JP6280905B2 - Reception system, radio frequency module and radio device - Google Patents

Description

  The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communication systems having one or more diversity receive antennas.

This application is related to US Provisional Application No. 62 / 073,043 entitled “Diversity Receiver Front End System” filed on Oct. 31, 2014 and “Carrier Aggregation” filed on Nov. 10, 2014. "Diversity front-end system with variable gain amplifier" filed Jun. 1, 2015, US Provisional Application No. 62 / 077,894 entitled "Diversity Receiver Architecture with LNA Pre- and Post-Filters Supporting" U.S. Application No. 14 / 727,739, and U.S. Application No. 14 / 735,482, entitled "Diversity Receiver Front End System with Amplifier Post-Filter", filed June 10, 2015. Claim priority. Each disclosure is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.

  In wireless communication applications, size, cost and performance are examples of factors that can be important for a given product. For example, wireless components such as diversity receiving antennas and related circuits are common to improve performance.

  In many radio frequency (RF) applications, the diversity receive antenna is physically located far from the primary antenna. If both antennas are used at once, the transceiver can process the signals from both antennas to increase data throughput.

  According to some implementations, the present disclosure includes a controller configured to selectively activate one or more of a plurality of paths between an input of a first multiplexer and an output of a second multiplexer. About the system. The receiving system may include a plurality of amplifiers. Each one of the plurality of amplifiers can be provided along one corresponding path of the plurality of paths, and can be configured to amplify the signal received at the amplifier. The receiving system can include a first multi-bandpass filter. Each one of the first multiple bandpass filters can be provided at the output of one corresponding amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers along one corresponding path of the plurality of paths, and the signal received by the bandpass filter. Can be configured to be filtered into each frequency band.

  In some embodiments, the receiving system may further include a second multi-bandpass filter. Each one of the second multiple bandpass filters can be provided at the input of one corresponding amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers along one corresponding path of the plurality of paths, and the signal received by the bandpass filter. Can be configured to be filtered into each frequency band.

  In some embodiments, one of the first multi-bandpass filters provided along the first path and one of the second multi-bandpass filters provided along the first path are complementary. can do. In some embodiments, one of the bandpass filters provided along the first path can attenuate frequencies below each frequency band rather than frequencies above each frequency band, and Another one of the band-pass filters provided along one path can attenuate the frequency above each frequency band rather than the frequency below each frequency band.

  In some embodiments, the receiving system may further include a transmission line coupled to the output of the second multiplexer and coupled to a downstream module that includes a downstream multiplexer. In some embodiments, the downstream module does not include a downstream bandpass filter. In some embodiments, the downstream multiplexer includes a sample switch. In some embodiments, the downstream module may include one or more downstream amplifiers. In some embodiments, the number of one or more downstream amplifiers can be less than the number of amplifiers.

  In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of amplifiers may include a low noise amplifier.

  In some embodiments, the receiving system may further include one or more tunable matching circuits provided at one or more of the input of the first multiplexer and the output of the second multiplexer.

  In some embodiments, the controller can be configured to selectively activate one or more of the plurality of paths based on a band selection signal received by the controller. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to selectively activate one or more of the plurality of paths by sending a divider control signal to the first multiplexer and a combiner control signal to the second multiplexer. can do.

  In some implementations, the present disclosure relates to a radio frequency (RF) module that includes a packaging substrate configured to receive a plurality of components. The RF module further includes a receiving system mounted on the packaging substrate. The receiving system includes a controller configured to selectively activate one or more of the plurality of paths between the input of the first multiplexer and the output of the second multiplexer. The receiving system further includes a plurality of amplifiers. Each one of the plurality of amplifiers can be provided along one corresponding path of the plurality of paths, and can be configured to amplify the signal received at the amplifier. The receiving system further includes a first multi-bandpass filter. Each one of the first multiple bandpass filters can be provided at the output of one corresponding amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers along one corresponding path of the plurality of paths, and the signal received by the bandpass filter. Can be configured to be filtered into each frequency band.

  In some embodiments, the RF module may be a diversity receiver front end module (FEM).

  In some embodiments, the receiving system may further include a second multi-bandpass filter. Each one of the second multiple bandpass filters can be provided at the input of one corresponding amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers along one corresponding path of the plurality of paths, and the signal received by the bandpass filter. Can be configured to be filtered into each frequency band.

  In some embodiments, the plurality of paths may include an off-module path that includes an off-module bandpass filter and one of the plurality of amplifiers.

  According to some teachings, the present disclosure relates to a wireless device that includes a first antenna configured to receive a first radio frequency (RF) signal. The wireless device further includes a first front end module (FEM) in communication with the first antenna. The first FEM includes a packaging substrate configured to receive a plurality of parts. The first FEM further includes a receiving system mounted on the packaging substrate. The receiving system includes a controller configured to selectively activate one or more of the plurality of paths between the input of the first multiplexer and the output of the second multiplexer. The receiving system further includes a plurality of amplifiers. Each one of the plurality of amplifiers can be provided along one corresponding path of the plurality of paths, and can be configured to amplify the signal received at the amplifier. The receiving system further includes a first multi-bandpass filter. Each one of the first multiple bandpass filters can be provided at the output of one corresponding amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers along one corresponding path of the plurality of paths, and the signal received by the bandpass filter. Can be configured to be filtered into each frequency band. The wireless device further includes a communication module configured to receive a processed version of the first RF signal from the output via a transmission line and generate data bits based on the processed version of the first RF signal.

  In some embodiments, the wireless device further includes a second antenna configured to receive a second radio frequency (RF) signal and a second FEM in communication with the second antenna. The communication module may be configured to receive a processed version of the second RF signal from the output of the second FEM and generate data bits based on the processed version of the second RF signal.

  In some embodiments, the receiving system further includes a second multi-bandpass filter. Each one of the second multiple bandpass filters can be provided at the input of one corresponding amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers along one corresponding path of the plurality of paths, and the signal received by the bandpass filter. Can be configured to be filtered into each frequency band.

