Dynamic radio frequency (RF) interface selection

Abstract

Aspects relate to mechanisms for dynamically selecting an RF interface between an RF subsystem (e.g., including an RFFE) and a modem subsystem. A wireless device (e.g., a UE) may include both an analog interface and a digital interface and may dynamically switch between the analog interface and the digital interface based on at least a throughput state of the modem subsystem.

Description

DYNAMIC RADIO FREQUENCY (RE) INTERFACE SELECTIONCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Indian Patent Application Serial No. 202441055163 filed in the Indian Patent Office on July 19, 2024, the entire content of which is incorporated herein as if fully set forth below in its entirety and for all applicable purposes.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The technology discussed below relates generally to wireless communication systems, and more particularly, to radio frequency (RF) interfaces between RF front end and modem subsystems.INTRODUCTION

[0003] Wireless communication systems, such as those specified under fifth generation (5G) systems, referred to as New Radio (NR) systems, sixth generation (6G) systems, and other future generation systems, may be widely deployed to provide various types of communication content such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, and so on. These systems may be accessed by various types of wireless devices adapted to facilitate wireless communications, where multiple devices share the available system resources (e.g., time, frequency, and power).

[0004] Wireless devices, such as user equipment (UE), typically include an RF front end (RFFE) configured to transmit and receive RF signals and a modem configured to process signals for transmission and reception thereof. Communication of signals between the RFFE and modem occurs over an RF interface, which may be analog or digital. For example, the RF interface may include an analog IQ (e.g., in-phase, quadrature-phase) interface or a digital bus interface.BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLES

[0005] The following presents a summary of one or more aspects of the present disclosure, in order to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated features of the disclosure, and is intendedneither to identify key or critical elements of all aspects of the disclosure nor to delineate the scope of any or all aspects of the disclosure. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects of the disclosure in a form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0006] In one example, a user equipment (UE) is provided including a radio frequency (RF) subsystem, a modem subsystem, an analog interface coupled between the RF subsystem and the modem subsystem, and a digital interface coupled between the RF subsystem and the modem subsystem. The UE further includes an RF resource manager configured to identify a throughput state of the modem subsystem, the throughput state being a high throughput state or a low throughput state, and switch between the analog interface and the digital interface based on at least the throughput state.

[0007] Another example provides a method operable at a user equipment (UE). The method includes providing an analog interface between a radio frequency (RF) subsystem and a modem subsystem, providing a digital interface between the RF subsystem and the modem subsystem, identifying a throughput state of the modem subsystem, the throughput state being a high throughput state or a low throughput state, and switching between the analog interface and the digital interface based on at least the throughput state.

[0008] Another example provides an apparatus includes means for providing an analog interface between a radio frequency (RF) subsystem and a modem subsystem, means for providing a digital interface between the RF subsystem and the modem subsystem, means for identifying a throughput state of the modem subsystem, the throughput state being a high throughput state or a low throughput state, and means for switching between the analog interface and the digital interface based on at least the throughput state.

[0009] These and other aspects will become more fully understood upon a review of the detailed description, which follows. Other aspects, features, and examples will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the following description of specific exemplary aspects in conjunction with the accompanying figures. While features may be discussed relative to certain examples and figures below, all examples can include one or more of the features discussed herein. In other words, while one or more examples may be discussed as having certain features, one or more of such features may also be used in accordance with the various examples discussed herein. Similarly, while examples may be discussed below as device, system, or method examples, it should be understood that such examples can be implemented in various devices, systems, and methods.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless communication system and an access network according to some aspects.

[0011] FIGs. 2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating examples of RF interfaces between RF and modem subsystems in wireless communication devices according to some aspects.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless communication device incorporating analog and digital RF interfaces for dynamic selection therebetween according to some aspects.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a process flow for dynamic selection of an RF interface according to some aspects.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating example use cases for RF interface modes according to some aspects.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example look up table (LUT) for RF interface modes according to some aspects.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware implementation for a user equipment (UE) employing a processing system according to some aspects.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process for dynamic RF interface selection according to some aspects.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating another exemplary process for dynamic RF interface selection according to some aspects.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts.

[0020] While aspects and examples are described in this application by illustration to some examples, those skilled in the art will understand that additional implementations and use cases may come about in many different arrangements and scenarios. Innovationsdescribed herein may be implemented across many differing platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes, and packaging arrangements. For example, aspects and / or uses may come about via integrated chip examples and other non-module-component-based devices (e.g., end-user devices, vehicles, communication devices, computing devices, industrial equipment, retail / purchasing devices, medical devices, artificial intelligence (Al)-enabled devices, etc.). While some examples may or may not be specifically directed to use cases or applications, a wide assortment of applicability of described innovations may occur. Implementations may range in spectrum from chip-level or modular components to non-modular, non-chip-level implementations and further to aggregate, distributed, or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) devices or systems incorporating one or more aspects of the described innovations. In some practical settings, devices incorporating described aspects and features may also necessarily include additional components and features for the implementation and practice of claimed and described examples. For example, transmission and reception of wireless signals necessarily includes a number of components for analog and digital purposes (e.g., hardware components including antenna, radio frequency (RF) chains (RF-chains), power amplifiers, modulators, buffer, processor(s), interleaver, adders / summers, etc.). It is intended that innovations described herein may be practiced in a wide variety of devices, chip-level components, systems, distributed arrangements, disaggregated arrangements (e.g., network entity and / or UE), end-user devices, etc., of varying sizes, shapes, and constitution.

[0021] Two major components of wireless devices (e.g., user equipment (UE)) include the RF front end (RFFE) and the modem. The RFFE and modem can be interconnected via an RF interface, which may be analog or digital. In devices with lower throughput requirements (e.g., reduced capability (redcap) UEs) and / or devices that have stringent power requirements, the UE may include an analog RF interface. However, for devices that have higher throughput requirements, an analog RF interface may not be efficient due to the large number of analog lines that may be needed. Therefore, digital RF interfaces may be utilized in such devices. However, digital RF interfaces consume more power than analog RF interfaces, and as a result, may not be power friendly for low throughput cases. Examples of low throughput cases may include, but are not limited to, operating in idle mode or discontinuous reception (DRX) mode, or when the UE is either monitoring for a signal, such as a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) or reference signal (e.g., a synchronization signal block (SSB)), or receiving low throughputdata (e.g., a lower number of multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) layers or without carrier aggregation).

[0022] Various aspects are related to mechanisms for dynamically selecting an RF interface between an RF subsystem (e.g., including an RFFE) and a modem subsystem. A wireless device (e.g., a UE) may include both an analog interface and a digital interface and may dynamically switch between the analog interface and the digital interface based on an RF interface mode. In some examples, the RF interface mode may correspond to a power mode in which the analog interface is selected or a performance mode in which the digital interface is selected. The RF interface mode may be identified, for example, based on at least a throughput state of the modem. For example, the throughput state may be a high throughput state or a low throughput state and may be determined based on one or more input throughput parameters related to a current use case of the modem subsystem. Examples of input throughput parameters may include, but are not limited to, a radio resource control (RRC) state (e.g., RRC_IDLE or RRC_CONNECTED) of the UE, a DRX ON / OFF state or DRX IDLE / CONNECTED state of the UE, the type of signal (e.g., a control signal, reference signal, or data signal) being sent or received, the number of MIMO layers and / or whether carrier aggregation is utilized to transmit or receive a signal, the number of RBs and / or MCS (e.g., QPSK, 16, 64, or 256 QAM) scheduled for the data communication, and / or whether dual subscriber identity module (DSIM) or multiple SIM (MSIM) is active.

[0023] The UE may include an RF resource manager configured to dynamically switch between the analog interface and the digital interface. In some examples, the RF resource manager may switch between the analog interface and the digital interface based on the RF interface mode. For example, the RF resource manager may be configured to select the analog interface and enable an analog filter and frequency conversion module in the RF subsystem in response to the RF interface mode being the power mode. In other examples, the RF resource manager may be configured to select the digital interface and enable both the analog filter and frequency conversion module and a digital conversion and filtering module in the modem subsystem in response to the RF interface mode being the performance mode.

[0024] In some examples, the RF resource manager is configured to switch between the analog interface and the digital interface based on the throughput state of the modem (e.g., where the throughput state is used to identify the RF interface mode). The throughput state may be determined, for example, based on one or more input throughputparameter(s) related to a current use case of the modem subsystem. In some examples, the RF resource manager is configured to switch between the analog interface and the digital interface based on both the throughput state and a link direction (e.g., uplink or downlink) of a signal communicated between the RF subsystem and the modem subsystem. For example, the RF resource manager can select the analog interface for uplink signals, along with downlink signals with low throughput. As another example, the RF resource manager can select the digital interface for downlink signals with high throughput and uplink signals with carrier aggregation (UL CA) for higher MIMO support.

[0025] In some examples, each of the RF subsystem and the modem subsystem includes a respective digital conversion and filtering module. At the modem subsystem, the digital conversion and filtering module is configured to convert an analog downlink signal received from the RF subsystem via the analog interface to a digital signal and to further filter the digital signal prior to baseband processing of the digital signal. In addition, the digital conversion and filtering module in the modem subsystem is configured to convert a digital uplink signal to an analog signal and to provide the analog signal to the RF subsystem via the analog interface. At the RF subsystem, the digital conversion and filtering module is configured to convert an analog downlink signal to a digital signal, to further filter the digital signal, and to provide the digital signal to the modem subsystem via the digital interface. In addition, the digital conversion and filtering module in the RF subsystem is configured to convert a digital uplink signal received via the digital interface to an analog signal.

[0026] In some examples, upon selecting the digital interface, the RF resource manager can place the digital conversion and filtering module of the modem subsystem in a low power state (e.g., by power gating the digital conversion and filtering module). In some examples, upon selecting the analog interface, the RF resource manager can place the digital conversion and filtering module of the RF subsystem in a low power state.

