Tunable Filter Arrangement

Abstract

According to the present disclosure, there is provided a wireless device including a front-end module including a first antenna port and a second antenna port, a first filter forming a first signal path with the first antenna port, and a second filter forming a second signal path with the second antenna port, wherein the first or second filter is a tunable filter.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] background Field Aspects of the present disclosure relate to the field of wireless communication devices, and more particularly to front-end architectures configured to process multiple frequency bands. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of Related Art In wireless applications, a wireless communication device typically includes components in a front-end module configured to filter and / or amplify received radio frequency (RF) signals. The RF signals may be cellular signals, wireless local area network (WLAN) signals, etc. The front-end module may be configured to direct these signals to appropriate filters, amplifiers, and / or downstream modules for processing. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] overview According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a front-end module including a first antenna port and a second antenna port, a first filter forming a first signal path with the first antenna port, and a second filter forming a second signal path with the second antenna port, wherein the first or second filter is a tunable filter.

[0004] In one example, the first filter is a bandpass filter. In one example, the second filter is a tunable filter. In one example, the second filter is a tunable bandpass filter. Optionally, the bandpass filter has a passband configured to pass the transport channel.

[0005] In one example, the first filter is a notch filter having a stop band and a pass band. Optionally, the notch filter is configured to be tuned and / or switched on or off, and / or optionally, the second filter is a bandpass filter having a pass band within the stop band of the notch filter. Optionally, the bandpass filter has a pass band configured to pass the transport channel. Optionally, the bandpass filter has a pass band of 5855 to 5925 Mhz.

[0006] In one example, the adjustable filter is manually adjusted. In one example, the tunable filter is electronically tuned. In one example, the front-end module further comprises a first power amplifier. Optionally, the power amplifier is connected to the first and second signal paths via a switch. Optionally, the front-end module further comprises a second power amplifier. Optionally, the first power amplifier is connected to the first signal path, and the second power amplifier is connected to the second signal path. Optionally, the first and second signal paths are each connectable to at least one of the power amplifiers. Optionally, each of the first and second signal paths is connectable to either the first or the second power amplifier. Optionally, the second power amplifier is configured to transmit a transport band signal.

[0007] In one example, the front-end module further comprises a first low-noise amplifier. Optionally, the first low-noise amplifier is connectable to either the first or second filter. Optionally, the first low-noise amplifier is an active splitter low-noise amplifier. Optionally, the front-end module further comprises a second low-noise amplifier. Optionally, the first low-noise amplifier is connected to the first filter, and the second low-noise amplifier is connected to the second filter. Optionally, the first and second low-noise amplifiers are each connectable to either the first or second filter. Optionally, the second low-noise amplifier is configured to process transport band signals.

[0008] In one example, the front-end module further includes a third filter forming a third signal path with the second antenna port, the second filter being a receive filter and the third filter being a transmit filter. Optionally, the second and third filters are connected to an antenna switch module ASM, and the ASM is connected to the second antenna port. Optionally, the second and third filters are tunable filters.

[0009] In one example, a fourth filter forms a fourth signal path with the first antenna port, the first filter being a receive filter and the fourth filter being a transmit filter. Optionally, the first filter is a tunable filter. Optionally, the fourth filter is a tunable filter. Optionally, the first and fourth filters are connected to an ASM, and the ASM is connected to the first antenna port.

[0010] According to another embodiment, there is provided a wireless device comprising a first antenna, a second antenna, and a radio frequency module, wherein the radio frequency module includes a front-end configuration comprising a first antenna port coupled to the first antenna, a second antenna port coupled to the second antenna, a first filter forming a first signal path with the first antenna port, and a second filter forming a second signal path with the second antenna port, wherein the first or second filter is a tunable filter.

[0011] Further aspects, embodiments, and advantages of these exemplary aspects and embodiments are described in detail below. The embodiments disclosed herein may be combined with other embodiments in any manner consistent with at least one of the principles disclosed herein, and references to "embodiments," "some embodiments," "alternative embodiments," "various embodiments," "one embodiment," etc. are not necessarily mutually exclusive and are intended to indicate that a particular described feature, structure, or characteristic may be included in at least one embodiment. Appearances of such terms herein do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment.

[0012] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Various aspects of at least one embodiment are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not drawn to scale. The drawings are included to provide illustration and a further understanding of various aspects and embodiments, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification, but are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In the figures, each identical or nearly identical component shown in the various figures is represented by a like numeral. For clarity, not every component is labeled in every figure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a communication network. [Figure 2A] 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a downlink channel using multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication. [Figure 2B] 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of an uplink channel using MIMO communication. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates a radio frequency (RF) spectrum. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of a radio frequency system including a front-end module. [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an antenna and filter configuration. [Figure 5B]5B is a schematic diagram of a radio frequency system including the front-end module of FIG. 5A and an antenna and filter arrangement. [Figure 6A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an antenna and filter configuration according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] 6B is a schematic diagram of a radio frequency system including the front-end module of FIG. 6A and an antenna and filter arrangement. [Figure 7A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an antenna and filter configuration according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 7B] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an antenna and filter configuration according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 8A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an antenna and filter configuration according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 8B] 8B is a schematic diagram of a radio frequency system including the front-end module of FIG. 8A and an antenna and filter arrangement. [Figure 9A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an antenna and filter configuration according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 9B] 9B is a schematic diagram of a radio frequency system including the front-end module of FIG. 9A and an antenna and filter arrangement. [Figure 10A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an antenna and filter configuration according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram of a radio frequency system including the front-end module of FIG. 10A and an antenna and filter arrangement. [Figure 11A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an antenna and filter configuration according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is a schematic diagram of a radio frequency system including the front-end module of FIG. 11A and an antenna and filter arrangement. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a mobile device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Detailed Description Aspects and embodiments described herein relate to a front-end configuration having a first antenna port and a second antenna port, a first filter forming a first signal path with the first antenna port, and a second filter forming a second signal path with the second antenna port, wherein the first or second filter is a tunable filter.

[0015] It should be understood that the method and apparatus embodiments described herein are not limited in their application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The methods and apparatus are capable of implementation in other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Examples of specific implementations are provided herein for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to be limiting. Additionally, the phraseology and terminology used herein are for purposes of description and should not be considered limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," "involving," and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items. References to "or" may be construed as inclusive, such that any term described using "or" may refer to one, more than one, or all of the described term.

[0016] The following detailed description of certain embodiments presents various descriptions of specific embodiments. However, the innovations described herein can be implemented in many different ways, for example, as defined and encompassed by the claims. This description refers to the drawings, in which like reference numbers may indicate identical or functionally similar elements. It will be understood that the elements depicted in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Furthermore, it will be understood that certain embodiments can include more elements than shown in the drawings and / or a subset of the elements depicted in the drawings. Furthermore, some embodiments can incorporate any suitable combination of features from two or more drawings.

[0017] The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) responsible for global issues relating to information and communications technology, including the common global use of the radio spectrum.

[0018] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP®) is a collaboration between telecommunications standards organizations around the world, such as the Association of Radio Industries and Businesses (ARIB), the Telecommunications Technology Committee (TTC), the China Communications Standards Association (CCSA), the Telecommunications Standards Union (ATIS), the Telecommunications Association of India (TTA), the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), and the Telecommunications Standards Society of India (TSDSI).

[0019] Working within the ITU, 3GPP develops and maintains technical specifications for various mobile communication technologies, including, for example, second-generation (2G) technologies (e.g., Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE)), third-generation (3G) technologies (e.g., Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) and High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA)), and fourth-generation (4G) technologies (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE) and LTE-Advanced).

[0020] Technical specifications controlled by 3GPP can be extended and revised through specification releases, which can span multiple years and specify new features and breadth of evolution.