1 illustrates a wireless device having a communication module coupled to a primary antenna and a diversity antenna. Fig. 2 shows a diversity receiver (DRx) configuration including a DRx front-end module (FEM). In some embodiments, it is shown that a diversity receiver (DRx) configuration can include a DRx module with multiple paths corresponding to multiple frequency bands. In some embodiments, it is shown that a diversity receiver configuration can include a diversity receiver (DRx) module having a plurality of bandpass filters provided at the outputs of a plurality of amplifiers. In some embodiments, it is shown that a diversity receiver configuration may include a diversity RF module with fewer amplifiers than a diversity receiver (DRx) module. In some embodiments, it is shown that the diversity receiver configuration can include a DRx module coupled to an off-module filter. In some embodiments, it is shown that a diversity receiver configuration can include a DRx module with a tunable matching circuit. 2 depicts a module having one or more features described herein. 8 depicts a wireless device having one or more features described herein.

  The headings given herein are for convenience only and do not necessarily affect the scope or meaning of the claimed invention.

  FIG. 1 shows a wireless device 100 having a communication module 110 coupled to a primary antenna 130 and a diversity antenna 140. The communication module 110 (and its components) can be controlled by the controller 120. The communication module 110 includes a transceiver 112 configured to convert between analog radio frequency (RF) signals and digital data signals. To that end, the transceiver 112 includes a digital / analog converter, an analog / digital converter, a local oscillator that modulates or demodulates a baseband analog signal to a carrier frequency, digital samples and data bits (eg, voice or other). Baseband processor or other components that convert between these types of data).

  Communication module 110 further includes an RF module 114 coupled between primary antenna 130 and transceiver 112. Because RF module 114 is physically close to primary antenna 130 to reduce attenuation due to cable loss, RF module 114 can be referred to as a front-end module (FEM). The RF module 114 can perform processing on an analog signal received from the primary antenna 130 of the transceiver 112 or an analog signal received from the transceiver 112 and transmitted via the primary antenna 130. To that end, the RF module 114 may include filters, power amplifiers, band select switches, matching circuits, and other components. Similarly, the communication module 110 includes a diversity RF module 116 coupled between a transceiver 112 and a diversity antenna 140 that perform similar processing.

  When a signal is transmitted to the wireless device, the signal can be received at both primary antenna 130 and diversity antenna 140. Since primary antenna 130 and diversity antenna 140 are physically separated, signals received at primary antenna 130 and diversity antenna 140 have different characteristics. For example, in one embodiment, primary antenna 130 and diversity antenna 140 may receive signals with different attenuation, noise, frequency response, or phase shift. The transceiver 112 can use both signals with different characteristics to determine the data bits corresponding to the signals. In some implementations, the transceiver 112 is selected from among the primary antenna 130 and the diversity antenna 140 based on the characteristics, such as selecting the antenna with the highest signal-to-noise ratio. In some implementations, the transceiver 112 combines the signal from the primary antenna 130 and the signal from the diversity antenna 140 to increase the signal to noise ratio of the combined signal. In some implementations, the transceiver 112 processes signals to perform multiple input / multiple output (MIMO) communications.

  Because diversity antenna 140 is physically spaced from primary antenna 130, diversity antenna 140 is coupled to communication module 110 via a transmission line 135, such as a cable or printed circuit board (PCB) trace. In some implementations, the transmission line 135 is lossy and attenuates the signal received at the diversity antenna 140, after which the signal reaches the communication module 110. That is, in some implementations, gain is applied to signals received at diversity antenna 140, as described below. Gain (or other analog processing such as filtering) can be applied by the diversity receiver module. Such a diversity receiver module is physically located near the diversity antenna 140 and can be referred to as a diversity receiver front-end module. In contrast, diversity RF module 116 is coupled to diversity antenna 140 via transmission line 135 and can be referred to as a back-end module or a downstream module.

  FIG. 2 shows a diversity receiver (DRx) configuration 200 that includes a DRx front-end module (FEM) 210. The DRx configuration 200 includes a diversity antenna 140 configured to receive a diversity signal and provide the diversity signal to the DRx FEM 210. The DRxFEM 210 is configured to process the diversity signal received from the diversity antenna 140. For example, the DRxFEM 210 can be configured to filter the diversity signal into one or more active frequency bands, for example as directed by the controller 120. In other examples, the DRxFEM 210 can be configured to amplify the diversity signal. To that end, the DRxFEM 210 may include filters, low noise amplifiers, band select switches, matching circuits and other components.

  The DRxFEM 210 transmits the processed diversity signal to the diversity RF (D-RF) module 116 via the transmission line 135. A diversity RF (D-RF) module 116 provides further processed diversity signals to the transceiver 112. Diversity RF module 116 (and transceiver in some implementations) is controlled by controller 120. In some implementations, the controller 120 can be implemented in the transceiver 112.

  FIG. 3 illustrates that, in some embodiments, a diversity receiver (DRx) configuration 300 can include a DRx module 310 with multiple paths corresponding to multiple frequency bands. The DRx configuration 300 includes a diversity antenna 140 configured to receive a diversity signal. In some implementations, the diversity signal may be a single band signal that includes data modulated into a single frequency band. In some implementations, the diversity signal can be a multi-band signal (also referred to as an inter-band carrier aggregation signal) that includes data modulated into multiple frequency bands.

  The DRx module 310 has an input that receives the diversity signal from the diversity antenna 140 and an output that provides the processed diversity signal to the transceiver 330 (via the transmission line 135 and the diversity RF module 320). The input of the DRx module 310 is supplied to the input of the first multiplexer (MUX) 311. The first multiplexer 311 includes a plurality of multiplexer outputs. Each multiplexer output corresponds to a path between the input and output of the DRx module 310. Each path may correspond to each frequency band. The output of the DRx module 310 is given by the output of the second multiplexer 312. The second multiplexer 312 includes a plurality of multiplexer inputs. Each multiplexer input corresponds to one of the paths between the inputs and outputs of the DRx module 310.

