RFFE Antenna Switching Architecture for Low-Loss SRS Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF communication systems face challenges with high insertion losses, complex connectivity, and isolation issues due to the geographical positioning of RF modules and the need for additional connectivity for SRS antenna switching, particularly in 5G NR systems.
Innovation Solution
A radio frequency front-end architecture is introduced, utilizing a first and second power amplifier module with switch blocks and signal traces for flexible routing, allowing bypass modes and reduced external connections, enhancing isolation and reducing component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional connectivity is added for SRS antenna switching, then antenna switching capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RF front-end modules are designed to perform multiple functions: they can operate in normal transmit mode, SRS antenna switching mode, and bypass mode. The same physical infrastructure (signal traces, switches, amplifiers) supports both standard MIMO operations and SRS antenna switching, eliminating the need for separate dedicated connectivity paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the SRS antenna switching functionality with the existing MIMO RF front-end architecture by integrating switch blocks and bypass paths within the same module structure. This merging approach consolidates multiple functions into a unified system rather than adding separate independent subsystems.
2Reliability
If RF modules are geographically positioned for MIMO, then MIMO performance is improved, but insertion losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
Switch blocks are introduced as intermediary components that enable selective routing of RF signals between different antennas and RF front-end modules. These switches allow the system to dynamically select the optimal signal path, directing signals through shorter or lower-loss traces when possible, thereby reducing insertion losses while maintaining MIMO performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more external connections are added to the FE, then connectivity flexibility is improved, but the number of external connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
Existing external connections are designed to support multiple operating modes. The same physical connections serve both normal MIMO transmission and SRS antenna switching operations, eliminating the need for additional external connection points while maintaining full connectivity flexibility for both functions.
4Volume of moving object
If a compact package is used, then space efficiency is improved, but isolation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements localized isolation measures within the compact RF front-end module. Switch blocks are strategically positioned to provide isolation between different signal paths at critical points, and bypass paths are designed to maintain signal integrity. This localized approach to isolation ensures that despite the compact overall size, harmful interference between adjacent signal paths is effectively controlled.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a radio frequency front-end (RFFE) architecture for sounding reference signal (SRS) antenna switching using a first power amplifier module (PAM) and a remote module (second PAM) to control local and remote antennas. The modules include various transmit and receive signal paths, power amplifiers and low-noise amplifiers, filters for signal conditioning, and switch blocks comprising a plurality of switches for selectively routing the signal paths. In certain embodiments, external bypass ports may be included to increase the connectivity of the modules and provide for additional operating modes of the FE. The FE SRS architecture advantageously reduces insertion losses (including switching losses), reduces component count and the number of external connections to the FE, and can provide improved isolation performance in a compact package.