RF System Antenna Configuration for NSA Mode Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing RF systems in 4G electronic devices face challenges in accommodating multiple antennas for efficient operation in non-standalone (NSA) modes, particularly in small-sized devices where space is limited, and require multiple power amplifiers and antennas for simultaneous signal transmission and reception across different frequency bands, leading to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The RF system incorporates four antennas to support low-band (LB) and middle-high-band (MHB) NSA modes, utilizing a transfer switch module to efficiently configure antennas for transmission and reception across various frequency bands, optimizing antenna efficiency and reducing the need for multiple power amplifiers by using a combination of antennas for different functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas and power amplifiers are used for simultaneous signal transmission and reception across different frequency bands, then the support for NSA modes is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single power amplifier universal by enabling it to operate across multiple frequency bands (low band and middle-high band) through dynamic frequency tuning. The power amplifier can be configured to amplify signals in different bands as needed, eliminating the requirement for separate dedicated power amplifiers for each band. This multi-functional approach allows the system to support NSA modes with reduced hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic frequency tuning capability in the power amplifier, allowing it to adapt its operating frequency in real-time based on the required band. The system can dynamically switch between low band and middle-high band operations, and even support simultaneous operations in different bands through frequency division. This dynamic adaptability enables versatile NSA mode support without requiring static, dedicated hardware for each frequency band.
2Adaptability or versatility
If four antennas are used to support LB+LB NSA and dual MHB NSA, then the versatility of NSA is improved, but the area occupied by antennas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns multiple functions to each antenna, enabling them to operate across different frequency bands and modes. The first and second antennas can serve both low band and middle-high band operations, while the third and fourth antennas provide diversity reception capabilities across bands. This multi-functional antenna design allows four antennas to support LB+LB NSA and dual MHB NSA configurations, achieving high versatility without requiring additional antennas that would increase device area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into the antenna system by enabling antennas to handle both transmission and reception, primary and diversity operations, across multiple frequency bands. The transfer switch module merges the control of multiple antennas under a unified management system that can dynamically allocate antenna resources based on the active NSA mode, optimizing space utilization while maintaining versatile support for different NSA configurations.
3Reliability
If a transfer switch module is used to configure antennas for transmission and reception, then the antenna efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer switch module implements dynamic antenna configuration, automatically switching antenna connections based on the active NSA mode and operational requirements. The module can dynamically allocate antennas for transmission or reception, primary or diversity operations, optimizing antenna efficiency in real-time. This dynamic switching capability ensures that each antenna is optimally configured for its current function, improving overall system reliability and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer switch module operates autonomously based on control signals from the baseband processor, automatically configuring antenna connections without requiring manual intervention. The module monitors the operational state and self-adjusts the antenna routing to maintain optimal efficiency across different NSA modes and frequency bands, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency (RF) system is provided. The RF system includes an RF transceiver, an RF processing circuit, a transfer switch module, a first antenna, a second antenna, a third antenna, and a fourth antenna. The RF transceiver is coupled with the RF processing circuit. The RF processing circuit is coupled with the transfer switch module. The transfer switch module is coupled with the first antenna, the second antenna, the third antenna, and the fourth antenna. When the RF system operates in a non-standalone (NSA) mode, the first antenna is configured for transmission in a first low band (LB) and primary reception in the first LB, the second antenna is configured for transmission in a second LB and primary reception in the second LB, the third antenna is configured for diversity reception in the second LB, and the fourth antenna is configured for diversity reception in the first LB.