Multi-Carrier Antenna Switching for Wireless Signal Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional GSM communication systems lack a method for utilizing multiple antennas for diversity and multi-channel communications in a single access terminal, limiting bandwidth and system capacity as they evolve to provide increased data and voice services.
Innovation Solution
A transmitter sends messages to access terminals to switch between diversity mode and multi-carrier mode, allowing each antenna module to receive single or multiple carrier signals at different frequencies, enabling efficient use of multiple antennas for improved signal quality and increased bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GSM systems use single carrier frequency with multiple antennas for diversity, then signal quality is improved, but bandwidth and system capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the antenna system universal by enabling it to perform multiple functions: receiving single carrier signals in diversity mode for improved signal quality, and receiving multiple carrier signals in multi-carrier mode for increased bandwidth. The same physical antennas can be dynamically configured for different operational modes based on system requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic switching between diversity mode and multi-carrier mode. The system can adaptively change its operational state based on traffic requirements, channel conditions, and system load, allowing seamless transition between signal quality optimization and bandwidth expansion.
2Productivity
If GSM systems evolve to provide increased data and voice services, then system capacity needs increase, but conventional systems lack method for utilizing multiple antennas for multi-channel communications
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is designed to be multi-functional, supporting both traditional single-carrier diversity reception and new multi-carrier simultaneous reception capabilities. This universality enables the system to adapt to evolving service requirements without requiring separate antenna systems for different functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the antenna system by introducing multi-carrier frequency reception capability. The system can operate at multiple carrier frequencies simultaneously, changing from a single-frequency constraint to a multi-frequency operational state, thereby increasing system capacity for data and voice services.
3Reliability
If multiple antennas are used for receive diversity on single channel, then signal quality increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than adding separate receiver paths for multi-carrier functionality, the patent makes the existing receiver system universal. The same receiver hardware that processes single-carrier diversity signals is configured to process multiple carrier signals, avoiding the need for additional dedicated receiver complexes and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus manages resources in a wireless communication system by transmitting a multi-carrier switch command message to an access terminal instructing the access terminal to switch between a diversity mode where each antenna module of a plurality antenna modules receives a single carrier signal transmitted at a single carrier frequency and a multi-carrier mode where a first antenna module of the plurality antenna modules receives a first multi-carrier signal transmitted at a first carrier frequency and a second antenna module receives a second multi-carrier signals transmitted at a second carrier frequency.