[0027] The various concepts presented throughout this disclosure may be implemented across a broad variety of telecommunication systems, network architectures, and communication standards. Referring now to FIG. 1, as an illustrative example without limitation, a schematic illustration of a wireless communication network including a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network 160 is provided. The RAN 100 may implement any suitable wireless communication technology or technologies to provide radio access. As one example, the RAN 100 may operate according to 3rdGenerationPartnership Project (3GPP) New Radio (NR) specifications, often referred to as 5G. As another example, the RAN 100 may operate under a hybrid of 5G NR and Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (eUTRAN) standards, often referred to as LTE. The 3GPP refers to this hybrid RAN as a next-generation RAN, or NG-RAN. In other examples, the RAN 100 may operate according to a hybrid of 5G NR and 6G, may operate according to 6G, or may operate according to other future radio access technology (RAT). Of course, many other examples may be utilized within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0028] The geographic region covered by the RAN 100 may be divided into a number of cellular regions (cells) that can be uniquely identified by a user equipment (UE) based on an identification broadcasted over a geographical area from one access point or network entity. FIG. 1 illustrates cells 102, 104, 106, 108, and 110 each of which may include one or more sectors (not shown). A sector is a sub-area of a cell. All sectors within one cell are served by the same network entity. A radio link within a sector can be identified by a single logical identification belonging to that sector. In a cell that is divided into sectors, the multiple sectors within a cell can be formed by groups of antennas with each antenna responsible for communication with UEs in a portion of the cell.

[0029] In general, a respective network entity serves each cell. Broadly, a network entity is responsible for radio transmission and reception in one or more cells to or from a UE. A network entity may also be referred to by those skilled in the art as a base station (e.g., an aggregated base station or disaggregated base station), base transceiver station (BTS), a radio base station, a radio transceiver, a transceiver function, a basic service set (BSS), an extended service set (ESS), an access point (AP), a Node B (NB), an evolved NB (eNB), a 5G NB (gNB), a transmission receive point (TRP), or some other suitable terminology. In some examples, a network entity may include two or more TRPs that may be collocated or non-collocated. Each TRP may communicate on the same or different carrier frequency within the same or different frequency band. In examples where the RAN 100 operates according to both the LTE and 5G NR standards, one of the network entities may be an LTE network entity, while another network entity may be a 5G NR network entity.

[0030] In some examples, the RAN 100 may employ an open RAN (O-RAN) to provide a standardization of radio interfaces to procure interoperability between component radio equipment. For example, in an O-RAN, the RAN may be disaggregated into a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), and a radio unit (RU). The RU is configured totransmit and / or receive (RF) signals to and / or from one or more UEs. The RU may be located at, near, or integrated with, an antenna. The DU and the CU provide computational functions and may facilitate the transmission of digitized radio signals within the RAN 100. In some examples, the DU may be physically located at or near the RU. In some examples, the CU may be located near the core network 160.

[0031] The DU provides downlink and uplink baseband processing, a supply system synchronization clock, signal processing, and an interface with the CU. The RU provides downlink baseband signal conversion to an RF signal, and uplink RF signal conversion to a baseband signal. The O-RAN may include an open fronthaul (FH) interface between the DU and the RU. Aspects of the disclosure may be applicable to an aggregated RAN and / or to a disaggregated RAN (e.g., an O-RAN).

[0032] Various network entity arrangements can be utilized. For example, in FIG. 1, network entities 114, 116, and 118 are shown in cells 102, 104, and 106; and another network entity 122 is shown controlling a remote radio head (RRH) 122 in cell 110. That is, a network entity can have an integrated antenna or can be connected to an antenna or RRH by feeder cables. In the illustrated example, the cells 102, 104, 106, and 110 may be referred to as macrocells, as the network entities 114, 116, 118, and 122 support cells having a large size. Further, a network entity 120 is shown in the cell 108 which may overlap with one or more macrocells. In this example, the cell 108 may be referred to as a small cell (e.g., a microcell, picocell, femtocell, home base station, home Node B, home eNode B, etc.), as the network entity 120 supports a cell having a relatively small size. Cell sizing can be done according to system design as well as component constraints.

[0033] It is to be understood that the RAN 100 may include any number of network entities and cells. Further, a relay node may be deployed to extend the size or coverage area of a given cell. In some examples, a cell may not necessarily be stationary, and the geographic area of the cell may move according to the location of a mobile network entity.

[0034] FIG. 1 further includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) 156, which may be a drone or quadcopter. The UAV 156 may be configured to function as a network entity, or more specifically as a mobile network entity. That is, in some examples, a cell may not necessarily be stationary, and the geographic area of the cell may move according to the location of a mobile network entity such as the UAV 156.

[0035] In addition to other functions, the network entities 114, 116, 118, 120, and 122a / 122b may perform one or more of the following functions: transfer of user data, radio channel ciphering and deciphering, integrity protection, header compression,mobility control functions (e.g., handover, dual connectivity), inter-cell interference coordination, connection setup and release, load balancing, distribution for non-access stratum (NAS) messages, NAS node selection, synchronization, radio access network (RAN) sharing, multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS), subscriber and equipment trace, RAN information management (RIM), paging, positioning, and delivery of warning messages. The network entities 114, 116, 118, 120, and 122a / 122b may communicate directly or indirectly (e.g., through the core network 170) with each other over backhaul links 152 (e.g., X2 interface). The backhaul links 152 may be wired or wireless.

[0036] The RAN 100 is illustrated supporting wireless communication for multiple mobile apparatuses. A mobile apparatus is commonly referred to as user equipment (UE) in standards and specifications promulgated by the 3rdGeneration Partnership Project (3GPP), but may also be referred to by those skilled in the art as a mobile station (MS), a subscriber station, a mobile unit, a subscriber unit, a wireless unit, a remote unit, a mobile device, a wireless device, a wireless communications device, a remote device, a mobile subscriber station, an access terminal (AT), a mobile terminal, a wireless terminal, a remote terminal, a handset, a terminal, a user agent, a mobile client, a client, or some other suitable terminology. A UE may be an apparatus that provides a user with access to network services.

[0037] Within the present document, a “mobile” apparatus need not necessarily have a capability to move, and may be stationary. The term mobile apparatus or mobile device broadly refers to a diverse array of devices and technologies. For example, some nonlimiting examples of a mobile apparatus include a mobile, a cellular (cell) phone, a smart phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a laptop, a personal computer (PC), a notebook, a netbook, a smartbook, a tablet, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and a broad array of embedded systems, e.g., corresponding to an “Internet of things” (loT). A mobile apparatus may additionally be an automotive or other transportation vehicle, a remote sensor or actuator, a robot or robotics device, a satellite radio, a global positioning system (GPS) device, an object tracking device, a drone, a multi-copter, a quad-copter, a remote control device, a consumer and / or wearable device, such as eyewear, a wearable camera, a virtual reality device, a smart watch, a health or fitness tracker, a digital audio player (e.g., MP3 player), a camera, a game console, etc. A mobile apparatus may additionally be a digital home or smart home device such as a home audio, video, and / or multimedia device, an appliance, a vending machine, intelligent lighting, a home security system, asmart meter, etc. A mobile apparatus may additionally be a smart energy device, a security device, a solar panel or solar array, a municipal infrastructure device controlling electric power (e.g., a smart grid), lighting, water, etc., an industrial automation and enterprise device, a logistics controller, agricultural equipment, etc. Still further, a mobile apparatus may provide for connected medicine or telemedicine support, i.e., health care at a distance. Telehealth devices may include telehealth monitoring devices and telehealth administration devices, whose communication may be prioritized access over other types of information, e.g., in terms of prioritized access for transport of critical service data, and / or relevant QoS for transport of critical service data.

[0038] Within the RAN 100, the cells may include UEs that may be in communication with one or more sectors of each cell. For example, UEs 124, 126, and 144 may be in communication with network entity 114; UEs 128 and 130 may be in communication with network entity 116; UEs 132 and 138 may be in communication with network entity 118; UE 140 may be in communication with network entity 120; UE 142 may be in communication with network entity 122a via RRH 122b; and UE 158 may be in communication with mobile network entity 156. Here, each network entity 114, 116, 118, 120, 122a / 122b, and 156 may be configured to provide an access point to the core network 170 (not shown) for all the UEs in the respective cells. In another example, a mobile network node (e.g., UAV 156) may be configured to function as a UE. For example, the UAV 156 may operate within cell 104 by communicating with network entity 116. UEs may be located anywhere within a serving cell. UEs that are located closer to a center of a cell (e.g., UE 132) may be referred to as cell center UEs, whereas UEs that are located closer to an edge of a cell (e.g., UE 134) may be referred to as cell edge UEs. Cell center UEs may have a higher signal quality (e.g., a higher reference signal received power (RSRP) or signal-to interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR)) than cell edge UEs.

[0039] In the RAN 100, the ability for a UE to communicate while moving, independent of their location, is referred to as mobility. The various physical channels between the UE and the RAN are generally set up, maintained, and released under the control of an access and mobility management function (AMF), which may include a security context management function (SCMF) that manages the security context for both the control plane and the user plane functionality and a security anchor function (SEAF) that performs authentication. In some examples, during a call facilitated by a network entity, or at any other time, a UE may monitor various parameters of the signal from its serving cell as well as various parameters of neighboring cells. Depending on the quality of theseparameters, the UE may maintain communication with one or more of the neighboring cells. During this time, if the UE moves from one cell to another, or if signal quality from a neighboring cell exceeds that from the serving cell for a given amount of time, the UE May undertake a handoff or handover from the serving cell to the neighboring (target) cell. For example, UE 126 may move from the geographic area corresponding to its serving cell 102 to the geographic area corresponding to a neighbor cell 106. When the signal strength or quality from the neighbor cell 106 exceeds that of its serving cell 102 for a given amount of time, the UE 126 may transmit a reporting message to its serving network entity 114 indicating this condition. In response, the UE 126 may receive a handover command, and the UE may undergo a handover to the cell 106.

[0040] Wireless communication between a RAN 100 and a UE (e.g., UE 124, 126, or 144) may be described as utilizing communication links 148 over an air interface. Transmissions over the communication links 148 between the network entities and the UEs may include uplink (UL) (also referred to as reverse link) transmissions from a UE to a network entity and / or downlink (DL) (also referred to as forward link) transmissions from a network entity to a UE. For example, DL transmissions may include unicast or broadcast transmissions of control information and / or data (e.g., user data traffic or other type of traffic) from a network entity (e.g., network entity 114) to one or more UEs (e.g., UEs 124, 126, and 144), while UL transmissions may include transmissions of control information and / or traffic information originating at a UE (e.g., UE 124). In addition, the uplink and / or downlink control information and / or traffic information may be time- divided into frames, subframes, slots, and / or symbols. As used herein, a symbol may refer to a unit of time that, in an orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) waveform, carries one resource element (RE) per sub-carrier. A slot may carry 7 or 14 OFDM symbols. A subframe may refer to a duration of 1ms. Multiple subframes or slots may be grouped together to form a single frame or radio frame. Within the present disclosure, a frame may refer to a predetermined duration (e.g., 10 ms) for wireless transmissions, with each frame consisting of, for example, 10 subframes of 1 ms each. Of course, these definitions are not required, and any suitable scheme for organizing waveforms may be utilized, and various time divisions of the waveform may have any suitable duration.

