Switchable RF Chain Allocation Across Antenna Arrays to Reduce Circuit Size
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity of RF chains in electronic devices leads to a larger physical space requirement, resulting in increased device size and cost.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a processor, transceiver, and RF chains connected to switches, allowing selective connection to either a first or second antenna array, reducing the number of RF chains needed while maintaining functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of RF chains is increased to match the number of antennas, then the signal processing capability is improved, but the circuit size and device cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each RF chain is designed to be universally compatible with multiple antenna arrays through switchable connections. The RF chains can be dynamically allocated to different antenna arrays based on communication requirements, allowing a smaller number of RF chains to serve multiple antenna arrays effectively. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling one RF chain to perform multiple roles across different antenna arrays rather than requiring dedicated RF chains for each antenna.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic allocation of RF chains to antenna arrays using switches that can reconfigure connections in real-time. This dynamic switching capability allows the system to adapt the number of active RF chains per antenna array based on current communication needs, optimizing the balance between signal processing capability and circuit size. The dynamic nature enables the same hardware resources to be flexibly redistributed rather than being statically assigned.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of RF chains is increased to match the number of antennas, then the communication functionality is improved, but the device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RF chains are designed with universal switching capabilities that allow a single RF chain to connect to and serve multiple antenna arrays. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of RF chains required, thereby lowering device cost while maintaining comprehensive communication functionality across all antenna arrays. The switches enable each RF chain to be reassigned to different antenna arrays as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple dedicated RF chain connections into a shared pool of RF chains that are dynamically allocated through switches. By combining the connection paths and using time-division or spatial-division multiplexing through the switching network, the system achieves the same communication functionality with fewer physical RF chains, reducing overall device cost.
3Productivity
If more RF chains are used to support multiple antenna arrays, then the signal processing capability is improved, but the circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic switching to enable a smaller number of RF chains to be flexibly allocated to different antenna arrays based on real-time requirements. This dynamic allocation reduces circuit complexity compared to having permanent dedicated connections for each antenna array, while still maintaining the capability to process signals from all antenna arrays when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the antenna arrays into groups that can be served by different RF chains at different times. The switches enable segmentation of the connection topology, allowing RF chains to be assigned to specific antenna arrays or groups of arrays based on current operational needs. This segmented approach reduces the simultaneous connection requirements and lowers overall circuit complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus for processing signals through Radio Frequency (RF) chains are provided. The electronic device includes a processor, a transceiver including a plurality of RF chains, a plurality of switches electrically connected to the plurality of RF chains, a first antenna array including a plurality of first antenna elements electrically connected to the plurality of switches, and a second antenna array including a plurality of second antenna elements electrically connected to the plurality of switches.