Multiway Switch for 5G NR SRS Transmission in Massive MIMO
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radio frequency systems in 5G NR wireless communication devices lack an efficient mechanism for transmitting sounding reference signals (SRS) through multiple antennas, which is essential for optimal channel quality assessment and beamforming in massive MIMO configurations.
Innovation Solution
A radio frequency system incorporating a multiway switch with four T ports and 2^n P ports, where each T port is coupled with all P ports, supporting transmission-reception functions, and configured with a radio frequency circuit that includes transceiver and receiver circuits to implement SRS transmission through 2^n antennas in a dual-frequency dual-transmit mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-antenna or dual-antenna RF system architecture is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability for 5G NR massive MIMO operations is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The RF system is segmented into multiple independent RF chains (first RF chain with first antenna, second RF chain with second antenna) that can be independently controlled and configured. Each RF chain can operate autonomously, allowing the system to adapt to different MIMO modes (transmit diversity, spatial multiplexing, beamforming) by selectively activating and configuring specific chains, thereby achieving high adaptability without requiring a fully integrated complex system
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic switching mechanisms (switches coupled to each RF chain) that allow real-time reconfiguration of antenna connections and RF chain activations based on channel conditions and service requirements. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to transition between different operating modes and antenna configurations, providing versatility while maintaining manageable complexity through controlled reconfigurability
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are added to support 5G NR requirements, then the adaptability for massive MIMO is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each RF chain is designed with multi-functionality, capable of supporting multiple antenna ports and different transmission modes through configurable switching networks. The switches coupled to each RF chain can dynamically connect to different antennas, allowing the same RF chain hardware to serve multiple functions across different MIMO configurations, thereby reducing overall device complexity while supporting four-antenna architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system organizes multiple antennas and RF chains in a structured dimensional framework with clear hierarchical relationships (RF chains at one level, antennas at another, switches as connectors). This dimensional organization allows systematic management of complexity by separating concerns into distinct layers, making the four-antenna system more manageable through structured architecture rather than monolithic complexity
3Measurement precision
If SRS transmission through multiple antennas is not implemented, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision for channel quality assessment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements preliminary channel quality assessment by transmitting SRS signals through multiple antennas before actual data transmission. This preliminary measurement action allows the network to evaluate channel conditions, select optimal antennas and MIMO modes, and configure transmission parameters in advance, achieving high measurement precision through proactive channel sounding without adding complex real-time measurement mechanisms during data transmission
Data Source
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AI summary
A multiway switch, a radio frequency system, and a wireless communication device are provided. The multiway switch includes four T ports and 2n P ports. Each of the four T ports is coupled with all of the 2n P ports. The four T ports support a transmission-reception function, n is an integer and n ≥2. The multiway switch is configured to be coupled with a radio frequency circuit and an antenna system of a wireless communication device operable in a dual-frequency dual-transmit mode, to implement a preset function of the wireless communication device. The antenna system includes 2n antennas corresponding to the 2n P ports, and the preset function is a function of transmitting a sounding reference signal (SRS) through the 2n antennas in turn.