Multimode Terminal Antenna Selection via Shared Switch Module

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The high development cost and system complexity of multimode terminals in existing technologies due to the need for an antenna selection module on each modem chip for multiple communication standards.

Innovation Solution

A multimode terminal design where a single modem chip with an antenna selection module controls the connection of both itself and another modem chip to an optimum antenna through a shared switch module, eliminating the need for separate antenna selection modules on each modem chip.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an antenna selection module is configured on each modem chip to support multiple communication standards, then the terminal can achieve compatibility to multiple networks and select optimum antennas, but the development cost and system complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-network compatibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the antenna selection functionality from multiple modem chips into a single shared antenna selection module. Instead of having separate antenna selection modules on each modem chip (LTE, CDMA, etc.), one centralized module handles antenna selection for all communication standards, reducing system complexity while maintaining multi-network compatibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shared antenna selection module is designed to be universal, serving multiple modem chips and supporting various communication standards (GSM, WCDMA, LTE, CDMA2000, TD-SCDMA) through a single multi-functional component, eliminating the need for standard-specific selection modules

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If an antenna selection module is configured on each modem chip, then each modem can independently select optimum antennas, but the production cost increases due to multiple identical functional modules

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna selection capabilityVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple identical antenna selection modules into a single shared module that serves all modem chips, reducing the quantity of components needed for production while maintaining the same antenna selection capability across all communication standards

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shared antenna selection module is designed with universal functionality to handle antenna selection for different communication standards (GSM, WCDMA, LTE, CDMA2000, TD-SCDMA) through a single multi-standard interface, simplifying manufacturing processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3285543B1Multi-mode terminal
Publication Date: 2019.03.13 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3285543B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3285543B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3285543B1 patent drawingFigure 3~3A

AI summary

The present invention relates to the field of communications technologies, and discloses a multimode terminal, so as to resolve a problem of high costs of an existing multimode terminal. The multimode terminal provided in the present invention includes: a first modem chip, a second modem chip, a switch module connected to both the modem chips, and at least two antennas connected to the switch module. The first modem chip includes: an antenna selection module, configured to: select an optimum antenna for the first modem chip, control the switch module to connect the first modem chip to the optimum antenna of the first modem chip, determine an optimum antenna of the second modem chip according to a related parameter value of a signal received or transmitted by the second modem chip, and control the switch module to connect the second modem chip to the optimum antenna of the second modem chip. The second modem chip includes: a measurement unit, configured to measure the related parameter value of the signal received or transmitted by the second modem chip.