Integrated sounding reference signal input / output function

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 on January 27, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Background Art

[0002] This 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 sounding reference signal and the second sounding reference signal are provided to at least one transmit / receive path such that they are transmitted by one or more antennas coupled to at least one antenna port. In at least one example, 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 a wireless device and the base station. In various examples, the first sounding reference signal is provided from a 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 the 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 includes a first front-end module and a second front-end module. The first front-end module includes 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 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 includes a second sounding reference signal port configured to supply the second sounding reference signal to the first front-end module and receive the 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 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.

[0007] In some examples, the first front-end module includes at least one first transmission path coupled to the first antenna switching module, the first antenna switching module is configured to route the first sounding reference signal from at least one first transmission path to the first sounding reference signal port, and the second front-end module includes at least one second transmission path coupled to the second antenna switching module, the second antenna switching module is configured to route the second sounding reference signal from at least one second transmission path to the second sounding reference signal port. In at least one example, the first front-end module includes at least one first transmit / receive path coupled to at least one first antenna port and to the first antenna switching module, the first antenna switching module is configured to route the second sounding reference signal from the first sounding reference signal port to at least one first transmit / receive path, and the second front-end module includes at least one second transmit / receive path coupled to at least one second antenna port and to the second antenna switching module, the second antenna switching module is configured to route the 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 the 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 the at least one second antenna port. In some examples, 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 a mobile communication device system and the 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, there is provided a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium storing a sequence of computer-executable instructions for controlling a front-end module for a wireless device including a sounding reference signal port, at least one transmission 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 transmission path, and the at least one transmit / receive path, the sequence of computer-executable instructions causing at least one processor to control the antenna switching module to route a first sounding reference signal from the at least one transmission path to the sounding reference signal port and 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 instructions cause at least one processor to route a first sounding reference signal and a second sounding reference signal to at least one transmit / receive path to be 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 instructions cause at least one processor to route the first sounding reference signal from the transceiver and route the second sounding reference signal to the transceiver. In various examples, the instructions cause at least one processor to supply the first sounding reference signal from a single pin coupled to a sounding reference signal port and receive the second sounding reference signal at the single pin. In some examples, the instructions further cause at least one processor to operate a front-end module in accordance with 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 provide an illustration and a further understanding of the various aspects and embodiments, and are incorporated herein and constitute a part of this specification, but are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is shown in various figures is represented by like numerals. For clarity, not every component is labeled in every figure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Examples of the methods and systems discussed in this specification are not limited in application to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components described in the following description or shown in the accompanying drawings. The methods and systems are practicable in other embodiments and can be implemented or executed in various ways. Specific implementation examples are provided herein for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. In particular, any acts, 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] Also, the expressions and terms used in this specification are for the purpose of explanation and should not be regarded as limiting. Any reference in this specification to an example of a system and method, embodiment, component, element, or act in the singular may include embodiments in the plural, and any reference in the plural to any embodiment, component, element, or act in this specification may include embodiments in the singular only. References in the singular or plural are not intended to limit the presently disclosed system or method, their components, acts, or elements. The use of "including", "comprising", "having", "containing", "involving" and their variants in this specification means including the items listed thereafter and their equivalents as well as additional items.

[0015] References to "or" may be construed inclusively such that any term explained using "or" may indicate any of the singular, plural, and all of the terms being explained. Further, if there is a conflict in the use of terms between this document and the documents incorporated herein by reference, the use of terms in the incorporated features shall supplement the use of terms in this document, and for irreconcilable differences, the use of terms in this document shall govern.

[0016] Examples of the present disclosure may relate to a Front-End Module (FEM) implemented in relation to one or more communication devices such as a mobile communication device. FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a mobile device 100 according to an example. 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] The mobile device 100 may be used to communicate using a variety of communication technologies including, but not limited to, 2G, 3G, 4G (including LTE, LTE-Advanced, and LTE-Advanced Pro), 5G NR, WLAN (such as Wi-Fi), WPAN (such as Bluetooth® and ZigBee®), WMAN (such as 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 may be achieved by one or more components collectively represented as the transceiver 102 in FIG. 1. In one example, separate components (such as separate circuits or dies) may be provided to process a certain type of RF signal.

