4P6T Multi-Way Switch for 5G SRS Antenna Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication devices in 5G NR systems face challenges in efficiently implementing SRS switching across four antennas due to complex radio frequency architectures, leading to increased link loss and suboptimal transmission and reception performance.

Innovation Solution

A 4P6T multi-way switch is introduced, featuring two fully coupled T ports for transmission and four individually coupled T ports for reception, reducing the number of series switches and integrating them into the main switch to optimize the radio frequency architecture, thereby enhancing SRS switching efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex radio frequency architecture with multiple series switches is used to implement SRS switching across four antennas, then the switching functionality is achieved, but link loss increases and transmission performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission performanceVSAvoidlink loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple series switches into a single multi-way switch component. Specifically, it uses a 4P6T (4 pole, 6 throw) switch to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate switches, thereby reducing the number of switching components in the signal path and minimizing cumulative link loss while maintaining the ability to switch SRS signals across four antennas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-way switch is designed to perform multiple functions: it handles both SRS switching and regular data transmission switching across the four-antenna system. By making the switch universal, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated SRS switching components, reducing overall system complexity and potential points of signal loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple series switches are used for SRS switching, then antenna switching capability is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna switching capabilityVSAvoidradio frequency architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple switching functions into a single 4P6T multi-way switch component. This consolidation reduces the number of discrete components in the radio frequency architecture, simplifying the overall system design while maintaining full four-antenna switching capability for SRS signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-way switch is designed to be universal, handling both SRS switching and regular data transmission switching across the four-antenna system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated SRS switching components, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If traditional switch configurations are used, then basic transmission function is achieved, but reception performance is suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereception performanceVSAvoidswitch configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by designing different T ports with specialized characteristics: two T ports are optimized for transmission functions while four T ports are optimized for reception functions. This localized optimization of port characteristics according to their specific functional requirements improves overall reception performance without requiring complete redesign of the entire switch system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3540972B1Multi-way switch, radio frequency system, and wireless communication device
Publication Date: 2020.08.05 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP3540972B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3540972B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3540972B1 patent drawingFigure 4A

AI summary

A multi-way switch, a radio frequency system, and a wireless communication device are provided. The multi-way switch includes six T ports and four P ports. The six T ports include two first T ports and each of the two first T ports is coupled with all of the four P ports. The two first T ports support only a transmission function. The multi-way switch is configured to be coupled with a radio frequency circuit and an antenna system of a wireless communication device operable in a dual-frequency dual-transmit mode. The antenna system includes four antennas corresponding to the four P ports.