  The frequency band may be a cellular frequency band such as a UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) frequency band. For example, the first frequency band is 1930 megahertz (MHZ) to 1990 MHz UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) downlink or “Rx” band 2 and the second frequency band is 869 MHz to 894 MHz UMTS downlink or “Rx”. "Band 5 can be used. Other downlink frequency bands may also be used, such as those described below in Table 1 or other non-UMTS frequency bands.

  In some implementations, the DRx module 310 includes a DRx controller 302. The DRx controller 302 receives a signal from the controller 120 (also referred to as a communication controller), and selectively activates one or more of a plurality of paths between the input and the output based on the received signal. In some implementations, the DRx module 310 does not include the DRx controller 302 and the controller 120 selectively selectively activates one or more of the multiple paths.

  As mentioned above, in some implementations, the diversity signal is a single band signal. That is, in some implementations, the first multiplexer 311 is a single pole that routes the diversity signal to one of a plurality of paths corresponding to the frequency band of the single band signal based on the signal received from the DRx controller 302. / Multi-throw (SPMT) switch. The DRx controller 302 can generate a signal based on the band selection signal received by the DRx controller 302 from the communication controller 120. Similarly, in some implementations, the second multiplexer 312 can route a signal from one of a plurality of paths corresponding to a frequency band of a single band signal based on a signal received from the DRx controller 302. It is.

  As mentioned above, in some implementations, the diversity signal is a multiband signal. That is, in some implementations, the first multiplexer 311 transmits the diversity signal to two or more of a plurality of paths corresponding to two or more frequency bands of the multiband signal based on the divider control signal received from the DRx controller 302. It is a band divider for routing. The bandwidth divider function can be implemented as an SPMT switch, a diplexer filter, or some combination thereof. The diplexer is configured to divide the input signal received at the input of the DRx module 310 into a plurality of signals in each of a plurality of frequency bands propagating along a plurality of paths, a quadplexer, or any Other multiplexers can be substituted.

  Similarly, in some implementations, the second multiplexer 312 converts the signals from two or more of the plurality of paths corresponding to two or more frequency bands of the multiband signal into the combiner control signal received from the DRx controller 302. It is a band combiner that combines based on. The function of the band combiner can be implemented as an SPMT switch, a diplexer filter, or some combination thereof. The DRx controller 302 can generate a divider control signal and a combiner control signal based on the band selection signal received by the DRx controller 302 from the communication controller 120.

  That is, in some implementations, the DRx controller 302 may selectively activate one or more of the multiple paths based on a band selection signal received by the DRx controller 302 (eg, from the communication controller 120). Composed. In some implementations, the DRx controller 302 selectively activates one or more of the plurality of paths by transmitting a divider control signal to the band divider and a combiner control signal to the band combiner. Configured.

  The DRx module 310 includes a plurality of band pass filters 313a to 313d. Each one of the band pass filters 313a to 313d is provided along one corresponding path of a plurality of paths, and a signal received by the band pass filter is transferred to the one corresponding frequency band of the plurality of paths. And configured to filter. In some implementations, the bandpass filters 313a-313d are further configured to filter signals received at the bandpass filters into the downlink frequency subbands of the one corresponding frequency band of the plurality of paths. The DRx module 310 includes a plurality of amplifiers 314a to 314d. Each one of the amplifiers 314a to 314d is provided along one corresponding path of the plurality of paths, and is configured to amplify a signal received by the amplifier.

  In some implementations, amplifiers 314a-314d are narrowband amplifiers configured to amplify signals in each frequency band of the path in which the amplifier is provided. In some implementations, the amplifiers 314a-314d can be controlled by the DRx controller 302. For example, in some implementations, amplifiers 314a-314d each include an enable / disable input and are enabled (or disabled) based on an amplifier enable signal received at the enable / disable input. The amplifier enable signal can be transmitted by the DRx controller 302. That is, in some implementations, the DRx controller 302 transmits an amplifier enable signal to one or more of the amplifiers 314a-314d, each provided along one or more of the plurality of paths, so that the plurality of paths. The one or more are configured to be selectively active. In such an implementation, rather than being controlled by the DRx controller 302, the first multiplexer 311 is a band divider that routes the diversity signal to each of the plurality of paths, and the second multiplexer 312 is from each of the plurality of paths. It is possible to use a band combiner for combining the signals. However, in implementations where the DRx controller 302 controls the first multiplexer 311 and the second multiplexer 312, the DRX controller 302 also enables (or disables) certain amplifiers 314 a-314 d, for example, to save battery power. You can also.

  In some implementations, amplifiers 314a-314d are variable gain amplifiers (VGA). That is, in some implementations, the DRx module 310 includes a plurality of variable gain amplifiers (VGAs), each one of the VGAs being provided along one corresponding path of the plurality of paths and receiving at the VGA. The amplified signal is configured to be amplified by a gain controlled by an amplifier control signal received from the DRx controller 302.

  The gain of the VGA can be bypassable, variable in steps, and continuously variable. In some implementations, at least one of the VGAs includes a fixed gain amplifier and a bypass switch that can be controlled by an amplifier control signal. The bypass switch (in the first position) can allow a signal to bypass the fixed gain amplifier by closing the line between the input of the fixed gain amplifier and the output of the fixed gain amplifier. . The bypass switch (in the second position) allows the signal to pass through the fixed gain amplifier by opening the line between the input and output. In some implementations, when the bypass switch is in the first position, the fixed gain amplifier is disabled or reconfigured to conform to the bypass mode.

  In some implementations, at least one of the VGAs includes a step variable gain amplifier configured to amplify a signal received at the VGA by a plurality of set gains indicated by the amplifier control signal. In some implementations, at least one of the VGAs includes a continuously variable gain amplifier configured to amplify a signal received at the VGA with a gain proportional to the amplifier control signal.