[0041] The communication links 148 may use multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) antenna technology, including spatial multiplexing, beamforming, and / or transmit diversity. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, network entity 122a / 122b maytransmit a beamformed signal to the UE 142 via one or more beams 174 in one or more transmit directions. The UE 142 may further receive the beamformed signal from the network entity 122a / 122b via one or more beams 174’ in one or more receive directions. The UE 142 may also transmit a beamformed signal to the network entity 122a / 122b via the one or more beams 174’ in one or more transmit directions. The network entity 122a / 122b may further receive the beamformed signal from the UE 142 via the one or more beams 174 in one or more receive directions. The network entity 122a / 122b and the UE 142 may perform beam training to determine the best transmit and receive beams 174 / 174’ for communication between the network entity 122a / 122b and the UE 142. The transmit and receive beams for the network entity 122a / 122b may or may not be the same. The transmit and receive directions for the UE 142 may or may not be the same.

[0042] The communication links 148 may utilize one or more carriers. The network entities and UEs may use spectrum up to 7 MHz (e.g., 5, 10, 15, 20, 100, 400, etc. MHz) bandwidth per carrier allocated in a carrier aggregation of up to a total of Yx MHz (x component carriers) used for transmission in each direction. The carriers may or may not be adjacent to each other. Allocation of carriers may be asymmetric with respect to DL and UL (e.g., more or fewer carriers may be allocated for DL than for UL). The component carriers may include a primary component carrier and one or more secondary component carriers. A primary component carrier may be referred to as a primary cell (PCell) and a secondary component carrier may be referred to as a secondary cell (SCell).

[0043] The communication links 148 in the RAN 100 may further utilize one or more multiplexing and multiple access algorithms to enable simultaneous communication of the various devices. For example, 5G NR specifications provide multiple access for UL or reverse link transmissions from UEs 124, 126, and 144 to network entity 114, and for multiplexing DL or forward link transmissions from the network entity 114 to UEs 124, 126, and 144 utilizing orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) with a cyclic prefix (CP). In addition, for UL transmissions, 5G NR specifications provide support for discrete Fourier transform-spread-OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) with a CP (also referred to as single-carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA)). However, within the scope of the present disclosure, multiplexing and multiple access are not limited to the above schemes, and may be provided utilizing time division multiple access (TDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), sparse code multiple access (SCMA), resource spread multiple access (RSMA), or other suitable multiple access schemes. Further, multiplexing DL transmissions from the network entity 114 to UEs124, 126, and 144 may be provided utilizing time division multiplexing (TDM), code division multiplexing (CDM), frequency division multiplexing (FDM), orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), sparse code multiplexing (SCM), or other suitable multiplexing schemes.

[0044] Further, the communication links 148 in the RAN 100 may utilize one or more duplexing algorithms. Duplex refers to a point-to-point communication link where both endpoints can communicate with one another in both directions. Full-duplex means both endpoints can simultaneously communicate with one another. Half-duplex means only one endpoint can send information to the other at a time. Half-duplex emulation is frequently implemented for wireless links utilizing time division duplex (TDD). In TDD, transmissions in different directions on a given channel are separated from one another using time division multiplexing. That is, at some times the channel is dedicated for transmissions in one direction, while at other times the channel is dedicated for transmissions in the other direction, where the direction may change very rapidly, e.g., several times per slot. In a wireless link, a full-duplex channel generally relies on physical isolation of a transmitter and receiver, and suitable interference cancellation technologies. Full-duplex emulation is frequently implemented for wireless links by utilizing frequency division duplex (FDD) or spatial division duplex (SDD). In FDD, transmissions in different directions may operate at different carrier frequencies (e.g., within paired spectrum). In SDD, transmissions in different directions on a given channel are separated from one another using spatial division multiplexing (SDM). In other examples, full- duplex communication may be implemented within unpaired spectrum (e.g., within a single carrier bandwidth), where transmissions in different directions occur within different sub-bands of the carrier bandwidth. This type of full-duplex communication may be referred to herein as sub-band full duplex (SBFD), also known as flexible duplex (FD).

[0045] In various implementations, the communication links 148 in the RAN 100 may utilize licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or shared spectrum. Licensed spectrum provides for exclusive use of a portion of the spectrum, generally by virtue of a mobile network operator purchasing a license from a government regulatory body. Unlicensed spectrum provides for shared use of a portion of the spectrum without need for a government-granted license. While compliance with some technical rules is generally still required to access unlicensed spectrum, generally, any operator or device may gain access. Shared spectrum may fall between licensed and unlicensed spectrum, wherein technical rules or limitations may be required to access the spectrum, but the spectrummay still be shared by multiple operators and / or multiple RATs. For example, the holder of a license for a portion of licensed spectrum may provide licensed shared access (LSA) to share that spectrum with other parties, e.g., with suitable licensee-determined conditions to gain access.

[0046] The electromagnetic spectrum is often subdivided, based on frequency / wavelength, into various classes, bands, channels, etc. In 5G NR, two initial operating bands have been identified as frequency range designations FR1 (410 MHz - 7.125 GHz) and FR2 (24.25 GHz - 52.6 GHz). Although a portion of FR1 is greater than 6 GHz, FR1 is often referred to (interchangeably) as a “sub-6 GHz” band in various documents and articles. A similar nomenclature issue sometimes occurs with regard to FR2, which is often referred to (interchangeably) as a “millimeter wave” band in documents and articles, despite being different from the extremely high frequency (EHF) band (30 GHz - 300 GHz) which is identified by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) as a “millimeter wave” band.

[0047] The frequencies between FR1 and FR2 are often referred to as mid-band frequencies. Recent 5G NR studies have identified an operating band for these mid-band frequencies as frequency range designation FR3 (7.125 GHz - 24.25 GHz). Frequency bands falling within FR3 may inherit FR1 characteristics and / or FR2 characteristics, and thus may effectively extend features of FR1 and / or FR2 into mid-band frequencies. In addition, higher frequency bands are currently being explored to extend 5G NR operation beyond 52.6 GHz. For example, three higher operating bands have been identified as frequency range designations FR2-2 (52.6 GHz - 71 GHz), FR4 (71 GHz - 114.25 GHz), and FR5 (114.25 GHz - 300 GHz). Each of these higher frequency bands falls within the EHF band.

[0048] With the above aspects in mind, unless specifically stated otherwise, it should be understood that the term “sub-6 GHz” or the like if used herein may broadly represent frequencies that may be less than 6 GHz, may be within FR1, or may include mid-band frequencies. Further, unless specifically stated otherwise, it should be understood that the term “millimeter wave” or the like if used herein may broadly represent frequencies that may include mid-band frequencies, may be within FR2, FR4, FR2-2, and / or FR5, or may be within the EHF band.

[0049] In some examples, access to the air interface may be scheduled, wherein a scheduling entity (e.g., a network entity 114) allocates resources for communication among some or all devices and equipment within its service area or cell. Within thepresent disclosure, as discussed further below, the scheduling entity may be responsible for scheduling, assigning, reconfiguring, and releasing resources for one or more scheduled entities. That is, for scheduled communication, UEs (e.g., UE 124), which may be scheduled entities, may utilize resources allocated by the scheduling entity 114.

[0050] Network entities are not the only entities that may function as scheduling entities. That is, in some examples, a UE may function as a scheduling entity, scheduling resources for one or more scheduled entities (e.g., one or more other UEs). For example, two or more UEs (e.g., UEs 144 and 146) may communicate with each other using peer to peer (P2P) or sidelink signals via a sidelink 150 therebetween without relaying that communication through a network entity (e.g., network entity 114). In some examples, the UEs 144 and 146 may each function as a scheduling entity or transmitting sidelink device and / or a scheduled entity or a receiving sidelink device to communicate sidelink signals therebetween without relying on scheduling or control information from a network entity (e.g., network entity 114). In other examples, the network entity 114 may allocate resources to the UEs 144 and 146 for sidelink communication. For example, the UEs 144 and 146 may communicate using sidelink signaling in a P2P network, a device-to-device (D2D) network, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) network, a vehicle-to-everything (V2X), a mesh network, or other suitable network.

[0051] In some examples, a D2D relay framework may be included within a cellular network to facilitate relaying of communication to / from the network entity 114 via D2D links (e.g., sidelink 150). For example, one or more UEs (e.g., UE 144) within the coverage area of the network entity 114 may operate as a relaying UE to extend the coverage of the network entity 114, improve the transmission reliability to one or more UEs (e.g., UE 146), and / or to allow the network entity to recover from a failed UE link due to, for example, blockage or fading.

[0052] The wireless communications system may further include a Wi-Fi access point (AP) 176 in communication with Wi-Fi stations (STAs) 178 via communication links 180 in a 5 GHz unlicensed frequency spectrum. When communicating in an unlicensed frequency spectrum, the STAs 170 / AP 176 may perform a clear channel assessment (CCA) prior to communicating in order to determine whether the channel is available.

[0053] The network entities 114, 116, 118, 120, and 122a / 122b provide wireless access points to the core network 160 for any number of UEs or other mobile apparatuses via core network backhaul links 154. The core network backhaul links 154 may provide a connection between the network entities 114, 116, 118, 120, and 122a / 122b and the corenetwork 170. In some examples, the core network backhaul links 154 may include backhaul links 152 that provide interconnection between the respective network entities. The core network may be part of the wireless communication system and may be independent of the radio access technology used in the RAN 100. Various types of backhaul interfaces may be employed, such as a direct physical connection (wired or wireless), a virtual network, or the like using any suitable transport network.

