Multimode Terminal MIMO via Channel Switch Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multimode communication terminals face challenges in supporting MIMO operation modes due to increased size and cost associated with adding multiple RF channels and antennas, which hinders their portability and competitiveness in the market.
Innovation Solution
A switch-based multimode communication terminal system architecture that enables MIMO operation by utilizing a channel switch layer to switch between RF channel modules, allowing fewer modules to support various operation modes, including MIMO, thereby reducing size and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple RF channels and antennas are added to support MIMO operation mode, then the MIMO capability and data transmission rate are improved, but the terminal size and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing RF channel modules that can dynamically switch between different communication protocols (Bluetooth, WLAN, mobile communication) and operational modes (including MIMO). Instead of having dedicated hardware for each protocol, a single RF channel module can be reconfigured to serve multiple functions, enabling MIMO operation without permanently adding dedicated MIMO hardware components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through the channel switch layer that dynamically reconfigures RF channel modules based on the required communication mode. The system can transition between single-antenna modes and MIMO modes on-demand, allowing the terminal to adapt its hardware configuration dynamically rather than being fixed in a static multi-antenna setup.
2Reliability
If multiple RF channels and antennas are added to support MIMO operation mode, then the MIMO capability and signal-to-noise ratio are improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces manufacturing cost by using universal RF channel modules that can operate in both single-antenna and MIMO modes. Instead of manufacturing terminals with dedicated MIMO hardware that increases bill of materials cost, the same RF modules are used for both operational modes, simplifying the supply chain and reducing component costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters (frequency, bandwidth, antenna configuration) of existing RF channel modules to enable MIMO functionality. Rather than adding new hardware components, the system achieves MIMO capability by reconfiguring existing modules with different parameter sets, avoiding the need for expensive additional components.
3Volume of moving object
If RF channel modules are reconfigured to support MIMO mode, then the terminal compactness and energy efficiency are improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a channel switch layer as an intermediary component that manages the reconfiguration of RF channel modules. This intermediary layer abstracts the complexity of switching between different communication protocols and MIMO modes, providing a unified control interface that simplifies the overall system architecture despite the dynamic reconfiguration requirements.
4Volume of moving object
If a unified RF channel module is used for multiple protocols, then the terminal size and cost are reduced, but the adaptability to different communication protocols decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains protocol adaptability through dynamic reconfiguration capabilities. The unified RF channel module can change its operational characteristics in real-time to match the requirements of different protocols (Bluetooth, WLAN, mobile communication) and MIMO modes, ensuring full protocol compatibility despite using a single hardware platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves protocol versatility by changing operational parameters (frequency ranges, bandwidth, sampling rates, antenna configurations) of the unified RF channel module. These parameter adjustments allow the same hardware to adapt to different protocol requirements while maintaining a compact form factor.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a multimode communication terminal which contains at least a first separate channel module and a second separate channel module. The multimode communication terminal can be configured to communicate by using the first channel module and/or the second channel module. The channel modules communicate according to different communication protocols. The multimode communication terminal further comprises: channel switch layer means for switching the first channel module to have parameter characteristics consistent with those of the second channel module, so that the multimode communication terminal enables the MIMO operation mode by using the first channel module and the second channel module at the same time. The present invention further provides a method for enabling a MIMO operation mode in a multimode communication terminal. By using a relatively small number of RF communication modules, the present invention implements a wireless mobile multimode communication terminal which enables various operation modes including the MIMO operation mode. Compared with the existing solutions, the present invention greatly reduces the size required by the terminal.