  In some implementations, amplifiers 314a-314d are variable current amplifiers (VCA). The current drawn by the VCA can be bypassable, step variable, continuously variable. In some implementations, at least one of the VCAs includes a fixed current amplifier and a bypass switch that can be controlled by an amplifier control signal. The bypass switch (in the first position) can allow a signal to bypass the fixed current amplifier by closing the line between the input of the fixed current amplifier and the output of the fixed current amplifier. . The bypass switch (in the second position) allows the signal to pass through the fixed current amplifier by opening the line between the input and output. In some implementations, when the bypass switch is in the first position, the fixed current amplifier is disabled or reconfigured to conform to the bypass mode.

  In some implementations, at least one of the VCAs includes a step variable current amplifier configured to amplify a signal received at the VCA by extracting one set of currents indicated by the amplifier control signal. Including. In some implementations, at least one of the VCAs includes a continuously variable current amplifier configured to amplify a signal received at the VCA by drawing a current proportional to the amplifier control signal.

  In some implementations, amplifiers 314a-314d are fixed gain, fixed current amplifiers. In some implementations, amplifiers 314a-314d are fixed gain, variable current amplifiers. In some implementations, amplifiers 314a-314d are variable gain, fixed current amplifiers. In some implementations, amplifiers 314a-314d are variable gain, variable current amplifiers.

  In some implementations, the DRx controller 302 generates the amplifier control signal (s) based on the quality of service metric of the input signal received at the input 311 of the first multiplexer. In some implementations, the DRx controller 302 generates the amplifier control signal (s) based on the signal received from the communication controller 120. The amplifier control signal may further be based on a quality of service (QoS) metric of the received signal. The QoS metric of the received signal may be based at least in part on the diversity signal received at diversity antenna 140 (eg, the input signal received at the input). The QoS metric of the received signal may further be based on the signal received at the primary antenna. In some implementations, the DRx controller 302 generates the amplifier control signal (s) based on the QoS metric of the diversity signal without receiving a signal from the communication controller 120.

  In some implementations, the QoS metric includes signal strength. In other examples, the QoS metric may include a bit error rate, data throughput, transmission delay, or any other QoS metric.

  As described above, the DRx module 310 has an input that receives the diversity signal from the diversity antenna 140 and an output that provides the processed diversity signal to the transceiver 330 (via the transmission line 135 and the diversity RF module 320). Have. Diversity RF module 320 receives the processed diversity signal via transmission line 135 for further processing. In particular, the processed diversity signal is split or routed into one or more paths by a diversity RF multiplexer 321 (also referred to as a downstream multiplexer). In the path, the divided or routed signals are subjected to filtering by corresponding bandpass filters 323a to 323d (also referred to as downstream bandpass filters), and by corresponding amplifiers 324a to 324d (also referred to as downstream amplifiers). Amplified. The outputs of the amplifiers 324 a to 324 d are given to the transceiver 330.

  Diversity RF multiplexer 321 can be controlled by controller 120 (either directly or through an on-chip diversity RF controller) to selectively activate one or more of the paths. Similarly, amplifiers 324a-324d can also be controlled by controller 120. For example, in some implementations, each of the amplifiers 324a-324d includes an enable / disable input and is enabled (or disabled) based on an amplifier enable signal. In some implementations, amplifiers 324a-324d are variable gain amplifiers (VGA). The VGA amplifies a signal received by the VGA by a gain controlled by an amplifier control signal received from the controller 120 (or an on-chip diversity RF controller controlled by the controller 120). In some implementations, amplifiers 324a-324d are variable current amplifiers (VCA).

  By adding a DRx module 310 to the receiver chain that already contains the diversity RF module 320, the number of bandpass filters in the DRx configuration 300 is doubled. That is, in some implementations, the bandpass filters 323a-323d are not included in the diversity RF module 320, as will be described in further detail below. In some implementations, the bandpass filters 323a-323d (detailed below with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, for example) are relocated to the DRx module 310. In some implementations, the band pass filters 313a-313d of the DRx module 310 are used alone to reduce the strength of out-of-band blockers. Further, the automatic gain control (AGC) table of the diversity RF module 320 is shifted to reduce the amount of gain provided by the amplifiers 324a to 324d of the diversity RF module 320 by the amount of gain provided by the amplifiers 314a to 314d of the DRx module 310. Can do.

  For example, if the DRx module gain is 15 dB and the receiver sensitivity is −100 dBm, the diversity RF module 320 has a sensitivity of −85 dBm. When the closed-loop AGC of diversity RF module 320 becomes active, its gain automatically drops by 15 dB. However, both the signal component and the out-of-band blocker are received and amplified by 15 dB. That is, in some implementations, the 15 dB gain drop of diversity RF module 320 may be accompanied by a 15 dB increase in its linearity. In particular, the amplifiers 324a-324d of the diversity RF module 320 can be designed such that the linearity of the amplifier increases with decreasing gain (or increasing current).

  In some implementations, the controller 120 controls the gain (and / or current) of the amplifiers 314a-314d of the DRx module 310 and the amplifiers 324a-324d of the diversity RF module 320. As in the above example, the controller 120 may provide a certain amount of gain provided by the amplifiers 324a-324d of the diversity RF module 320 in response to an increase in the certain amount of gain provided by the amplifiers 314a-314d of the DRx module 310. Can be reduced. That is, in some implementations, the controller 120 converts the downstream amplifier control signal (for amplifiers 324a-324d of diversity RF module 320) to the amplifier control signal (for amplifiers 314a-314d of DRx module 310). Based and configured to control the gain of one or more downstream amplifiers 324a-324d coupled to the output (of DRx module 310) via transmission line 135. In some implementations, the controller 120 also controls the gain of other components of the wireless device, such as an amplifier in a primary front end module (FEM), based on the amplifier control signal.

  As mentioned above, in some implementations, bandpass filters 323a-323d are not included. That is, in some implementations, at least one of the downstream amplifiers 324a-324d is coupled to the output (of the DRx module 310) via the transmission line 135 without passing through the downstream bandpass filter.

