4x4 MIMO RF Architecture for Multi-Band 5G Antenna Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radio-frequency systems face challenges in integrating multiple frequency bands and antenna configurations, leading to increased costs and space occupation, particularly in supporting 5G MIMO functions.

Innovation Solution

A radio-frequency system with a 4*4 MIMO configuration, incorporating a radio-frequency transceiver, transceiving and MIMO receiving modules, and multiple antennas, along with switching and filtering units, to support 5G signals in various frequency bands, enabling efficient use of space and reducing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a diversity reception device for supporting middle and high frequency bands of LTE signals is applied to a radio-frequency transceiving system to support a MIMO function of a 5G NR signal, then the MIMO function is supported, but the cost increases and the space occupied increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMIMO function supportVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a unified radio-frequency system where the same hardware infrastructure (antennas, transceiver, switching modules) supports both LTE diversity reception and 5G NR MIMO functions across multiple frequency bands. The system uses four antennas that can be dynamically configured through switching modules to serve different communication standards and frequency bands, eliminating the need for separate dedicated hardware for each function and reducing overall system cost and complexity

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If a diversity reception device for supporting middle and high frequency bands of LTE signals is applied to a radio-frequency transceiving system to support a MIMO function of a 5G NR signal, then the MIMO function is supported, but the space occupied increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMIMO function supportVSAvoidspace occupied
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges LTE diversity reception and 5G NR MIMO functions into a single integrated radio-frequency system. Four antennas are shared between LTE and 5G NR operations, with switching modules dynamically routing signals to appropriate processing paths. The same antenna array and baseband processing resources handle both standards, significantly reducing the space required compared to having separate dedicated hardware systems for each function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs universal hardware components that can perform multiple functions: the four antennas serve both LTE diversity reception and 5G NR MIMO transmission/reception; the switching modules dynamically reconfigure the antenna connections to support different standards and frequency bands; and the baseband processor handles processing for both LTE and 5G NR signals, maximizing space efficiency through multi-functional design

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple frequency bands and antenna configurations are integrated in existing radio-frequency systems, then the communication capability is enhanced, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency band integrationVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic switching modules that can reconfigure antenna connections in real-time based on the required frequency band and communication standard. The system adapts its configuration dynamically - for example, switching between different antenna subsets for different 5G NR frequency bands (n1, n3, n7, n41) or between LTE and 5G NR modes - allowing a single hardware platform to support multiple frequency bands and standards without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each, thereby reducing overall system cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The radio-frequency system uses universal components that can operate across multiple frequency bands and communication standards. The four antennas, switching modules, and baseband processor are designed to handle both LTE diversity reception and 5G NR MIMO functions across four different 5G NR frequency bands, eliminating the need for multiple separate systems and reducing total system cost despite the enhanced multi-band capability

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

Data Source

PatentEP4220973B1Radio frequency system and communication device
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP4220973B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4220973B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP4220973B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6b

AI summary

A radio-frequency system includes a radio-frequency transceiver (100), a first transceiving module (200), a receiving module (300), a first Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) receiving module (400), a second MIMO receiving module (500), a first antenna (Ant1), a second antenna (Ant2), a third antenna (Ant3), and a fourth antenna (Ant4). The radio-frequency transceiver (100) is connected to the first antenna (Ant1) via the first transceiving module (200) to form a first MIMO receiving channel for 5G signals. The radio-frequency transceiver is connected to the second antenna (Ant2) via the receiving module (300) to form a second MIMO receiving channel for 5G signals. The radio-frequency transceiver (100) is connected to the third antenna (Ant3) via the first MIMO receiving module (400) to form a third MIMO receiving channel for 5G signals. The radio-frequency transceiver (100) is connected to the fourth antenna (Ant4) via the second MIMO receiving module (500) to form a fourth MIMO receiving channel for 5G signals.