Link sharing in TDD-duplex mode

Abstract

In certain embodiments, systems and methods for link sharing in TDD-duplex mode are provided. In particular, a system includes one or more radio modules comprising an uplink port and a downlink port, wherein the one or more radio modules comprise a transceiver chip configured to provide a downlink signal and receive an uplink signal and an observation signal. Further, a radio module in the one or more radio modules further comprises a link-sharing switch configured to switch between providing received signals to the transceiver chip as the uplink signal and the observation signal.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 6871 WO W1 / 376.2148WO01LINK SHARING IN TOD-DUPLEX MODECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.63 / 752,074, filed on January 31, 2025, the contents of which are incorporated herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] A distributed antenna system (DAS) can be used to extend the coverage of a cellular communication system to areas of traditionally low signal coverage, such as within buildings, tunnels, or areas obstructed by terrain features. A DAS can extend coverage by receiving signals from a base station of a cellular communication system and retransmitting the signals directly into low-coverage areas. For example, a DAS can include a main unit that receives signals from one or more base stations, distributes the received signals into the coverage area through multiple access points, and transmits signals from the access points to a base station. The access points are located to distribute signals to and receive signals from user equipment in a coverage area.

[0003] When distributing signals into a coverage area, access points and other DAS components may be designed to have different form factors by power classes. Within the different power classes, DAS components may use different passive and active cooling systems. Because of the different requirements imposed by the shape of the device and the components required due to the power class of the device, different devices may have components individually designed for the different types of power classes.SUMMARY

[0004] In certain embodiments, systems and methods for link sharing in TDD-duplex mode are provided. In particular, a system includes one or more radio modules comprising an uplink port and a downlink port, wherein the one or more radio modules comprise a transceiver chip configured to provide a downlink signal and receive an uplink signal and an observation signal. Further, a radio module in the one or more radio modules further comprises a link-sharing switch configured to switch between providing received signals to the transceiver chip as the uplink signal and the observation signal.Attorney Docket No. 6871 WO W1 / 376.2148WO01BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Drawings accompany this description and depict only some embodiments associated with the scope of the appended claims. Thus, the described and depicted embodiments should not be considered limiting in scope. The accompanying drawings and specification describe the exemplary embodiments, and features thereof, with additional specificity and detail, in which:

[0006] FIG. l is a block diagram illustrating a distributed antenna system according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0007] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a modular radio module with connected amplification and filter stages according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0008] FIGs. 3A-3D are block diagrams of different components within an exemplary access point;

[0009] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a radio module implementing a digital predistortion (DPD) feedback selector switch according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a radio module implementing an uplink switch according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIGs 6A and 6B are block diagrams of radio modules and amplification stages implementing a link-sharing switch according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a radio module implementing a DPD feedback selector switch, uplink switch, and link-sharing switch according to an aspect of the present disclosure; and

[0013] FIG. 8 is a flowchart diagram illustrating a method for implementing a linksharing switch according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0014] Per common practice, the drawings do not show the various described features according to scale, but the drawings show the features to emphasize the relevance of the features to the example embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings that form a part of the present specification. The drawings, through illustration, show specific illustrative embodiments. However, it is to be understood that other embodiments may be used and that logical, mechanical, and electrical changes may be made.Attorney Docket No. 6871 WO W1 / 376.2148WO01

[0016] In certain embodiments, access points may have one or more modules and / or amplification stages for communicating with user equipment in associated coverage areas. Often, the combination of modules and amplification stages may determine whether an access point is a high-power access point, a medium-power access point, or a low-power access point. For example, an access point may have a radio module that can function as a low-power or medium-power radio module. The low-power or mediumpower radio module may be coupled to an amplification stage, where the amplification stage amplifies the signal for a higher power transmission. In particular, when the radio module is a low-power radio module, coupled amplification stages may amplify signals for medium-power or high-power communications. When the radio module is a high-power radio module, an amplification stage may amplify signals for high-power communications. Alternatively, the radio module may provide signals for low-power or medium-power communications. When the radio module is connected to a high-power or medium-power amplification stage, the radio module may be configurable for connecting to either type of stage by incorporating one or more of various switches that increase the functionality of the radio module. For example, the radio module may include a digital pre-distortion (DPD) feedback selector switch that can configure whether the radio module operates in a medium-power or high-power system. Additionally, the radio module may include a receive / uplink switch that is able to reconfigure the receive path of a radio module. Further, the radio module may include a link-sharing switch that is able to reduce the number of cables between the radio module and connected amplification stages.

[0017] Distributed antenna systems (DAS) often include carrier access points that transmit and receive signals throughout coverage areas. DASs are designed to extend wireless coverage over multiple coverage areas, where each coverage area is associated with an access point. Often, the different coverages have different design considerations that may include the size of the area, obstructions, proximity to neighboring coverage areas, potential interfering signals, and other considerations. Access points can be designed to communicate signals at different power levels to accommodate the various design considerations for a coverage area. For example, access points may be designed in multiple power classes, such as low-power, medium-power, and high-power accessAttorney Docket No. 6871 WO W1 / 376.2148WO01points. Access points for these different power classes have different design considerations. In particular, access points at different power classes have different amplification and power considerations. Also, the different power classes may have different cooling requirements, such as passive or active cooling systems. Thus, each power class may have different components and different form factors to enclose and support the different components. Although the access points for different power classes have different design considerations, the access points have common components that can perform similar functions. For example, high-power and medium-power access points can both be designed to include radio modules.

[0018] However, while high-power and medium-power access points both include radio modules, a radio module may include different connections for connecting to other components in different power class access points. In particular, a radio module may connect to amplification stages for the different power classes. For example, a radio module may connect to a high-power amplification stage or a medium-power amplification stage. When a radio module connects to a high-power amplification stage, the radio module may connect to the high-power amplification stage through several cabled RF connections. Often, RF cables and the required connectors can lead to significant cost increases within a DAS because the RF cables and connectors are often designed with quality RF shieldings, low insertion loss, and high return loss.

[0019] In certain embodiments, a radio module can be designed to include one or more switches that can reduce the cabling within an access point while increasing the functionality of a radio module within the access point. In some implementations, the radio module may be configured to receive DPD feedback from an amplification stage. However, different power classes may provide this feedback through different ports. For example, signals may be coupled onto a DPD feedback path from a coupler on the radio module, where the coupler is connected to a transmission port on the radio module. Alternatively, the DPD feedback path may receive signals from a dedicated connection coupled to receive DPD feedback directly from a connected amplification stage or other source connected to the radio module. Thus, a radio module may have three potential connections to the amplification stage: a transmission port, a receive port, and a DPD feedback port. To enable connections to both internal and external power amplificationAttorney Docket No. 6871 WO W1 / 376.2148WO01stages, the radio module may include a switch that can switch to a DPD feedback port for receiving DPD feedback from an off-board amplification stage and switch to receive DPD feedback from an on-board amplification stage.

[0020] In other implementations, the radio module may be configured to have a switch that can configure a receive path to operate in one of multiple high-power and mediumpower scenarios. For example, the switch can be positioned in a first position to configure the radio module to operate in a medium-power time division duplexing (TDD) scenario. Alternatively, when the switch is positioned in a second position, the radio module is configured to operate in one of a medium-power frequency division duplexing (FDD) scenario, a high-power TDD scenario, and a high-power FDD scenario.