[0019] The FEM 103 assists in conditioning signals transmitted to and / or received from the antenna 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the FEM 103 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 splitter / combiner circuit 115. However, other implementations are possible. The filter 113 can include one or more filter circuits having harmonic rejection that includes one or more features of the examples disclosed herein. In some examples, the FEM 103 can be a FEM system having multiple FEMs.

[0020] For example, the FEM 103 can provide several functions. Some functions include, 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 duplexing, signal multiplexing (e.g., diplexing or triplexing), transmitting and / or receiving SRS signals, or some combination thereof.

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

[0022] Antenna 104 may include one or more antennas. In some 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 due to the spatial multiplexing differences of the wireless environment. Switched diversity refers to communication where a particular antenna is selected for operation at a particular time. For example, a 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 FEM 103 can support a Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) function to provide an estimated value or characterization of the uplink (i.e., transmission) channel quality over a wide bandwidth. In some examples, the SRS is an RF signal. The FEM 103 can transmit the SRS to a base station, and the base station can utilize or analyze the received SRS to estimate the 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 certain cases, the FEM 103 can be configured as a 5G system and utilize the SRS function to support 5G communication. In certain cases, SRS support on each TX / RX antenna of the FEM 103 (e.g., antenna 104) may be a requirement and / or may be desirable for a 5G system (or device).

[0028] In many cases, a wireless communication device includes multiple FEMs. The multiple FEMs can be included in an FEM system having an integrated SRS implementation. To support a complete SRS function, the transmission path of each FEM can be connected to the transmission / reception paths of each of the other FEMs in the FEM system via respective ports (or pins). Thus, each FEM in the FEM system (e.g., including the FEM 103) can include a multi-port (or pin) SRS interface. For example, the FEM 103 can include an input SRS port for receiving the SRS from another FEM included in the FEM system. Similarly, the FEM 103 can include an output SRS port and can provide the SRS to another FEM included in the FEM system.

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

[0030] In light of the above, improved FEMs and FEM systems are provided herein. In at least one embodiment, each FEM within 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 incurs reduced losses. Further, the routing between the SRS interfaces of each FEM can be reduced and included in the FEM system.

[0031] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an FEM system 200 according to an example. In some examples, the FEM system 200 can be included in a wireless communication device such as a mobile device 100. For example, the FEM system 200 can be an implementation of the FEM 103. The FEM system 200 includes a first FEM 202a and a second FEM 202b (collectively FEM 202). Each of the FEMs 202 can be an example of or included in the FEM 103. In at least one example, each of the FEMs 202a, 202b is substantially identical to each other. By way of example, each of the FEMs 202a, 202b is shown in an arrangement of one transmit (e.g., including one PA) and two receives (e.g., including two LNAs) such that the FEM system 200 as a whole represents 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 the present disclosure.

[0032] The first FEM 202a 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 transmission port 210a (or pin), a first reception port 212a (or pin), a second reception port 214a (or pin), a first antenna port 216a (or pin), and a second antenna port 218a (or pin). The second FEM 202b includes a second ASM 204b, a second SRS input port 206b (or pin), a second SRS output port 208b (or pin), a second transmission port 210b (or pin), a third reception port 212b (or pin), a fourth reception port 214b (or pin), a third antenna port 216b (or pin), and a fourth antenna port 218b (or pin). Components with similar names in FEMs 202a and 202b can be collectively referred to herein, such as by collectively referring to ASMs 204a and 204b as "ASM 204". The same principle also applies to the FEM 202 itself.