[0021] In one example, 3GPP introduced carrier aggregation (CA) for LTE in Release 10. Initially introduced with two downlink carriers, in Release 14, 3GPP extended carrier aggregation to include up to five downlink carriers and up to three uplink carriers. Other examples of new features and advancements provided by 3GPP releases include, but are not limited to, licensed-assisted access (LAA), enhanced LAA (eLAA), narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IOT), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), and high-power user equipment (HPUE).

[0022] 3GPP introduced Phase 1 of fifth-generation (5G) technology in Release 15 and Phase 2 of 5G technology in Release 16 (targeting 2019). Subsequent 3GPP releases further evolved and extended 5G technology, which is also referred to herein as 5G New Radio (NR).

[0023] 5G NR supports or is planned to support various features such as communication over mmWave spectrum, beamforming capabilities, high spectral efficiency waveforms, low latency communication, multi-radio numerology, and / or non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA). While such RF capabilities provide network flexibility and increase user data rates, supporting such features may pose some technical challenges.

[0024] The teachings herein are applicable to a wide variety of RF systems, including, but not limited to, RF systems that use advanced cellular technologies such as LTE-Advanced, LTE-Advanced Pro, and / or 5G NR.

[0025] 1 is a schematic diagram of an example communications network 10. Communications network 10 includes a macrocell base station 1, a small cell base station 3, and various examples of user equipment (UE), including a first mobile device 2a, a wirelessly connected vehicle 2b, a laptop 2c, a fixed wireless device 2d, a wirelessly connected train 2e, and a second mobile device 2f.

[0026] Although particular examples of base stations and user equipment are shown in FIG. 1, a communication network may include many different types and / or numbers of base stations and user equipment.

[0027] For example, in the illustrated example, communication network 10 includes macrocell base station 1 and small cell base station 3. Small cell base station 3 may operate with relatively lower power, shorter range, and / or fewer concurrent users compared to macrocell base station 1. Small cell base station 3 may also be referred to as a femtocell, picocell, or microcell. Although communication network 10 is shown as including two base stations, communication network 10 may be implemented to include more or fewer base stations and / or other types of base stations.

[0028] While various examples of user equipment are shown, the teachings herein are applicable to a wide variety of user equipment, including, but not limited to, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, IoT devices, wearable electronics, customer premises equipment (CPE), wirelessly connected vehicles, wireless repeaters, and / or a wide variety of other communication devices. Furthermore, user equipment includes not only currently available communication devices that operate on cellular networks, but also subsequently developed communication devices that can be readily implemented with the inventive systems, processes, methods, and devices described and claimed herein.

[0029] 1 supports communications using a variety of technologies, including, for example, 4G LTE, 5G NR, and wireless local area networks (WLANs) such as Wi-Fi. Although various examples of communication technologies are provided, communication network 10 may be adapted to support a wide variety of communication technologies, including, for example, dedicated short-range communications (DSRC), cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X), and other transportation communication protocols.

[0030] Various communication links of communication network 10 are shown in FIG. 1. The communication links can be duplexed in a variety of ways, including, for example, using frequency division duplexing (FDD) and / or time division duplexing (TDD). FDD is a type of radio frequency communication that uses different frequencies to transmit and receive signals. FDD can offer many advantages, such as high data rates and low latency. In contrast, TDD is a type of radio frequency communication that uses approximately the same frequencies to transmit and receive signals, and transmit and receive communications are switched in time. TDD can offer many advantages, such as efficient use of spectrum and variable allocation of throughput between transmit and receive directions.

[0031] In certain implementations, user equipment may communicate with base stations using one or more of 4G LTE, 5G NR, and Wi-Fi technologies. In certain implementations, enhanced licensed-assisted access (eLAA) is used to aggregate one or more licensed frequency carriers (e.g., licensed 4G LTE frequencies and / or 5G NR frequencies) with one or more unlicensed carriers (e.g., unlicensed Wi-Fi frequencies).

[0032] The communication link can operate over a wide variety of frequencies. In particular implementations, communication is supported using 5G NR technology over one or more frequency bands below 6 gigahertz (GHz) and / or over one or more frequency bands above 6 GHz. In one embodiment, the one or more mobile devices support the HPUE power class specification.

[0033] In certain implementations, base stations and / or user equipment communicate using beamforming. For example, beamforming can be used to concentrate signal strength to overcome path losses, such as high losses, associated with communication over high signal frequencies. In certain embodiments, one or more user equipment, such as mobile phones, communicate using beamforming in millimeter wave frequency bands in the range of 30 GHz to 300 GHz and / or upper centimeter wave frequencies in the range of 6 GHz to 30 GHz, more particularly in the range of 24 GHz to 30 GHz.

[0034] Different users of communication network 10 may share available network resources, such as the available frequency spectrum, in a wide variety of ways.

[0035] In one example, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) is used to divide a frequency band into multiple frequency carriers. One or more carriers are then assigned to a specific user. Examples of FDMA include, but are not limited to, single-carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA) and orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA). OFDMA is a multi-carrier technology that subdivides the available bandwidth into multiple mutually orthogonal narrowband subcarriers that can be separately assigned to different users.

[0036] Other examples of shared access include, but are not limited to, time division multiple access (TDMA), in which users are assigned specific time slots for using frequency resources, code division multiple access (CDMA), in which frequency resources are shared among different users by assigning each user a unique code, spatial division multiple access (SDMA), in which beamforming is used to provide shared access through spatial division, and non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA), in which power domains are used for multiple access. For example, NOMA can be used to serve multiple users with the same frequency, time, and / or code, but at different power levels.

[0037] Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) refers to technology for increasing the system capacity of LTE networks. For example, eMBB can refer to communications with a peak data rate of at least 10 Gbps and at least 100 Mbps for each user. Ultra-reliable low-latency communications (uRLLC) refers to technology for communications with very low latency, for example, less than 2 milliseconds. Ultra-reliable low-latency communications (uRLLC) can be used for mission-critical communications such as autonomous driving and / or remote surgery applications. Massive Machine-Type Communications (mMTC) refers to low-cost and low-data-rate communications associated with wireless connections to everyday objects, such as those associated with Internet of Things (IoT) applications.

[0038] The communications network 10 of FIG. 1 may be used to support a wide variety of advanced communications features, including, but not limited to, eMBB, uRLLC, and / or mMTC.

[0039] Figures 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams of an example of a downlink channel using multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication.

[0040] MIMO communications use multiple antennas to simultaneously communicate multiple data streams over a common frequency spectrum. In certain implementations, the data streams operate with different reference signals to enhance data reception at the receiver. MIMO communications benefit from higher SNR, improved coding, and / or reduced signal interference due to differences in spatial multiplexing in the wireless environment.

[0041] MIMO order refers to the number of separate data streams transmitted or received. For example, the MIMO order for downlink communication can be described by the number of transmit antennas at a base station and the number of receive antennas for a UE, such as a mobile device. For example, 2-by-2 (2×2) DL MIMO refers to MIMO downlink communication using two base station antennas and two UE antennas. Furthermore, 4-by-4 (4×4) DL MIMO refers to MIMO downlink communication using four base station antennas and four UE antennas.

[0042] In the example shown in Figure 2A, downlink MIMO communication is provided by transmitting using M antennas 43a, 43b, 43c, ... 43m at base station 41 and receiving using N antennas 44a, 44b, 44c, ... 44n at mobile device 42. Figure 2A therefore illustrates an example of M x N DL MIMO.

[0043] Similarly, the MIMO order for uplink communications can be described by the number of transmit antennas at a mobile device, such as a UE, and the number of receive antennas at a base station. For example, 2x2 UL MIMO refers to MIMO uplink communications using two UE antennas and two base station antennas. Furthermore, 4x4 UL MIMO refers to MIMO uplink communications using four UE antennas and four base station antennas.