[0021] In additional implementations, the radio module may be configured to have a switch that permits link-sharing to reduce the number of cables needed to connect a radio module to a power amplification stage. For example, a switch may enable link-sharing between uplink and DPD feedback from a power amplification stage.

[0022] Further, combinations of the different switches described above may be implemented within a radio module. When implementing multiple switches within a radio module, the switches may be implemented independently or using a PCB population option. Accordingly, implementing the different switches within a radio module may increase the functionality and modularity of a radio module. Also, the switches may reduce the cost and complexity of a DAS by reducing the amount of cabling used to connect the various components within a carrier access point.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating one exemplary embodiment of a radio access network (RAN) communication system, such as a distributed antenna system (DAS) 100, in which access points 109 include radio modules with improved modularity and increased functionality. In the example of FIG. 1, the DAS 100 includes one or more master units 105 (also referred to as “host units” or “central area nodes” or “central units”) and one or more access points 109 (also referred to as “remote units,” “carrier access point,” “remote antenna units,” or “radiating points”) that are communicatively coupled to the one or more master units 105. In one implementation of the example of FIG. 1, the DAS 100 may be a digital DAS, in which DAS traffic is distributed between the master units 105 and the access points 109 in digital form. Alternatively, the DASAttorney Docket No. 6871 WO W1 / 376.2148WO01traffic may be distributed between the master units 105 and the access points 109 as analog signals. In some implementations, the DAS traffic may be distributed between the master units 105 and the access points 109 as a mixture of analog and digital signals. The DAS 100 can be deployed at a site to provide wireless coverage and capacity for one or more wireless network communication operators. The site may be, for example, a building or campus or other grouping of buildings (used, for example, by one or more businesses, governments, or other enterprise entities) or some other public venue (such as a hotel, resort, amusement park, hospital, shopping center, airport, university campus, arena, or an outdoor area such as a ski area, stadium or a densely-populated downtown area).

[0024] Each master unit 105 is communicatively coupled to at least one base station 101. One or more of the base stations 101 can be co-located with the respective master unit 105 to which it is coupled (for example, where the base station 101 is dedicated to providing base station capacity to the DAS 100). Also, one or more of the base stations 101 can be located remotely from the respective master unit 105 to which it is coupled (for example, where the base station 101 is a macro base station providing base station capacity to a macro cell in addition to providing capacity to the DAS 100). In this latter case, a master unit 105 can be coupled to a donor antenna using an over-the-air repeater in order to wirelessly communicate with the remotely located base station.

[0025] The base stations 101 may be implemented in a traditional manner in which a baseband unit (BBU) is deployed at the same location with a remote radio head (RRH) to which it is coupled, where the BBU and RRH are coupled to each other using optical fibers over which front haul data is communicated as streams of digital IQ samples (for example, in a format that complies with one of the Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI), Open Base Station Architecture Initiative (OB SAI), and Open RAN (0-RAN) families of specifications). Also, the base stations 101 may be implemented in other ways (for example, using a centralized radio access network (C-RAN) topology where multiple BBUs are deployed together in a central location) where each BBU is coupled to one or more RRHs that are deployed in the area in which wireless service is to be provided. Also, the base station 101 can be implemented as a small cell base station in which theAttorney Docket No. 6871 WO W1 / 376.2148WO01BBU and RRH functions are deployed together in a single package. The base stations 101 communicate with the wireless network communication operators.

[0026] Master unit 105 may be configured to use wideband interfaces or narrowband interfaces to the base stations 101. Also, the master unit 105 may be configured to interface with the base stations 101 using analog radio frequency (RF) interfaces or digital interfaces (for example, using a CPRI, OBSAI, or 0-RAN digital interface). In some examples, the master unit 105 interfaces with the base stations 101 via one or more wireless interface nodes (not shown). A wireless interface node can be located, for example, at a base station hotel, and group a particular part of an RF installation to transfer to the master unit 105.

[0027] Traditionally, a master unit 105 interfaces with one or more base stations 101 using the analog radio frequency signals that each base station 101 communicates to and from user equipment 115 (also referred to as “mobile units” or “mobile devices”) of a user using a suitable air interface standard. Although the user equipment 115 are referred to here as “mobile” user equipment 115, it is to be understood that the user equipment 115 need not be mobile in ordinary use (for example, where the user equipment 115 is integrated into, or is coupled to, a sensor unit that is deployed in a fixed location and that periodically wirelessly communicates with a gateway or other device). The DAS 100 operates as a distributed repeater for such radio frequency signals. RF signals transmitted from each base station 101 (also referred to herein as “downlink RF signals”) are received at the master unit 105. In such examples, the master unit 105 uses the downlink RF signals to generate a downlink transport signal that is distributed to one or more of the access points 109. Each such access point 109 receives the downlink transport signal and reconstructs a version of the downlink RF signals based on the downlink transport signal and causes the reconstructed downlink RF signals to be radiated from an antenna 113 coupled to or included in that access point 109.

[0028] In some examples, the master unit 105 is directly coupled to the access points 109. In one such example, the master unit 105 is coupled to the access points 109 using cables 121. For example, the cables 121 can include optical fiber or Ethernet cable complying with the Category 5, Category 5e, Category 6, Category 6A, or Category 7Attorney Docket No. 6871 WO W1 / 376.2148WO01specifications. Future communication medium specifications used for Ethernet and other signals are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0029] A similar process can be performed in the uplink direction. RF signals transmitted from user equipment 115 (also referred to herein as “uplink RF signals”) are received at one or more access points 109 via an antenna 113. Each access point 109 uses the uplink RF signals to generate an uplink transport signal that is transmitted from the access point 109 to a master unit 105. The master unit 105 receives uplink transport signals transmitted from one or more access points 109 coupled to it. The master unit 105 can combine data or signals communicated via the uplink transport signals from multiple access points 109 (for example, where the DAS 100 is implemented as a digital DAS, by digitally summing corresponding digital samples received from the various access points 109) and generates uplink RF signals from the combined data or signals. In such examples, the master unit 105 communicates the generated uplink RF signals to one or more base stations 101. In this way, the coverage of the base stations 101 can be expanded using the DAS 100.

[0030] When the DAS 100 is implemented as a digital DAS, real digital signals are communicated between the master unit 105 and the access points 109. In some examples of a “digital” DAS, signals received from and provided to the base stations 101 and user equipment 115 are used to produce digital in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) samples, which are communicated between the master unit 105 and access points 109. It is important to note that this digital IQ representation of the original signals received from the base stations 101 and from the mobile units still maintains the original modulation (that is, the change in the instantaneous amplitude, phase, or frequency of a carrier) used to convey telephony or data information pursuant to the cellular air interface standard used for wirelessly communicating between the base stations 101 and the user equipment 115. Examples of such cellular air interface standards include, for example, the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), Long-Term Evolution (LTE), Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS), and fifth generation New Radio (5G NR) air interface standards. Also, each stream of digital IQ samples represents or includes a portion of the frequency spectrum. For example, the digital IQ samples can represent aAttorney Docket No. 6871 WO W1 / 376.2148WO01single radio access network carrier (for example, a 5G NR carrier with 40 MHz or 400 MHz signal bandwidth) onto which voice or data information has been modulated using a 5G NR air interface. It is to be understood that each such stream can also represent multiple carriers (for example, in a band of the frequency spectrum or a sub-band of a given band of the frequency spectrum). A 5G NR carrier can have a maximum signal bandwidth of 100MHz for FR1. A bandwidth of 400 MHz can be achieved with 4 times 100MHz carriers or one 400MHz carrier in FR2, for example.