[0033] Each of the ASMs 204 is configured to be coupled to respective ports 208 to 218. That is, ASM 204a is configured to be coupled to the SRS input port 206a, the SRS output port 208a, etc., and ASM 204b is configured to be coupled to the SRS input port 206b, the SRS output port 208b, etc. The first SRS input port 206a is configured to be coupled to the first ASM 204a via an SRS input path (denoted as "SRS input") and to be coupled to the second SRS output port 208b via the first trace 220. The first SRS output port 208a is configured to be coupled to the first ASM 204a via an SRS output path ("SRS output") and to be coupled to the second SRS input port 206b via the second trace 222.

[0034] The first transmission port 210a is coupled to the first ASM 204a via a transmission path (“TX path”) and is configured to be coupled to a transceiver (not shown in FIG. 2) such as the transceiver 102. The first reception port 212a and the second reception port 214a are each coupled to the first ASM 204a via respective reception paths (respectively “RX path 1” and “RX path 2”) and are each configured to be coupled to a transceiver such as the transceiver 102. The first antenna port 216a and the second antenna port 218a are each coupled to the first ASM 204a via respective transmit / receive paths (respectively “T / R path 1” and “T / R path 2”) and are each configured to be coupled to a respective antenna (not shown in FIG. 2) such as associated with the antenna 104.

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

[0036] The second transmission port 210b is coupled to the second ASM 204b via a transmission path (“TX path”) and is configured to be coupled to a transceiver such as the transceiver 102. The third reception port 212b and the fourth reception port 214b are each coupled to the second ASM 204b via respective reception paths (respectively “RX path 1” and “RX path 2”) and are each configured to be coupled to a transceiver such as the transceiver 102. The third antenna port 216b and the fourth antenna port 218b are coupled to the second ASM 204b via respective transmit / receive paths (respectively “T / R path 1” and “T / R path 2”) and are each configured to be coupled to a respective antenna such as associated with the antenna 104.

[0037] At least each of the identified paths can be coupled to respective ports, so supplying signals to, from, or through a port, etc., can be understood as supplying signals to, from, or through the corresponding path, etc. For example, the 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 the SRS output at the first SRS output 208a can be understood as being supplied, etc., via the SRS output path.

[0038] In various examples, the ASM 204 is controlled or operates to connect the respective transmission ports 210 and reception ports 212, 214 of each FEM 202 to respective antenna ports 216, 218. FIG. 2 shows some exemplary switchable connections that the ASM 204 can facilitate or establish based on one or more control signals, and it should be recognized that in other examples, the ASM 204 can facilitate or establish additional, fewer, or different switchable connections. In some examples, the FEM system 200 and / or the mobile device 100 includes at least one controller configured to control the ASM 204, such as by opening and closing one or more switchable connections. The at least one controller can be coupled to the memory 106 as described above.

[0039] The transmit / receive path (“T / R path”) corresponding to each of the antenna ports 216, 218 is coupled between the ASM 204 and the respective antenna port. In some examples, each T / R path includes a bandpass filter corresponding to a wireless application of the FEM system 200 (e.g., 5G).

[0040] In the transmission operation mode, the ASM204 can operate to connect each transmission port 210 (TX path by extended interpretation) of each FEM202 to one of the antenna ports 216, 218 (and, by extended interpretation, becomes T / R path 1 or T / R path 2). As understood by those skilled in the art, the ASM may include a plurality of switchable connections such that one connection to the ASM can be coupled to another connection to the ASM. FIG. 2 shows the switchable connections within the ASM204 that can be established in some examples, and in alternative examples, different connections can be established.

[0041] Similarly, in the reception operation mode, the ASM204 can operate to connect at least one of the reception ports 212, 214 (and, by extended interpretation, at least one of RX path 1 or RX path 2) to the antenna ports 216, 218 (and, by extended interpretation, T / R path 1 and T / R path 2). For example, the ASM204 can operate to connect each of the reception ports 212, 214 to each of the antenna ports 216, 218, thereby connecting each of the reception 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 the transmit / receive operation mode, the ASM204 can operate to connect the transmission port 210 (via the TX path) to one of the antenna ports 216, 218 (via T / R path 1 or T / R path 2), and connect one of the reception 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 a specific example, the FEM202 can be controlled simultaneously (e.g., in the same operation mode). In other embodiments, the FEM202 may be controlled independently.