  4A, in some embodiments, a diversity receiver configuration 400 includes a diversity receiver (DRx) module 410 having a plurality of bandpass filters 423a-423d provided at the outputs of a plurality of amplifiers 314a-314d. Show you get. Diversity receiver configuration 400 includes a DRx module 410 with an input coupled to antenna 140 and an output coupled to transmission line 135. The DRx module 410 includes a certain number of paths between the inputs and outputs of the DRx module 410. Each path includes an input multiplexer 311, amplifier pre-stage bandpass filters 413 a to 413 d, amplifiers 314 a to 314 d, amplifier post-stage bandpass filters 423 a to 423 d, and an output multiplexer 312.

  The DRx controller 302 is configured to selectively activate one or more of the plurality of paths between the input and output. In some implementations, the DRx controller 302 is configured to selectively activate one or more of the plurality of paths based on a band selection signal received from the DRx controller 302 (eg, from a communication controller). . The DRx controller 302 can selectively activate the path, for example, by enabling or disabling the amplifiers 314a-314d as described above, by controlling the multiplexers 311, 312 or via other mechanisms. .

  The output of the DRx module 410 passes to the diversity RF module 420 via the transmission line 135. Diversity RF module 420 differs from diversity RF module 320 of FIG. 3A in that diversity RF module 420 of FIG. 4A does not include a downstream bandpass filter. In some implementations (eg, as shown in FIG. 4A), the downstream multiplexer 321 can be implemented as a sample switch.

  Inclusion of amplifier back bandpass filters 423a-423d in the DRx module 410 rather than the diversity RF module 420 may provide a certain number of advantages. For example, as detailed below, such a configuration improves the noise figure of the DRx module 410, simplifies filter design, and / or improves path isolation.

  Each path of the DRx module 410 can be characterized by a noise figure. The noise figure for each path is a representation of the signal to noise ratio (SNR) degradation caused by propagation along the path. In particular, the noise figure of each path can be expressed as a decibel (dB) difference between the SNR at the input of the amplifier pre-stage bandpass filters 413a to 413d and the SNR at the output of the amplifier post-stage bandpass filters 423a to 4234b. The noise figure of each path can be different for different frequency bands. For example, the first path may have an in-band noise figure for the first frequency band and an out-of-band noise figure for the second frequency band. Similarly, the second path may have an in-band noise figure for the second frequency band and an out-of-band noise figure for the first frequency band.

  The DRx module 410 can also be characterized by a noise figure that can be different for different frequency bands. In particular, the noise figure of DRx module 410 is the dB difference between the SNR at the input of DRx module 410 and the SNR at the output of DRx module 410.

Since signals propagating along the two paths are combined by output multiplexer 312, out-of-band noise generated or amplified by the amplifier can negatively affect the combined signal. For example, out-of-band noise generated or amplified by the first amplifier 314a may increase the noise figure of the DRx module 410 at the second frequency. That is, the amplifier post-stage bandpass filter 423a provided along the path can reduce the out-of-band noise and reduce the noise figure of the DRx module 410 at the second frequency.

  In some implementations, the amplifier pre-band pass filters 413a-413d and the amplifier post-band pass filters 423a-423d can be designed to be complementary, thus simplifying the filter design with lower cost and fewer components and / or Similar performance is achieved. For example, the amplifier rear-stage bandpass filter 423a provided along the first path can strongly attenuate frequencies that are weakly attenuated by the amplifier front-stage bandpass filter 413a provided along the first path. In one example, the amplifier pre-stage bandpass filter 413a attenuates frequencies below the first frequency band rather than frequencies above the first frequency band. Complementarily, the amplifier post-stage bandpass filter 423a can attenuate the frequency above the first frequency band rather than the frequency below the first frequency band. That is, the amplifier pre-stage bandpass filter 413a and the amplifier post-stage bandpass filter 423a together use a small number of components to attenuate all out-of-band frequencies. In general, one of the bandpass filters provided along one path can attenuate a frequency below each frequency band of the path more than a frequency above each frequency band, and is provided along the path. Another one of the bandpass filters provided can attenuate frequencies above each frequency band more than frequencies below each frequency band. The amplifier front-stage bandpass filters 413a to 413d and the amplifier rear-stage bandpass filters 423a to 423d can be complementary in other manners. For example, the amplifier pre-stage bandpass filter 413a provided along the first path can phase-shift one signal by a certain frequency, and the amplifier post-stage bandpass filter 423a provided along the first path. Can reverse phase shift the signal by the frequency.

  In some implementations, amplifier back-end bandpass filters 423a-423d can improve path isolation. For example, without an amplifier post-band pass filter, a signal propagating along the first path can be filtered to the first frequency by the amplifier pre-band pass filter 413a and amplified by the amplifier 314a. As a result of leakage through the output multiplexer 312, the signal propagates in the reverse direction along the second path, and is reflected from the amplifier 314b, the amplifier pre-stage bandpass filter 413b, or other components provided along the second path. Can be done. If this reflected signal is out of phase with the initial signal, the signal is weakened when combined by output multiplexer 312. In contrast, according to the amplifier post-band pass filter, the leakage signal (mainly in the first frequency band) is provided along the second path and associated with the second frequency band. Since it is attenuated by the filter 423b, the influence of any reflected signal is reduced.

  That is, the DRx module 410 is configured to selectively activate one or more of the plurality of paths between the input of the first multiplexer (eg, input multiplexer 311) and the output of the second multiplexer (eg, output multiplexer 312). Including a controlled controller. The DRx module 410 further includes a plurality of amplifiers 314a-314d. Each one of the plurality of amplifiers 314a to 314d is provided along one corresponding path of the plurality of paths, and is configured to amplify a signal received by the amplifier. The DRx module 410 includes a first multi-band pass filter (for example, amplifier post-stage band pass filters 423a to 423d). Each one of the first plurality of bandpass filters is provided at the output of one of the plurality of amplifiers 314a to 314d along one corresponding path of the plurality of paths, and is received by the bandpass filter. It is configured to filter the signal into each frequency band. As shown in FIG. 4A, in some implementations, the DRx module 410 further includes a second multi-bandpass filter (eg, amplifier pre-bandpass filters 413a-413d). Each one of the second multiple bandpass filters is provided at the input of one of the corresponding amplifiers of the plurality of amplifiers 314a to 314d along one corresponding path of the plurality of paths, and received by the bandpass filter. It is configured to filter the signal into each frequency band.