[0054] The core network 160 may include an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 162, other AMFs 168, a Session Management Function (SMF) 164, and a User Plane Function (UPF) 166. The AMF 162 may be in communication with a Unified Data Management (UDM) 170. The AMF 162 is the control node that processes the signaling between the UEs and the core network 160. Generally, the AMF 162 provides QoS flow and session management. All user Internet protocol (IP) packets are transferred through the UPF 166. The UPF 166 provides UE IP address allocation as well as other functions. The UPF 166 is configured to couple to IP Services 172. The IP Services 172 may include the Internet, an intranet, an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), a PS Streaming Service, and / or other IP services.

[0055] A UE (e.g., any of the UEs shown in FIG. 1) may include both an RF front end (RFFE) configured to transmit and receive RF signals and a modem configured to process signals for transmission and reception thereof. There are two primary mechanisms for facilitating communication of signals between the RFFE and modem. One mechanism utilizes an analog RF interface (e.g., an analog IQ interface). Another mechanism utilizes a digital RF interface (e.g., a digital bus interface).

[0056] FIGs. 2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating examples of RF interfaces between RF and modem subsystems in wireless communication devices (e.g., UEs) according to some aspects. FIG. 2A illustrates an example of a UE 200 including an analog (e.g., analog IQ) RF interface 212. The UE 200 includes an RF subsystem 202 and a modem subsystem 204. The RF subsystem 202 includes an RF front end (RFFE) 206 and a wireless transceiver 208. The RFFE 206 may include, for example, a low noise amplifier (LNA), power amplifier (PA), transmit / receive switch, and analog RF filters (e.g., band pass filters, wideband filters, etc.). The wireless transceiver 208 includes an analog filtering and frequency conversion module 210. The analog filtering and frequency conversion module 210 may be configured to receive an analog RF signal from the RFFE 206, downconvert the RF analog signal to an intermediate frequency (IF) or baseband (BB) frequency (e.g., using a local oscillator (LO) and mixer), and to further filter the IF and / orBB signal. In addition, the analog filtering and frequency conversion module 210 may be configured to receive an analog IF / BB signal from the modem subsystem, perform IF / BB analog filtering on the IF / BB signal and up-convert the IF / BB signal to an RF signal (e.g., using a LO and mixer). The wireless transceiver 208 may further include additional components, such as a variable gain amplifier, phase locked loop, automatic gain control system, and other suitable components.

[0057] The RF subsystem 202 and modem subsystem 204 are coupled via the analog RF interface 212. The modem subsystem 204 includes a digital conversion and filtering module 214 and a baseband processing module 216. The digital conversion and filtering module 214 includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 218, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 220, and a digital filtering and processing module 222 configured to perform additional digital filtering and processing of uplink or downlink signals. The ADC 218 is configured to receive a digital signal from the baseband processing module 216 and digital filtering / processing module 222, to convert the digital signal to an analog signal, and to provide the analog signal to the RF subsystem 202 via the analog RF interface 212. The DAC 220 is configured to receive an analog signal from the RF subsystem 202 via the analog RF interface 212, to convert the analog signal to a digital signal, and to provide the digital signal to the digital filtering / processing module 222 for further digital filtering and / or processing prior to input to the baseband processing module 216.

[0058] FIG. 2B illustrates an example of a UE 250 including a digital (e.g., high speed (HS) digital bus) RF interface 264. The UE 250 includes an RF subsystem 252 and a modem subsystem 254. The RF subsystem 252 includes an RF front end (RFFE) 256 and a wireless transceiver 258. The RFFE 256 may include, for example, a low noise amplifier (LNA), power amplifier (PA), transmit / receive switch, and analog RF filters (e.g., band pass filters, wideband filters, etc.). The wireless transceiver 258 includes an analog filtering and frequency conversion module 260 and a digital conversion and filtering module 262. The analog filtering and frequency conversion module 260 may be configured to receive an analog RF signal from the RFFE 256, down-convert the RF analog signal to an intermediate frequency (IF) or baseband (BB) frequency (e.g., using a local oscillator (LO) and mixer), and to further filter the IF and / or BB signal. In addition, the analog filtering and frequency conversion module 260 may be configured to receive an analog IF / BB signal from the digital conversion and filtering module 262, perform IF / BB analog filtering on the IF / BB signal and up-convert the IF / BB signal to an RFsignal (e.g., using a LO and mixer). The wireless transceiver 258 may further include additional components, such as a variable gain amplifier, phase locked loop, automatic gain control system, and other suitable components.

[0059] The modem subsystem 254 includes a baseband processing module 266 coupled to the RF subsystem 252 via the digital RF interface. The digital conversion and filtering module 262 may include, for example, an ADC, a DAC, and additional digital filtering and processing components. Thus, the digital conversion and filtering module 262 is configured to receive a digital signal from the baseband processing module 266 via the digital RF interface 264, to convert the digital signal to an analog signal, and to provide the analog signal to the analog filtering and frequency conversion module 260. The digital conversion and filtering module 262 is further configured to receive an analog signal from the analog filtering and frequency conversion module 260, to convert the analog signal to a digital signal, and to provide the digital signal to the baseband processing module 266 via the digital RF interface 264.

[0060] In the analog RF interface design shown in FIG. 2A, dedicated input / output (VO) lines are used for RF to modem communication and vice-versa and the DAC / ADC are housed in the modem subsystem 204. However, in the digital RF interface design shown in FIG 2B, dedicated lines are not required between the RF subsystem 252 and the modem subsystem 254 since the ADC / DAC modules are housed in the RF subsystem 252. Instead, a multi-lane digital bus may be used for sending / receiving digital signals between the RF subsystem 252 and the modem subsystem 254.

[0061] The analog RF interface 212 is beneficial for devices with lower modem throughput requirements (e.g., supporting a maximum of two receivers) and is more power friendly than the digital RF interface 264. However, the analog RF interface 212 is not efficient for chipsets that have higher throughput requirements due to the large number of analog VO lines needed to support higher throughput communication. As a result, the analog RF interface is limited in terms of performance and envelope support. The digital RF interface 264 is beneficial for devices with higher modem throughput requirements. However, the digital RF interface is not power friendly for low throughput use cases (e.g., control channel processing, discontinuous reception, idle mode, etc.).

[0062] Thus, the analog RF interface 212 is preferred for use case scenarios in which the data throughput is lower or negligible and / or only control channel decoding is required with reduced multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) support (e.g., using one or two receivers (Rx)). Examples of use case scenarios that are preferred for the analog RFinterface include, but are not limited to, RRC_IDLE state, DRX IDLE page decode and measurement, DRX CONNECTED wake up signal (WUS) decode, PDCCH monitoring, SSB monitoring, and voice over radio access technology (RAT) (e.g., NR or LTE).

[0063] The digital RF interface 264 is therefore preferred for use case scenarios that involve high throughput (e.g., high data rates and / or multi-MIMO support). Examples of use case scenarios that are preferred for the digital RF interface include, but are not limited to, higher layer / multi-carrier aggregation, dual SIM dual active (DSDA) support with active voice / video streaming in both subscriber identity modules (SIMs), and / or low to mid signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) cases to enable four receivers (e.g., 4 Rx MIMO).

[0064] However, existing RF interfaces are generally static (e.g., either analog or digital), and as a result, do not allow for dynamic selection between analog and digital RF interfaces. Therefore, various aspects are directed to providing both analog and digital RF interfaces within wireless devices (e.g., UEs) and to enabling dynamic selection of the RF interface (e.g., analog or digital) based on the modem throughput state (e.g., based on the current use case scenario).

[0065] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless communication device incorporating analog and digital RF interfaces for dynamic selection therebetween according to some aspects. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a UE 300 having a hybrid RF architecture that includes an RF subsystem 302 and a modem subsystem 304 interconnected via both an analog (e.g., analog IQ) RF interface 314 and a digital (e.g., high speed (HS) digital bus) RF interface 316.

[0066] The RF subsystem 302 includes an RF front end (RFFE) 306 and a wireless transceiver 308. The RFFE 306 may include, for example, a low noise amplifier (LNA), power amplifier (PA), transmit / receive switch, and analog RF filters (e.g., band pass filters, wideband filters, etc.). The wireless transceiver 308 includes an analog filtering and frequency conversion module 310 and a digital conversion and filtering module 312. The analog filtering and frequency conversion module 310 may be configured to receive an analog RF signal from the RFFE 306, down-convert the RF analog signal to an intermediate frequency (IF) or baseband (BB) frequency (e.g., using a local oscillator (LO) and mixer), and to further filter the IF and / or BB signal. In addition, the analog filtering and frequency conversion module 310 may be configured to receive an analog IF / BB signal from the digital conversion and filtering module 312 or from the modem subsystem 304 via the analog RF interface 314, perform IF / BB analog filtering on the IF / BB signal and up-convert the IF / BB signal to an RF signal (e.g., using a LO and mixer).

[0067] The digital conversion and filtering module 312 may include, for example, an ADC, a DAC, and additional digital filtering and processing components. Thus, the digital conversion and filtering module 312 is configured to receive a digital signal from the modem subsystem 304 via the digital RF interface 316, to convert the digital signal to an analog signal, and to provide the analog signal to the analog filtering and frequency conversion module 310. The digital conversion and filtering module 312 is further configured to receive an analog signal from the analog filtering and frequency conversion module 310, to convert the analog signal to a digital signal, and to provide the digital signal to the modem subsystem 304 via the digital RF interface 316. The wireless transceiver 308 may further include additional components, such as a variable gain amplifier, phase locked loop, automatic gain control system, and other suitable components.

[0068] The modem subsystem 304 also includes a digital conversion and filtering module 318 and a baseband processing module 326. The digital conversion and filtering module 318 in the modem subsystem 304 includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 320, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 322, and a digital filtering and processing module 324 configured to perform additional digital filtering and processing of uplink or downlink signals. The ADC 320 is configured to receive a digital signal from the baseband processing module 216 and digital filtering / processing module 222, to convert the digital signal to an analog signal, and to provide the analog signal to the analog filtering and frequency conversion module 310 in the RF subsystem 302 via the analog RF interface 314. The DAC 322 is configured to receive an analog signal from the analog filtering and frequency conversion module 310 in the RF subsystem 302 via the analog RF interface 314, to convert the analog signal to a digital signal, and to provide the digital signal to the digital filtering / processing module 324 for further digital filtering and / or processing prior to input to the baseband processing module 326.