[0044] In the example shown in Figure 2B, uplink MIMO communication is provided by transmitting using N antennas 44a, 44b, 44c, ... 44n at mobile device 42 and receiving using M antennas 43a, 43b, 43c, ... 43m at base station 41. Figure 2B therefore illustrates an example of N x M UL MIMO.

[0045] By increasing the level or order of MIMO, the bandwidth of the uplink and / or downlink channels can be increased.

[0046] MIMO communication is applicable to various types of communication links, such as FDD and TDD communication links.

[0047] An RF system communicates using multiple communication standards, e.g., 4G LTE, 5G, and / or Wi-Fi. One communication standard may specify communication over frequency bands that are relatively close to and / or overlap in frequency with frequency bands of a different communication standard. Figure 3 illustrates the RF spectrum and each of the overlapping bands of interest in this application.

[0048] Cellular bands have recently been defined for operation in the 6 GHz spectrum as both licensed and unlicensed bands. Licensed Wi-Fi in the 6 GHz spectrum may vary by region; for example, 6 GHz Wi-Fi is licensed in a different band than EU-licensed Wi-Fi. Licensed and unlicensed Wi-Fi bands are shown in Figure 3, which illustrates Wi-Fi in the 5 GHz spectrum and licensed and unlicensed Wi-Fi in the 6 GHz spectrum.

[0049] Cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) operation for public safety use has also recently been defined in spectrum adjacent to the 6 GHz spectrum. Other transport bands, such as dedicated short-range communications (DSRC), operate in the same frequency range as C-V2X. While the arrangements described herein may refer only to C-V2X, it will be understood that the same arrangements may be used to transmit and / or receive on other transport bands. C-V2X operates in the n47 band, 5855-5925 MHz. As shown in Figure 3, n47 is adjacent to the 6 GHz unlicensed EU (102) Wi-Fi band and adjacent to the 6 GHz licensed China band. Therefore, the separation between the C-V2X band and the adjacent Wi-Fi bands is very small.

[0050] The n47 band is also located between the unlicensed cellular band n46 and the unlicensed cellular band n96. As shown in Figure 3, n46 operates between 5150 and 5925 MHz, and n96 operates between 5925 and 7125 MHz. Therefore, there is overlap between the unlicensed cellular band and the C-V2X band, which may result in interference that degrades the C-V2X signal.

[0051] Therefore, there is a need to develop circuitry and RFFE architectures that can efficiently and cost-effectively enable bands / modes such as those shown in Figure 3 to operate while providing some level of coexistence performance. Simultaneous transmission / reception between multiple bands or protocols is important to ensure that C-V2X can operate alongside Wi-Fi, which is important in vehicle wireless communication modules, and vehicle safety depends on uninterrupted C-V2X operation. This application describes an architecture in which all modes can be supported.

[0052] In the arrangements described herein, the front-end module is described as having two antenna ports, but it will be understood that the front-end module may be disposed within a front-end system that may have other numbers of antenna ports, such as four. In such cases, the processing circuitry of the front-end module for the second pair of antenna ports may be the same as or equivalent to the processing circuitry described above for the first two antenna ports. Note that the figures show the processing circuitry for the second pair of antenna ports, and thus the entire front-end system.

[0053] 4 shows a conventional RF front-end module deployed in an RF system without 6 GHz or C-V2X support. The RF front-end comprises one or more modules and one or more filters as described herein.

[0054] As shown, there is an antenna port 401 connected to three passband filters 403a, 403b, and 403c. The antenna port 401 forms a single signal path with the three filters 403a, 403b, and 403c. The first passband filter 403a passes signals in a first range, e.g., signals within the GPS L1 band. Signals that pass through the first passband filter are processed by the GPS L1 module in this example.

[0055] The second passband filter 403b passes signals in a second range, for example, signals in the 2.4 GHz band. Signals within 2.4 GHz are processed by the RF module 405, which is configured so that the second filter 403b is connected to a power amplifier 409a via a switch 407a. The switch 407a can switch between the power amplifier 409a and the low-noise amplifier 408a, so that the antenna can transmit and receive within the 2.4 GHz range.

[0056] The third passband filter 403c passes signals in a third range, e.g., signals in the 5 GHz / 6 GHz band. Signals within the 5 GHz / 6 GHz band are processed in the RF module 405, which is configured such that the third filter 403c is connected to a power amplifier 409b via a switch 407b. The switch 407b can switch between the power amplifier 409b and a low-noise amplifier (LNA) 408b, allowing the antenna to transmit and receive signals within the 5 GHz / 6 GHz range. A post-LNA splitter is connected to the low-noise amplifier 408b. The post-LNA splitter supports downlink concurrency for the 5 GHz Wi-Fi and 5 GHz NR-U receiver paths.

[0057] The 2.4 GHz power amplifier 409a and low noise amplifier 408a are connected to a Wi-Fi radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) 411, where the RFIC is referred to herein as a transceiver, and the Wi-Fi transceiver 411 is also connected to a 5 GHz power amplifier 409b and a post-LNA splitter, such that the 5 GHz Wi-Fi receiver path is connected to the Wi-Fi transceiver. The 5 GHz NR-U receiver path is connected to an NR-U transceiver 413.

[0058] 4 and described herein, the conventional RF front end does not provide support for 6 GHz or C-V2X, nor does it have the ability to simultaneously transmit and receive 5 GHz Wi-Fi and 5 GHz NR-U due to a single common path to antenna port 401.

[0059] FIG. 5A shows a schematic diagram of a filter and switch arrangement in which C-V2X (n47) and the 6 GHz unlicensed band (n96) are supported. FIG. 5B shows the arrangement of FIG. 5A incorporated into an RF front end. While the RF front end is shown in an RF system, as described herein, the present invention will be described in connection with the RF front end. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the RF front end includes an antenna port 501 connected to three passband filters 503a, 503b, and 503c. As described in connection with FIG. 4, the antenna port 501 forms a single signal path with the three filters 503a, 503b, and 503c. The first passband filter 503a passes signals in a first range, e.g., signals within the GPS L1 band, to the filter. Signals passing through the first passband filter are processed by the GPS L1 module in this example.

[0060] The second passband filter 503b passes signals in a second range, e.g., signals in the 2.4 GHz band. Signals within 2.4 GHz are processed by the RF front-end module 505, which is configured such that the second filter 503b is connected to a power amplifier 509a via a switch 507a. The switch 507a can switch between the power amplifier 509a and the low-noise amplifier 508a, thereby enabling the antenna to transmit and receive within the 2.4 GHz range. It will be understood that the filters 503a and 503b, as well as the GPS L1 module, may be present in all arrangements described herein, but will not be explicitly mentioned in the following arrangements. Figures 6-12 illustrate that these filters and modules may be present, and it will be understood that the filters and modules have the same characteristics as those described in connection with Figures 4 and 5B.

[0061] In the arrangements of Figures 5A and 5B, the third filter 503c is a passband filter that passes signals in a third range. In this arrangement, the third filter has a bandpass of 5150 to 7125 MHz. Thus, signals within this range can be transmitted and received by the antenna. Thus, the passband filter 503c allows the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band (n46) to pass, as well as C-V2X (n47) and the 6 GHz unlicensed band (n96).

[0062] The passband filter 503c is connected to a switch 507b configured to switch between a power amplifier 509b and a low-noise amplifier 508b. The power amplifier 509b is configured to be shared between the 5 GHz and 6 GHz Wi-Fi transmitter paths and the C-V2X transmitter path. The power amplifier 509b is connected to a switch 507d configured to switch between a 5 GHz / 6 GHz output on the Wi-Fi transceiver 511, a 5 GHz / 6 GHz output on the NR-U / NR transceiver, and a C-V2X output (5.9 GHz) on the NR-U / NR transceiver 513.

[0063] Thus, as described above, power amplifier 509b is shared between Wi-Fi and cellular, i.e., NR-U, and thus the cellular band can operate through the use of the Wi-Fi power amplifier and have a supported uplink.

