0048] Furthermore, in some examples, the ASM204 can be large and complex, as it is configured to direct the SRS between the transmit and T / R paths of the FEM202 and provide regular transmit / receive functionality. For example, the ASM204 may include input / output ports corresponding to each of the FEM202's multiport SRS interfaces. In some examples, the ASM204 may incur additional losses and occupy additional area within the FEM202 by including additional ports for the multiport SRS interfaces. Therefore, improved FEMs and FEM systems may be desired to simplify the SRS interfaces, associated signal routing, and each ASM included in each FEM.

[0049] Figure 3 shows a block diagram of an example FEM system 300. As shown, the FEM system 300 includes a first FEM 302a and a second FEM 302b. In this example, the FEM system 300 is substantially the same as the FEM system 200 in Figure 2, except that FEMs 302a and 302b each include a single-port SRS interface. For example, the first FEM 302a includes a first SRS input / output port 306a, and the second FEM 302b includes a second SRS input / output port 306b. In this example, the first SRS input / output port 306a is coupled to the second SRS input / output port 306b via a trace 318.

[0050] The first FEM302a includes a first ASM304a, a first SRS input / output port 306a, a first transmit port 308a, a first receive port 310a, a second receive port 312a, a first antenna port 314a, and a second antenna port 316a. The second FEM302b includes a second ASM304b, a second SRS input / output port 306b, a second transmit port 308b, a third receive port 310b, a fourth receive port 312b, a third antenna port 314b, and a fourth antenna port 316b. The connections of ports 308-316 are substantially the same as or identical to ports 210-218 with similar names, respectively, and are not repeated for simplicity.

[0051] For example, the first ASM304a can be operated to connect the first transmit port 308a to either the first SRS input / output port 306a, the first antenna port 314a, or the second antenna port 316a. Alternatively, the first ASM304a may be operated to connect the receive ports 310a and 312a, respectively, to either antenna ports 314a or 316a, and the first SRS input / output port 306a to either antenna ports 314a or 316a.

[0052] Similarly, a second ASM304b can be configured to connect its second transmit port 308b to either the second SRS input / output port 306b, the third antenna port 314b, or the fourth antenna port 316b. Alternatively, the second ASM304b could be configured to connect its receive ports 310b and 312b, respectively, to either antenna ports 314b or 316b, and its second SRS input / output port 306b to either antenna ports 314b or 316b. In other examples, the ASM304 may be configured differently (e.g., to allow additional, fewer, or different interconnections).

[0053] In some examples, when the first SRS is supplied from the transmit port 308a of the first FEM 302a, the first ASM 304a is controlled to supply the first SRS to the antenna ports 314a, 316a and the first SRS input / output port 306a. For example, the first ASM 304a can be operated to connect the transmit port 308a of the first FEM 302a to the antenna ports 314a, 316a, respectively, and to the first SRS input / output port 306a. The first SRS may be supplied from the first SRS input / output port 306a to the second SRS input / output port 306b of the second FEM 302b via trace 318. The second ASM 304b may be controlled to supply the first SRS to the antenna ports 314b, 316b. For example, a second ASM304b can be configured to connect a second SRS input / output port 306b to either antenna port 314b or 316b.

[0054] Similarly, when the second SRS is supplied from the transmit port 308b of the second FEM 302b, the second ASM 304b is controlled to supply the second SRS to the second SRS input / output port 306b, the third antenna port 314b, and the fourth antenna port 316b. For example, the second ASM 304b can operate to connect the transmit port 308b to each of the antenna ports 314b, 316b, and the second SRS input / output port 306b. The second SRS is supplied from the second SRS input / output port 306b to the first SRS input / output port 306a via the signal trace 318. The first ASM 304a may be controlled to supply the second SRS to the antenna ports 314a, 316a. For example, the first ASM304a can be operated to connect the first SRS input / output port 306a to either the antenna port 314a or 316a.