[0042] In one example, the FEM system 200 is configured using a complete SRS function. To support the complete SRS function, each transmission path within the FEM system 200 can be connected to each respective T / R path. For example, in the first FEM 202a, the TX path coupled to the transmission port 210a can be coupled to the T / R path 1 coupled to the first antenna port 216a and the T / R path 2 coupled to the second antenna port 218a.

[0043] The ASM 204 can be controlled to connect each transmission path to each respective T / R path within the FEM 202. However, to connect the transmission path of the first FEM 202a to the T / R path of the second FEM 202b (or vice versa), an SRS interface is included in each of the FEMs 202. For example, the first FEM 202a includes a first SRS input port 206a and a first SRS output port 208a, and the second FEM 202b 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. Thus, when the first SRS is supplied from the first transmission 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, the T / R path 2, and the SRS output path of the first FEM 202a, respectively. For example, the first ASM 204a can operate to switchably connect the TX path of the first FEM 204a to the T / R path 1, the T / R path 2, and the 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 operate to connect the second SRS input port 206b of the second FEM 202b to each of the antenna ports 216b, 218b of the second FEM 202b. In some examples, the second ASM 204b can 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 the second SRS is supplied from the second transmission port 210b of the second FEM 202b, the second ASM 204b is controlled to supply the second SRS to the third antenna port 216b, the fourth antenna port 218b, and the second SRS output port 208b via the T / R path 1, the T / R path 2, and the SRS output path of the second FEM 202b, respectively. For example, the second ASM 204b can operate to switchably connect the TX path of the second FEM 204b to the T / R path 1, the T / R path 2, and the SRS output path of the second FEM 202b. The second SRS is supplied from the second SRS output port 208b of the first FEM 202a to the first SRS input port 206a via the first signal trace 220, and the first ASM 204a is controlled to supply the second SRS to the T / R path 1 and the T / R path 2 of the first FEM 202a. For example, the first ASM 204a can be operated to connect the first SRS input port 206a of the first FEM 202a to each of the antenna ports 216a, 218a of the first FEM 202a. In some examples, the first ASM 204a can be operated to connect the first SRS input port 206a of the first FEM 202a to the first SRS output port 208a. In some examples, the first SRS and the second SRS can be the same signal. In other examples, the first SRS and the second SRS can be different signals.

[0047] As described above, the traces 220, 222 between the SRS ports 206, 208 may occupy valuable areas within the wireless communication device (e.g., on a circuit board). In some examples, if the SRS is an RF signal, the traces 220, 222 can be RF transmission lines with specific characteristics (e.g., length, width, etc.) and routing limitations (e.g., crosstalk spacing). Thus, including the traces 220, 222 can increase the complexity of signal routing within the wireless communication device. Additionally, each SRS port 206, 208 of the FEM 202 can reduce the input / output (IO) availability of each of the FEM 202 and increase the overall package size of the FEM 202. For example, in an example of a 24-pin device package, the input and output SRS interface pins can occupy approximately 8% of the total IO availability. Thus, to include a multi-port SRS interface while maintaining full FEM functionality, a larger device package (and thus more pins) may be required. In some examples, the pin selection for the SRS interface can determine or otherwise affect the orientation of the FEM 202, and thus increase the complexity of the design / layout of the FEM system 200 (or wireless device).