[0064] The low noise amplifier 508b is connected to a switch 507c that is configured to switch between a first signal path connected to the C-V2X input on the NR-U / NR transceiver 513 and a post-LNA splitter that splits a second path from the switch 507c into two signal paths, one of which is connected to the 5 / 6 GHz Wi-Fi input on the Wi-Fi transceiver 511 and the other of which is connected to the 5 / 6 GHz NR-U input on the NR-U / NR transceiver 513.

[0065] The RF front-ends of Figures 5A and 5B have the advantage of being able to support C-V2X operation. As mentioned above, the downlink portion of the RF front-end has separate paths for C-V2X, Wi-Fi, and NR-U. However, because C-V2X is separated by a switch, C-V2X is not supported simultaneously with other bands. Therefore, coexistence of C-V2X with Wi-Fi / NR-U is not possible.

[0066] 6A and 6B show schematic diagrams of a first arrangement. Fig. 6A shows a switch and filter arrangement of an RF front end with a tunable filter. Fig. 6B shows an RF front end in an RF system. The arrangements of Fig. 6A and 6B provide a solution for adjacent TDD bands.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 6A, the RF front end includes two antenna ports. Note that when the RF system is used in a wireless device, the first antenna port is connected to a first antenna and the second antenna port is connected to a second antenna. The first antenna port 601a is connected to a filter 603c. The filter 603c may be a passband filter, and the bandpass of the filter may be such that 5 GHz Wi-Fi, 5 GHz NR-U, and C-V2X have frequencies within the passband of the filter 603c. For example, the passband of the filter 603c may be 5150 to 5925 MHz. The filter 603c is connected to a transmit / receive switch 607b configured to switch between a power amplifier 609b and a low-noise amplifier 608b. The power amplifier is connected via the switch to a 5 GHz / 6 GHz output on the Wi-Fi transceiver 611, a 5 GHz / 6 GHz output on the NR-U / NR transceiver 613, and a 5.9 GHz output on the NR-U / NR transceiver. This arrangement therefore supports simultaneous 5 GHz Wi-Fi, 5 GHz NR-U, and C-V2X downlinks. However, because a power amplifier is connected to each output on the transceiver, this prevents simultaneous transmission of 5 GHz Wi-Fi, 5 GHz NR-U, and C-V2X.

[0068] The low noise amplifier 608b is connected via a switch 607c to a 5 GHz Wi-Fi input on the Wi-Fi transceiver 611 and to a 5 GHz NR-U and C-V2X input on the NR-U / NR transceiver 613. The switch 607c is configured to switch between a first path and a second path. The first path is connected to a post-LNA splitter that connects the path to the 5 GHz Wi-Fi input and the 5 GHz NR-U input. Therefore, the 5 GHz Wi-Fi and 5 GHz NR-U uplinks cannot coexist. The second path from the switch 607c is connected to a C-V2X input on the transceiver. Therefore, coexistence is not possible for the C-V2X and 5 GHz Wi-Fi / NR-U uplinks.

[0069] The second antenna port 601b is connected to filter 603d. Filter 603d is a tunable bandpass filter such that the passband of the filter can be changed. In this example, the filter is a tunable filter with a tunable corner frequency, and the passband can vary over a range of 5945 to 7125 MHz. However, it will be understood that tunable filters with different passband ranges may be used. The passband of filter 603d may be changed to support different regions of the licensed and unlicensed 6 GHz bands. The tunable filters described herein may be any suitable manually or electrically tunable filters.

[0070] As described above, the first filter 603c may have a passband from 5150 to 5925 MHz, and the second filter 603d may have a passband from 5945 to 7125 MHz. This results in at least 20 MHz of separation between the passbands of the two filters, from 5925 to 5945 MHz. This provides protection for the C-V2X band n47, which is 5855 to 5925 MHz. Thus, frequencies within the passband of the second filter will experience negligible interference with the C-V2X band. This is advantageous because the C-V2X band is a safety service, and uninterrupted operation of the C-V2X band is important.

[0071] As described above, the tunable filter 603d has a tunable corner frequency. Therefore, the filter's passband can be adjusted to support different regions of the licensed and unlicensed bands. For example, the unlicensed N96 band has a frequency range of 5925 to 7125 MHz, so the filter can be adjusted to have a passband of 5945 to 7125 MHz, i.e., its maximum frequency range. The 6 GHz China licensed band has a frequency range of 5925 to 7125 MHz, and the Wi-Fi 6E band has channels in the frequency range of 5945 to 7125 MHz, so the filter is adjusted to its maximum frequency range, i.e., 5945 to 7125 MHz. For bands with narrower frequency ranges, such as the 6 GHz licensed EU (N104), the tunable filter 603d can be adjusted so that the tunable filter corner frequency is 6425 MHz, resulting in a passband of 6425 to 7125 MHz. This will further improve coexistence between the licensed EU 6GHz band and 5GHz Wi-Fi and C-V2X.

[0072] The tunable filter in the arrangements of Figures 6A and 6B allows the passband to be extended across a range of licensed or unlicensed bands, allowing the filter to be certified for different jurisdictions.

[0073] Although FIG. 6B shows the 5 GHz band filter and the 6 GHz band filter connected to the same module, it will be appreciated that they may instead be connected to separate modules.

[0074] However, while Figures 6A and 6B, as well as other figures described herein, show a single combined filter connected to both the transmit and receive paths, i.e., a single filter connected to the second antenna 601b, in other arrangements there may be a separate transmit filter 703c and a separate receive filter 703d connected to the second antenna 701b. This arrangement is shown in Figures 7A and 7B. Although the arrangements are described herein with reference to Figures 6A and 6B, it will be understood that the concept of providing a front-end arrangement comprising one or more separate transmit filters and one or more separate receive filters connected to one or more antenna ports may also be applied to any of the arrangements described in Figures 8A, 9A, 10A, and 11A.

[0075] Figures 7A and 7B illustrate antenna and filter arrangements connected to a front-end module as described in connection with other figures herein, e.g., Figures 6A and 6B. Thus, it will be understood that low noise amplifiers 708b and 708c in Figures 7A and 7B are connected to receive channels on corresponding RFICs, and power amplifiers 709b and 709c in Figures 7A and 7B are connected to transmit channels on corresponding RFICs, as described in connection with other figures herein.

[0076] As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the combined transmit / receive filter 603d described in Figures 6A and 6B has been replaced by a separate transmit filter 703c and a separate receive filter 703d. In the arrangement of Figure 7B, the combined transmit / receive filter 603c described in Figures 6A and 6B has also been replaced by a separate transmit filter 703c and a separate receive filter 703d.

[0077] In the arrangement of Figure 7A, there is a combined transmit and receive filter 703a which may have a passband of 5150 to 5925 MHz, similar to filter 603a in Figure 6B. There are also separate transmit and receive filters 703c and 703d which may each have a passband of 5945 to 7125 MHz.

[0078] In the arrangement of Figure 7B, separate transmit and receive filters 703a and 703b may each have a passband of 5150 to 5925 MHz, similar to filter 603a of Figure 6B. Separate transmit and receive filters 703c and 703d in the arrangement of Figure 7B may each have a passband of 5945 to 7125 MHz.

[0079] Thus, the 6 GHz Wi-Fi path as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B may be connected to a separate receive filter 703d and a separate transmit filter 703c. The filters are arranged in the front-end module in a manner similar to that described for a single filter. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the separate transmit filter and separate receive filter may be tunable. The arrangement of FIGS. 7A and 7B is advantageous because the transmit filter and receive filter have different design considerations, and therefore their separation allows for further optimization and therefore better results. For example, receive filter 703c has stronger out-of-band attenuation and lower loss than transmit filter 703d, which affects system performance even when C-V2X and other bands do not coexist. For example, optimization may not be required for the receive filter, but would be advantageous for the transmit filter, which typically has higher loss than the receive filter. Thus, being able to separately tune the performance of the transmit or receive filter enables optimization. Furthermore, there may be cost and / or size savings achieved by using separate filters.

