JP6950110B2 - Receiving system, radio frequency module and radio device - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure generally relates to a radio communication system having one or more diversity receiving antennas.

Cross-reference to related applications This application is filed in US Provisional Application No. 62 / 073,043 entitled "Diversity Receiver Front-End System" filed October 31, 2014, and filed in October 31, 2014.
US Provisional Application No. 62 entitled "Carrier Aggregation Using LNA Post-Phase Matching"
/ 073,040, US Provisional Application No. 62/073, 0, entitled "LNA Pre-Band Out-of-Band Impedance Matching for Carrier Aggregation Operation," filed October 31, 2014.
No. 39, US Application No. 14 / 734,775, 2015 entitled "Diversity Receiver Front-End System with Impedance Matching Components" filed June 9, 2015.
US application No. 14 / 734,759, entitled "Diversity Receiver Front-End System with Phase-Shifting Components" filed June 9, 2015, and "Variable Gain Amplifier" filed June 1, 2015. First US application entitled "Diversity Front-End System"
Claim the priority of 4 / 727,739. Each disclosure in its entirety is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

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

In many radio frequency (RF) applications, the diversity receiving antenna is located physically far from the primary antenna. When both antennas are used at the same time, the transmitter / receiver can process the signals from both antennas to increase the data throughput.

According to some implementations, the present disclosure relates to a receiving system that includes a controller, which selectively selects one or more of a plurality of paths between the input of the receiving system and the output of the receiving system. Configured to be active. The receiving system further includes a plurality of amplifiers. Each one of the plurality of amplifiers is provided along one corresponding path of the plurality of paths, and is configured to amplify the received signal in the amplifier. The receiving system also includes multiple impedance matching components. Each one of the plurality of impedance matching components is provided along one corresponding path of the plurality of paths, and has at least one of the out-of-band noise figure or the out-of-band gain of the one path of the plurality of paths. Configured to reduce.

In some embodiments, the first impedance matching component of the plurality of impedance matching components is provided along the first path corresponding to the first frequency band of the plurality of paths and corresponds to the second path of the plurality of paths. It can be configured to reduce at least one of the out-of-band noise figures or out-of-band gains for the second frequency band.

In some embodiments, the second impedance matching component of the plurality of impedance matching components is provided along the second path to reduce at least one of the out-of-band noise figures or out-of-band gains for the first frequency band. Can be configured to. In some embodiments, the first impedance matching component is further configured to reduce at least one of the out-of-band noise figures or out-of-band gains for the third frequency band corresponding to the third path of the plurality of paths. be able to.

In some embodiments, the first impedance matching component can be further configured to reduce at least one of the in-band noise figures for the first frequency band or increase the in-band gain. In some embodiments, the first impedance matching component can be configured to reduce the in-band metric, which is the in-band noise figure minus the in-band gain, to within the threshold of the in-band metric minimum. In some embodiments, the first impedance matching component can be configured to reduce the out-of-band metric, which is the out-of-band noise figure plus the out-of-band gain, to the in-band constrained out-of-band minimum.

In some embodiments, the receiving system may further include a multiplexer configured to divide the input signal received at the input into a plurality of signals in each of a plurality of frequency bands propagating along the plurality of paths. In some embodiments, each one of the plurality of impedance matching components can be provided between the multiplexer and each of the plurality of amplifiers. In some embodiments, the receiving system may further include a signal coupler configured to combine signals propagating along multiple paths.

In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of impedance components can be a passive circuit. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of impedance matching components can be an RLC circuit.

In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of impedance matching components may include a tunable impedance matching component configured to represent the impedance controlled by the impedance tuning signal received from the controller.

In some embodiments, the first impedance matching component provided along the first path corresponding to the first frequency band of the plurality of paths further comprises a second frequency band of the signal passing through the first impedance matching component. Is phase-shifted so that the initial signal propagating along the second path corresponding to the second frequency band of the plurality of paths and the reflected signal propagating along the first path are at least partially in phase. It is configured to be.

In some implementations, the present disclosure relates to a radio frequency (RF) module that includes a packaging substrate configured to accept multiple components. The RF module also includes a receiving system mounted on a packaging board. The receiving system includes a controller configured to selectively activate one or more of a plurality of paths between the input of the receiving system and the output of the receiving system. The receiving system further includes a plurality of amplifiers. Each one of the plurality of amplifiers is provided along one corresponding path of the plurality of paths, and is configured to amplify the received signal in the amplifier. The receiving system also includes multiple impedance matching components. Each one of the plurality of impedance matching components is provided along one corresponding path of the plurality of paths to reduce at least one of the out-of-band noise figure or out-of-band gain of the one path of the plurality of paths. It is configured to be. In some embodiments, the RF module can be a diversity receiver front-end module (FEM).

In some embodiments, the first impedance matching component of the plurality of impedance matching components provided along the first path corresponding to the first frequency band of the plurality of paths corresponds to the second path of the plurality of paths. It can be configured to reduce at least one of the out-of-band noise figures or out-of-band gains for the second frequency band.

