Antenna Switch Front End With Transmit Filter Bypass for SRS
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing front-end systems in RF communication devices face challenges in maintaining carrier aggregation and EN-DC connectivity while supporting sounding reference signaling (SRS) without interrupting anchor carriers or secondary carriers.
Innovation Solution
A front-end system architecture that bypasses the transmit band filter, allowing for seamless switching of RF signals through amplifier selection switches and antenna switches, ensuring that SRS transmission does not interfere with carrier aggregation or EN-DC operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If SRS transmission is implemented in current front-end systems, then sounding reference signaling capability is improved, but anchor carrier and secondary carrier reception is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The front-end system is segmented into separate transmit and receive signal paths. The transmit path includes a transmit filter for SRS signals, while the receive path includes a receive filter for anchor and secondary carriers. This segmentation allows independent processing of transmit and receive signals, preventing SRS transmission from interrupting carrier reception.
Solution Approach 2:
A switch matrix acts as an intermediary component that selectively connects different signal paths. The switch matrix routes SRS transmit signals through the transmit filter while simultaneously routing anchor and secondary carrier receive signals through the receive filter, mediating between the conflicting transmit and receive operations.
2Manufacturing precision
If transmit band filter is used in the signal path, then transmit signal filtering is improved, but antenna switching flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The filtering function is segmented into separate transmit and receive filters. The transmit band filter is placed only in the transmit signal path, while the receive band filter is placed in the receive signal path. This allows the transmit filter to provide precise filtering without interfering with receive signal routing and antenna switching operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different filter paths based on operational mode. During transmit operations, the transmit filter is active in the transmit path. During receive operations, the receive filter is active in the receive path. This dynamic configuration maintains filtering precision while preserving antenna switching flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Front-end systems with antenna switching that bypasses a transmit band filter are disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, a front-end architecture is based on switching the RF transmit signal behind or before the bandpass filter of the band. This enables the switch-combining and filter ganging used to support carrier aggregation and EN-DC connectivity to be maintained, and the SRS switching done this way for a target TDD band does not impact, interrupt, and/or otherwise re-route the partner bands. Accordingly, both an anchor carrier and a secondary carrier can be maintained without interruption or impact. Furthermore, carrier aggregation features can be maintained and is not interrupted by SRS.