[0055] In one example, the area occupied by the FEM system 300 is smaller than the area occupied by the FEM system 200. For example, the area occupied by the SRS input / output ports 306 and the traces 318 between them may be smaller than the area occupied by the SRS input port 206, SRS output port 208, and traces 220, 222. In some examples, the implementation of the SRS ports 306 may reduce the overall routing complexity of the FEM system 300 compared to other systems such as the FEM system 200. In addition, the implementation of the SRS input / output ports 306 may increase the I / O availability of the FEM system 300 and / or reduce the overall package size of the FEM system 300 compared to other arrays such as the FEM system 200.

[0056] For example, in a 24-pin device package, the SRS input / output ports 306 and their associated routing may occupy only about 4% of the total I / O availability. Therefore, the SRS input / output ports 306 can be included in a standard (or smaller) package size (compared to, for example, the FEM system 200) while maintaining full FEM functionality. In some cases, the SRS input / output ports 306 can provide further flexibility in the orientation of the FEM 302 and reduce the complexity of the design and / or layout of the FEM system 300 (or the device on which the FEM system 300 is implemented).

[0057] Furthermore, the size and complexity of the ASM304 can be reduced (for example, compared to a multi-port SRS interface such as those implemented in connection with the FEM system 200) because the SRS can be led between the transmit port 308 and the antenna ports 314, 316 via the SRS input / output port 306. For example, instead of including separate input and output ports for the SNS interface, the ASM304 may each include a single input / output port corresponding to the SRS input / output port 306. In some examples, the losses incurred by the ASM304 and the area occupied by the ASM304 within the FEM302 can be reduced due to the reduction in ports for the SRS interface compared to other configurations such as the FEM system 200.

[0058] It should be understood that the FEM system 300 is configured in a 2-transmit 4-receive (2T4R) configuration for illustrative purposes only. Similar SRS interfaces can be included in different FEM configurations. For example, Figure 4 shows a block diagram of an example FEM system 400. As shown, the FEM system 400 includes a first FEM 402a and a second FEM 402b. In one example, the FEM system 400 is substantially similar to the FEM system 300 in Figure 3, except that the FEM 402 is configured with additional transmit and receive ports, respectively.

[0059] For example, the first FEM 402a includes a first ASM 404a, a first SRS input / output port 406a, a plurality of first transmit ports 408a, a plurality of first receive ports 410a, and a plurality of first antenna ports 412a. The second FEM 402b includes a second ASM 404b, a second SRS input / output port 406b, a plurality of second transmit ports 408b, a plurality of second receive ports 410b, and a plurality of second antenna ports 412b. The first SRS input / output port 406a is coupled to the second input / output port 406b via a trace 414.

[0060] In one example, the FEM system 400 may be configured in a 4-transmit 8-receive (4T8R) configuration, with multiple transmit ports 408 each containing two transmit ports, multiple receive ports 410 each containing four receive ports, and multiple antenna ports 412 each containing four antenna ports. However, it should be noted that in other examples, each of the multiple ports may contain more or fewer ports. In various examples, each of the FEM 402 may contain only a single SRS input / output port for any number of transmit ports, receive ports, and / or antenna ports.

[0061] For example, the first ASM404a can be operated to connect one of the multiple first transmit ports 408a to one of the multiple first antenna ports 412a and to the first SRS input / output port 406a. The first ASM404a can also be operated to connect one of the multiple first receive ports 410a to one of the multiple first antenna ports 412a, and to connect the first SRS input / output port 406a to one of the multiple first antenna ports 412a.

[0062] Similarly, a second ASM404b can be configured to connect one of the multiple second transmit ports 408b to one of the multiple second antenna ports 412b, and to a second SRS input / output port 406b. The second ASM404b can also be configured to connect one of the multiple second receive ports 410b to one of the multiple second antenna ports 412b, and to connect a second SRS input / output port 406b to one of the multiple second antenna ports 412b. In other examples, the ASM404 may be configured differently (e.g., to allow additional, fewer, or different interconnections).

