4P8T Multiway Switch for 5G NR SRS Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 5G NR systems face challenges in efficiently transmitting sounding reference signals (SRS) through four antennas, leading to suboptimal data transmission performance and increased link loss due to complex RF architectures.

Innovation Solution

A multiway switch with eight T ports and four P ports is integrated with the RF circuit and antenna system, allowing for a simplified 4P8T antenna switch configuration that reduces series switches, optimizing transmission and reception performance by enabling SRS transmission through four antennas in turn.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex RF architecture with multiple series switches is used to transmit SRS through four antennas, then antenna switching capability is achieved, but link loss increases and transmission performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelink lossVSAvoidRF architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the RF architecture into independent functional modules: a multiway switch module with 4P8T configuration for antenna switching, and separate radio frequency circuits for signal processing. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity and link loss by eliminating unnecessary series switches while maintaining the required antenna switching capability for SRS transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple series switches are deployed in the RF system, then antenna selection flexibility is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna selection flexibilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal multiway switch module with 4P8T configuration that can handle multiple functions: SRS transmission switching, data transmission switching, and reception switching. This single multi-functional module replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate switches, maintaining full antenna selection flexibility while significantly reducing power consumption by eliminating redundant switching components.

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

3Loss of energy

If a simplified antenna switch configuration is used, then link loss is reduced, but the ability to transmit SRS through four antennas in turn may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelink lossVSAvoidSRS transmission capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic multiway switch module with 4P8T configuration that can adaptively switch between different connection modes: it can connect any of the four antennas to the radio frequency circuits in turn for SRS transmission, while also supporting simultaneous connections and bidirectional communication. This dynamic switching capability ensures full SRS transmission functionality is maintained while minimizing link loss through the optimized, simplified architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3540957B1Multiway switch, radio frequency system, and wireless communication device
Publication Date: 2020.08.05 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP3540957B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3540957B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3540957B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A multiway switch, a radio frequency system, and a wireless communication device are provided. The multiway switch includes eight T ports and four P ports. The eight T ports includes four first T ports and each of the four first T ports is coupled with all of the four P ports. The four first T ports support a transmission-reception function. The multiway switch is configured to be coupled with a radio frequency circuit and an antenna system of an electronic device to implement a preset function of the electronic device. The antenna system includes four antennas corresponding to the four P ports. The preset function is a function of transmitting a sounding reference signal (SRS) through the four antennas in turn.