[0031] In the example shown in Figure 1, one or more of the master units 105 can be configured to interface with one or more base stations 101 using an analog RF interface (for example, via an analog RF interface of an RRH or a small cell base station). In some examples, the base stations 101 can be coupled to the master unit 105 using a network of attenuators, combiners, splitters, amplifiers, filters, cross-connects, etc., which is referred to collectively as a point-of-interface (POI) 103. This is done so that, in the downlink, the desired set of RF carriers output by the base stations 101 can be extracted, combined, and routed to the appropriate master unit 105, and so that, in the uplink, the desired set of carriers output by the master unit 105 can be extracted, combined, and routed to the appropriate interface of each base station 101. In other examples, the POI 103 can be part of the master unit 105.

[0032] In some embodiments, in the downlink, the master unit 105 can produce digital IQ samples from an analog signal received at certain radio frequencies. These digital IQ samples can also be filtered, amplified, attenuated, and / or re-sampled or decimated to a lower sample rate. The digital samples can be produced in other ways. Each stream of digital IQ samples represents a portion of the frequency spectrum output by one or more base stations 101.

[0033] Likewise, in the uplink, the master unit 105 can produce an uplink analog signal from one or more streams of digital IQ samples received from one or more access points 109 by digitally combining streams of digital IQ samples that represent the same carriers or frequency bands or sub-bands received from multiple access points 109 (for example, by digitally summing corresponding digital IQ samples from the various access points 109), performing a digital-to-analog process on the real samples in order to produce an IF or baseband analog signal, and up-converting the IF or baseband analog signal to theAttorney Docket No. 6871 WO W1 / 376.2148WO01desired RF frequency. The digital IQ samples can also be filtered, amplified, attenuated, and / or re-sampled or interpolated to a higher sample rate before and / or after being combined.

[0034] In some embodiments, the master unit 105 can be configured to interface with one or more base stations 101 using a digital interface (in addition to, or instead of) interfacing with one or more base stations 101 via an analog RF interface. For example, the master unit 105 can be configured to interact directly with one or more BBUs using the digital IQ interface that is used for communicating between the BBUs and an RRHs (for example, using the CPRI serial digital IQ interface or ORAN).

[0035] In the downlink, the master unit 105 terminates one or more downlink streams of digital IQ samples provided to it from one or more BBUs and, if necessary, converts (by re-sampling, synchronizing, combining, separating, gain adjusting, etc.) them into downlink streams of digital IQ samples compatible with the access points 109 used in the DAS 100. In the uplink, the master unit 105 receives uplink streams of digital IQ samples from one or more access points 109, digitally combining streams of digital IQ samples that represent the same carriers or frequency bands or sub-bands received from multiple access points 109 (for example, by digitally summing corresponding digital IQ samples received from the various access points 109), and, if necessary, converts (by re-sampling, synchronizing, combining, separating, gain adjusting, etc.) them into uplink streams of digital IQ samples compatible with the one or more BBUs that are coupled to that master unit 105.

[0036] In the downlink, each access point 109 receives streams of digital IQ samples from the master unit 105, where each stream of digital IQ samples represents a portion of the radio frequency spectrum output by one or more base stations 101. Each access point 109 generates, from the downlink digital IQ samples, one or more downlink RF signals for radiation from the one or more antennas coupled to that access point 109 for reception by any user equipment 115 in the associated coverage area. In the uplink, each access point 109 receives one or more uplink radio frequency signals transmitted from any user equipment 115 in the associated coverage area, generates one or more uplink streams of digital IQ samples derived from the received one or more uplink radio frequency signals, and transmits them to the master unit 105.Attorney Docket No. 6871 WO W1 / 376.2148WO01

[0037] Each access point 109 can be communicatively coupled directly to a master unit 105 or indirectly via one or more other access points 109 (such as an extension access point 111) and / or via one or more intermediate units 107 (also referred to as “expansion units” or “transport expansion nodes”). The latter approach can be done, for example, in order to increase the number of access points 109 that a single master unit 105 can feed, to increase the master-unit-to-remote-antenna-unit distance, and / or to reduce the amount of cabling needed to couple a master unit 105 to its associated access points 109. The expansion units may be coupled to the master unit 105 via one or more cables.

[0038] In some embodiments, an access point 109 is shown as having another co-located access point (also referred to herein as an extension access point 111) communicatively coupled to it. Subtending a co-located extension access point 111 from another access point 109 can be done in order to expand the number of frequency bands that are radiated from that same location and / or to support MIMO service (for example, where different co-located remote antenna units radiate and receive different MIMO streams for a single MIMO frequency band). The access point 109 is communicatively coupled to the extension access point 111 using a fiber optic cable, a multi-conductor cable, a coaxial cable, or the like. In such an implementation, the extension access points 111 are coupled to the master unit 105 of the DAS 100 via the access point 109.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system 200 for a modular carrier access point. For example, the system 200 may include a radio module 201 that is coupled to one or more power pallets 203, where each power pallet 203 may be connected to a filter / duplexer 205 (a filter in a TDD system and a duplexer in an FDD system). The filter / duplexer 205 is then coupled to an antenna 219, through which signals are exchanged with user equipment in an associated coverage area. As described herein, the radio module 201 may have a module interface 207 for connecting to a pallet interface 209 on a power pallet 203 of different power classes. For example, the power pallet 203 may be a medium-power or high-power amplification stage that connects to a respective filter 205.

[0040] In certain embodiments, the radio module 201 is a device that is designed to facilitate communications in different frequency bands. In one exemplary implementation, the radio module 201 may connect to a baseband circuit within an accessAttorney Docket No. 6871 WO W1 / 376.2148WO01point, where the BBC controls the signals that are provided to the radio module 201 within an access point.

[0041] In further embodiments, the module interface 207 may potentially connect to a pallet interface 209 through multiple connections. For example, the module interface 207 connects to the pallet interface 209 through at least a transmit connection 211 and a receive connection 215. The radio module 201 provides downlink signals through the transmit connection 211 to the power pallet 203. Also, the radio module 201 may receive uplink signals through the receive connection 215 from the power pallet 203 in TDD mode or from a fdter / duplexer 205 in FDD mode. Additionally, the module interface 207 may optionally include an observational receive connection 213. The radio module 201 may receive observation signals from the power pallet 203, which can be used by the radio module 201 to measure reflected waves from the antenna 219. Also, the radio module 201 may receive the observation signals through the observation receive connection 213 as DPD feedback, wherein the radio module 201 may use the DPD feedback to perform digital pre-distortion tasks to adjust for distortions caused by signal amplification. However, the module interface 207 may be configured to receive the observation signals from the power pallet 203 through the receive connection 215 instead of through a dedicated observation receive connection 213. Thus, the radio module 201 may receive both the observation signals and the uplink signals through a shared connection.