[0080] In this arrangement, both the transmit and receive filters can be connected directly to the antenna switch module (ASM) 710. The transmit and receive switch 607d described in Figures 6A and 6B is not needed and is therefore eliminated. Instead, the ASM 710 is used to switch the transmit or receive filters, and therefore the paths, without the need for a separate switch. Eliminating the switch reduces losses in the arrangement.

[0081] As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the separate transmit and receive filters may be tunable and may have tunable filter corner frequencies, as described in connection with Figures 6A and 6B. As described in connection with Figures 6A and 6B, the tunable corner frequencies may vary based on different regional bands for licensed and unlicensed Wi-Fi and cellular. It will be understood that the characteristics of the tunable single filter in Figures 6A and 6B may be the same for each of the separate transmit and receive filters in Figures 7A and 7B.

[0082] As described above, in addition to the separate transmit filter 703c and receive filter 703d connected to the second antenna 701b, the first antenna may be connected to a combined transmit / receive filter 703a, as shown in FIG. 7A, or the first antenna 701a may be connected to a separate transmit filter 703a and a separate receive filter 703b, as shown in FIG. 7B. Thus, in the arrangement of FIG. 7B, the front-end module includes four filters. As described above, the transmit filter and receive filter are each directly connected to ASM 710a or 710b, which controls whether the transmit filter or receive filter is being used at any given time. The transmit filter 703a and receive filter 703b connected to the first antenna 701a are both connected to ASM 710a and controlled separately. The separate transmit and receive filters may be fixed, i.e., non-tunable, or tunable, as shown in FIG. 7B. In arrangements where the filters are tunable, the filters may have the same characteristics as the tunable filters described herein. It will be appreciated that having tunability for transmit and receive on both the first and second paths may be advantageous in some deployments because interference on all of the paths may be reduced. However, it will be appreciated that a deployment may include any combination of tunable and non-tunable filters for each of the transmit and receive paths on both the 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands.

[0083] It will be appreciated that in arrangements with separate transmit and receive filters, the passband of the transmit filter can be different from the passband of the receive filter. This provides the ability for the receive filter to have a tunable corner for the C-V2X receiver without having a tunable corner for the C-V2X transmitter or the 5 GHz or 6 GHz Wi-Fi transmitter. This provides protection for the received C-V2X signal by ensuring there is no interference with the C-V2X receiver, as described herein. C-V2X is a safety service, and therefore ensuring that nothing is intruding on its reception is an important aspect of the arrangements described herein. On the other hand, protecting the C-V2X or Wi-Fi receiver of the Wi-Fi transmitter is less important, and therefore the system can be improved by simply tuning the C-V2X receiver. This is advantageous in situations where low cost is required and the possibility of other bands, such as Wi-Fi, being affected by an untuned C-V2X transmitter is deemed less important than cost savings. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that tuning the 5 GHz and 6 GHz transmitters provides additional protection compared to tuning the 5 GHz and 6 GHz receivers. The ability to tune the transmitters reduces overlap with the C-V2X band, thus avoiding interference with the C-V2X receivers.

[0084] The minimum performance of a front-end module equipped with a tunable filter is set by the tunable receive path. Because the tunable filter's bandpass is tunable, signals received within the filter's bandpass are not disturbed by other signals. Therefore, these signals are not degraded, thus providing minimum performance. If the non-tunable receive path performs well, this increases and improves the diversity gain of the system, allowing it to receive smaller amplitude signals. However, if the non-tunable receive path is degraded by interference, it does not adversely affect the overall system, since the minimum performance is still achieved by the tunable receive path.

[0085] 8A and 8B show a third arrangement of the RF front end. FIG. 8A shows a switch and filter arrangement of the RF front end. FIG. 8B shows the RF front end in an RF system. As shown, the RF front end includes two antenna ports 801a and 801b. The RF front end includes a first module 805a for Wi-Fi and NR-U signals connected to a first filter 803c. The system further includes a second module 805b for the transport band connected to a second filter 803d. While referred to herein in connection with the C-V2X band, it will be understood that the concepts of the present application may be for any transport band, such as dedicated short-range communications (DSRC).

[0086] The first antenna 801a is connected to a first filter 803c. The first filter 803c is a notch filter. The first filter 803c may have a passband of 5150 to 7125 MHz and a stopband of 5835 to 5945 MHz. Thus, frequencies below 5150 MHz and above 7125 MHz do not pass through the filter 803c. Also, frequencies between 5835 and 5945 MHz do not pass through the filter 803c. The notch filter 803c may have corner tunability such that the filter 803c is tunable, i.e., adjustable. The corners can be tuned so that the filter has a stopband of 5855 MHz to 5925 MHz. The stopband has frequencies where n47, i.e., the C-V2X band, does not pass through the filter 803c. The stopband is narrow to eliminate noise close to the C-V2X band.

[0087] The notch filter 803c allows signals from the 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands to pass, whereby the notch filter 803c is connected to the 5 GHz and 6 GHz Wi-Fi inputs and outputs of the Wi-Fi transceiver 811, as described in other arrangements herein. The notch filter 803c is also connected to the 5 GHz and 6 GHz NR-U inputs and outputs on the NR-U / NR transceiver 813. The filters may be connected to each input via a power amplifier and a switch, as described in connection with FIGS. 4-6. Further, the filters may be connected to each output via a low noise amplifier, a switch, and a post-LNA splitter, as described in connection with FIGS. 4-6. However, it will be understood that the filters may be connected to the transceiver in any suitable manner.

[0088] The second antenna port 801b is connected to a bandpass filter 803d, whose passband corresponds to the frequency range of a transport band, such as n47, i.e., the C-V2X band, or the DSRC band. The passband of the filter 803d may correspond to or be narrower than the stopband of the notch filter 803c. Thus, some or all of the signals that fall within the stopband of the notch filter 803c and would therefore be attenuated pass through the bandpass filter 803d. Because the notch filter 803c has a narrow stopband that is the same as or slightly wider than the transport band of interest, most of the noise adjacent to the transport band is filtered out by the notch filter 803c.

[0089] 8A and 8B, filter 803d is connected to a separate module from filter 803c. Thus, the transport band, e.g., the C-V2X band, has its own separate path connecting the filter to the NR-U / NR transceiver.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 8B, the RF system includes two C-V2X modules 805b and 805c, one of which includes a receiver and no transmitter 805c, and the other of which includes a receiver and transmitter 805b.

[0091] In the C-V2X module comprising receiver and transmitter 805b, filter 803d is connected to transmit / receive switch 807c, which connects filter 803d to power amplifier 809c and low-noise amplifier 808c. Power amplifier 809c is connected to an output on NR-U / NR transceiver 813, and low-noise amplifier 808c is connected to an input on the NR-U / NR transceiver.

[0092] The stop band of the notch filter 803c is narrow enough to allow n46 and 5 GHz to pass through the filter 803c at frequencies lower than the stop band. The stop band is also narrow enough that the notch filter allows Wi-Fi operation at n96 and 6 GHz at frequencies higher than the stop band. The ability to tune the notch provides separation between the transport band and Wi-Fi and unlicensed bands that are not attenuated by the notch filter 803c. Thus, transport bands such as C-V2X are protected from interference and noise. Therefore, coexistence of the transport band with 5 GHz Wi-Fi / NR-U and coexistence of the transport band with 6 GHz Wi-Fi / NR-U are possible. It will be appreciated that such coexistence depends in part on filter performance, antenna isolation, channel bandwidth, and channel proximity of the attacker, e.g., Wi-Fi or NR-U, to the transport band. It will also be appreciated that the tunability of the stop band corners allows the stop band to vary depending on the region and certification requirements of a particular licensed band.

