Single-Port SRS Interface for Compact Wireless Front-End Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current front-end modules (FEMs) in wireless communication devices face challenges with multi-port sounding reference signal (SRS) interfaces, which increase package size, routing complexity, and losses due to the need for larger antenna switching modules and multiple ports, reducing input/output availability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a single-port SRS interface with a simplified antenna switching module that routes SRS signals between transmit/receive paths and antenna ports, reducing the complexity and size of the FEM system while maintaining full SRS functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multi-port SRS interfaces are implemented, then full SRS functionality is achieved, but package size increases and routing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single-port interface is designed to handle both transmit and receive SRS operations, as well as support multiple antenna ports through the antenna switching module. This universal interface replaces what would traditionally require separate dedicated ports for each function, thereby reducing package size while maintaining full SRS functionality including uplink channel characterization and multi-antenna support
2Adaptability or versatility
If multi-port SRS interfaces are implemented, then full SRS functionality is achieved, but package size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single-port interface serves multiple purposes: transmitting SRS signals, receiving SRS signals, and supporting multiple antenna ports through switching. This consolidation reduces the number of required package ports from multiple dedicated ports to a single multi-functional port, directly reducing package size while preserving all SRS capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines separate transmit and receive SRS paths into a single shared port that alternates between transmit and receive modes using the antenna switching module. This merging of previously separate functional paths into one unified interface reduces the overall package footprint while maintaining the ability to perform both transmit and receive operations
3Adaptability or versatility
If larger antenna switching modules are used, then multi-port SRS functionality is supported, but losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna switching module is designed to dynamically switch between different antenna ports and the single SRS port, providing multi-antenna support without requiring permanent dedicated paths for each antenna. This dynamic switching approach reduces the number of simultaneous connections needed, thereby reducing overall signal losses compared to having all paths permanently connected
4Ease of operation
If multiple ports are used, then SRS signal routing is flexible, but input/output availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The single-port interface provides the same routing flexibility as multiple ports by using the antenna switching module to dynamically connect the single port to different antenna ports as needed. This dynamic switching provides flexible signal routing for all SRS operations while maintaining continuous availability of the single I/O interface, avoiding the availability reduction that would occur with multiple physical ports
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure provide a front-end module for a wireless device comprising at least one transmit path configured to provide a first sounding reference signal, at least one transmit/receive path coupled to at least one antenna port, a sounding-reference-signal port configured to provide the first sounding reference signal and to receive a second sounding reference signal, an antenna switching module coupled between the at least one transmit path, the at least one transmit/receive path, and the sounding-reference-signal port, the antenna switching module being configured to provide the first sounding reference signal from the transmit path to the at least one transmit/receive path and the sounding-reference-signal port and to provide the second sounding reference signal received at the sounding-reference-signal port to the at least one transmit/receive path.