  FIG. 4B illustrates that in some embodiments, diversity receiver configuration 450 can include a diversity RF module 460 with fewer amplifiers than diversity receiver (DRx) module 410. As mentioned above, in some implementations diversity RF module 460 does not include a bandpass filter. That is, in some implementations, one or more amplifiers 424 of diversity RF module 460 need not be band specific. In particular, diversity RF module 460 may include one or more paths. Each path includes an amplifier 424 that is not mapped one-to-one to the path of the DRx module 410. The mapping of such paths (or corresponding amplifiers) can be stored in the controller 120.

  Thus, the DRx module 410 includes a fixed number of paths, each corresponding to one frequency band, while the diversity RF module 460 does not support a single frequency band (from the diversity RF module 460 input to the multiplexer 321 input). ) It may include one or more routes.

  In some implementations (as shown in FIG. 4B), diversity RF module 460 includes a single wideband or tunable amplifier 424 that amplifies the signal received from transmission line 135 and outputs the amplified signal to multiplexer 321. Including. Multiplexer 321 includes a plurality of multiplexer outputs, each corresponding to each frequency band. In some implementations, the multiplexer 321 can be implemented as a sample switch. In some implementations, diversity RF module 460 does not include any amplifier.

  In some implementations, the diversity signal is a single band signal. That is, in some implementations, the first multiplexer 311 is a single pole / router that routes the diversity signal to one of a plurality of outputs corresponding to the frequency band of the single band signal based on the signal received from the DRx controller 302. A multiple throw (SPMT) switch. In some implementations, the diversity signal is a multiband signal. That is, in some implementations, the multiplexer 421 converts the diversity signal based on the divider control signal received from the controller 120 into two or more corresponding to two or more frequency bands of the multi-band signal of multiple outputs. It is a band divider for routing. In some implementations, the diversity RF module 460 can be combined with the transceiver 330 as a single module.

  In some implementations, diversity RF module 460 includes multiple amplifiers, each corresponding to a set of frequency bands. The signal from the transmission line 135 can be supplied to a band divider that outputs a high frequency to the high frequency amplifier along the first path and outputs a low frequency to the low frequency amplifier along the second path. The output of each amplifier can be provided to a multiplexer 321 configured to route the signal to a corresponding input of the transceiver 330.

  FIG. 5 illustrates that in some embodiments, the diversity receiver configuration 500 can include a DRx module 510 coupled to one or more off-module filters 513, 523. The DRx module 510 may include a packaging board 501 configured to receive a plurality of components and a receiving system mounted on the packaging board 501. The DRx module 510 may include one or more signal paths routed out of the DRx module 510 and made available to system integrators, designers, or manufacturers that support filters for any desired band.

  The DRx module 510 includes a certain number of paths between the inputs and outputs of the DRx module 510. The DRx module 510 includes a bypass path between input and output activated by a bypass switch 519 controlled by the DRx controller 502. Although FIG. 5 illustrates a single bypass switch 519, in some implementations, the bypass switch 519 includes multiple switches (e.g., a first switch located physically close to the input and an output physical switch). Second switch provided near the target). As shown in FIG. 5, the bypass path does not include a filter or amplifier.

  The DRx module 510 includes a certain number of multiplexer paths including a first multiplexer 511 and a second multiplexer 512. The multiplexer path includes a certain number of on-module paths. This is because the first multiplexer 511, the pre-amplifier bandpass filters 413a to 413d mounted on the packaging substrate 501, the amplifiers 314a to 314d mounted on the packaging substrate 501, and the post-amplifier band pass mounted on the packaging substrate 501. Filters 423a to 423d and a second multiplexer 512 are included. The multiplexer path includes one or more off-module paths. This includes a first multiplexer 511, an amplifier pre-stage bandpass filter 513 mounted outside the packaging substrate 501, an amplifier 514, an amplifier post-stage bandpass filter 523 mounted outside the packaging substrate 501, and a second multiplexer 512. including. The amplifier 514 can be a broadband amplifier mounted on the packaging substrate 501 or can be mounted outside the packaging substrate 501. In some implementations, the one or more off-module paths do not include the amplifier pre-band pass filter 513 but include the amplifier post-band pass filter 523. As described above, amplifiers 314a-314d, 514 may be variable gain amplifiers and / or variable current amplifiers.

  The DRx controller 502 is configured to selectively activate one or more of the multiple paths between the input and output. In some implementations, the DRx controller 502 is configured to selectively activate one or more of the plurality of paths based on a band selection signal received by the DRx controller 502 (eg, from a communication controller). The DRx controller 502 selectively activates the path, for example, by opening or closing the bypass switch 519, enabling or disabling the amplifiers 314a to 314d, 514, controlling the multiplexers 511, 512, or via other mechanisms. Can be. For example, the DRx controller 502 opens or closes a switch along the path (eg, between the filters 313a-313d, 513 and the amplifiers 314a-314d, 514) or substantially increases the gain of the amplifiers 314a-314d, 514. Can be set to zero.

  FIG. 6 illustrates that, in some embodiments, diversity receiver configuration 600 can include a DRx module 610 with a tunable matching circuit. In particular, the DRx module 610 may include one or more tunable matching circuits provided at one or more of the inputs and outputs of the DRx module 610.

  It is unlikely that all of the multiple frequency bands received at the same diversity antenna 140 are ideal impedance matching. A tunable input matching circuit 616 is implemented at the input of the DRx module 610 (eg, based on a band selection signal from a communication controller) to control each frequency band using a compact matching circuit and controlled by the DRx controller 602. can do. The DRx controller 602 can tune the tunable input matching circuit 616 based on a lookup table that associates multiple frequency bands (or sets of frequency bands) with tuning parameters. The tunable input matching circuit 616 can be a tunable T-type circuit, a tunable π-type circuit, or any other tunable matching circuit. In particular, the tunable input matching circuit 616 may include one or more variable components such as resistors, inductors and capacitors. These variable components may be connected in parallel and / or in series and connected between the input of the DRx module 610 and the input of the first multiplexer 311 or connected between the input of the DRx module 610 and the ground voltage. it can.