According to some teachings, the present disclosure relates to a radio 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) that communicates with the first antenna. The first FEM includes a packaging substrate configured to accept a plurality of components. The first FEM further includes a receiving system mounted on a packaging board. The receiving system includes a controller configured to selectively activate one or more of a plurality of paths between the input of the receiving system and the output of the receiving system. The receiving system further includes a plurality of amplifiers. Each one of the plurality of amplifiers is provided along one corresponding path of the plurality of paths, and is configured to amplify the received signal in the amplifier. The receiving system also includes multiple impedance matching components. Each one of the plurality of impedance matching components is provided along one corresponding path of the plurality of paths, and has at least one of the out-of-band noise figure or the out-of-band gain of the one path of the plurality of paths. Configured to reduce. The wireless device further includes a transmitter / receiver configured to receive a processed version of the first RF signal from the output over the transmit line and to generate data bits based on the processed version of the first RF signal. ..

In some embodiments, the radio device may further include a second antenna configured to receive a second radio frequency (RF) signal and a second FEM communicating with the first antenna. The transmitter / receiver can be configured to receive the processed version of the second RF signal from the output of the second FEM and to generate data bits based on the processed version of the second RF signal.

In some embodiments, the first impedance matching component of the plurality of impedance matching components provided along the first path corresponding to the first frequency band of the plurality of paths corresponds to the second path of the plurality of paths. It is configured to reduce at least one of the out-of-band noise figures or out-of-band gains for the second frequency band.

According to some implementations, the present disclosure relates to a receiving system that includes a controller, which selectively selects one or more of a plurality of paths between the input of the receiving system and the output of the receiving system. Configured to be active. The receiving system further includes a plurality of amplifiers. Each one of the plurality of amplifiers is provided along one corresponding path of the plurality of paths, and is configured to amplify the received signal in the amplifier. The receiving system further includes a plurality of phase shift components. Each one of the plurality of phase shift components is provided along one corresponding path of the plurality of paths, and is configured to phase shift the signal passing through the phase shift component.

In some embodiments, the first phase shift component of the plurality of phase shift components provided along the first path corresponding to the first frequency band of the plurality of paths is a signal that passes through the first phase shift component. A second initial signal propagating along the second path corresponding to the second frequency band of the plurality of paths by phase-shifting the second frequency band, and a second reflected signal propagating along the first path. Can be configured to be at least partially in phase.

In some embodiments, the second phase-shifting component of the plurality of phase-shifting components provided along the second path phase-shifts the first frequency band of the signal passing through the second phase-shifting component. The first initial signal propagating along one path and the first reflected signal propagating along the second path can be configured to be at least in phase.

In some embodiments, the first phase shift component further phase shifts the third frequency band of the signal passing through the first phase shift component to correspond to the third frequency band of the plurality of paths. The third initial signal propagating along the path and the third reflected signal propagating along the first path can be configured to be at least partially in phase.

In some embodiments, the first phase shift component phase shifts the second frequency band of the signal passing through the first phase shift component so that the second initial signal and the second reflected signal are integral multiples of 360 degrees. It can be configured to have a phase difference of.

In some embodiments, the receiving system may further include a multiplexer configured to divide the input signal received at the input into a plurality of signals in each of a plurality of frequency bands propagating along the plurality of paths. In some embodiments, the receiving system may further include a signal coupler configured to combine signals propagating along multiple paths. In some embodiments, the receiving system may further include a signal coupler and a coupler trailer amplifier provided between the outputs. The coupler post-stage amplifier is configured to amplify the received signal in the coupler post-stage amplifier. In some embodiments, each one of the plurality of phase shift components can be provided between each one of the signal coupler and the plurality of amplifiers.
In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of amplifiers may include a two-stage amplifier.

In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of phase shift components can be a passive circuit. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of phase shift components can be an LC circuit.

In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of phase shift components may include a tunable phase shift component. This is configured to phase shift the signal passing through the tunable phase shift component by the amount controlled by the phase shift tuning signal received from the controller.

In some embodiments, the receiving system may further include multiple impedance matching components. Each one of the impedance matching components is provided along one corresponding path of the plurality of paths and reduces at least one of the out-of-band noise figure or the out-of-band gain of one of the corresponding paths of the plurality of paths. It is configured to be.

In some implementations, the present disclosure relates to a radio frequency (RF) module that includes a packaging substrate configured to accept multiple components. The RF module also includes a receiving system mounted on a packaging board. The receiving system includes a controller configured to selectively activate one or more of a plurality of paths between the input of the receiving system and the output of the receiving system. The receiving system further includes a plurality of amplifiers. Each one of the plurality of amplifiers is provided along one corresponding path of the plurality of paths, and is configured to amplify the received signal in the amplifier. The receiving system further includes a plurality of phase shift components. Each one of the plurality of phase shift components is provided along one corresponding path of the plurality of paths, and is configured to phase shift the signal passing through the phase shift component.

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

In some embodiments, the first phase shift component of the plurality of phase shift components provided along the first path corresponding to the first frequency band of the plurality of paths is a signal passing through the first phase shift component. The second initial signal propagating along the second path corresponding to the second frequency band of the plurality of paths by phase-shifting the second frequency band of the above, and the second reflection propagating along the first path. It is configured to be at least partially in phase with the signal.