[0048] Furthermore, in some examples, since the ASM 204 is configured to direct the SRS between the transmit path and the T / R path of the FEM 202 and provide a regular transmit / receive function, the ASM 204 can be large and complex. For example, the ASM 204 can include input / output ports corresponding to each multi-port SRS interface of the FEM 202. In some examples, the ASM 204 can incur additional losses and occupy additional area within the FEM 202 by including additional ports for the multi-port SRS interface. Thus, improved FEMs and FEM systems may be desired to simplify the SRS interface, 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 one example, the FEM system 300 is substantially the same as the FEM system 200 of FIG. 2, except that the FEMs 302a, 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 one 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 FEM 302a includes a first ASM 304a, 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 FEM 302b includes a second ASM 304b, 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 each substantially the same as or identical to ports 210 - 218 of the same name and will not be repeated for the sake of brevity.

[0051] In one example, the first ASM 304a can be operated to connect the first transmit port 308a to any of the first SRS input / output port 306a, the first antenna port 314a, and the second antenna port 316a. Also, the first ASM 304a can be operated to connect each of the receive ports 310a, 312a to either of the antenna ports 314a, 316a and to connect the first SRS input / output port 306a to either of the antenna ports 314a, 316a.

[0052] Similarly, the second ASM304b can be operated to connect the second transmission port 308b to any one of the second SRS input / output port 306b, the third antenna port 314b, and the fourth antenna port 316b. Also, the second ASM304b can be operated to connect each of the reception ports 310b, 312b to any one of the antenna ports 314b, 316b and to connect the second SRS input / output port 306b to any one of the antenna ports 314b, 316b. In other examples, the ASM304 can be configured differently (e.g., enabling additional, fewer, or different interconnections).

[0053] In some examples, when the first SRS is supplied from the transmission port 308a of the first FEM302a, the first ASM304a 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 ASM304a can be operated to connect the transmission port 308a of the first FEM302a to each of the antenna ports 314a, 316a and the first SRS input / output port 306a. The first SRS can be supplied from the first SRS input / output port 306a to the second SRS input / output port 306b of the second FEM302b via the trace 318. The second ASM304b can be controlled to supply the first SRS to the antenna ports 314b, 316b. For example, the second ASM304b can be operated to connect the second SRS input / output port 306b to any one of the antenna ports 314b, 316b.

[0054] Similarly, when the second SRS is supplied from the transmission 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 transmission 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 can be controlled to supply the second SRS to the antenna ports 314a, 316a. For example, the first ASM 304a can be operated to connect the first SRS input / output port 306a to either of the antenna ports 314a, 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 trace 318 therebetween can be smaller than the area occupied by the SRS input port 206, the SRS output port 208, and the traces 220, 222. In some examples, the implementation of the SRS ports 306 can reduce the overall routing complexity of the FEM system 300 compared to other systems such as the FEM system 200. Additionally, the implementation of the SRS input / output ports 306 can increase the IO availability of the FEM system 300 and / or reduce the overall package size of the FEM system 300 relative to other arrays such as the FEM system 200.

[0056] For example, in a 24-pin device package, the SRS input / output port 306 and related routing may occupy only about 4% of the total IO availability. Thus, the SRS input / output port 306 can be included in a standard (or smaller) package size while maintaining the full FEM functionality (e.g., as compared to the FEM system 200). In some examples, the SRS input / output port 306 can provide additional 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 in which the FEM system 300 is implemented).

[0057] Furthermore, since SRS can be routed between the transmit port 308 and the antenna ports 314, 316 via the SRS input / output port 306, the size and complexity of the ASM 304 can be reduced (e.g., as compared to a multi-port SRS interface such as that implemented in relation to the FEM system 200). For example, rather than including separate input and output ports for the SNS interface, each of the ASM 304 can include a single input / output port corresponding to the SRS input / output port 306. In some examples, the losses incurred by the ASM 304 and the area occupied within the FEM 302 by the ASM 304 can be reduced due to the reduction in ports for the SRS interface as 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 configuration (2T4R) for purposes of illustration only. Similar SRS interfaces can be included in different FEM configurations. For example, FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of an exemplary 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 of FIG. 3, except that the FEMs 402 are each configured with additional transmit and receive ports.

