Multiway Switch for 5G SRS Transmission via Segmented SPDT Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 5G NR radio frequency systems face challenges in efficiently transmitting sounding reference signals (SRS) through multiple antennas, leading to increased link loss and suboptimal data transmission performance due to complex switch configurations.

Innovation Solution

A multiway switch with 6 T ports and 2n P ports is integrated into the radio frequency circuit and antenna system, where two T ports are fully coupled with all P ports, reducing the number of series switches and optimizing transmission and reception performance by enabling efficient SRS transmission through 2n antennas corresponding to 2n P ports.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If complex switch configurations are used to transmit SRS through multiple antennas, then antenna selection capability is improved, but link loss increases and transmission performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna selection capabilityVSAvoidlink loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The switch network is segmented into multiple independent single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switch modules instead of using a single complex multiway switch. Each SPDT module handles a specific antenna pair, reducing the overall path loss by minimizing the number of series switches in the signal path while maintaining the ability to select among multiple antennas for SRS transmission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a traditional single-frequency single-transmit architecture to a single-frequency dual-transmit mode, adding a dimensional aspect to the transmission capability. This allows two independent transmit paths to operate simultaneously, improving adaptability for MIMO operations while keeping each individual path simple to reduce loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple series switches are used in the RF circuit, then antenna switching flexibility is improved, but path loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna switching flexibilityVSAvoidpath loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The complex multiway switch is divided into multiple independent SPDT switch modules. Each module contains only one or two switches, minimizing the number of series switches in any given signal path. This segmentation maintains antenna switching flexibility through coordinated control of multiple modules while reducing cumulative path loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple antenna ports are merged into pairs, with each SPDT module handling a pair of antennas. The modules are then combined through coordinated switching to achieve the equivalent functionality of a complex multiway switch, but with fewer switches in series for any individual signal path, thereby reducing path loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of energy

If a simplified switch configuration is used, then path loss is reduced, but the number of antennas that can be coupled is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepath lossVSAvoidnumber of coupled antennas
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Each SPDT switch module is designed to be universal, capable of coupling any antenna pair to the RF circuit. Through coordinated control of multiple identical modules, the system can couple any combination of antennas, achieving full adaptability for 2n antennas while keeping each module simple with minimal switches

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

Solution Approach 2:

The switch configuration is made dynamic through coordinated control of multiple SPDT modules. The switching states of different modules are dynamically adjusted based on which antennas need to be coupled, allowing the system to adapt to different antenna selection scenarios while maintaining simple, low-loss individual module designs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3540966B1Multiway switch, radio frequency system, and electronic device
Publication Date: 2020.09.09 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP3540966B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3540966B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3540966B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A multiway switch, a radio frequency system, and an electronic device are provided. The multiway switch is applicable to an electronic device being operable in a single-frequency dual-transmit mode. The electronic device includes the multiway switch, a radio frequency circuit, and an antenna system. The antenna system includes 2n antennas. The multiway switch includes six T ports and 2n P ports. The six T ports are configured to be coupled with the radio frequency circuit. The 2n P ports are configured to be coupled with the antenna system. The six T ports include two first T ports coupled with all of the 2n P ports. The multiway switch is configured to be coupled with the radio frequency circuit and the antenna system to implement a preset function of transmitting a sounding reference signal (SRS) through the 2n antennas corresponding to the 2n P ports in turn.