4PnT Multiway Switch for 5G SRS Antenna Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current radio frequency systems in 5G NR mobile 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 multiway switch with n T ports and four P ports, where at least one T port is fully coupled with all P ports, reduces the number of series switches and integrates switch functions into a 4PnT configuration, optimizing transmission and reception performance by enabling efficient SRS transmission through four antennas in turn.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering 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

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna selection capabilityVSAvoidlink loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple switching functions into a single integrated 4PnT multiway switch component. This consolidation reduces the total number of series switches in the signal path, thereby minimizing cumulative insertion loss and improving overall link efficiency while maintaining the ability to selectively activate any of the four antennas for SRS transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The 4PnT multiway switch is designed as a universal component that can handle multiple functions: it supports SRS transmission through any of the four antennas, handles data transmission paths, and provides receive paths. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated switching components for each function, reducing overall system complexity and signal loss.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple series switches are used in the RF architecture, then switching flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of switches
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple discrete switch functions into a single integrated 4PnT multiway switch component. This consolidation reduces the total number of series switches in the signal path, thereby minimizing cumulative insertion loss and improving overall link efficiency while maintaining the ability to selectively activate any of the four antennas for SRS transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a simplified switching architecture is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to support multiple RF functions may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of switchesVSAvoidRF function support capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The 4PnT multiway switch is designed as a universal component that can handle multiple functions: it supports SRS transmission through any of the four antennas, handles data transmission paths, and provides receive paths. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated switching components for each function, reducing overall system complexity and signal loss.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3540952B1Multiway switch, radio frequency system, and wireless communication device
Publication Date: 2020.09.16 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP3540952B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3540952B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3540952B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A multiway switch, a radio frequency system, and a wireless communication device are provided. The multiway switch includes n T ports and four P ports. At least one of the n T ports is coupled with all of the four P ports, where n is an integer and 4≤n. 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.