  Similarly, with only one transmission line 135 (or at least some cables) carrying signals in many frequency bands, it is unlikely that all multiple frequency bands will be an ideal impedance match. A tunable output matching circuit 617 is implemented at the output of the DRx module 610 to control each frequency band using a compact matching circuit (eg, based on a band selection signal from a communication controller) and controlled by the DRx controller 602. can do. The DRx controller 602 can tune the tunable output matching circuit 618 based on a lookup table that associates multiple frequency bands (or sets of frequency bands) with tuning parameters. The tunable output matching circuit 617 can be a tunable T-type circuit, a tunable π-type circuit, or any other tunable matching circuit. In particular, the tunable output matching circuit 617 may include one or more variable components such as resistors, inductors and capacitors. These variable components may be connected in parallel and / or in series and connected between the output of the DRx module 610 and the output of the second multiplexer 312 or connected between the output of the DRx module 610 and the ground voltage. it can.

  FIG. 7 illustrates that, in some embodiments, some or all of the diversity receiver configurations (eg, those shown in FIGS. 3, 4A, 4B, 5 and 6) are fully or partially implemented in a module. Indicates that it is possible. Such a module may be, for example, a front end module (FEM). Such a module may be, for example, a diversity receiver (DRx) FEM. In the example of FIG. 7, the module 700 can include a packaging substrate 702. A certain number of components can be mounted on the packaging substrate 702. For example, a controller 704 (which may include a front-end power management integrated circuit [FE-PIMC]), a low noise amplifier assembly 706 (which may include one or more variable gain amplifiers), and may include one or more tunable matching circuits. ) Matching component 708, multiplexer assembly 710, and filter bank 712 (which may include one or more amplifier pre-filter 713 and / or one or more amplifier post-band pass filter 723) on and / or packaging substrate 702. It can be mounted and / or mounted in the substrate 702. Other components such as a fixed number of SMT devices 714 can also be mounted on the packaging substrate 702. Although all of the various components are depicted as laid out on the packaging substrate 702, it is understood that some component (s) can be mounted on top of the other component (s).

  In some implementations, devices and / or circuits having one or more features described herein may be included in an RF electronic device, such as a wireless device. Such devices and / or circuits can be implemented directly on a wireless device, in the modular form described herein, or in any combination thereof. In some embodiments, such wireless devices may include, for example, cellular phones, smartphones, handheld wireless devices with or without telephone capabilities, wireless tablets, and the like.

  FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary wireless device 800 having one or more advantageous features described herein. In the context of one or more modules having one or more features described herein, such modules are typically a dashed frame 801 (eg, can be implemented as a front-end module), a diversity RF module 811 (eg, can be implemented as a downstream module). , And a diversity receiver (DRx) module 700 (eg, can be implemented as a front-end module).

  Referring to FIG. 8, a power amplifier (PA) 820 receives each RF signal from a transceiver 810 that is configured and operable to generate an RF signal to be amplified and transmitted in a known manner, and receives the received signal. Can be processed. The transceiver 810 is shown to interact with a baseband subsystem 808 configured to provide conversion between data and / or audio signals suitable for the user and RF signals suitable for the transceiver 810. The transceiver 810 may also communicate with a power management component 806 that is configured to manage power for operation of the wireless device 800. Such power management can also control the operation of the baseband subsystem 808 and modules 801, 811 and 900.

  Baseband subsystem 808 is shown connected to user interface 802 to facilitate various inputs and outputs of voice and / or data provided to and received from the user. Baseband subsystem 808 can also be coupled to a memory 804 configured to store data and / or instructions that facilitate operation of the wireless device and / or provide information storage for a user.

  In the exemplary wireless device 800, the output of the PA 820 is shown to be matched and routed to the corresponding duplexer 824 (via the corresponding matching circuit 822). Such amplified and filtered signals can be routed to primary antenna 816 via antenna switch 814 for transmission purposes. In some embodiments, duplexer 824 can perform transmission and reception operations simultaneously using a common antenna (eg, primary antenna 816). In FIG. 8, the received signal is shown routed to an “Rx” path that may include, for example, a low noise amplifier (LNA).

  The wireless device also includes a diversity antenna 826 and a diversity receiver module 700 that receives signals from the diversity antenna 826. Diversity receiver module 700 processes the received signal and transmits the processed signal to diversity RF module 811 via transmission line 835. The diversity RF module 811 further processes the signal and supplies it to the transceiver 810.

One or more features of the present disclosure may implement various cellular frequency bands described herein. Examples of such bands are listed in Table 1. As will be appreciated, at least some of the bands can be divided into sub-bands. It will also be appreciated that one or more features of the present disclosure may implement a frequency range that does not have an indication as in the example of Table 1.

  Throughout this specification and claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, a term such as “comprising” has an inclusive or opposite meaning, ie “includes”. Should be construed as meaning "not limited to these". The term “coupled” as generally used herein refers to two or more elements that can be either directly connected or connected via one or more intermediate elements. In addition, the terms “here,” “above,” “below,” and like terms when used in this application refer to the entire application, and not to any particular part of the application. Where the context allows, terms in the above detailed description using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number. For the terms “or” and “or” referring to a list of two or more items, the term covers all of the following interpretations. That is, an arbitrary item of the list, all items of the list, and an arbitrary combination of items of the list.

  The above detailed description of embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed above. While particular embodiments of the present invention and its examples have been described above for purposes of illustration, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, processes or blocks are presented in a given order, but alternative embodiments can perform routines with steps in a different order or use a system with blocks, with some processes or blocks removed , Move, add, subdivide, combine and / or modify. Each of these processes or blocks can be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, although processes or blocks may be shown to be performed in series, these processes or blocks may alternatively be performed in parallel or at different times.