[0059] For example, the first FEM 402a includes a first ASM 404a, a first SRS input / output port 406a, a plurality of first transmission ports 408a, a plurality of first reception 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 transmission ports 408b, a plurality of second reception 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, so that the FEM system 400 can be configured in a 4 transmit 8 receive (4T8R) configuration, the plurality of transmission ports 408 each include two transmission ports, the plurality of reception ports 410 each include four reception ports, and the plurality of antenna ports 412 each include four antenna ports. However, it should be recognized that in other examples, each of the plurality of ports may include more or fewer ports. In various examples, each of the FEMs 402 includes only a single respective SRS input / output port for any number of transmission ports, reception ports, and / or antenna ports.

[0061] In one example, the first ASM 404a can be operated to connect any one of the plurality of first transmission ports 408a to any one of the plurality of first antenna ports 412a and the first SRS input / output port 406a. Also, the first ASM 404a can be operated to connect any one of the plurality of first reception ports 410a to any one of the plurality of first antenna ports 412a and connect the first SRS input / output port 406a to any one of the plurality of first antenna ports 412a.

[0062] Similarly, the second ASM 404b can be operated to connect any one of the plurality of second transmission ports 408b to any one of the plurality of second antenna ports 412b and the second SRS input / output port 406b. Also, the second ASM 404b can be operated to connect any one of the plurality of second reception ports 410b to any one of the plurality of second antenna ports 412b and to connect the second SRS input / output port 406b to any one of the plurality of second antenna ports 412b. In other examples, the ASM 404 can be configured differently (e.g., enabling additional, fewer, or different interconnections).

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

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

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

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

[0067] Additionally, the size and / or complexity of the ASM 404 can be reduced by implementing the SRS input / output ports 406. For example, rather than including individual input and output ports for coupling to the SRS interface, each of the ASMs 404 can 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 ASM 404 and the area occupied within the FEM 402 by the ASM 404 can be reduced due to the reduction in ports for the SRS interface compared to other configurations such as the FEM system 200.

[0068] Although the FEM systems 300, 400 have been described above with reference to various 5G cellular applications, it should be recognized that a similar FEM architecture can be used in different wireless applications. For example, the FEM systems 300, 400 can be configured for use in wireless local area networks (WLANs), ultra-wideband (UWB), wireless personal area networks (WPANs), 4G cellular, LTE cellular applications, and the like. Additionally, the single-port interface of each FEM can be configured for different calibration or characterization purposes corresponding to specific uses of the application.

[0069] In some examples, one or more components of the FEMs 302, 402 included in the FEM systems 300, 400 can include gallium arsenide (GaAs) heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) and / or silicon germanium (SiGe) HBTs. In one embodiment, the FEM or one or more components of the FEM may be processed using silicon-on-insulator (SOI) techniques.

[0070] Embodiments of the FEM302, 402 and / or FEM system 300, 400 described herein may be advantageously used in various electronic devices. Examples of electronic devices can include, but are not limited to, consumer electronics products, components of consumer electronics products, electronic test equipment, cellular communication infrastructure such as base stations, etc. Examples of electronic devices include routers, gateways, mobile phones such as smartphones, telephones, televisions, computer monitors, computers, modems, handheld computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, electronic book readers, wearable computers such as smartwatches, personal digital assistants (PDAs), appliances such as microwave ovens, refrigerators, etc., automobiles, stereo systems, DVD players, CD players, digital music players such as MP3 players, radios, camcorders, cameras, digital cameras, portable memory chips, medical monitoring devices, vehicle electronic systems such as automotive and avionics electronic systems, peripheral devices, wristwatches, clocks, etc., but are not limited to these. Further, the electronic device can 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 an SRS. In some examples, the FEM includes a simplified antenna switching module that incurs reduced losses. Further, the routing between the SRS interfaces of each FEM can be reduced and included in the FEM system.