[0093] 9A and 9B show a fourth arrangement of the RF front end: Fig. 9A shows a switch and filter arrangement of the RF front end; Fig. 9B shows the RF front end in an RF system.

[0094] As shown, the RF front end of Figures 9A and 9B includes two antenna ports 901a and 901b. The system includes a single module 905 for Wi-Fi, NR-U signals, and transport signals. The RF front end includes a first filter 903c that forms a signal path with the first antenna port 901a. The RF front end further includes a second filter 903d that forms a signal path with the second antenna port 901b. The first filter 903c is a tunable notch filter, such that the notch can be switched on or off. It will be understood that when the notch is switched off, the first filter 903c is a bandpass filter. However, for clarity of reference, the filter will be referred to herein as a notch filter, and the notch will be turned off.

[0095] The first filter 903c may have a passband from 5150 to 7125 MHz and a stopband from 5835 to 5945 MHz. Thus, frequencies below 5150 MHz and above 7125 MHz do not pass through the filter 903c. Also, frequencies between 5835 and 5945 MHz do not pass through the filter 903c. The notch filter 903c may have corner tunability such that the filter 903c is tunable. The corners may be tuned so that the filter has a stopband from 5855 MHz to 5925 MHz. Corner tunability is as described in other arrangements herein, such as Figures 8A and 8B, and provides the advantages discussed in connection with these figures. The stopband has frequencies where n47, i.e., the C-V2X band, does not pass through the filter 903c. The stopband is narrow to reject noise close to the C-V2X band.

[0096] The notch filter 903c allows signals from the 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands to pass, whereby the notch filter 903c is connected to the 5 GHz and 6 GHz Wi-Fi inputs and outputs of the Wi-Fi transceiver 911, as described elsewhere herein. The notch filter 903c is also connected to the 5 GHz and 6 GHz NR-U inputs and outputs on the NR-U / NR transceiver 913. The notch filter 903c is also connected to the 5.9 GHz inputs and outputs of the NR-U / NR transceiver, which transmits and receives the transport band. Thus, when the notch is switched off and all signals between 5150 MHz and 7125 MHz pass through the filter 903c, the transport band passing through the filter 903c can propagate from the first antenna port 901a to the input on the transceiver, or from the output on the transceiver to the first antenna port 901a. It will be appreciated that the arrangement is suitable for any transport band, such as dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) and C-V2X.

[0097] The second antenna port 901b is connected to a bandpass filter 903d, whose passband corresponds to the frequency range of a transport band, such as n47, i.e., the C-V2X band, or the DSRC band. The bandpass filter 903d has a passband within the stopband of the first filter 903c. The passband may correspond to or be narrower than the stopband of the notch filter 903c. For example, the passband of the filter 903d may be 5855 to 5925 MHz. Therefore, when the notch of the notch filter 903c is turned on, some or all of the signals within the stopband of the notch filter 903c pass through the passband filter 903d. Because the notch filter 903c has a narrow stopband that is the same as or slightly wider than the transport band of interest, most of the noise adjacent to the transport band is filtered out by the notch filter 903c.

[0098] The first filter 903c and the second filter 903d can be connected to a power amplifier 909b via a switch 907b, which is shared by the 5 GHz band, the 6 GHz band, and the transport band. That is, the switch is configured so that the power amplifier can be connected to either or neither of the two filters 903c, 903d at a time. Therefore, it is not possible for the RF front end to transmit Wi-Fi and C-V2X simultaneously. This allows for more compact processing circuitry compared to other arrangements described herein. This arrangement therefore has fewer components, reducing cost and the size of the RF system, which may be beneficial in some applications. Turning off the notch in the notch filter 903c improves the performance of the front end module when not transmitting a transport signal and reduces insertion loss even without turning on the notch.

[0099] The RF front end includes two low noise amplifiers 908b and 908c. The first low noise amplifier 908b is connected to the 5 GHz and 6 GHz Wi-Fi inputs on the Wi-Fi transceiver and also to the 5 GHz and 6 GHz NR-U inputs on the NR-U and NR transceivers using a post-LNA splitter, as described elsewhere herein.

[0100] The second low-noise amplifier 908c is connected to the 5.9 GHz input on the NR-U / NR transceiver so that the second low-noise amplifier 908c processes the transport band signal, and the transport band receiver has a low-noise amplifier separate from the Wi-Fi and unlicensed radio bands. The first low-noise amplifier can be connected to one of the first filter 903c and the second filter 903d via switch 907b, and the second low-noise amplifier can be connected to one of the first filter and the second filter via switch 907b. Switch 907b is configured so that two low-noise amplifiers are not connected to the same filter simultaneously.

[0101] Therefore, due to the separate low noise amplifiers 908b and 908c, in the arrangements shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the C-V2X band and the Wi-Fi / NR-U band can be received simultaneously.

[0102] Using the two paths shown in Figures 9A and 9B and the adjustable notch filter arrangement, there are four different modes of operation to consider.

[0103] First, Wi-Fi may be transmitting and C-V2X may be receiving. In this operation, a notch is switched on to protect the C-V2X band from interference with Wi-Fi transmitters. Wi-Fi operates through the first filter 903c and C-V2X operates through the second filter 903d.

[0104] Second, Wi-Fi and C-V2X may both be transmitting. This transmission cannot occur simultaneously because low-noise amplifiers are shared between the two bands. Therefore, Wi-Fi transmissions must be delayed or blanked to prioritize C-V2X, which is a safety service and therefore a more important band to allow through.

[0105] Third, Wi-Fi may be receiving and C-V2X may be transmitting. This is possible because Wi-Fi reception uses the first low-noise amplifier 908b and C-V2X transmission uses a power amplifier. In this arrangement, the notch may be switched on or off. It may be preferable to allow the notch to protect the Wi-Fi receiver from interference from C-V2X transmissions by requiring C-V2X to transmit between 5855 and 5925 MHz, 20 MHz away from the frequencies allowed through the first filter 903c.

[0106] Finally, both Wi-Fi and C-V2X may be receiving because there are two receive paths, each with a separate low-noise amplifier. This allows for parallel, or simultaneous, reception of the two bands. In this arrangement, the notch in the first filter may be switched on or off. Switching the notch off may be preferable to reduce insertion loss and improve RF front-end performance. Since no bands are being received, no protection is needed, and therefore neither the front-end module nor the device in which the RF front-end is located will interfere with the transmission of the bands.

[0107] Figures 10A and 10B show a fifth arrangement: Figure 10A shows a switch and filter arrangement of an RF front end; and Figure 10B shows an RF front end in an RF system.

[0108] The arrangement shown in Figures 10A and 10B comprises a first antenna port 1001a connected to a notch filter 1003c and a second antenna port 1001b connected to a notch filter 1003d, each component having the same features, uses and advantages as those described in Figures 9A and 9B.

[0109] As depicted in Figures 9A and 9B, filter 1003c in the arrangement of Figures 10A and 10B is a notch filter, and the notch can be switched on or off. As depicted in Figures 9A and 9B, second filter 1003d is a bandpass filter having a passband within the stopband of notch filter 1003c.

[0110] The first filter 1003c and the second filter 1003d can be connected to a shared low-noise amplifier 1008b via a switch 1007b, which shares the low-noise amplifier 1008b with the 5 GHz band, the 6 GHz band, and the transport band. Therefore, the RF front end cannot simultaneously receive Wi-Fi and C-V2X signals. This allows for a more compact processing circuit compared to other arrangements described herein. This arrangement therefore has fewer components, reducing cost and the size of the RF front end, which may be beneficial in some applications. Turning off the notch in the notch filter 1003c improves the performance of the RF front end when not transmitting a transport signal and reduces insertion loss even without turning on the notch.