  The teachings of the invention provided herein are not necessarily limited to the system described above, and can be applied to other systems. The various embodiment elements and acts described above can be combined to provide further embodiments.

While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein can be embodied in a variety of other forms. Moreover, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. It is intended that the appended claims and their equivalents cover such forms or modifications that fall within the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

Claims (26)

A receiving system,
A controller configured to selectively activate one or more of the plurality of paths between the input of the first multiplexer and the output of the second multiplexer;
A plurality of amplifiers controllable by the controller, each amplifier being provided along one corresponding path of the plurality of paths and configured to amplify a signal received at the amplifier;
A first multi-bandpass filter;
Each one bandpass filter of the first plurality of bandpass filters is provided at the output of one corresponding amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers along one corresponding path of the plurality of paths, and the bandpass filter Configured to filter the received signal into each frequency band ,
The second multiplexer includes a combiner configured to combine signals from two or more of the plurality of paths . A second multi-bandpass filter;
Each one bandpass filter of the second multiple bandpass filter is provided at the input of one corresponding amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers along one corresponding path of the plurality of paths, and the bandpass filter The receiving system of claim 1, wherein the receiving system is configured to filter the received signal into each frequency band. The receiving system according to claim 2, wherein the first multi-bandpass filter provided along the first path and the second multi-bandpass filter provided along the first path are complementary. One of the first multi-band pass filters provided along the first path attenuates a frequency lower than the first frequency band from a frequency higher than the first frequency band, and the first path 4. The receiving system according to claim 3, wherein another one of the first multi-band pass filters provided along the line attenuates a frequency above the first frequency band more than a frequency below the first frequency band. The receiving system of claim 1, further comprising a transmission line coupled to an output of the second multiplexer and coupled to a downstream module including a downstream multiplexer. The receiving system according to claim 5, wherein the downstream module does not include a downstream bandpass filter. The receiving system according to claim 6, wherein the downstream multiplexer includes a sample switch. 6. The receiving system of claim 5, wherein the downstream module includes one or more downstream amplifiers. 8. The receiving system according to claim 7, wherein the number of the one or more downstream amplifiers is smaller than the number of the plurality of amplifiers. The receiving system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of amplifiers includes a low noise amplifier. The receiving system of claim 1, further comprising one or more tunable matching circuits provided at one or more of the input of the first multiplexer and the output of the second multiplexer. The receiving system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to selectively activate the one or more of the plurality of paths based on a band selection signal received by the controller. The controller is configured to selectively activate the one or more of the plurality of paths by sending a divider control signal to the first multiplexer and a combiner control signal to the second multiplexer. The receiving system according to claim 1. A radio frequency module,
A packaging substrate configured to receive a plurality of components;
A receiving system mounted on the packaging substrate,
The receiving system is:
A controller configured to selectively activate one or more of the plurality of paths between the input of the first multiplexer and the output of the second multiplexer;
A plurality of amplifiers controllable by the controller, each amplifier being provided along one corresponding path of the plurality of paths and configured to amplify a signal received at the amplifier;
A first multi-bandpass filter;
Each one bandpass filter of the first plurality of bandpass filters is provided at the output of one corresponding amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers along one corresponding path of the plurality of paths, and the bandpass filter Configured to filter the received signal into each frequency band ,
The second multiplexer includes a combiner configured to combine signals from two or more of the plurality of paths . The radio frequency module of claim 14, wherein the radio frequency module is a diversity receiver front end module. The receiving system further includes a second multi-bandpass filter;
Each one bandpass filter of the second multiple bandpass filter is provided at the input of one corresponding amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers along one corresponding path of the plurality of paths, and the bandpass filter 15. The radio frequency module of claim 14 configured to filter the received signal into each frequency band. The radio frequency module of claim 14, wherein the plurality of paths includes an off-module path including an off-module bandpass filter and one of the plurality of amplifiers. A wireless device,
A first antenna configured to receive a first radio frequency signal;
A first front end module in communication with the first antenna;
Including a communication module,
The first front end module includes a packaging substrate configured to receive a plurality of components;
The first front end module further includes a receiving system mounted on the packaging substrate;
The receiving system is:
A controller configured to selectively activate one or more of the plurality of paths between the input of the first multiplexer and the output of the second multiplexer;
A plurality of amplifiers controllable by the controller, each amplifier being provided along one corresponding path of the plurality of paths and configured to amplify a signal received at the amplifier;
A first multi-bandpass filter;
Each one bandpass filter of the first plurality of bandpass filters is provided at the output of one corresponding amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers along one corresponding path of the plurality of paths, and the bandpass filter Configured to filter the received signal into each frequency band,
The second multiplexer includes a combiner configured to combine signals from two or more of the plurality of paths;
The communication module is configured to receive a processed version of the first radio frequency signal from the output via a transmission line and generate data bits based on the processed version of the first radio frequency signal. Wireless device. A second antenna configured to receive a second radio frequency signal;
A second front end module in communication with the second antenna;
The communication module is configured to receive a processed version of the second radio frequency signal from the output of the second front end module and generate the data bits based on the processed version of the second radio frequency signal. The wireless device of claim 18. The receiving system further includes a second multi-bandpass filter;
Each one bandpass filter of the second multiple bandpass filter is provided at the input of one corresponding amplifier of the plurality of amplifiers along one corresponding path of the plurality of paths, and the bandpass filter 19. The wireless device of claim 18, configured to filter the received signal at each frequency band. The receiving system according to claim 1, wherein the controller generates an amplifier control signal based on an input signal received by an input of the first multiplexer. The receiving system of claim 21, wherein the amplifier control signal is based on a quality of service metric of the input signal. 15. The radio frequency module of claim 14, wherein the controller generates an amplifier control signal based on an input signal received by an input of the first multiplexer. 24. The radio frequency module of claim 23, wherein the amplifier control signal is based on a quality of service metric of the input signal. The wireless device of claim 18, wherein the controller generates an amplifier control signal based on an input signal received by an input of the first multiplexer. 26. The wireless device of claim 25, wherein the amplifier control signal is based on a quality of service metric of the input signal.

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