[0069] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the modem subsystem 304 further includes an RF resource manager 328 configured to dynamically switch or select between the analog RF interface 314 and the digital RF interface 316. The RF resource manager 328 may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The RF resource manager 328 may be configured to control the power and clock of the digital conversion and filtering modules 312 and 318 to dynamically select or switch between the analog and digital RF interfaces 314 and 316. For example, upon selecting the analog RF interface 314, the RF resource manager 328 may be configured to place the digitalconversion and filtering module 312 in the RF subsystem 302 in a low power state. In an example, the RF resource manager 328 may be configured to power gate, clock gate, or turn off the power (e.g., full power collapse) to the digital conversion and filtering module 312 via the digital RF interface 316. As another example, upon selecting the digital RF interface 316, the RF resource manager 328 may be configured to place the digital conversion and filtering module 318 in the modem subsystem 304 in a low power state. In an example, the RF resource manager 328 may be configured to power gate, clock gate, or turn off the power (e.g., full power collapse) to the digital conversion and filtering module 318.

[0070] The RF resource manager 328 may be configured to dynamically switch or select between the analog RF interface 314 and the digital RF interface 316 based on at least a throughput state of the modem subsystem 304. The throughput state may correspond to a high throughput state or a low throughput state and may be determined by the RF resource manager 328 based on one or more input throughput parameters indicating a current use case of the modem subsystem 304. For example, the input throughput parameter(s) may include a current radio resource control (RRC) state (e.g., RRC_IDLE or RRC_CONNECTED) of the UE, a DRX ON / OFF state or DRX IDLE / CONNECTED state of the UE, the type of signal (e.g., a control signal, reference signal, or data signal) being sent or received, the number of MIMO layers and / or whether carrier aggregation is utilized to transmit or receive a signal, the number of RBs and / or MCS (e.g., QPSK, 16, 64, or 256 QAM) scheduled for the data communication, and / or whether dual subscriber identity module (DSIM) or multiple SIM (MSIM) is active (e.g., DSDA).

[0071] In some examples, the RF resource manager 328 may be configured to switch between the analog RF interface 314 and the digital RF interface 316 based on both the throughput state and a link direction (e.g., uplink or downlink) of a signal communicated between the RF subsystem and the modem subsystem. For example, the RF resource manager 328 can select the analog interface for uplink signals, along with downlink signals with low throughput. As another example, the RF resource manager 328 can select the digital interface for downlink signals with high throughput and uplink signals with carrier aggregation (UL CA) for higher MIMO support.

[0072] In some examples, the RF resource manager 328 may be configured to identify an RF interface mode based on at least the throughput state (and additionally the link direction). The RF interface mode indicates whether the analog RF interface 314 or the digital interface 316 should be selected. For example, the RF interface mode maycorrespond to a power mode in which the analog RF interface 314 is selected or a performance mode in which the digital RF interface 316 is selected. For example, in power mode, the RF resource manager 328 may be configured to enable (e.g., provide power to) both the analog filter and frequency conversion module 310 in the RF subsystem 302 and the digital conversion and filtering module 318 in the modem subsystem 304 and to further disable (e.g., place in a low power state) the digital conversion and filtering module 312 in the RF subsystem 302. Similarly, in performance mode, the RF resource manager 328 may be configured to enable (e.g., provide power to) both the analog filter and frequency conversion module 310 and the digital conversion and filtering module 312 in the RF subsystem 302 and disable (e.g., place in a low power state) the digital conversion and filtering module 318 in the modem subsystem 304.

[0073] In some examples, the RF resource manager 328 may include an optional machine learning (ML) engine 330 configured to implement a ML model to predict the RF interface mode (e.g., the throughput state) for faster switching. For example, the ML engine may be configured to run a ML model built during testing of the UE or UE model and / or dynamically build the ML model in real-time.

[0074] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a process flow 400 for dynamic selection of an RF interface according to some aspects. In the process flow 400, the modem throughput state and other input parameter(s) 402 are input to the RF resource manager 404 to identify the RF interface mode at block 406. For example, the RF resource manager 404 at block 406 may be configured to identify the RF interface mode as the power mode if the throughput state is a low throughput state (e.g., RRC_IDLE state, DRX IDLE page decode and measurement, DRX CONNECTED wake up signal (WUS) decode, PDCCH monitoring, SSB monitoring, or voice over radio access technology (RAT) (e.g., NR or LTE)) or the other input parameter(s) indicate that the UE is configured to perform an uplink transmission without carrier aggregation (CA). As another example, the RF resource manager 404 at block 406 may be configured to identify the RF interface mode as the performance mode if the throughput state is a high throughput state (e.g., higher MIMO layer / multi-carrier aggregation, dual SIM dual active (DSDA) support with active voice / video streaming in both subscriber identity modules (SIMs), and / or low to mid signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) cases to enable four receivers (e.g., 4 Rx MIMO)) or the other input parameter(s) indicate that the UE is configured to perform an uplink transmission with carrier aggregation (CA).

[0075] At block 408, the RF resource manager 404 can trigger the analog or digital RF interface based on the RF interface mode. For example, if the RF interface mode is the power mode, the RF resource manager 404 at block 408 can trigger the analog RF interface. As another example, if the RF interface is the performance mode, the RF resource manager at block 408 can trigger the digital RF interface.

[0076] At block 410, the UE can execute power and / or clock control of selected RF modules based on the RF interface mode. For example, upon receiving a trigger from the RF resource manager 404 triggering the analog RF interface, the UE (e.g., a power control circuit in the UE) can power gate, clock gate, or turn off the power to the digital RF interface (e.g., the digital conversion and filtering module in the RF subsystem). As another example, upon receiving a trigger from the RF resource manager 404 triggering the digital RF interface, the UE (e.g., a power control circuit in the UE) can power gate, clock gate, or turn off the power to the analog RF interface (e.g., the digital conversion and filtering module in the modem subsystem). At optional block 412, a call back application program interface (API) may be executed by the UE (e.g., by the power control circuit in the UE) to send an acknowledgement (Ack) back to the RF resource manager 404 after executing the power / clock control of the selected RF modules.

[0077] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating example use cases for RF interface modes according to some aspects. In the example shown in FIG. 5, there are three RF interface modes 502 listed, each with a corresponding power level 504 and exemplary use cases 506 associated therewith. The first mode 502 is the power mode 508 with a power level 504 of L0 indicating that the analog RF interface is turned ON and the digital RF interface is turned OFF (e.g., power gated, clock gated, or power collapsed / disabled). Use cases 506 for the power mode 508 correspond to those use cases that produce a low throughput state of the modem. For example, use cases 506 for the power mode 508 may include, but are not limited to, steady state page monitoring in the RRC or DRX idle or connected state), page monitoring with concurrent actions enabled (e.g., radio link monitoring (RLM), Adaptive Receive Diversity (ARD) evaluation, uplink reporting, etc.), voice over LTE (VoLTE), uplink transmissions without carrier aggregation (CA), downlink transmissions with a low number of resource blocks (RBs) scheduled and / or a low modulation and coding scheme (MCS) (e.g., quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), 16 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), or 64 QAM), or a downlink transmission with good signal to noise ratio (SNR) (e.g., an SNR above a threshold) with one or more receivers enabled at the UE).

[0078] The second mode 502 is the performance mode 510 with a power level 504 of LI indicating that the analog RF interface is turned OFF (e.g., power gated, clock gated, or power collapsed / disabled) and the digital RF interface is turned ON. Use cases 506 for the performance mode 510 correspond to those use cases that produce a high throughput state of the modem. For example, use cases 506 for the performance mode 510 may include, but are not limited to, multi-carrier downlink transmissions, multi-MIMO downlink transmissions, higher bandwidth part (BWP) downlink transmissions, multi- SIM with concurrent processing actions (e.g., DSDA), uplink transmissions with CA, downlink transmissions with a high number of RBs and / or a higher MCS (e.g., 256 QAM), and downlink transmissions with bad RF conditions (e.g., an SNR below the threshold) where a higher number of RF antennas, receivers, and / or MIMO is required to be on.

[0079] The third mode 502 is the power off mode 512 with a power level 504 of L3 indicating that both the analog RF interface and the digital RF interface are in a low power mode (LPM) (e.g., power gated, clock gated, or power collapsed / disabled). Examples of use cases 506 for the power off mode 512 include, but are not limited to, modem deep sleep, modem light sleep, modem micro sleep, airplane mode (APM), and inactive RF regions.

[0080] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example look up table (LUT) 600 for RF interface modes according to some aspects. The LUT table 600 includes various use cases 602 and a corresponding RF interface mode 604 for each use case 602. Each use case 602 represents either a high throughput state of the modem, resulting in the performance mode 604 being selected, or a low throughout state of the modem, resulting in the power mode 604 being selected. For example, use cases 602 involving initialization, acquisition, standby PDCCH monitoring, idle mode, or VoLTE with one or more two receivers enabled at the UE may result in the power mode 604 being selected. As another example, use cases 602 involving VoLTE with four receivers, or NR (e.g., Sub-6 or mmWave) with four or eight receivers enabled may result in the performance mode 604 being selected.

[0081] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware implementation of a user equipment (UE) 700 employing a processing system 714 according to some aspects. For example, the UE 700 may correspond to any of the UEs shown and described above.

[0082] In accordance with various aspects of the disclosure, an element, or any portion of an element, or any combination of elements may be implemented with a processingsystem 714 that includes one or more processors, such as processor 704. Examples of processors 704 include microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other suitable hardware configured to perform the various functionality described throughout this disclosure. In various examples, the UE 700 may be configured to perform any one or more of the functions described herein. That is, the processor 704, as utilized in the UE 700, may be used to implement any one or more of the methods or processes described herein.

[0083] The processor 704 may in some instances be implemented via a baseband or modem chip and in other implementations, the processor 704 may include a number of devices distinct and different from a baseband or modem chip (e.g., in such scenarios as may work in concert to achieve examples discussed herein). And as mentioned above, various hardware arrangements and components outside of a baseband modem processor can be used in implementations, including RF-chains, power amplifiers, modulators, buffers, interleavers, adders / summers, etc.

