Antenna Switching for MIMO Transceivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MIMO systems face challenges in efficiently utilizing antennas across different frequency bands, leading to increased complexity and insertion loss, particularly in devices with limited space, such as mobile terminals.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a MIMO transceiver with a reduced number of antennas and the use of antenna switching and carrier aggregation techniques, employing double-pole double-throw (DPDT) and triple-pole triple-throw (3P3T) switches, along with diplexers, to support multiple frequency bands and minimize insertion loss while allowing flexible routing of RF paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple antennas are used to support multiple frequency bands in MIMO systems, then communication capacity and spectral efficiency are improved, but device complexity and insertion loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements antenna sharing where a single antenna element serves multiple frequency bands (e.g., n78 and n79 bands) by dynamically switching RF chains to different antennas based on the active frequency band. This multi-functional approach allows the system to maintain MIMO capability across multiple bands without proportionally increasing the total antenna count, thereby improving communication capacity while controlling device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic antenna switching controlled by control circuitry that receives band indication signals and selectively connects RF chains to appropriate antennas. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the same physical antenna infrastructure to adapt to different operating conditions (frequency bands), maintaining high productivity while avoiding the need for static multiple antennas for each band
2Reliability
If multiple antennas are deployed for each frequency band, then reliability and MIMO performance are improved, but insertion loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuitry proactively receives band indication signals from the network and pre-configures the antenna switching matrix before actual transmission or reception occurs. By anticipating the frequency band usage and preparing the optimal antenna connections in advance, the system minimizes signal path length and reduces insertion loss while maintaining reliable MIMO performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a switching matrix as an intermediary component that intelligently routes RF signals between RF chains and antennas based on the active frequency band. This mediator optimizes the signal path by selecting the most direct and lowest-loss connection, thereby maintaining MIMO reliability while minimizing energy loss through the RF path
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) transceiver comprises a plurality of RF chains, a plurality of antennas, a plurality of switching components, and control circuitry operatively coupled to the plurality of switching components. In some examples, a total quantity of RF chains included in the plurality of RF chains is equal to a first value, and a total quantity of antennas included in the plurality of antennas is equal to a second value that is less than the first value.