RF Front-End SRS Distribution for Anchor Link Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio frequency communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing antenna calibration and channel modeling without disrupting established anchor links, particularly in advanced 5G communication systems with features like carrier aggregation and MIMO, which require simultaneous transmission and reception of signals across multiple frequency bands.
Innovation Solution
A radio frequency front-end system with dual radio frequency modules and antenna-plexers that allow simultaneous transmission of sounding reference signals for antenna calibration while maintaining established links, using frequency selective paths and power amplifiers to manage multiple frequency bands and antennas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sounding reference signals are transmitted for antenna calibration, then channel modeling accuracy is improved, but anchor link continuity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the antenna calibration process by dedicating specific time resources (OFDM symbols) solely for sounding reference signal transmission. This segmentation allows channel modeling to occur without interfering with anchor link operations, as calibration happens in designated time slots while anchor links operate in other slots.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic antenna calibration by scheduling sounding reference signal transmissions at regular intervals rather than continuously. This periodic action allows the anchor link to operate continuously while calibration occurs periodically in predetermined time windows, maintaining both channel modeling accuracy and link continuity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple frequency bands are managed simultaneously, then communication versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RF front-end architecture uses universal components that can handle multiple frequency bands. The antenna-plexer and RF switches are designed to operate across different frequency ranges, allowing the same hardware infrastructure to support both sub-6 GHz and mmWave bands without requiring completely separate processing paths for each band.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a nested architecture where mmWave RF modules are integrated within the broader sub-6 GHz RF front-end structure. The mmWave-specific components (antenna-plexers, switches) are nested within the existing multi-band framework, allowing hierarchical management of frequency bands where higher-frequency operations are contained within the lower-frequency system architecture.
3Measurement precision
If antenna switching is performed during calibration, then channel model accuracy is improved, but signal transmission interruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary scheduling of sounding reference signal transmissions in predetermined time resources before actual anchor link communications occur. By pre-allocating specific OFDM symbols for calibration purposes, the system ensures that antenna switching and channel modeling are completed in advance, minimizing any potential interruption to subsequent signal transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sounding reference signals as intermediary elements that facilitate channel modeling without directly interrupting anchor link data transmission. These reference signals act as mediators by providing the necessary calibration information in dedicated time slots, allowing the system to obtain accurate channel models while maintaining continuous anchor link operation in other time resources.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of this disclosure relate to radio frequency front-end systems that can transmit sounding reference signals for determining a channel model for an antenna without interrupting an anchor link established by the antenna. A radio frequency front-end system can include first and second modules. The first module can be configured to, during a first antenna calibration period, simultaneously transmit a first sounding reference signal to a first antenna and pass a first downlink signal from the first antenna to a first receive amplifiers. The second module can be configured to, during a second antenna calibration period, simultaneously transmit a second sounding reference signal received from the first module to a second antenna and pass a second downlink signal from the second antenna to a second receive amplifier. Related methods, radio frequency systems, radio frequency modules, and wireless communication devices are also disclosed.