[0111] The first filter 1003c can be connected by a switch 1007b to a first power amplifier 1009b, which is connected to the 5 GHz / 6 GHz outputs of the Wi-Fi transceiver 1011 and the NR-U / NR transceiver 1013. The first power amplifier is used to transmit signals in the 5 GHz and 6 GHz Wi-Fi and NR-U bands. The first filter 1003c can also be connected to a second power amplifier 1009c, which is connected to the 5.9 GHz output on the NR-U / NR transceiver. The second power amplifier is used to transmit signals in a transport band, such as a C-V2X band or a DSRC band. Therefore, the Wi-Fi / NR-U band has a separate power amplifier 1009b from the transport band power amplifier 1009c. This protects the transport band transmissions from interference. The separate power amplifiers 1009b and 1009c allow switch 1007b to close two parallel connections simultaneously, enabling simultaneous Wi-Fi / NR-U transmission. Therefore, simultaneous transmission of signals in the C-V2X transport band and the 5 GHz / 6 GHz Wi-Fi / NR-U band is possible both when the notch is switched on and when it is switched off. The notch may be turned on or off when both are being transmitted. This may depend on whether there are other isolation / linearity-related concerns. The second filter 1003c can also be connected to the first or second power amplifier via switch 1007b. The second filter may be connected to either the first power amplifier or the second power amplifier by switch 1007b.

[0112] In the arrangements shown in Figures 10A and 10B, as described above, both Wi-Fi and C-V2X can be transmitted simultaneously with either the notch on or off.

[0113] In this configuration, it is also possible for either Wi-Fi or C-V2X to transmit and for the other to receive. In this configuration, a notch is switched on to protect the C-V2X receiver or transceiver from interference. However, as mentioned above, it is not possible to receive both C-V2X and Wi-Fi simultaneously. Instead, the Wi-Fi signal must be blanked to allow reception of the C-V2X signal.

[0114] The arrangements of Figures 10A and 10B offer the advantage of reduced cost and processing circuitry without adversely affecting the reception or transmission of C-V2X signals.

[0115] 11A and 11B show a sixth arrangement of the RF front end: Fig. 11A shows a switch and filter arrangement of the RF front end; Fig. 11B shows the RF front end in an RF system.

[0116] The arrangement shown in Figures 11A and 11B includes a first antenna port 1101a connected to a notch filter 1103c and a second antenna port 1101b connected to a notch filter 1103d. The RF front end also includes a bandpass filter 1103b, whose passband is within the stopband of the notch filter 1103c. Each component has the same features, uses, and advantages as those described in Figures 9A and 9B and 10A and 10B. It will be understood that the arrangements of Figures 11A and 11B are identical to those described in Figures 10A and 10B, except for the differences described below.

[0117] This arrangement differs from that described in connection with FIGS. 10A and 10B in that the low-noise amplifier 1108b is an active splitter low-noise amplifier. The first filter can be connected to the first power amplifier 1109b and the second power amplifier 1109c by the switch 1107b, as described in connection with FIGS. 10A and 10B. The second filter can be connected to the first power amplifier 1109b and the second power amplifier 1109c by the switch 1107b, as described in connection with FIGS. 10A and 10B. The switch is configured to enable simultaneous Wi-Fi / NR-U transmissions through the two power amplifiers, and the switch 1107b can simultaneously close two parallel connections. As described in connection with FIGS. 10A and 10B, the first power amplifier 1109b is connected to the 5 GHz and 6 GHz outputs on the Wi-Fi transceiver 1111 and the NR-U / NR transceiver 1113. The second power amplifier 1109c is connected to the 5.9 GHz output of the NR-U / NR transceiver 1113, so that the transport signal passes through the second power amplifier 1109c.

[0118] The first filter 1103c and the second filter 1103d can be connected to a shared low-noise amplifier 1108b via a switch 1107b, so that the low-noise amplifier 1108b is shared among the 5 GHz band, the 6 GHz band, and the transport band. Therefore, the front-end module 1105 cannot simultaneously receive Wi-Fi and C-V2X. As in the other arrangements described herein, the low-noise amplifier 1108b is connected to the C-V2X, 5 / 6 GHz Wi-Fi, and 5 / 6 GHz NR-U inputs on each transceiver. However, as shown in FIG. 11B, this arrangement differs from the arrangements of FIGS. 10A and 10B because the low-noise amplifier 1108b is an active split LNA, forming two paths through the low-noise amplifier 1108b. The first of these paths is connected to the 5.9 GHz input on the transceiver. The second of these paths splits into two paths, one connected to the 5 GHz / 6 GHz Wi-Fi input on the transceiver and the other connected to the 5 GHz / 6 GHz NR-U input on the transceiver. This arrangement therefore includes a shared low-noise amplifier 1108b, which has two outputs. The active split of the LNA also includes independent gain controls. This allows the RF front end to simultaneously receive Wi-Fi / NR-U and C-V2X signals. As described in other arrangements herein, the notch filter 1103c may have an adjustable stopband so that the notch can be switched on or off, or the stopband of the notch filter 1103c can be tuned. This allows the notch to be turned off when not needed, reducing insertion loss. It will also be appreciated that the tunability of the stopband corners allows the stopband to be varied depending on the regional and certification requirements of a particular licensed band. This allows the RF front end to be reconfigured for different uses, such as different regions.

[0119] It will be understood that the adjustable passband and / or adjustable, switched, or tunable notch filters described in any of the configurations herein may be modified during adjustment, tuning, and / or switching as described herein. The filters described herein may be any suitable filters. For example, the filters may be individual series resonators, shunt resonators, or a combination of both. The type of resonator or combination of resonators may be changed during adjustment, tuning, and / or switching as described herein. For example, one resonator may be switched to adjust a notch, or a series of resonators may be switched to adjust a notch. Any of the filters described herein may be electronically adjustable, electrically tunable, and / or electrically switchable. Additionally or alternatively, any of the filters described herein may be manually adjustable, manually tunable, and / or manually switchable.

[0120] 12 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a mobile device 800. The mobile device 800 includes a baseband system 801, a transceiver 802, a front-end circuit 803, an antenna 804, a power management system 805, a memory 806, a user interface 807, and a battery 808.

[0121] The mobile device 800 may be used to communicate using a wide variety of communication technologies, including, but not limited to, 2G, 3G, 4G (including LTE, LTE Advanced, LTE Advanced Pro), 5G NR, WLAN (e.g., WiFi), WPAN (e.g., Bluetooth® and ZigBee®), WPAN (e.g., WiMax), and / or GPS technologies.

[0122] The transceiver 802 generates RF signals for transmission and processes incoming RF signals received from the antenna 804. It will be appreciated that various functions related to the transmission and reception of RF signals may be accomplished by one or more components collectively represented as the transceiver 802 in FIG. 12. In one example, separate components (e.g., separate circuits or dies) may be provided for processing particular types of RF signals.

[0123] The front-end circuitry 803 serves to condition signals transmitted to and / or received from an antenna 804. In the illustrated embodiment, the front-end circuitry 803 includes a power amplifier (PA) 811, a low-noise amplifier (LNA) 812, a filter 813, a switch 814, and a duplexer 815. However, other implementations are possible.

[0124] For example, the front-end circuitry 803 may provide several functions, including, but 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, duplexing signals, multiplexing signals (e.g., a diplexer or triplexer), or some combination thereof.

[0125] The front-end circuitry 803 may be implemented in accordance with the teachings herein to include one or more radio frequency processing circuits with tunable filters.

[0126] In certain embodiments, the mobile device 800 supports carrier aggregation, thereby providing the flexibility to increase peak data rates. Carrier aggregation can be used with both frequency division duplexing (FDD) and time division duplexing (TDD) and can be used to aggregate multiple carriers or channels. Carrier aggregation includes contiguous aggregation, in which contiguous carriers within the same operating frequency band are aggregated. Carrier aggregation can also be non-contiguous, including carriers separated by frequency within a common band or different bands.