[0063] In some examples, when SRS is supplied from one of the transmit ports of a plurality of first transmit ports 408a, the first ASM 404a is controlled to supply the first SRS to at least one antenna port of a plurality of first antenna ports 412a and / or the first SRS input / output port 406a. For example, the first ASM 404a can be operated to connect one of the transmit ports of the plurality of first transmit ports 408a to one of the antenna ports of the plurality of first antenna ports 412a and the first SRS input / output port 406a. The first SRS is supplied from the first SRS input / output port 406a to the second SRS input / output port 406b via trace 414. The second ASM 404b can be controlled to supply the first SRS to one of the antenna ports of a plurality of second antenna ports 412b. For example, a second ASM404b can be configured to connect a second SRS input / output port 406b to one of several second antenna ports 412b.

[0064] Similarly, when a second SRS is supplied from the transmit ports of multiple second transmit ports 408b, the second ASM 404b can be controlled to supply the second SRS to any of the antenna ports of multiple second antenna ports 412b and / or the second SRS input / output port 406b. For example, the second ASM 404b can be operated to connect the transmit port of any of the multiple second antenna ports 408b to any of the antenna ports of multiple second antenna ports 412b and the second SRS input / output port 406b. The second SRS is supplied from the second SRS input / output port 406b to the first SRS input / output port 406b via the trace 404. The first ASM 404a can be controlled to supply the second SRS to any of the antenna ports of multiple first antenna ports 412a. For example, the first ASM404a can be operated to connect the first SRS input / output port 406a to one of the antenna ports 412a of the multiple first antenna ports.

[0065] In some examples, the first SRS and the second SRS may be the same signal. In other examples, the first SRS and the second SRS may be different signals.

[0066] For example, the area occupied by SRS ports and / or routing within a FEM system 400 can be reduced compared to a 4T8R system where multiple SRS input ports and multiple SRS output ports are implemented. In some examples, the SRS input / output ports 406 of the FEM402 can reduce the overall routing complexity of the FEM system 400 compared to other configurations such as the FEM system 200. In addition, the SRS input / output ports 406 can increase the I / O availability of each FEM402 and / or reduce the overall package size of each FEM402 compared to other configurations such as the FEM system 200. For example, in a 24-pin device package, the SRS interface pins may occupy only about 4% of the total I / O availability. Therefore, the SRS input / output ports 406 can be included in a standard (or smaller) package size while maintaining full FEM functionality. In some cases, the SRS input / output port 406 can provide further flexibility in the orientation of the FEM 402, reducing the complexity of the design / layout of the FEM system 400 (or wireless device).

[0067] In addition, the size and / or complexity of the ASM404 can be reduced by implementing SRS input / output ports 406. For example, instead of including separate input and output ports for coupling to the SRS interface, each ASM404 may include a single input / output port that is coupled to each of the SRS input / output ports 406. In some examples, the losses incurred by the ASM404 and the area occupied by the ASM404 within the FEM402 can be reduced due to the reduction in ports for the SRS interface compared to other configurations such as the FEM system 200.

[0068] While FEM systems 300 and 400 are described above with reference to various 5G cellular applications, it should be noted that similar FEM architectures can be used in different wireless applications. For example, FEM systems 300 and 400 can be configured for use in wireless local area networks (WLAN), ultra-wideband (UWB), wireless personal area networks (WPAN), 4G cellular, and LTE cellular applications. In addition, the single-port interface of each FEM can be configured for different calibration or characterization purposes to suit the specific application of use.

[0069] In some examples, one or more components of FEM302, 402 included in FEM systems 300, 400 may include gallium arsenide (GaAs) heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) and / or silicon germanium (SiGe) HBTs. In some embodiments, the FEM or one or more components of the FEM may be fabricated using silicon-on-insulator (SOI) techniques.