[0072] The exemplary FEMs and FEM systems provided herein are to be understood as being provided for purposes of illustration. In some examples, certain FEMs and / or FEM systems can include additional, fewer, or different components than those illustrated. An FEM and / or FEM system may include additional components not illustrated for clarity. For example, one or more of FEMs 302a, 302b, 410, 420 may be configured according to the Mobile Industry Processor Interface (MIPI) standard and 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, e.g., PA, LNA, etc.), one or more coupling elements, one or more coupler ports or pins, one or more resistors, inductors, and / or capacitors, one or more switches, etc.

[0073] Although some aspects of at least one embodiment have been described above, it should be understood that various changes, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such changes, 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 a proper interpretation of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A front-end module for a wireless device, comprising: 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 the first sounding reference signal to a second front-end module included in the wireless device and receive a second sounding reference signal from the second front-end module; 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, Wherein the antenna switching module is configured to supply the first sounding reference signal from the at least one transmission path to the at least one transmit / receive path and the sounding reference signal port, and supply the second sounding reference signal received at the sounding reference signal port to the at least one transmit / receive path.

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

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

4. The front-end module according to claim 1, wherein the at least one transmission path includes at least one power amplifier.

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

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

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

8. A mobile communication device system, comprising a first front-end module and a second front-end module, wherein the first front-end module comprises 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, wherein 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, wherein the second front-end module comprises a second sounding reference signal port configured to supply the second sounding reference signal to the first front-end module and receive the first sounding reference signal from the first front-end module, and a second antenna switching module coupled to the second sounding reference signal port, wherein 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, a mobile communication device system.

9. The first front-end module includes at least one first transmission path coupled to the first antenna switching module, and the first antenna switching module is configured to route the first sounding reference signal from the at least one first transmission path to the first sounding reference signal port. The second front-end module includes at least one second transmission path coupled to the second antenna switching module, and the second antenna switching module is configured to route the second sounding reference signal from the at least one second transmission path to the second sounding reference signal port. The mobile communication device system according to claim 8.

10. 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, and the first antenna switching module is configured to route the second sounding reference signal from the first sounding reference signal port to the at least one first transmit / receive path. 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, and the second antenna switching module is configured to route the first sounding reference signal from the second sounding reference signal port to the at least one second transmit / receive path. The mobile communication device system according to claim 8.

11. The first sounding reference signal is supplied to the at least one first antenna port so as to be transmitted by one or more first antennas coupled to the at least one first antenna port. The second sounding reference signal is supplied to the at least one second antenna port so as to be transmitted by one or more second antennas coupled to the at least one second antenna port. The mobile communication device system according to claim 8.

12. 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. The mobile communication device system according to claim 11.

13. 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 according to claim 8, wherein the second antenna switching module includes a single-pin connection configured to be coupled to the second sounding reference signal port.

14. A computer-readable non-transitory recording medium storing a sequence of computer-executable instructions for controlling a front-end module for a wireless device, wherein the wireless device includes a sounding reference signal port, at least one transmission 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 transmission path, and the at least one transmit / receive path, wherein the sequence of computer-executable instructions causes at least one processor to route a first sounding reference signal from at least one transmission path to the sounding reference signal port to supply the first sounding reference signal to a second front-end module included in the wireless device, and route a second sounding reference signal received from the second front-end module from the sounding reference signal port to the at least one transmit / receive path.

15. The computer-readable non-transitory recording medium according to claim 14, wherein the instructions cause 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 to be transmitted by one or more antennas coupled to the at least one antenna port.

16. wherein the wireless device includes a transceiver, and the instructions cause the at least one processor to route the first sounding reference signal from the transceiver and route the second sounding reference signal to the transceiver.

17. The computer-readable non-transitory recording medium according to claim 14, wherein the command commands the at least one processor to supply 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.

18. The computer-readable non-transitory recording medium according to claim 14, wherein the command further commands the at least one processor to operate the front-end module in accordance with a 5G wireless communication standard.

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