[0042] In some embodiments, the power pallet 203 is an amplification stage that is configured to amplify downlink signals from the radio module 201 and amplify uplink signals received from user equipment. The power pallet 203 is configured to amplify the signals at a power level associated with a particular power class. For example, if the power pallet 203 is a high-power pellet, and the power pallet 203 amplifies signals to high-power levels for high-power transmissions. Also, the power pallet 203 may amplify uplink signals for reception by the radio module 201. Similarly, the power pallet 203 is a medium-power pallet, and the power pallet 203 amplifies to medium-power levels for medium-power transmissions. Also, the power pallet 203 may amplify uplink signals for reception by the radio module 201. Alternatively, the medium-power pallet may also function as a driver stage for a connected high-power pallet.Attorney Docket No. 6871 WO W1 / 376.2148WO01

[0043] In additional embodiments, the power pallet 203 may be coupled to a filter 205 that is configured for filtering downlink signals before transmission to user equipment through an antenna 219. For example, the filter 205 may suppress noise and signals that are outside a range of passband frequencies associated with an intended transmission signal. Also, the filter 205 is configured to filter uplink signals received from user equipment through an antenna 219. For example, the filter 205 may suppress noise and other signals received through the antenna 219 that are outside a passband associated with the frequencies of signals transmitted from user equipment. While the power pallet 203 is illustrated as being connected to a filter 205 in the case of a TDD system, the power pallet 203 may also be connected to a duplexer within an FDD system.

[0044] FIGs. 3A-3D are block diagrams illustrating typical implementations for a modular radio module 301, an amplification stage 340, a filter 360 (for TDD), and a duplexer 380 (for FDD). FIG. 3 A is a block diagram illustrating a typical implementation of radio module 301 for a high-power application. The radio module 301 may include a transceiver chip 303 configured to receive and transmit signals along multiple sets of uplink paths, observational receive paths, and downlink paths, where each set transmits and receives signals with separate amplification stages. In particular, downlink signals are transmitted from the radio module 301 for each set through a downlink port 315, uplink signals are received by the radio module 301 for each set through an uplink port 319, and observational receive signals are received by the radio module 301 for each set through an observation port 317. The downlink port 315, uplink port 319, and observation port 317 may be part of a module interface 207, like the module interface 207 described above in FIG. 2.

[0045] In typical implementations, the transceiver chip 303 may be configured to support the transmission and reception of radio frequency (RF) signals. The transceiver chip 303 may receive baseband downlink signals from a baseband card (BBC) and perform one or more functions to prepare the received baseband signal for transmission to user equipment. Also, the transceiver chip 303 may receive RF uplink signals from an uplink path and convert the received RF uplink signals for baseband processing. In at least one implementation, the transceiver chip 303 may receive digital baseband downlink signals from the BBC and convert them to RF downlink signals. Also, the transceiver chip 303Attorney Docket No. 6871 WO W1 / 376.2148WO01may receive RF uplink signals and provide digital baseband uplink signals to the BBC. Alternatively, the transceiver chip 303 may receive and provide analog signals.

[0046] Further, in preparing signals for baseband processing or RF transmission, the transceiver chip 303 may function to convert signals for transmission in the downlink direction and processing in the uplink direction. For example, the transceiver chip 303 may include circuitry to support mixing of signals between baseband, intermediate frequencies, and radio frequencies. The circuitry may include oscillators, phase-locked loop circuitry, mixers, filters, and other circuitry to support the mixing between different frequencies. Additionally, the transceiver chip 303 may include digital-to-analog converters and analog-to-digital converters to support conversion between digital and analog signals. Additionally, the transceiver chip 303 may include circuitry to support communications like automatic gain control, error detection, filtering, protocol handling, power management, and other communication functions. In additional examples, some systems may employ a transceiver chip 303 for modulating and demodulating signals. For example, the transceiver chip 303 may modulate baseband signals by modifying signal characteristics to encode data onto a carrier wave using one or more of modulation techniques known to one having skill in the art. Also, the transceiver chip 303 may demodulate encoded uplink signals to facilitate the recovery of digital data using demodulation techniques known to one having skill in the art.

[0047] Additionally, the transceiver chip 303 is connected to one or more downlink paths for communicating with user equipment. In the downlink path, the transceiver chip 303 provides a downlink signal to a first downlink amplifier 305. The first downlink amplifier 305 may amplify the downlink signal to a desired output power and then provide the downlink signal to an optional first downlink circulator 307. When the first downlink circulator 307 receives a signal from the first downlink amplifier 305, the first downlink circulator 307 circulates the received signal to a second downlink amplifier 309. The first downlink circulator 307 may function as a signal isolator as the first downlink circulator 307 may circulate reflected or other signals from the second downlink amplifier 309 to a termination to prevent the reflected signals from causing distortions in the first downlink amplifier 305 or affecting the operation of the circuitry in the transceiver chip 303.Alternatively, the first downlink amplifier 305 may directly couple amplified signals toAttorney Docket No. 6871 WO W1 / 376.2148WO01the second downlink amplifier 309. The second downlink amplifier 309 may then perform additional amplification of the downlink signal.

[0048] In the downlink path, when the radio module 301 provides for on board DPD, the radio module 301 may include a coupler 311, where the second downlink amplifier 309 may then couple the downlink signals to the coupler 311. The coupler 311 may couple received downlink signals to a second downlink circulator 313. The coupler 311 may couple downlink signals while allowing the coupling of other signals into the downlink signal or signals received from the uplink direction onto different processing paths (like onboard DPD). When the coupler 311 provides signals to the second downlink circulator 313, the second downlink circulator 313 then provides the downlink signal from the second downlink circulator 313 to the downlink port 315. Further, the second downlink circulator 313 may prevent reflected or other spurious signals from the downlink port 315 from negatively affecting the operation of downlink components in the radio module 301 or circuitry in the transceiver chip 303.

[0049] The radio module 301 may also be configured to receive signals from the observation port 317. For example, the radio module 301 may be configured to receive observation signals through the observation port 317. The radio module 301 receives the observation signals and provides the observation signals to the transceiver chip 303. The transceiver chip 303 may then use the observation signals to perform predistortion tasks to account for signal distortions that may arise during the amplification and conversion of the signal in the radio module 301 and any cascaded stages. Alternatively, the transceiver chip 303 may provide the observation signals to a BBC or other circuit for the performance of predistortion tasks.

[0050] Additionally, the radio module 301 may also be configured to receive uplink signals from the uplink port 319. For example, the radio module 301 may be configured to receive the uplink signals and perform amplification and filtering tasks along an uplink path to improve the acquisition of information from the uplink signals. In particular, the uplink path may include a first uplink amplifier 321 that amplifies the uplink signal and then provides the amplified uplink signal to an uplink filter 323. The uplink filter 323 includes a passband around the RF frequencies of the uplink signal. The uplink filter 323 may suppress noise that may be introduced during amplification or other sources of noise.Attorney Docket No. 6871 WO W1 / 376.2148WO01After filtering, the filtered uplink signal may be provided to a second uplink amplifier 325, which performs additional amplification of the filtered signal before provision to the transceiver chip 303 for additional processing of the uplink signal.

