Four-Antenna System for EN-DC Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dual-purpose antennas for 4G and 5G wireless communication face bandwidth constraints, making it difficult to tune and achieve optimal performance in non-standalone (NSA) architectures like EN-DC, which require complex and costly filter systems.
Innovation Solution
A four-antenna system configured to operate in multiple frequency bands, including LTE and 5G NR, with a switchable architecture that allows for antenna diversity and flexible signal path management, enabling concurrent support of multiple wireless protocols and frequency bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dual-purpose antennas are used to support both 4G and 5G frequency bands, then the device can achieve EN-DC connectivity, but the antenna bandwidth constraints make tuning difficult and reduce antenna performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single dual-purpose antenna system into multiple separate antennas, each optimized for specific frequency bands. The antenna system includes first antennas configured for first frequency bands and second antennas configured for second frequency bands, allowing each antenna to be independently tuned without bandwidth constraints that limit dual-purpose antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch component provides multi-functionality by enabling dynamic routing between multiple antenna groups and signal paths. The switch can connect different antennas to different signal paths based on the operating frequency band, allowing the system to universally support both 4G and 5G connectivity while maintaining optimal antenna performance for each band.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dual-purpose antennas are used for 4G and 5G, then EN-DC connectivity is achieved, but complex and costly filter systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal processing architecture into multiple independent signal paths, with each path optimized for specific frequency bands. First signal paths are configured for first frequency bands and second signal paths for second frequency bands, eliminating the need for complex multi-band filters that would be required in a unified dual-purpose antenna system.
Solution Approach 2:
The switchable architecture dynamically routes signals through appropriate antenna groups and signal paths based on the active frequency band. This dynamic switching capability replaces the need for static complex filter systems, as the switch electronically reconfigures the signal flow to match the operating band, reducing both complexity and cost.
3Quantity of substance
If dual-purpose antennas are used, then both 4G and 5G frequencies can be received, but antenna performance is reduced due to bandwidth constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs separate antennas for different frequency bands, with first antennas optimized for first frequency bands and second antennas for second frequency bands. This segmentation allows each antenna to operate within its optimal bandwidth without the performance degradation that occurs when a single antenna must cover multiple wide frequency ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
Each antenna is locally optimized for its specific frequency band, with design parameters tailored to the characteristics of that band. This local optimization ensures maximum performance reliability for each antenna in its designated frequency range, rather than compromising performance across multiple bands as required by dual-purpose antennas.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for antenna system with multiple transmit paths are described and may be implemented via a wireless device to adapt to a variety of different wireless scenarios. Generally, the described techniques provide a wireless device with the ability to connect to different access points of a wireless network, such as 4G LTE and 5G NR portions of an UTRAN New Radio—Dual Connectivity (EN-DC)-compliant network. In at least some implementations, the described techniques utilize four-antenna systems configured to utilize low frequency bands, such as LTE low-band and 5G NR low-band frequencies. Further, the described systems enable multiple wireless protocols (e.g., LTE and 5G NR) to be used concurrently and cooperatively, such as to provide 5G NR connectivity utilizing an LTE network infrastructure.