Multiway Switch for 5G SRS Transmission

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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 switching schemes.

Innovation Solution

A multiway switch with 4T and 2n< P ports is integrated into the radio frequency circuit and antenna system, allowing for efficient SRS transmission through 2n< antennas in a simplified 4P4T antenna switch configuration, reducing the number of series switches and optimizing transmission and reception performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a complex switching scheme is used to transmit SRS through multiple antennas, then the adaptability of the RF system is improved, but the device complexity and link loss increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSRS transmission capabilityVSAvoidswitching scheme complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the complex switching scheme into multiple simple switch modules (first switch module and second switch module). Each module handles specific antenna groups independently, transforming a complex monolithic switch into manageable segments that reduce overall system complexity while maintaining multi-antenna SRS transmission capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a traditional single-dimensional switching approach to a two-dimensional switching architecture. The first switch module handles antenna groups in one dimension, while the second switch module handles antenna groups in another dimension, enabling complex SRS transmission patterns through coordinated simple switches

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If more series switches are used in the RF circuit, then the adaptability for multiple antenna configurations is improved, but the link loss and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna configuration flexibilityVSAvoidlink loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the switching function from a complex multi-way switch and distributes it across two simpler switch modules. This extraction reduces the number of switch components needed while maintaining the same antenna configuration flexibility, thereby reducing link loss associated with complex switching paths

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If a simplified antenna switch configuration is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the SRS transmission capability through multiple antennas is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitch configuration simplicityVSAvoiddata transmission rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functionality of two simple switch modules to achieve the equivalent capability of a complex multi-way switch. The first and second switch modules work in coordination, combining their individual simple switching capabilities to enable comprehensive multi-antenna SRS transmission without requiring a single complex switch

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3540967B1Multiway switch, radio frequency system, and electronic device
Publication Date: 2020.08.26 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP3540967B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3540967B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3540967B1 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 multiway switch includes four T ports and 2n P ports. The four 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 four 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 2n antennas of the antenna system corresponding to the 2n P ports in turn.