[0051] FIG. 3B is a block diagram of a typical implementation of an amplification stage 340. As illustrated, the amplification may include amplifiers, so the signals have sufficient strength to meet design objectives associated with an associated coverage area. In some implementations, the amplification stage 340 may incorporate integrated duplexers. Alternatively, the amplification stage 340 may lack integrated duplexers. As illustrated, the amplification stage 340 may communicate with a radio module 301 through various ports that include a downlink input port 341, an observational output port 353, and an uplink output port 357. Further, the amplification stage 340 may provide amplified signals through an amplification output 351. Alternatively, the amplification stage 340 may have up to three outputs as well as inputs when functioning as a driver stage for an additional amplification stage.

[0052] Additionally, the amplification stage 340 may receive a downlink signal through the downlink input port 341 and provide the downlink signal to a circulator 343 that then provides the downlink signal to a downlink amplifier 345. The circulator 343 may also prevent reflected signals from the downlink amplifier 345 from being output through the 341. The downlink amplifier 345 may then amplify the downlink signal and provide the downlink signal to a coupler 347. The coupler 347 may provide a portion of the amplified downlink signal to a circulator 349 and couple a portion of the amplified downlink signal through the observational output port 353. The circulator 349 provides a portion of the amplified downlink signal to the amplification output 351 for transmission to user equipment. Also, the amplification stage 340 may include the observational output port 353, which may provide the portion of the amplified downlink signal so the signal can be predistorted to counter potential distortions caused by amplifiers in the amplification stage 340 and the radio module 301.

[0053] When the amplification stage 340 receives an uplink signal through the amplification output 351, the circulator 349 provides the received uplink signal to an isolation switch 359. The isolation switch 359 is configured to terminate signals received from the circulator 349 when the amplification stage 340 provides downlink signalsAttorney Docket No. 6871 WO W1 / 376.2148WO01through the amplification output 351. Also, the isolation switch 359 is configured to provide signals received from the circulator 349 to an uplink amplifier 355 when the amplification stage 340 is receiving uplink signals through the amplification output 351. The isolation switch 359 may be used within a TDD communication scheme. The uplink amplifier 355 amplifies the uplink signal and provides the amplified uplink signal to the uplink output port 357 for coupling to the radio module 301 or, potentially, to an amplification driver stage. In some examples, the switch 359, uplink amplifier 355, and uplink output port 357 may only be present in TDD amplification stages.

[0054] FIG. 3C is a block diagram of a filter 360 used in a TDD sytem that is configured to filter uplink and downlink signals. For example, the filter 360 may receive a downlink signal through a first filter port 361 from a connected amplification stage 340 and receive an uplink signal through a second filter port 365 coupled to an antenna. Also, the filter 360 may provide a downlink signal through the second filter port 365 to an antenna for transmission to user equipment and provide an uplink signal through the first filter port 361 to a coupled amplification stage 340. Further, the filter 360 may include a passband filter 363 that filters frequencies outside with one or more passbands associated with carrier frequencies of the uplink and downlink signals exchanged between access points and user equipment. In some implementations, the filter 363 may be a filter cavity tuned to pass signals in the desired passbands.

[0055] FIG. 3D is a block diagram of a duplexer 380 that is configured to filter uplink and downlink signals in an FDD scheme. The duplexer 380 may receive a downlink signal through a first duplexer port 381 from a connected amplification stage 340 (or radio module 301) and receive an uplink signal through a second duplexer port 391 coupled to an antenna. In the downlink direction, the duplexer 380 may receive a signal from a connected amplification stage 340, where a first circulator 383 may receive the downlink signal and circulate the signal to a downlink filter 385. The downlink filter 385 has a downlink passband, filters the downlink signal and provides the downlink signal to a second circulator 389, which couples the downlink signal to the second duplexer port 391 for transmission through a connected antenna. In the uplink direction, the duplexer 380 may receive a signal from user equipment through the second duplexer port 391, where the second circulator 389 couples the received uplink signal to an uplink filter 387Attorney Docket No. 6871 WO W1 / 376.2148WO01having an uplink passband. The uplink filter 387 filters the uplink signal and provides the uplink signal to the first circulator 383, which couples the uplink signal to the first duplexer port 381 for reception by the amplification stage 340. As shown, the downlink passband of the downlink filter 385 and the uplink passband of the uplink filter 387 may have different passbands to support FDD.

[0056] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an implementation for a modular FDD radio module 401 that incorporates a DPD feedback selector switch. The radio module 401 includes multiple components that perform the same or similar function as components previously described in relation to the radio module 301 in FIG. 3A. For example, the transceiver chip 403 functions similar to the transceiver chip 303. In the downlink path, the radio module 401 includes a first downlink amplifier 405, a first downlink circulator 407, a second downlink amplifier 409, a coupler 411, and a second downlink circulator 413, where the second downlink circulator 413 is coupled to a downlink port 415. The components of the downlink path respectively function in a similar manner to the first downlink amplifier 305, a first downlink circulator 307, a second downlink amplifier 309, a coupler 311, and a second downlink circulator 313 in FIG. 3A. In the uplink path, the radio module 401 includes a first uplink amplifier 421, an uplink filter 423, and a second uplink amplifier 425, where the uplink path receives an uplink signal through the uplink port 419. The components of the uplink path respectively function in a similar manner to the first uplink amplifier 321, the uplink filter 323, and the second uplink amplifier 325 in FIG. 3A.

[0057] In contrast to the radio module 301, the radio module 401 includes a DPD feedback selector switch 427. The DPD feedback selector switch 427 is coupled to both the observation port 417 and the coupler 411. The DPD feedback selector switch 427 enables the radio module 401 to connect to a power pallet in a high-power or mediumpower application or toa filter in a low-power application (having either external DPD feedback or on-board DPD feedback). For example, the DPD feedback selector switch 427 enables the radio module 401 to connect to amplification stages of different power classes or to a filter.

[0058] In certain embodiments, the DPD feedback selector switch 427 is configured to switch between receiving signals from the coupler 411 and the observation port 417.Attorney Docket No. 6871 WO W1 / 376.2148WO01Implementing a DPD feedback selector switch 427 provides the radio module 401 with the ability to be configured via software or other configuration system to operate with onboard feedback or external feedback. Further, the DPD feedback selector switch 427 may be configured to be in a first position when the DPD feedback selector switch 427 is configured to receive DPD feedback from the onboard coupler 411. Further, the DPD feedback selector switch 427 may be configured to be in a second position when the radio module 401 receives feedback from an external power pallet.

[0059] When the radio module 401 is used within a high-power or medium-power system, an amplification stage may connect to the radio module 401 through the downlink port 415, the observation port 417, and the uplink port 419. The radio module 401 provides downlink signals to an amplification stage through the downlink port 415. The radio module 401 receives observation signals through the observation port 417 and uplink signals through the uplink port 419. Accordingly, the DPD feedback selector switch 427 may be configured to be in a second position that connects the DPD feedback path to receive observation signals through observation port 417. Thus, the DPD feedback selector switch 427 may configure the DPD feedback path of the radio module 401 to receive signals from the observation port 417.