[0084] In this example, the processing system 714 may be implemented with a bus architecture, represented generally by the bus 702. The bus 702 may include any number of interconnecting buses and bridges depending on the specific application of the processing system 714 and the overall design constraints. The bus 702 communicatively couples together various circuits, including one or more processors (represented generally by the processor 704), one or more memories (represented generally by the memory 705), and one or more computer-readable media (represented generally by the computer- readable medium 706). In some examples, the computer-readable media 706 may be included within or part of one or more of the memories 705. The bus 702 may also link various other circuits such as timing sources, peripherals, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art, and therefore, are not described any further.

[0085] A bus interface 708 provides an interface between the bus 702, one or more transceivers / RFFEs 710, and one or more antenna modules (e.g., one or more antenna arrays or panels) 722. The transceiver 710 and antenna module(s) 722 provides a means for communicating with various other apparatus over a transmission medium (e.g., air interface). In accordance with aspects herein, the processing system 714 (e.g., modem subsystem) and transceiver / RFFE 710 (e.g., RF subsystem) may be interconnected via an analog RF interface 716 (e.g., analog interface) and a digital RF interface 718 (e.g., digitalinterface). In this example, the bus interface 708 provides both a high speed digital bus interface for the digital interface 718 and an analog bus interface for the analog interface 716.

[0086] The bus interface 708 further provides an interface between the bus 702 and a power source 724 (e.g., a battery). The bus interface 708 further provides an interface between the bus 702 and a user interface 712 (e.g., keypad, display, touch screen, speaker, microphone, control features, etc.). Of course, such a user interface 712 may be omitted in some examples.

[0087] The computer-readable medium 706 may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium. A non-transitory computer-readable medium includes, by way of example, a magnetic storage device (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strip), an optical disk (e.g., a compact disc (CD) or a digital versatile disc (DVD)), a smart card, a flash memory device (e.g., a card, a stick, or a key drive), a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable PROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), a register, a removable disk, and any other suitable medium for storing software and / or instructions that may be accessed and read by a computer. The computer-readable medium 706 may reside in the processing system 714, external to the processing system 714, or distributed across multiple entities including the processing system 714. The computer-readable medium 706 may be embodied in a computer program product. By way of example, a computer program product may include a computer-readable medium in packaging materials. In some examples, the computer-readable medium 706 may be part of the memory 705. Those skilled in the art will recognize how best to implement the described functionality presented throughout this disclosure depending on the particular application and the overall design constraints imposed on the overall system. In some examples, the computer-readable medium 706 may be implemented on an article of manufacture, which may further include one or more other elements or circuits, such as the processor 704 and / or memory 705.

[0088] The computer-readable medium 706 may store computer-executable code (e.g., software). Software shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, threads of execution, procedures / processes, functions, etc., whether referredto as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise.

[0089] One or more processors, such as processor 704, may be responsible for managing the bus 702 and general processing, including the execution of the software (e.g., instructions or computer-executable code) stored on the computer-readable medium 706. The software, when executed by the processor 704, causes the processing system 714 to perform the various processes and functions described herein for any particular apparatus. The computer-readable medium 706 and / or the memory 705 may also be used for storing data that may be manipulated by the processor 704 when executing software. For example, the memory 705 may store one or more of input parameter(s) (e.g., input throughput parameters) 732, throughput states (e.g., high throughput state or low throughput state) 734, and RF interface modes 736. In some examples, the memory 705 may further store a LUT 738 (e.g., the LUT shown in FIG. 6) including use cases and corresponding RF interface modes.

[0090] In some aspects of the disclosure, the processor 704 may include circuitry configured for various functions. For example, the processor 704 may include communication and processing circuitry 742 configured to communicate with one or more UEs and / or one or more network entities. In some examples, the communication and processing circuitry 742 may include one or more hardware components that provide the physical structure that performs processes related to wireless communication (e.g., signal reception and / or signal transmission) and signal processing (e.g., processing a received signal and / or processing a signal for transmission). For example, the communication and processing circuitry 742 may include one or more transmit / receive chains.

[0091] In some implementations where the communication involves receiving information, the communication and processing circuitry 742 may obtain information from a component of the UE 700 (e.g., from the transceiver 710 that receives the information via radio frequency signaling or some other type of signaling suitable for the applicable communication medium), process (e.g., decode) the information, and output the processed information. For example, the communication and processing circuitry 742 may output the information to another component of the processor 704, to the memory 705, or to the bus interface 708. In some examples, the communication and processing circuitry 742 may receive one or more of signals, messages, other information, or any combination thereof. In some examples, the communication and processing circuitry 742may receive information via one or more channels. In some examples, the communication and processing circuitry 742 may include functionality for a means for receiving. In some examples, the communication and processing circuitry 742 may include functionality for a means for processing, including a means for demodulating, a means for decoding, etc.

[0092] In some implementations where the communication involves sending (e.g., transmitting) information, the communication and processing circuitry 742 may obtain information (e.g., from another component of the processor 704, the memory 705, or the bus interface 708), process (e.g., modulate, encode, etc.) the information, and output the processed information. For example, the communication and processing circuitry 742 may output the information to the transceiver 710 (e.g., that transmits the information via radio frequency signaling or some other type of signaling suitable for the applicable communication medium). In some examples, the communication and processing circuitry 742 may send one or more of signals, messages, other information, or any combination thereof. In some examples, the communication and processing circuitry 742 may send information via one or more channels. In some examples, the communication and processing circuitry 742 may include functionality for a means for sending (e.g., a means for transmitting). In some examples, the communication and processing circuitry 742 may include functionality for a means for generating, including a means for modulating, a means for encoding, etc.

[0093] In some examples, the communication and processing circuitry 742 may be configured to receive and process downlink beamformed signals at a mmWave frequency or a sub-6 GHz frequency via the transceiver 710 and the antenna module(s) 722 (e.g., using a phase-shifter 720). In addition, the communication and processing circuitry 742 may be configured to generate and transmit uplink beamformed signals at a mmWave frequency or a sub-6 GHz frequency via the transceiver 710 and antenna module(s) 722 (e.g., using the phase-shifter 720). The communication and processing circuitry 742 may further be configured to execute communication and processing software 752 stored on the computer-readable medium 706 to implement one or more functions described herein.

[0094] The processor 704 may further include RF resource manager circuitry 744, configured to identify a throughput state 734 of the processing system / modem subsystem 714 and to switch between the analog interface 716 and the digital interface 718 based on at least the throughput state 734. In some examples, the RF resource manager circuitry 744 may correspond to the RF resource manager 328 shown in FIG. 3.

[0095] For example, the RF resource manager circuitry 744 may be configured to identify an RF interface mode 736 based on at least the throughput state 734. The RF interface mode 736 may correspond, for example, to a power mode or a performance mode. In the power mode, the RF resource manager circuitry 744 may be configured to select the analog interface 716, enable analog RF modules (e.g., an analog filter and frequency conversion module) in the transceiver 710 and disable (e.g., cause to be placed in a low power state) digital RF modules (e.g., a digital conversion and filtering module) in the transceiver 710. In the performance mode, the RF resource manager circuitry 744 may be configured to select the digital interface 718 and enable both the analog RF modules and digital RF modules in the transceiver 710. In the performance mode, the RF resource manager circuitry 744 may further be configured to disable (e.g., cause to be placed in a low power state) digital RF modules (e.g., a digital conversion and filtering module) in the processing system / modem subsystem 714.

[0096] In some examples, the RF resource manager circuitry 744 may be configured to use machine learning to identify the RF interface mode 736. In some examples, the RF resource manager circuitry 744 may be configured to identify the throughput state 734 based on one or more input throughput parameters 732 related to a current use case of the modem subsystem. In some examples, the RF resource manager circuitry 744 may be configured to access the LUT 738 including a plurality of use cases of the modem subsystem and corresponding RF interface modes to identify the RF interface mode 736 associated with a current use case of the plurality of use cases. As described above, use cases may include, but are not limited to the various use cases shown and described above in connection with FIGs. 3—6.

[0097] In some examples, the RF resource manager circuitry 744 may be configured to switch between the analog interface 716 and the digital interface 718 further based on a link direction of a signal communicated between the transceiver 710 (e.g., RF subsystem) and the processing system 714 (e.g., modem subsystem). In examples in which the signal is an uplink signal without carrier aggregation, the RF resource manager circuitry 744 may be configured to select the analog interface 716 for communication of the uplink signal without carrier aggregation from the modem subsystem to the RF subsystem via the analog interface 716. In examples in which the signal is an uplink signal with carrier aggregation, the RF resource manager circuitry 744 may be configured to select the digital interface 718 for communication of the uplink signal without carrier aggregation from the modem subsystem to the RF subsystem via the digital interface 718.

[0098] In some examples, the RF resource manager circuitry 744 is configured to select the analog interface to communicate the signal between the RF subsystem and the modem subsystem via the analog interface in response to the throughput state being the low throughput state and select the digital interface to communicate the signal between the RF subsystem and the modem subsystem via the digital interface in response to the throughput state being the high throughput state. In this example, the signal may be a downlink signal received at the RF subsystem. The RF resource manager circuitry 744 may further be configured to execute RF resource manager instructions (software) 754 stored on the computer-readable medium 706 to implement one or more functions described herein.

[0099] The processor 704 may further include power control circuitry 746, configured to control the power state (e.g., full power or low power) of various RF modules to enable / disable the analog RF interface 716 or the digital RF interface 718. In some examples, the power control circuitry 746 may be configured to couple the power source 724 to the various RF modules for providing full power and / or for power gating, clock gating, and / or power collapse.

[0100] For example, the power control circuitry 746 may be configured to place a digital conversion and filtering module of the transceiver 710 (e.g., RF subsystem) in a low power state in response to selection by the RF resource manager circuitry 744 of the analog interface 716 for communication of signals between the RF subsystem and the processing system 714 (e.g., modem subsystem). As an example, the power control circuitry 746 may be configured to power gate or clock gate the digital conversion and filtering module of the RF subsystem.

[0101] As another example, the power control circuitry 746 may be configured to place a digital conversion and filtering module of the processing system 714 (e.g., modem subsystem) in a low power state in response to selection by the RF resource manager circuitry 744 of the digital interface 718 for communication of signals between the RF subsystem and the processing system 714 (e.g., modem subsystem). As an example, the power control circuitry 746 may be configured to power gate or clock gate the digital conversion and filtering module of the modem subsystem. The power control circuitry 746 may further be configured to execute power control instructions (software) 756 stored on the computer-readable medium 706 to implement one or more functions described herein.

