Diverse Path Antenna Selection for Simultaneous Signal Processing

Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile terminals with diverse path antenna systems are limited to processing only one information signal at a time due to cost constraints and performance differences between primary and secondary antennas, leading to underutilization of capabilities and limited functionality.

Innovation Solution

A system for diverse path antenna selection that operates between primary and secondary receive paths in communication devices, allowing for multiple signal processing by determining and selecting the best signal quality indicators to process signals from both antennas, enabling flexible operation modes such as optimized signal, diverse path, and multiple signal modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the second antenna and diverse receive path are constructed using less expensive components to reduce cost, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but signal processing capability and performance are degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidsignal processing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The diverse receive path is designed to perform multiple functions: it can process signals from the second antenna for fading reduction, and simultaneously process information signals independently. The switch enables the path to be dynamically allocated for different purposes based on system needs, making the same hardware serve multiple roles and justify its inclusion despite cost constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between different operating modes (diverse path mode and information signal mode) based on real-time conditions. The switch controlled by control logic adapts the signal routing configuration, allowing the diverse receive path to transition between processing faded signals and processing information signals, optimizing performance for current operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the diverse receive path is used only for reducing transmission effects like signal fading, then signal quality is improved, but device functionality and versatility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal qualityVSAvoiddevice functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The diverse receive path is designed to perform multiple functions: it can process signals from the second antenna for fading reduction, and simultaneously process information signals independently. The switch enables the path to be dynamically allocated for different purposes based on system needs, making the same hardware serve multiple roles and justify its inclusion despite cost constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between different operating modes (diverse path mode and information signal mode) based on real-time conditions. The switch controlled by control logic adapts the signal routing configuration, allowing the diverse receive path to transition between processing faded signals and processing information signals, optimizing performance for current operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the system processes only one information signal at a time, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and signal processing capacity are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidsignal processing capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving system is divided into two independent processing paths: the primary receive path handling the first antenna signal, and the diverse receive path handling the second antenna signal. This segmentation allows each path to process different information signals simultaneously without interference, increasing overall processing capacity while maintaining manageable complexity in each individual path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between different operating modes (diverse path mode and information signal mode) based on real-time conditions. The switch controlled by control logic adapts the signal routing configuration, allowing the diverse receive path to transition between processing faded signals and processing information signals, optimizing performance for current operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS7639999B2System for diverse path antenna selection

Publication Date: 2009.12.29 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

System for diverse path antenna selection. A method is provided for receiving a signal in a communication device having first and second antennas. The method includes receiving a first version of the signal using the first antenna, and receiving a second version of the signal using the second antenna. The method also includes determining a first quality indicator and a second quality indicator associated with the first and second versions of the signal, respectively, and selecting one of the first and second versions of the signal to process based on the first and second quality indicators.