[0060] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a system 500 of a modular radio module 501 that incorporates a receive / uplink switch that is able to reconfigure the receive path of a radio module. The radio module 501 includes multiple components that perform the same or similar function as components previously described in relation to the radio module 301 in FIG. 3 A. For example, the radio module 501 includes a transceiver chip 503 that functions similar to the transceiver chip 303. In the downlink path, the radio module 501 includes a first downlink amplifier 505, a first downlink circulator 507, a second downlink amplifier 509, a coupler 511, and a second downlink circulator 513, where the second downlink circulator 513 is coupled to a downlink port 515. The components of the downlink path respectively function in a similar manner to the first downlink amplifier 305, a first downlink circulator 307, a second downlink amplifier 309, a coupler 311, and a second downlink circulator 313 in FIG. 3 A. In the uplink path, the radio module 501 includes a first uplink amplifier 521, an uplink filter 523, and a second uplink amplifier 525, where the uplink path receives an uplink signal through the uplinkAttorney Docket No. 6871 WO W1 / 376.2148WO01port 519 in FDD mode. The components of the uplink path respectively function in a similar manner to the first uplink amplifier 321, the uplink filter 323, and the second uplink amplifier 325 in FIG. 3 A. Additionally, the radio module 501 receives an observation signal through an observation port 517 and provides the observation signal to the transceiver chip 503 in a similar manner as the radio module 301.

[0061] In certain embodiments, the radio module 501 may include additional switches that allow the receive / uplink path of the radio module 501 to operate in one of multiple scenarios (FDD and TDD). For example, the radio module 501 may include an isolation switch 529 and a path selection switch 531 that allow the radio module 501 to operate in a medium-power TDD scenario, a medium-power FDD scenario, a high-power TDD scenario, and a high-power FDD scenario.

[0062] When the radio module 501 operates in a medium-power TDD scenario, the radio module 501 may be configured to provide downlink signals to a medium-power amplification stage and receive uplink signals from the medium-power amplification stage through the downlink port 515, where the radio module 501 is configured to switch between providing downlink signals and received uplink signals in time. Accordingly, the radio module 501 may include an isolation switch 529 that is configured to terminate received signals when the radio module 501 provides downlink signals to the downlink port 515. The isolation switch 529 is configured to provide received uplink signals to the path selection switch 531 when the radio module 501 receives uplink signals. Thus, the isolation switch 529 switches back and forth during the operation of the radio module 501 in accordance with the medium-power TDD scenario. Further, when configured to operate in the medium-power TDD scenario, the path selection switch 531 is switched to a first position, where the first position configures the uplink path of the radio module 501 to receive uplink signals when received through the downlink port 515.

[0063] When the radio module 501 operates in one of the medium-power FDD scenario, the high-power TDD scenario, and the high-power FDD scenario, the radio module 501 may provide downlink signals through the downlink port 515 to an amplification stage and receive uplink signals through the uplink port 519 from an amplification stage.Accordingly, the path selection switch 531 may be in a second position, where the second position configures the uplink path to receive uplink signals through the uplink port 519.Attorney Docket No. 6871 WO W1 / 376.2148WO01Accordingly, the incorporation of a path selection switch 531 into the radio module 501 enables the use of the radio module 501 in multiple different configuration scenarios.

[0064] FIGs. 6A and 6B are block diagrams illustrating implementations for a modular radio module and amplification stage that includes link-sharing switches that are able to reduce the number of cables between the radio module and connected amplification stages. As illustrated, FIG. 6A is a block diagram of a radio module 601. The radio module 601 includes multiple components that perform the same or similar function as components previously described in relation to the radio module 301 in FIG. 3A. For example, the transceiver chip 603 functions similar to the transceiver chip 303. In the downlink path, the radio module 601 includes a first downlink amplifier 605, a first downlink circulator 607, a second downlink amplifier 609, a coupler 611, and a second downlink circulator 613, where the second downlink circulator 613 is coupled to a downlink port 615. The components of the downlink path respectively function in a similar manner to the first downlink amplifier 305, a first downlink circulator 307, a second downlink amplifier 309, a coupler 311, and a second downlink circulator 313 in FIG. 3 A. In the uplink path, the radio module 601 includes a first uplink amplifier 621, an uplink filter 623, and a second uplink amplifier 625, where the uplink path receives an uplink signal through the uplink port 619. The components of the uplink path respectively function in a similar manner to the first uplink amplifier 321, the uplink filter 323, and the second uplink amplifier 325 in FIG. 3A.

[0065] In some embodiments, the radio module 601 may also include a radio-module link-sharing switch 633 that is connected to the uplink port 619. When the radio module 601 includes the radio-module link-sharing switch 633, the radio module 601 is able to receive both uplink signals and observation signals through the uplink port 619 when operating in a TDD scenario. In particular, when the radio module 601 is receiving an uplink signal from an amplification stage, the radio-module link-sharing switch 633 may be in a second position, where the second position connects the uplink port 619 to the first uplink amplifier 621 of the uplink path. Conversely, when the radio module 601 is not receiving an uplink signal from the amplification stage, the radio module 601 may receive an observation signal from the amplification stage in accordance with a TDD scenario. When receiving an observation signal, the radio-module link-sharing switch 633Attorney Docket No. 6871 WO W1 / 376.2148WO01may switch to a first position. The first position of the radio-module link-sharing switch 633 then connects observation signals from the uplink port 619 onto a DPD feedback path for processing by the transceiver chip 603. The radio-module link-sharing switch 633 may then switch between the first position and the second position in accordance with a duty cycle of an implemented TDD scenario.

[0066] FIG. 6B is a block diagram of an amplification stage 640 configured to provide observation signals through an uplink output port 657. As illustrated, the amplification stage 640 may include multiple components that function in a manner similar to the components described above in connection with the amplification stage 340 in FIG. 3B. For example, the amplification stage 640 may include a downlink path that includes a downlink input port 641, a circulator 643, a downlink amplifier 645, a coupler 647, a circulator 649, and an amplification output 651 that respectively function in a similar manner to the downlink input port 341, the circulator 343, the downlink amplifier 345, the coupler 347, the circulator 349, and the amplification output 351 in FIG. 3B. Also, the amplification stage 640 may include an uplink path that includes an isolation switch 659, an uplink amplifier 655, and an uplink output port 657 that perform similar functions to the isolation switch 359, the uplink amplifier 355, and the uplink output port 357 in FIG. 3B.

[0067] While the amplification stage 640 performs many functions similar to the amplification stage 340 described above, the amplification stage 640 lacks an observation signal port and instead includes a link-sharing switch 654. The link-sharing switch 654 may be coupled to receive signals from the coupler 647 and the uplink amplifier 655 and then provide signals to the uplink output port 657. Further, the link-sharing switch 654 switches in synchronization with the switching period of the isolation switch 659 according to an employed TDD scheme. Accordingly, the amplification stage 640 may alternate between providing an uplink signal and a portion of the downlink signal through the uplink output port 657 to any upstream connected device.