[0070] Embodiments of the FEM 302, 402 and / or FEM systems 300, 400 described herein may be advantageously used in a variety of electronic devices. Examples of electronic devices include, but are not limited to, consumer electronic products, components of consumer electronic products, electronic test equipment, and cellular communication infrastructure such as base stations. Examples of electronic devices include, but are not limited to, routers, gateways, mobile phones such as smartphones, telephones, televisions, computer monitors, computers, modems, handheld computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, e-book readers, wearable computers such as smartwatches, personal digital assistants (PDAs), appliances such as microwave ovens and refrigerators, automobiles, stereo systems, digital music players such as DVD players, CD players, and MP3 players, radios, camcorders, cameras, digital cameras, portable memory chips, medical monitoring devices, automotive electronic systems such as automotive electronic systems and avionics electronic systems, peripherals, watches, and clocks. Furthermore, electronic devices may include unfinished products.

[0071] In light of the above, improved FEMs and FEM systems are provided herein. In at least one embodiment, the FEM includes a single-pin SRS interface configured to receive and supply SRS. In some examples, the FEM includes a simplified antenna switching module that suffers reduced loss. Furthermore, the FEM can be incorporated into the FEM system by reducing the routing between the SRS interfaces of each FEM.

[0072] It should be understood that the exemplary FEMs and FEM systems provided herein are provided for illustrative purposes only. In some examples, a particular FEM and / or FEM system may include additional, fewer, or different components than those illustrated. A certain FEM and / or FEM system may include additional components not illustrated for clarity. For example, one or more of the FEM302a, 302b, 410, and 420 may be configured according to the Mobile Industrial Processor Interface (MIPI) standard and may include an interface having one or more ports or pins, one or more ports or pins for voltage input or voltage output, one or more filters, one or more amplifiers (including, for example, PAs, LNAs, etc.), one or more coupling elements, one or more coupling port or pins, one or more resistors, inductors, and / or capacitors, one or more switches, etc.

[0073] While several aspects of at least one embodiment have been described above, it should be understood that various changes, modifications, and improvements will readily come to mind for those skilled in the art. Such changes, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure and within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are merely illustrative, and the scope of the invention should be determined by a proper interpretation of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. 1. A front-end module for a wireless device, comprising: at least one transmit path configured to provide a first sounding reference signal; at least one transmit / receive path coupled to at least one antenna port; a sounding reference signal port configured to provide the first sounding reference signal and to receive a second sounding reference signal; an antenna switching module coupled between the at least one transmit path, the at least one transmit / receive path, and the sounding reference signal port; A front-end module configured such that the antenna switching module supplies the first sounding reference signal from the at least one transmit path to the at least one transmit / receive path and to the sounding reference signal port, and supplies the second sounding reference signal received at the sounding reference signal port to the at least one transmit / receive path.

2. 2. The front-end module of claim 1, wherein the first sounding reference signal and the second sounding reference signal are provided to the at least one transmit / receive path to be transmitted by one or more antennas coupled to the at least one antenna port.

3. 3. The front-end module of claim 2, wherein the first sounding reference signal and the second sounding reference signal are transmitted to at least one base station to characterize an uplink channel between the wireless device and the base station.

4. The front-end module of claim 1 , wherein the first sounding reference signal is provided from the sounding reference signal port to a second front-end module included in the wireless device.

5. The front-end module of claim 4 , wherein the second sounding reference signal is received from the second front-end module.

6. The front-end module of claim 1 , wherein the at least one transmit path includes at least one power amplifier.

7. The front-end module of claim 1 , wherein the at least one transmit / receive path includes at least one low noise amplifier.

8. The front-end module of claim 1 , wherein the front-end module is configured to support 5G wireless communication.

9. The front-end module of claim 1 , wherein the antenna switching module includes a single pin connection configured to be coupled to the sounding reference signal port.