[0127] Antenna 804 may include antennas used for a variety of different types of communications, for example, antennas for transmitting and / or receiving signals associated with a variety of different frequencies and communication standards.

[0128] In certain implementations, the antennas 804 support MIMO and / or switched diversity communications. For example, MIMO communications use multiple antennas to communicate multiple data streams over a single radio frequency channel. MIMO communications benefit from higher signal-to-noise ratios, improved coding, and / or reduced signal interference due to differences in spatial multiplexing in the wireless environment. Switched diversity refers to communications in which a specific antenna is selected for operation at a particular time. For example, a switch may be used to select a specific antenna from a group of antennas based on various factors, such as an observed bit error rate and / or a signal strength indicator.

[0129] The mobile device 800 can operate with beamforming in certain implementations. For example, the front-end circuitry 803 can include a phase shifter with a variable phase controlled by the transceiver 802. Furthermore, the phase shifter is controlled to provide beamforming and directionality for the transmission and / or reception of signals using the antenna 804. For example, in the context of signal transmission, the phase of the transmit signals provided to the antenna 804 is controlled so that the radiated signals from the antenna 804 combine using constructive and destructive interference to generate an aggregate transmit signal exhibiting a beam-like quality with more signal strength propagating in a given direction. In the context of signal reception, the phase is controlled so that more signal energy is received when the signal is arriving at the antenna 804 from a particular direction. In certain implementations, the antenna 804 includes one or more arrays of antenna elements to enhance beamforming.

[0130] The baseband system 801 is coupled to a user interface 807 to facilitate processing of various user input / output (I / O), such as voice and data. The baseband system 801 provides digital representations of transmit signals to the transceiver 802, which processes them to generate RF signals for transmission. The baseband system 801 also processes digital representations of receive signals provided by the transceiver 802. As shown in FIG. 12 , the baseband system 801 is coupled to a memory 806 to facilitate operation of the mobile device 800.

[0131] The memory 806 may be used for a wide variety of purposes, such as storing data and / or instructions to facilitate operation of the mobile device 800 and / or to provide storage of user information.

[0132] The power management system 805 provides several power management functions for the mobile device 800. In particular implementations, the power management system 805 includes a PA supply control circuit that controls the supply voltages of the power amplifiers 811. For example, the power management system 805 can be configured to modify the supply voltages provided to one or more of the power amplifiers 811 to improve efficiency, such as power added efficiency (PAE).

[0133] 12, the power management system 805 receives battery voltage from a battery 808. The battery 808 may be any suitable battery for use in the mobile device 800, including, for example, a lithium-ion battery.

[0134] It will therefore be appreciated that any of the configurations described herein result in a more efficient front-end module. The front-end modules described herein have fewer components and are therefore smaller in size than conventional front-end modules. Therefore, the front-end modules described herein are advantageous for use in devices where space is at a premium, such as watches, headsets, and mobile phones. In the configurations described herein, paths are consolidated into one and can be reused for multiple operating modes and use cases. This reduces costs, as duplicated fixed-frequency paths or dedicated frequency paths for several frequency bands are replaced.

[0135] While several aspects of at least one embodiment have been described above, it should be understood that various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure and are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only, and the scope of the invention should be determined from proper construction of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0136] It should be understood that the method and apparatus embodiments described herein are not limited in their application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The above detailed description of specific embodiments is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed above. The methods and apparatus are capable of implementation in other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Accordingly, the specific implementation examples provided herein are for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to be limiting. While specific embodiments and examples of the invention have been described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the art will recognize in light of the disclosure herein.

[0137] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, words like "comprise," "comprising," and the like, should be construed in an inclusive sense, i.e., meaning "including but not limited to," as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense. The terms "coupled" or "connected," as generally used herein, refer to two or more elements, which may be directly connected or connected by one or more intermediate elements. Furthermore, the words "herein," "above," "below," and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description using singular or plural numerals may also include plural or singular, respectively. The word "or" in connection with a list of two or more items encompasses all of the following interpretations of that word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

[0138] Additionally, conditional terms used herein, particularly "can," "could," "might," "may," "e.g.," "for example," "such as," and the like, unless otherwise specified or understood otherwise within the context in which they are used, are intended to generally convey that certain embodiments include certain features, elements, and / or conditions, while other embodiments do not. Thus, such conditional terms are not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and / or conditions are in any way required by one or more embodiments, or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for determining whether or not those features, elements, and / or conditions should be included in or implemented in any particular embodiment, with or without authorial input or prompting.

[0139] The teachings of the invention provided herein may be applied to other systems, not necessarily those described above. Elements and acts of the various embodiments described above may be combined to provide further embodiments.

[0140] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. a first antenna port and a second antenna port; a first filter forming a first signal path with the first antenna port; a second filter forming a second signal path with the second antenna port; Equipped with The front-end module, wherein the first or second filter is a tunable filter.

2. 2. The front-end module of claim 1, wherein the first filter is a bandpass filter and the second filter is a tunable bandpass filter.

3. The front-end module of claim 2 , wherein the bandpass filter has a passband configured to pass a transport channel.

4. The front-end module of claim 1 , wherein the first filter is a notch filter having a stopband and a passband.

5. The front-end module of claim 4 , wherein the notch filter is configured to be tuned and / or switched on or off.

6. 5. The front-end module of claim 4, wherein the second filter is a band-pass filter having a pass-band within the stop-band of the notch filter, the band-pass filter having a pass-band configured to pass a transport channel.

7. 7. The front-end module of claim 6, wherein the bandpass filter has a passband of 5855 to 5925 Mhz.

8. 10. The front-end module of claim 1, wherein the tunable filter is one of manually tuned or electronically tuned.

9. The front-end module of claim 1 , further comprising a first power amplifier, the first power amplifier connected to the first and second signal paths via a switch.

10. 10. The front-end module of claim 1, further comprising a first power amplifier and a second power amplifier, the first power amplifier connected to the first signal path and the second power amplifier connected to the second signal path.

11. 2. The front-end module of claim 1, further comprising a first power amplifier and a second power amplifier, wherein the first and second signal paths are each connectable to at least one of the first and second power amplifiers.

12. 2. The front-end module of claim 1, further comprising a first power amplifier and a second power amplifier, each of the first and second signal paths being connectable to either the first or second power amplifier, and the second power amplifier being configured to transmit a transport band signal.

13. 10. The front-end module of claim 1, further comprising a first low-noise amplifier, said first low-noise amplifier connectable to either said first or second filter.

14. 14. The front-end module of claim 13, wherein the first low noise amplifier is an active splitter low noise amplifier.

15. 14. The front-end module of claim 13, further comprising a second low-noise amplifier, wherein the first low-noise amplifier is connected to the first filter and the second low-noise amplifier is connected to the second filter.

16. 14. The front-end module of claim 13, further comprising a second low noise amplifier, wherein the first and second low noise amplifiers are each connectable to either the first or second filter.

17. 17. The front-end module of claim 16, wherein the second low-noise amplifier is configured to process transport-band signals.

18. 10. The front-end module of claim 1, further comprising: a third filter forming a third signal path with the second antenna port, the second filter being a receive filter and the third filter being a transmit filter, the second and third filters being connected to an antenna switch module, the antenna switch module being connected to the second antenna port, and the second and third filters being tunable filters.

19. a first antenna; a second antenna; and Radio frequency module and A wireless device comprising: the radio frequency module includes a front-end configuration; The front end configuration includes: a first antenna port coupled to the first antenna; a second antenna port coupled to the second antenna; a first filter forming a first signal path with the first antenna port; a second filter forming a second signal path with the second antenna port; wherein the first or second filter is a tunable filter. Wireless devices.

20. 20. The wireless device of claim 19, wherein the first filter is a bandpass filter and the second filter is a tunable bandpass filter.

Images