4P5T Multi-Way Switch for 5G SRS Antenna Link Loss
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current radio frequency (RF) systems in 5G NR mobile communication devices face challenges in efficiently transmitting sounding reference signals (SRS) through four antennas, leading to increased link loss and suboptimal performance due to complex switching architectures.
Innovation Solution
A multi-way switch with a 4P5T configuration is introduced, where five T ports are coupled with four P ports, allowing for dual-frequency single-transmit mode operations, reducing the number of series switches and optimizing transmission and reception performance by enabling SRS transmission through four antennas in a simplified manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex switching architecture is used to transmit SRS through four antennas, then antenna selection capability is improved, but link loss increases and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the switching function by introducing a multi-way switch that divides the antenna selection process into distinct segments: the multi-way switch handles the complex routing logic separately from the RF front-end components. This segmentation allows each component to operate optimally without introducing excessive link loss, as the switch is positioned to minimize signal path complexity while maintaining full antenna selection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-way switch acts as an intermediary component between the RF front-end and the antenna system. It mediates the connection between transmit circuits and four antennas, enabling flexible antenna selection while maintaining direct, low-loss signal paths. The switch's intermediate position allows it to manage complexity without forcing signals through multiple switching stages, thereby reducing cumulative link loss.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple series switches are used in transmit and receive paths, then switching flexibility is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple switching functions into a single multi-way switch component. Instead of using separate switches for different antenna groups and frequency bands, the multi-way switch integrates all switching operations into one unified device. This consolidation maintains full switching flexibility for four-antenna SRS transmission while dramatically reducing the total number of switch components and associated control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-way switch is designed as a universal component that handles multiple functions simultaneously: it supports switching between four antennas, operates across dual frequency bands, and manages both transmit and receive paths. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized switches, reducing device complexity while preserving switching flexibility for various operational modes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple series switches are used in transmit and receive paths, then switching flexibility is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple switching operations into a single multi-way switch, which consumes less power than multiple series switches. The unified switch structure eliminates redundant control logic and reduces the total number of active components, thereby lowering overall power consumption while maintaining the ability to flexibly switch between different antenna configurations and frequency bands.
4Device complexity
If a simplified switching architecture is used, then device complexity is reduced, but antenna selection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-way switch serves as an intermediary that enables full antenna selection capability without requiring complex distributed switching architectures. By positioning the multi-way switch as a central control point, the system achieves four-antenna selection capability through a single, manageable component rather than through complex interactions between multiple switches, thus simplifying the overall architecture.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A multi-way switch, a radio frequency system, and a wireless communication device are provided. The multi-way switch includes five T ports and four P ports, and the five T ports include two first T ports being coupled with all of the four P ports. The multi-way switch is configured to be coupled with a radio frequency circuit and an antenna system of a wireless communication device. The wireless communication device is operable in a dual-frequency single-transmit mode. The antenna system includes four antennas corresponding to the four P ports.