10. 1. A mobile communication device system, comprising: A first front-end module and a second front-end module, The first front-end module is a first sounding reference signal port configured to provide a first sounding reference signal and to receive a second sounding reference signal; a first antenna switching module coupled to the first sounding reference signal port; the first antenna switching module is configured to route the first sounding reference signal to the first sounding reference signal port and route the second sounding reference signal from the first sounding reference signal port; The second front end module is a second sounding reference signal port configured to provide the second sounding reference signal to the first front-end module and to receive the first sounding reference signal from the first front-end module; a second antenna switching module coupled to the second sounding reference signal port; The second antenna switching module is configured to route the second sounding reference signal to the second sounding reference signal port and route the first sounding reference signal from the second sounding reference signal port.

11. the first front-end module includes at least one first transmit path coupled to the first antenna switching module, the first antenna switching module configured to route the first sounding reference signal from the at least one first transmit path to the first sounding reference signal port; 11. The mobile communication device system of claim 10, wherein the second front-end module includes at least one second transmit path coupled to the second antenna switching module, the second antenna switching module configured to route the second sounding reference signal from the at least one second transmit path to the second sounding reference signal port.

12. the first front-end module includes at least one first transmit / receive path coupled to at least one first antenna port and coupled to the first antenna switching module, the first antenna switching module configured to route the second sounding reference signal from the first sounding reference signal port to the at least one first transmit / receive path; 11. The mobile communication device system of claim 10, wherein the second front-end module includes at least one second transmit / receive path coupled to at least one second antenna port and coupled to the second antenna switching module, the second antenna switching module configured to route the first sounding reference signal from the second sounding reference signal port to the at least one second transmit / receive path.

13. the first sounding reference signal is provided to at least one first antenna port for transmission by one or more first antennas coupled to the at least one first antenna port; 11. The mobile communication device system of claim 10, wherein the second sounding reference signal is provided to at least one second antenna port for transmission by one or more second antennas coupled to the at least one second antenna port.

14. 14. The mobile communication device system of claim 13, wherein the first sounding reference signal and the second sounding reference signal are transmitted to the at least one base station to characterize an uplink channel between the mobile communication device system and the at least one base station.

15. the first antenna switching module includes a single pin connection configured to be coupled to the first sounding reference signal port; The mobile communication device system of claim 10 , wherein the second antenna switching module includes a single pin connection configured to be coupled to the second sounding reference signal port.

16. 1. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a sequence of computer-executable instructions for controlling a front-end module for a wireless device, comprising: The wireless device comprises: a sounding reference signal port; At least one transmission path; at least one transmit / receive path coupled to at least one antenna port; an antenna switching module coupled between the sounding reference signal port, the at least one transmit path, and the at least one transmit / receive path; The sequences of computer executable instructions may include instructions to at least one processor: Routing a first sounding reference signal from at least one transmit path to the sounding reference signal port; and routing a second sounding reference signal from said sounding reference signal port to said at least one transmit / receive port.

17. 17. The computer-readable, non-transitory storage medium of claim 16, wherein the instructions instruct the at least one processor to route the first sounding reference signal and the second sounding reference signal to the at least one transmit / receive path for transmission by one or more antennas coupled to the at least one antenna port.

18. the wireless device includes a transceiver; 20. The computer-readable, non-transitory storage medium of claim 16, wherein the instructions instruct the at least one processor to route the first sounding reference signal away from the transceiver and route the second sounding reference signal to the transceiver.

19. 17. The computer-readable, non-transitory storage medium of claim 16, wherein the instructions instruct the at least one processor to provide the first sounding reference signal from a single pin coupled to the sounding reference signal port and to receive the second sounding reference signal at the single pin.

20. 20. The computer-readable, non-transitory storage medium of claim 16, wherein the instructions further instruct the at least one processor to operate the front-end module in accordance with a 5G wireless communications standard.

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