[0068] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a modular radio module 701 that incorporates a DPD feedback selector switch 727, a receive / uplink switch 735, and a link-sharing switch 733. The radio module 701 includes multiple components that perform the same or similar function as components previously described in relation to the radio module 301Attorney Docket No. 6871 WO W1 / 376.2148WO01in FIG. 3A. For example, the radio module 701 includes a transceiver chip 703 that functions similar to the transceiver chip 303. In the downlink path, the radio module 701 includes a first downlink amplifier 705, a first downlink circulator 707, a second downlink amplifier 709, a coupler 711, and a second downlink circulator 713, where the second downlink circulator 713 is coupled to a downlink port 715. The components of the downlink path respectively function in a similar manner to the first downlink amplifier 305, a first downlink circulator 307, a second downlink amplifier 309, a coupler 311, and a second downlink circulator 313 in FIG. 3 A. In the uplink path, the radio module 701 includes a first uplink amplifier 721, an uplink filter 723, and a second uplink amplifier 725, where the uplink path receives an uplink signal through the uplink port 719. The components of the uplink path respectively function in a similar manner to the first uplink amplifier 321, the uplink filter 323, and the second uplink amplifier 325 in FIG. 3A. Additionally, the radio module 701 may include an observation port 717 that functions similarly to the observation port 417.

[0069] In certain embodiments, the radio module 701 may be coupled to an amplification stage like the amplification stage 640 in FIG. 6B. As shown, the amplification stage 640 receives downlink signals through a downlink input port 641 and alternatingly provides uplink signals and observation signals through the uplink output port 657. Accordingly, the downlink port 715 of the radio module 701 may connect to the downlink input port 641, and the observation port 717 of the radio module 701 may connect to the uplink output port 657. Conversely, the radio module 701 may be coupled to an amplification stage like the amplification stage 340 in FIG. 3B. As shown, the amplification stage 340 receives downlink signals through a downlink input port 341, provides observation signals through an observational output port 353, and provides uplink signals through an uplink output port 357. Accordingly, the downlink port 715 of the radio module 701 may connect to the downlink input port 341, the observation port 717 of the radio module 701 may connect to the observational output port 353, and the uplink port 719 of the radio module 701 may connect to the uplink output port 357. Further, the radio module 701 may be coupled to a medium power amplification stage that operates in a TDD scenario. Accordingly, the medium-power TDD amplification stage may connect to the downlink port 715 of the radio module 701. The radio module 701 may include the DPD feedbackAttorney Docket No. 6871 WO W1 / 376.2148WO01selector switch 727, link-sharing switch 733, and uplink switch 735 to facilitate the configuration of a single design for a radio module 701 to the various amplification stages.

[0070] As illustrated, when the radio module 701 is connected to an amplification stage, such as the amplification stage 340 in FIG. 3B, the downlink port 715 provides downlink signals, the observation port 717 receives observation signals, and the uplink port 719 receives uplink signals. To facilitate these connections, the DPD feedback selector switch 727 may be positioned in a second position, the link-sharing switch 733 may be positioned in a first position, and the uplink switch 735 may be positioned in a third position. In this switching configuration, the radio module 701 is configured to provide observation signals received from the observation port 717 to the transceiver chip 703 along the DPD feedback path. Also, the radio module 701 is configured to couple uplink signals received from the uplink port 719 to the first uplink amplifier 721 on the uplink path. This configuration may also function for medium and high-power amplification stages that operate in FDD scenarios. In such implementations, the uplink port 719 may be directly coupled to an uplink port of a duplexer.

[0071] Further, when the radio module 701 is connected to an amplification stage, such as the amplification stage 640 in FIG. 6B, the downlink port 715 provides downlink signals, and the observation port 717 alternatingly receives uplink signals and observation signals from the amplification stage 640 according to a TDD switching period. Thus, the DPD feedback selector switch 727 may be configured to operate in the second position, and the uplink switch 735 may be configured to operate in the second position. Further, the link-sharing switch 733 may switch between the first and second positions in synchronization with the TDD switching period. In this configuration, the radio module 701 is configured to couple observation signals received through the observation port 717 onto the DPD feedback path through the 727 when the link-sharing switch 733 is in the first position. Also, the radio module 701 is configured to couple uplink signals received through the observation port 717 to the first uplink amplifier 721 through the uplink switch 735.

[0072] Additionally, when the radio module 701 is operating in a medium-power configuration in a TDD scenario, the downlink port 715 may be directly connected to aAttorney Docket No. 6871 WO W1 / 376.2148WO01filter (such as the filter 360 in FIG. 3C), where the radio module 701 alternatingly provides downlink signals and receives uplink signals in synchronization with a TDD switching period through the downlink port 715. Additionally, the observation port 717 and the uplink port 719 may be disconnected. To facilitate this configuration, the DPD feedback selector switch 727 may be configured to operate in a first position, and the uplink switch 735 may be configured to operate in a first position. Further, the linksharing switch 733 may be configured to operate in either the first or second position as the observation port 717 may be disconnected from a different device. Additionally, the radio module 701 may include an isolation switch 729 that functions like the isolation switch isolation switch 529 described above in FIG 5. Accordingly, uplink signals may be coupled from the circulator 713 onto the DPD isolation switch 729, and the uplink switch 735 may couple signals received through the downlink port 715 to the first uplink amplifier 721 on the uplink path.

[0073] To implement the various switches on the radio module 701, a radio module 701 may be fabricated by including various switches in the configurations described above. Alternatively, physical switches may be replaced with a PCB population option that depends on the required flexibility of the specific implementation. Accordingly, the radio module 701 may be used to connect to different power classes and types of amplification stages while reducing the cabling used to connect the radio module to the amplification stages.

[0074] FIG. 8 is a flowchart diagram of a method 800 for implementing a link-sharing switch within a radio module. In certain embodiments, the method 800 proceeds at 801, where a transceiver chip on a radio module is configured to provide downlink signals through a downlink path, receive uplink signals through an uplink path, and observation signals through a DPD feedback path. Further, the method 800 proceeds at 803, where a downlink port is coupled to the downlink path, wherein the downlink path is configured to provide the downlink signals as an output for the radio module. Additionally, the method 800 proceeds at 805, where a link-sharing switch is coupled to switch between providing the uplink signals to the uplink path and providing the observation signals to the DPD feedback path.Attorney Docket No. 6871 WO W1 / 376.2148WO01Example Embodiments

[0075] Example 1 includes a system comprising: one or more radio modules comprising an uplink port and a downlink port, wherein the one or more radio modules comprise a transceiver chip configured to provide a downlink signal and receive an uplink signal and an observation signal; and wherein a radio module in the one or more radio modules further comprises a link-sharing switch configured to switch between providing received signals to the transceiver chip as the uplink signal and the observation signal.

[0076] Example 2 includes the system of Example 1, further comprising one or more amplification stages coupled to the one or more radio modules through at least one of the uplink port and the downlink port, wherein an amplification stage in the one or more amplification stages comprises an amplification stage link-sharing switch configured to switch between providing the observation signal and the uplink signal to an uplink output port of the amplification stage coupled to the uplink port.

[0077] Example 3 includes the system of any of Examples 1-2, wherein the one or more radio modules further comprises an observation port.

[0078] Example 4 includes the system of Example 3, wherein the link-sharing switch is configured to receive the uplink signal and the observation signal through the observation port.

[0079] Example 5 includes the system of Example 4, wherein the radio module further comprises a digital predistortion (DPD) feedback selector switch configured to enable the radio module to receive the observation signal from an onboard directional coupler and the observation port.

[0080] Example 6 includes the system of Example 5, wherein the DPD feedback selector switch is configured to receive the observation signal from the link-sharing switch.

[0081] Example 7 includes the system of any of Examples 3-6, wherein the radio module further comprises an uplink switch configured to provide the uplink signal to the transceiver chip from at least one of the uplink port, the downlink port, and the observation port.

