Shared LNA Gain Control Across Multiple RAT Receiver Chains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication systems using multiple radio access technologies (RATs) face performance losses due to poor signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and inefficiencies when sharing a low noise amplifier (LNA) across different RATs, leading to issues like glitches, incorrect measurements, mobility problems, and inability to support certain features.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method for determining a common gain state across multiple RATs using signal strength indicators from shared LNAs, applying this gain state to both receiver chains, and using an aggregation function such as a weighted average or maximum gain to optimize signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate gain control is applied to each RAT receiver chain, then each RAT can be optimized independently, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates and performance losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the separate gain control mechanisms of multiple RATs into a single common gain control system. The gain state determined by the automatic gain control circuit is applied to all receiver chains simultaneously, ensuring consistent signal processing across different radio access technologies while improving overall signal-to-noise ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic gain control circuit is designed to serve multiple RATs universally. A single gain control mechanism is created that can be applied across different receiver chains supporting various RATs, making the gain control system multi-functional and eliminating the need for separate independent control for each RAT.
2Device complexity
If a shared LNA is used across multiple RATs, then device complexity is reduced, but performance losses occur including glitches and incorrect measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic gain control that adapts to the specific operational requirements of each RAT. The system continuously monitors signal conditions and adjusts the common gain state accordingly, allowing the shared LNA to maintain high performance across different RATs by dynamically optimizing the gain for current signal conditions rather than using fixed or separately controlled gain settings.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate gain states are applied to different RATs, then each RAT can be independently optimized, but inconsistencies and performance losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gain control functionality into two parts: a common gain control mechanism that ensures consistency across all RATs, and RAT-specific signal processing that maintains optimization for each technology. The common automatic gain control provides a baseline gain state that is applied uniformly, while subsequent RAT-specific processing can make minor adjustments without creating inconsistencies.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A user equipment (UE) may operate in a dual-connectivity (DC) configuration, and may measure signals from more than one radio access technology (RAT). The UE may receive a first signal power for a first RAT and a second signal power for a second RAT. The UE may determine a common gain state for the first RAT and the second RAT based on the first signal power and the second signal power. The UE may then apply the common gain state to a first receiver chain within the UE for the first RAT and to a second receiver chain within the UE for the second RAT, where the first receiver chain and the second receiver chain share at least one shared low noise amplifier (LNA).