[0102] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process 800 for dynamic RF interface selection according to some aspects. As described below, some or all illustrated features may be omitted in a particular implementation within the scope of the present disclosure, and some illustrated features may not be required for implementation of all embodiments. In some examples, the process 800 may be carried out by the UE 700 illustrated in FIG. 7. In some examples, the process 800 may be carried out by any suitable apparatus or means for carrying out the functions or algorithm described below.

[0103] At block 802, the UE may provide an analog interface between a radio frequency (RF) subsystem and a modem subsystem. For example, the analog interface 716 coupled between the transceiver / RFFE 710 and the processing system 714, shown and described above in connection with FIG. 7 may provide a means to provide the analog interface.

[0104] At block 804, the UE may provide a digital interface between the RF subsystem and the modem subsystem. For example, the digital interface 718 coupled between the transceiver / RFFE 710 and the processing system 714, shown and described above in connection with FIG. 7 may provide a means to provide the digital interface.

[0105] At block 806, the UE may identify a throughput state of the modem subsystem, the throughput state being a high throughput state or a low throughput state. For example, the RF resource manager circuitry 744, shown and described above in connection with FIG. 7 may provide a means to identify the throughput state.

[0106] At block 808, the UE may switch between the analog interface and the digital interface based on at least the throughput state. For example, the RF resource manager circuitry 744, shown and described above in connection with FIG. 7 may provide a means to switch between the analog and digital interfaces.

[0107] In some examples, the UE may switch between the analog interface and the digital interface further based on a link direction of a signal communicated between the RF subsystem and the modem subsystem. In examples in which the signal is an uplink signal without carrier aggregation, the UE may select the analog interface to communicate the uplink signal without carrier aggregation from the modem subsystem to the RF subsystem via the analog interface. In examples in which the signal is an uplink signal with carrier aggregation, the UE may select the digital interface to communicate the uplink signal with carrier aggregation from the modem subsystem to the RF subsystem via the digital interface. In some examples, the UE may select the analog interface to communicate the signal between the RF subsystem and the modem subsystem via the analog interface in response to the throughput state being the low throughput state and select the digitalinterface to communicate the signal between the RF subsystem and the modem subsystem via the digital interface in response to the throughput state being the high throughput state. In this example, the signal may be a downlink signal received at the RF subsystem.

[0108] In some examples, the UE may receive, at the modem subsystem, an analog downlink signal from the RF subsystem via the analog interface. The UE may further convert the analog signal to a digital signal at the modem subsystem and filter the digital signal for baseband processing at the modem subsystem. In some examples, the UE may convert a digital uplink signal to an analog signal at the modem subsystem and provide the analog signal to the RF subsystem via the analog interface.

[0109] In some examples, the UE may select the digital interface for communication of signals between the RF subsystem and the modem subsystem and place a digital conversion and filtering module of the modem subsystem in a low power state. For example, the UE may power gate or clock gate the digital conversion and filtering module of the modem subsystem. In some examples, the UE may select the analog interface for communication of signals between the RF subsystem and the modem subsystem and place a digital conversion and filtering module of the RF subsystem in a low power state. For example, the UE may power gate or clock gate the digital conversion and filtering module of the RF subsystem.

[0110] FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating another exemplary process 900 for dynamic RF interface selection according to some aspects. As described below, some or all illustrated features may be omitted in a particular implementation within the scope of the present disclosure, and some illustrated features may not be required for implementation of all embodiments. In some examples, the process 900 may be carried out by the UE 700 illustrated in FIG. 7. In some examples, the process 900 may be carried out by any suitable apparatus or means for carrying out the functions or algorithm described below.

[0111] At block 902, the UE may identify an RF interface mode based on at least a throughput state of a modem subsystem. The RF interface mode may be a power mode or a performance mode. For example, the RF resource manager circuitry 744, shown and described above in connection with FIG. 7 may provide a means to identify the RF interface mode.

[0112] At block 904, the UE may select an analog interface between an RF subsystem and the modem subsystem and enable an analog filter and frequency conversion module in the RF subsystem in response to the RF interface mode being the power mode. Forexample, the RF resource manager circuitry 744, shown and described above in connection with FIG. 7 may provide a means to select the analog interface.

[0113] At block 906, the UE may select a digital interface between the RF subsystem and the modem subsystem and enable both the analog filter and frequency conversion module and a digital conversion and filtering module in the RF subsystem in response to the RF interface mode being the performance mode. For example, the RF resource manager circuitry 744, shown and described above in connection with FIG. 7 may provide a means to select the digital interface.

[0114] In some examples, the UE may use machine learning to identify the RF interface mode. In some examples, the UE may identify the throughput state based on one or more input throughput parameters related to a current use case of the modem subsystem. In some examples, the UE may access a look up table of a plurality of use cases of the modem subsystem and corresponding RF interface modes to identify the RF interface mode associated with a current use case of the plurality of use cases.

[0115] In one configuration, the UE includes means for providing an analog interface between a radio frequency (RF) subsystem and a modem subsystem, means for providing a digital interface between the RF subsystem and the modem subsystem, means for identifying a throughput state of the modem subsystem, the throughput state being a high throughput state or a low throughput state, and means for switching between the analog interface and the digital interface based on at least the throughput state. In one aspect, the aforementioned means may be the processor 704 and analog and digital interfaces 716 and 718 shown in FIG. 7 configured to perform the functions recited by the aforementioned means. In another aspect, the aforementioned means may be a circuit or any apparatus configured to perform the functions recited by the aforementioned means.

[0116] Of course, in the above examples, the circuitry included in the processor 704 is merely provided as an example, and other means for carrying out the described functions may be included within various aspects of the present disclosure, including but not limited to the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium 706, or any other suitable apparatus or means described in any one of the FIGs. 1, 3, 5, 6, and / or 7, and utilizing, for example, the processes and / or algorithms described herein in relation to FIGs. 4, 8, and 9.

[0117] The following provides an overview of aspects of the present disclosure:

[0118] Aspect 1: A method operable at a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: providing an analog interface between a radio frequency (RF) subsystem and a modemsubsystem; providing a digital interface between the RF subsystem and the modem subsystem; identifying a throughput state of the modem subsystem, the throughput state being a high throughput state or a low throughput state; and switching between the analog interface and the digital interface based on at least the throughput state.

[0119] Aspect 2: The method of aspect 1, further comprising: identifying an RF interface mode based on at least the throughput state, wherein the RF interface mode comprises a power mode or a performance mode; and wherein the switching further comprises: selecting the analog interface and enabling an analog filter and frequency conversion module in the RF subsystem in response to the RF interface mode being the power mode; and selecting the digital interface and enabling both the analog filter and frequency conversion module and a digital conversion and filtering module in the modem subsystem in response to the RF interface mode being the performance mode.

[0120] Aspect 3: The method of aspect 2, wherein the identifying the RF interface mode further comprises: using machine learning to identify the RF interface mode.

[0121] Aspect 4: The method of aspect 2 or 3, wherein the identifying the RF interface mode further comprises: identifying the throughput state based on one or more input throughput parameters related to a current use case of the modem subsystem.

[0122] Aspect 5: The method of any of aspects 2 through 4, wherein the identifying the RF interface mode further comprises: accessing a look up table of a plurality of use cases of the modem subsystem and corresponding RF interface modes to identify the RF interface mode associated with a current use case of the plurality of use cases.

[0123] Aspect 6: The method of any of aspects 1 through 5, wherein the switching further comprises: switching between the analog interface and the digital interface further based on a link direction of a signal communicated between the RF subsystem and the modem subsystem.

[0124] Aspect 7: The method of aspect 6, wherein the signal is an uplink signal without carrier aggregation and further comprising: selecting the analog interface to communicate the uplink signal without carrier aggregation from the modem subsystem to the RF subsystem via the analog interface.

[0125] Aspect 8: The method of aspect 6, wherein the signal is an uplink signal with carrier aggregation and further comprising: selecting the digital interface to communicate the uplink signal with carrier aggregation from the modem subsystem to the RF subsystem via the digital interface.

[0126] Aspect 9: The method of aspect 6, further comprising: selecting the analog interface to communicate the signal between the RF subsystem and the modem subsystem via the analog interface in response to the throughput state being the low throughput state; and selecting the digital interface to communicate the signal between the RF subsystem and the modem subsystem via the digital interface in response to the throughput state being the high throughput state.

[0127] Aspect 10: The method of aspect 9, wherein the signal comprises a downlink signal received at the RF subsystem.

[0128] Aspect 11: The method of any of aspects 1 through 10, further comprising: receiving, at the modem subsystem, an analog downlink signal from the RF subsystem via the analog interface; converting the analog downlink signal to a digital signal at the modem subsystem; and filtering the digital signal for baseband processing at the modem subsystem.

[0129] Aspect 12: The method of any of aspects 1 through 11, further comprising: converting a digital uplink signal to an analog signal at the modem subsystem; and providing the analog signal to the RF subsystem via the analog interface.

[0130] Aspect 13: The method of any of aspects 1 through 12, further comprising: selecting the digital interface for communication of signals between the RF subsystem and the modem subsystem; and placing a digital conversion and filtering module of the modem subsystem in a low power state.

[0131] Aspect 14: The method of aspect 13, wherein the placing further comprises: power gating or clock gating the digital conversion and filtering module.

[0132] Aspect 15: The method of any of aspects 1 through 14, further comprising: selecting the analog interface for communication of signals between the RF subsystem and the modem subsystem; and placing a digital conversion and filtering module of the RF subsystem in a low power state.

[0133] Aspect 16: The method of aspect 15, wherein the placing further comprises: power gating or clock gating the digital conversion and filtering module.

[0134] Aspect 17: An apparatus comprising means for performing the method of any of aspects 1 through 16.

[0135] Aspect 18: A user equipment (UE), comprising: a radio frequency (RF) subsystem; a modem subsystem; an analog interface coupled between the RF subsystem and the modem subsystem; and a digital interface coupled between the RF subsystem and the modem subsystem; and an RF resource manager configured to identify a throughputstate of the modem subsystem, the throughput state being a high throughput state or a low throughput state, and switch between the analog interface and the digital interface based on at least the throughput state.