[0082] Example 8 includes the system of Example 7, wherein the radio module receives the downlink signal and provides the uplink signal through the downlink port when operating in a time division duplexing scenario.Attorney Docket No. 6871 WO W1 / 376.2148WO01

[0083] Example 9 includes the system of any of Examples 1-8, wherein the link-sharing switch is implemented as a PCB population option.

[0084] Example 10 includes a method comprising: configuring a transceiver chip on a radio module to provide downlink signals through a downlink path, receive uplink signals through an uplink path, and observation signals through a digital predistortion (DPD) feedback path; coupling a downlink port to the downlink path, wherein the downlink path is configured to provide the downlink signals as an output for the radio module; and coupling a link-sharing switch to switch between providing the uplink signals to the uplink path and providing the observation signals to the DPD feedback path.

[0085] Example 11 includes the method of Example 10, further comprising coupling the radio module to an amplification stage through the downlink port.

[0086] Example 12 includes the method of any of Examples 10-11, further comprising configuring an observation port on the radio module to receive the observation signals through the observation port.

[0087] Example 13 includes the method of Example 12, wherein coupling the linksharing switch comprises configuring the link-sharing switch to receive the uplink signals and the observation signals through the observation port.

[0088] Example 14 includes the method of Example 13, further comprising configuring a DPD feedback selector switch on the radio module to receive the observation signals from one of an onboard directional coupler and the observation port.

[0089] Example 15 includes the method of Example 14, wherein configuring the DPD feedback selector switch further comprises coupling to the link-sharing switch when the radio module receives the observation signals from the observation port.

[0090] Example 16 includes the method of any of Examples 12-15, further comprising configuring an uplink switch to provide the uplink signals to the uplink path from at least one of an uplink port, the downlink port, and the observation port.

[0091] Example 17 includes the method of Example 16, wherein configuring the uplink switch further comprises receiving the uplink signals through the downlink port when operating in a time division duplexing scenario.

[0092] Example 18 includes a radio module comprising: a transceiver chip coupled to a downlink path, an uplink path, and a digital predistortion (DPD) feedback path, whereinAttorney Docket No. 6871 WO W1 / 376.2148WO01the downlink path comprises an onboard directional coupler; a downlink port coupled to the downlink path; an uplink port; an observation port; a link-sharing switch comprising a link-sharing switch input coupled to the observation port, and a link-sharing switch output; a DPD feedback selector switch comprising a DPD feedback selector switch output coupled to the DPD feedback path, and a DPD feedback selector switch input configured to switch between a coupler in the downlink path and the link-sharing switch output; and an uplink switch comprising an uplink switch output coupled to the uplink path, and an uplink switch input configured to switch between receiving uplink signals from the downlink port, the uplink port, and the observation port; wherein the linksharing switch output is configured to switch between coupling to the DPD feedback selector switch and coupling to the uplink switch.

[0093] Example 19 includes the radio module of Example 18, wherein the link-sharing switch output is configured to switch between coupling to the DPD feedback selector switch and coupling to the uplink switch in accordance with a time division duplexing duty cycle.

[0094] Example 20 includes the radio module of any of Examples 18-19, wherein at least one of the link-sharing switch, the DPD feedback selector switch, and the uplink switch are implemented using a PCB population option.

[0095] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement, which is calculated to achieve the same purpose, may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 6871 WO W1 / 376.2148WO01CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A system comprising:one or more radio modules comprising an uplink port and a downlink port, wherein the one or more radio modules comprise a transceiver chip configured to provide a downlink signal and receive an uplink signal and an observation signal; and wherein a radio module in the one or more radio modules further comprises a link-sharing switch configured to switch between providing received signals to the transceiver chip as the uplink signal and the observation signal.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising one or more amplification stages coupled to the one or more radio modules through at least one of the uplink port and the downlink port,wherein an amplification stage in the one or more amplification stages comprises an amplification stage link-sharing switch configured to switch between providing the observation signal and the uplink signal to an uplink output port of the amplification stage coupled to the uplink port.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more radio modules further comprises an observation port.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the link-sharing switch is configured to receive the uplink signal and the observation signal through the observation port.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the radio module further comprises a digital predistortion (DPD) feedback selector switch configured to enable the radio module to receive the observation signal from an onboard directional coupler and the observation port.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the DPD feedback selector switch is configured to receive the observation signal from the link-sharing switch.Attorney Docket No. 6871 WO W1 / 376.2148WO017. The system of claim 3, wherein the radio module further comprises an uplink switch configured to provide the uplink signal to the transceiver chip from at least one of the uplink port, the downlink port, and the observation port.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the radio module provides the downlink signal and receives the uplink signal through the downlink port when operating in a time division duplexing scenario.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the link-sharing switch is implemented as a PCB population option.

10. A method comprising:configuring a transceiver chip on a radio module to provide downlink signals through a downlink path, receive uplink signals through an uplink path, and observation signals through a digital predistortion (DPD) feedback path;coupling a downlink port to the downlink path, wherein the downlink path is configured to provide the downlink signals as an output for the radio module; and coupling a link-sharing switch to switch between providing the uplink signals to the uplink path and providing the observation signals to the DPD feedback path.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising coupling the radio module to an amplification stage through the downlink port.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising configuring an observation port on the radio module to receive the observation signals through the observation port.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein coupling the link-sharing switch comprises configuring the link-sharing switch to receive the uplink signals and the observation signals through the observation port.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising configuring a DPD feedback selector switch on the radio module to receive the observation signals from one of an onboard directional coupler and the observation port.Attorney Docket No. 6871 WO W1 / 376.2148WO0115. The method of claim 14, wherein configuring the DPD feedback selector switch further comprises coupling to the link-sharing switch when the radio module receives the observation signals from the observation port.

16. The method of claim 12, further comprising configuring an uplink switch to provide the uplink signals to the uplink path from at least one of an uplink port, the downlink port, and the observation port.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein configuring the uplink switch further comprises receiving the uplink signals through the downlink port when operating in a time division duplexing scenario.

18. A radio module comprising:a transceiver chip coupled to a downlink path, an uplink path, and a digital predistortion (DPD) feedback path, wherein the downlink path comprises an onboard directional coupler;a downlink port coupled to the downlink path;an uplink port;an observation port;a link-sharing switch comprising a link-sharing switch input coupled to the observation port, and a link-sharing switch output;a DPD feedback selector switch comprising a DPD feedback selector switch output coupled to the DPD feedback path, and a DPD feedback selector switch input configured to switch between a coupler in the downlink path and the link-sharing switch output; andan uplink switch comprising an uplink switch output coupled to the uplink path, and an uplink switch input configured to switch between receiving uplink signals from the downlink port, the uplink port, and the observation port;wherein the link-sharing switch output is configured to switch between coupling to the DPD feedback selector switch and coupling to the uplink switch.Attorney Docket No. 6871 WO W1 / 376.2148WO0119. The radio module of claim 18, wherein the link-sharing switch output is configured to switch between coupling to the DPD feedback selector switch and coupling to the uplink switch in accordance with a time division duplexing duty cycle.

20. The radio module of claim 18, wherein at least one of the link-sharing switch, the DPD feedback selector switch, and the uplink switch are implemented using a PCB population option.

Images