[0136] Aspect 19: The UE of aspect 18, wherein the RF resource manager is further configured to: identify an RF interface mode based on at least the throughput state, wherein the RF interface mode comprises a power mode or a performance mode; select the analog interface and enabling an analog filter and frequency conversion module in the RF subsystem in response to the RF interface mode being the power mode; and select the digital interface and enabling both the analog filter and frequency conversion module and a digital conversion and filtering module in the modem subsystem in response to the RF interface mode being the performance mode.

[0137] Aspect 20: The UE of aspect 19, wherein the RF resource manager is further configured to: identify the RF interface mode based on machine learning.

[0138] Aspect 21 : The UE of aspect 19 or 20, wherein the RF resource manager is further configured to: identify the throughput state based on one or more input throughput parameters related to a current use case of the modem subsystem.

[0139] Aspect 22: The UE of any of aspects 19 through 21, wherein the RF resource manager is further configured to: access a look up table of a plurality of use cases of the modem subsystem and corresponding RF interface modes to identify the RF interface mode associated with a current use case of the plurality of use cases.

[0140] Aspect 23: The UE of any of aspects 18 through 22, wherein the RF resource manager is further configured to: switch between the analog interface and the digital interface further based on a link direction of a signal communicated between the RF subsystem and the modem subsystem.

[0141] Aspect 24: The UE of aspect 23, wherein the signal is an uplink signal without carrier aggregation and wherein the RF resource manager is further configured to: select the analog interface to communicate the uplink signal without carrier aggregation from the modem subsystem to the RF subsystem via the analog interface.

[0142] Aspect 25: The UE of aspect 23, wherein the signal is an uplink signal with carrier aggregation and wherein the RF resource manager is further configured to: select the digital interface to communicate the uplink signal with carrier aggregation from the modem subsystem to the RF subsystem via the digital interface.

[0143] Aspect 26: The UE of aspect 23, wherein the RF resource manager is further configured to: select the analog interface to communicate the signal between the RFsubsystem and the modem subsystem via the analog interface in response to the throughput state being the low throughput state; and select the digital interface to communicate the signal between the RF subsystem and the modem subsystem via the digital interface in response to the throughput state being the high throughput state.

[0144] Aspect 27: The UE of aspect 26, wherein the signal comprises a downlink signal received at the RF subsystem.

[0145] Aspect 28: The UE of any of aspects 18 through 27, wherein the modem subsystem is further configured to: receive, at the modem subsystem, an analog downlink signal from the RF subsystem via the analog interface; convert the analog downlink signal to a digital signal at the modem subsystem; and filter the digital signal for baseband processing at the modem subsystem.

[0146] Aspect 29: The UE of any of aspects 18 through 28, wherein the modem subsystem is further configured to: convert a digital uplink signal to an analog signal at the modem subsystem; and provide the analog signal to the RF subsystem via the analog interface.

[0147] Aspect 30: The UE of any of aspects 18 through 29, wherein the RF resource manager is further configured to: select the digital interface for communication of signals between the RF subsystem and the modem subsystem; and place a digital conversion and filtering module of the modem subsystem in a low power state.

[0148] Aspect 31: The UE of aspect 30, wherein the digital conversion and filtering module is power gated or clock gated.

[0149] Aspect 32: The UE of any of aspects 18 through 31, wherein the RF resource manager is further configured to: select the analog interface for communication of signals between the RF subsystem and the modem subsystem; and place a digital conversion and filtering module of the RF subsystem in a low power state.

[0150] Aspect 33: The UE of aspect 32, wherein the digital conversion and filtering module is power gated or clock gated.

[0151] Several aspects of a wireless communication network have been presented with reference to an exemplary implementation. As those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, various aspects described throughout this disclosure may be extended to other telecommunication systems, network architectures and communication standards.

[0152] By way of example, various aspects may be implemented within other systems defined by 3GPP, such as Long-Term Evolution (LTE), the Evolved Packet System (EPS), the Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), and / or the GlobalSystem for Mobile (GSM). Various aspects may also be extended to systems defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project 2 (3GPP2), such as CDMA2000 and / or Evolution- Data Optimized (EV-DO). Other examples may be implemented within systems employing IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth, and / or other suitable systems. The actual telecommunication standard, network architecture, and / or communication standard employed will depend on the specific application and the overall design constraints imposed on the system.

[0153] Within the present disclosure, the word “exemplary” is used to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation or aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects of the disclosure. Likewise, the term “aspects” does not require that all aspects of the disclosure include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation. The term “coupled” is used herein to refer to the direct or indirect coupling between two objects. For example, if object A physically touches object B, and object B touches object C, then objects A and C may still be considered coupled to one another — even if they do not directly physically touch each other. For instance, a first object may be coupled to a second object even though the first object is never directly physically in contact with the second object. The terms “circuit” and “circuitry” are used broadly, and intended to include both hardware implementations of electrical devices and conductors that, when connected and configured, enable the performance of the functions described in the present disclosure, without limitation as to the type of electronic circuits, as well as software implementations of information and instructions that, when executed by a processor, enable the performance of the functions described in the present disclosure.

[0154] One or more of the components, steps, features and / or functions illustrated in FIGs. 1-9 may be rearranged and / or combined into a single component, step, feature or function or embodied in several components, steps, or functions. Additional elements, components, steps, and / or functions may also be added without departing from novel features disclosed herein. The apparatus, devices, and / or components illustrated in FIGs. 1, 2A, 2B, 3, 5, 6, and / or 7 may be configured to perform one or more of the methods, features, or steps described herein. The novel algorithms described herein may also be efficiently implemented in software and / or embedded in hardware.

[0155] It is to be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed is an illustration of exemplary processes. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods may be rearranged.The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented unless specifically recited therein.

[0156] The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. A phrase referring to “at least one of’ a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover: a; b; c; a and b; a and c; b and c; and a, b and c. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A user equipment (UE), comprising: a radio frequency (RF) subsystem; a modem subsystem; an analog interface coupled between the RF subsystem and the modem subsystem; and a digital interface coupled between the RF subsystem and the modem subsystem; and an RF resource manager configured to identify a throughput state of the modem subsystem, the throughput state being a high throughput state or a low throughput state, and switch between the analog interface and the digital interface based on at least the throughput state.

2. The UE of claim 1, wherein the RF resource manager is further configured to: identify an RF interface mode based on at least the throughput state, wherein theRF interface mode comprises a power mode or a performance mode; select the analog interface and enabling an analog filter and frequency conversion module in the RF subsystem in response to the RF interface mode being the power mode; and select the digital interface and enabling both the analog filter and frequency conversion module and a digital conversion and filtering module in the modem subsystem in response to the RF interface mode being the performance mode.

3. The UE of claim 2, wherein the RF resource manager is further configured to: identify the RF interface mode based on machine learning.

4. The UE of claim 2, wherein the RF resource manager is further configured to: identify the throughput state based on one or more input throughput parameters related to a current use case of the modem subsystem.

5. The UE of claim 2, wherein the RF resource manager is further configured to:access a look up table of a plurality of use cases of the modem subsystem and corresponding RF interface modes to identify the RF interface mode associated with a current use case of the plurality of use cases.

6. The UE of claim 1, wherein the RF resource manager is further configured to: switch between the analog interface and the digital interface further based on a link direction of a signal communicated between the RF subsystem and the modem subsystem.

7. The UE of claim 6, wherein the signal is an uplink signal without carrier aggregation and wherein the RF resource manager is further configured to: select the analog interface to communicate the uplink signal without carrier aggregation from the modem subsystem to the RF subsystem via the analog interface.

8. The UE of claim 6, wherein the signal is an uplink signal with carrier aggregation and wherein the RF resource manager is further configured to: select the digital interface to communicate the uplink signal with carrier aggregation from the modem subsystem to the RF subsystem via the digital interface.

9. The UE of claim 6, wherein the RF resource manager is further configured to: select the analog interface to communicate the signal between the RF subsystem and the modem subsystem via the analog interface in response to the throughput state being the low throughput state; and select the digital interface to communicate the signal between the RF subsystem and the modem subsystem via the digital interface in response to the throughput state being the high throughput state.

10. The UE of claim 9, wherein the signal comprises a downlink signal received at the RF subsystem.

11. The UE of claim 1, wherein the modem subsystem is further configured to: receive, at the modem subsystem, an analog downlink signal from the RF subsystem via the analog interface;convert the analog downlink signal to a digital signal at the modem subsystem; and filter the digital signal for baseband processing at the modem subsystem.

12. The UE of claim 1, wherein the modem subsystem is further configured to: convert a digital uplink signal to an analog signal at the modem subsystem; and provide the analog signal to the RF subsystem via the analog interface.

13. The UE of claim 1, wherein the RF resource manager is further configured to: select the digital interface for communication of signals between the RF subsystem and the modem subsystem; and place a digital conversion and filtering module of the modem subsystem in a low power state.

14. The UE of claim 13, wherein the digital conversion and filtering module is power gated or clock gated.

15. The UE of claim 1, wherein the RF resource manager is further configured to: select the analog interface for communication of signals between the RF subsystem and the modem subsystem; and place a digital conversion and filtering module of the RF subsystem in a low power state.

16. The UE of claim 15, wherein the digital conversion and filtering module is power gated or clock gated.

17. A method operable at a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: providing an analog interface between a radio frequency (RF) subsystem and a modem subsystem; providing a digital interface between the RF subsystem and the modem subsystem; identifying a throughput state of the modem subsystem, the throughput state being a high throughput state or a low throughput state; andswitching between the analog interface and the digital interface based on at least the throughput state.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: identifying an RF interface mode based on at least the throughput state, wherein the RF interface mode comprises a power mode or a performance mode; and wherein the switching further comprises: selecting the analog interface and enabling an analog filter and frequency conversion module in the RF subsystem in response to the RF interface mode being the power mode; and selecting the digital interface and enabling both the analog filter and frequency conversion module and a digital conversion and filtering module in the modem subsystem in response to the RF interface mode being the performance mode.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the identifying the RF interface mode further comprises: identifying the throughput state based on one or more input throughput parameters related to a current use case of the modem subsystem.

20. An apparatus, comprising: means for providing an analog interface between a radio frequency (RF) subsystem and a modem subsystem; means for providing a digital interface between the RF subsystem and the modem subsystem; means identifying a throughput state of the modem subsystem, the throughput state being a high throughput state or a low throughput state; and means for switching between the analog interface and the digital interface based on at least the throughput state.

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