According to some teachings, the present disclosure relates to a radio 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) that communicates with the first antenna. The first FEM includes a packaging substrate configured to accept a plurality of components. The first FEM further includes a receiving system mounted on a packaging board. The receiving system includes a controller configured to selectively activate one or more of a plurality of paths between the input of the receiving system and the output of the receiving system. The receiving system further includes a plurality of amplifiers. Each one of the plurality of amplifiers is provided along one corresponding path of the plurality of paths, and is configured to amplify the received signal in the amplifier. The receiving system further includes a plurality of phase shift components. Each one of the plurality of phase shift components is provided along one corresponding path of the plurality of paths.
Moreover, it is configured to shift the phase of the signal passing through the phase shift component. The wireless device further includes a transmitter / receiver configured to receive a processed version of the first RF signal from the output over the transmit line and to generate data bits based on the processed version of the first RF signal. ..

In some embodiments, the radio device may further include a second antenna configured to receive a second radio frequency (RF) signal and a second FEM communicating with the first antenna. The transmitter / receiver can be configured to receive the processed version of the second RF signal from the output of the second FEM and to generate data bits based on the processed version of the second RF signal.

In some embodiments, the first phase shift component of the plurality of phase shift components provided along the first path corresponding to the first frequency band of the plurality of paths is a signal passing through the first phase shift component. The second initial signal propagating along the second path corresponding to the second frequency band of the plurality of paths by phase-shifting the second frequency band of the above, and the second reflection propagating along the first path. It is configured to be at least partially in phase with the signal.

Certain aspects, advantages and novel features of the invention have been described herein for the purpose of summarizing the present disclosure. It should be understood that not all of these benefits can be achieved by any particular embodiment of the invention. That is, the present invention embodies or implements one advantage or group of advantages taught herein in a manner that achieves or optimizes without necessarily achieving the other benefits taught or suggested herein. be able to.

A wireless device having a communication module coupled to a primary antenna and a diversity antenna is shown. A diversity receiver (DRx) configuration including a DRx front-end module (FEM) is shown. In some embodiments, it is shown that the diversity receiver (DRx) configuration may include a DRx module with multiple paths corresponding to multiple frequency bands. In some embodiments, the diversity receiver configuration may include a diversity RF module with fewer amplifiers than the diversity receiver (DRx) module. In some embodiments, it is shown that the diversity receiver configuration may include a DRx module coupled to an off-module filter. In some embodiments, it is shown that the diversity receiver configuration may include a DRx module with one or more phase matching components. In some embodiments, it is shown that the diversity receiver configuration may include a DRx module with one or more phase matching components and a two-stage amplifier. In some embodiments, it is shown that the diversity receiver configuration may include a DRx module with one or more phase matching components and a coupler trailing amplifier. In some embodiments, it is shown that the diversity receiver configuration may include a DRx module with a tunable phase shift component. In some embodiments, it is shown that the diversity receiver configuration may include a DRx module with one or more impedance matching components. In some embodiments, it is shown that the diversity receiver configuration may include a DRx module with tunable impedance matching components. In some embodiments, it is shown that the diversity receiver configuration may include a DRx module with tunable impedance matching components provided at the inputs and outputs. In some embodiments, it is shown that the diversity receiver configuration may include a DRx module with multiple tunable components. An embodiment of a flowchart representation of a method of processing an RF signal is shown. Draw a module with one or more of the features described herein. Draw a wireless device with one or more of the features described herein.

The headings given herein, if any, 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 transmitter / receiver 112 configured to convert between an analog radio frequency (RF) signal and a digital data signal. For that purpose, the transmitter / receiver 112 includes a digital / analog converter, an analog / digital converter, a local oscillator that modulates the base band analog signal to or demolishes the carrier frequency, a digital sample and data bits (eg, voice or others). It may include a baseband processor that converts between (types of data), or other components.

The communication module 110 further includes an RF module 114 coupled between the primary antenna 130 and the transmitter / receiver 112. The RF module 114 can be referred to as a front-end module (FEM) because the RF module 114 is physically close to the primary antenna 130 to reduce attenuation due to cable loss. The RF module 114 can process an analog signal received from the primary antenna 130 of the transmitter / receiver 112 or an analog signal received from the transmitter / receiver 112 and transmitted via the primary antenna 130. For that purpose, the RF module 114 includes a filter, a power amplifier, a band selection switch, and the like.
May include matching circuits and other components. Similarly, the communication module 110 has a diversity RF coupled between a transmitter / receiver 112 and a diversity antenna 140 that perform similar processing.
Includes module 116.

When the signal is transmitted to the wireless device, the signal can be received by both the primary antenna 130 and the diversity antenna 140. Since the primary antenna 130 and the diversity antenna 140 are physically separated, the signals received by the primary antenna 130 and the diversity antenna 140 have different characteristics. For example, in one embodiment, the primary antenna 130 and the diversity antenna 140 may receive signals with different attenuation, noise, frequency response or phase shift. The transmitter / receiver 112 can use both signals with different characteristics to determine the data bits corresponding to the signal. In some implementations, the transmitter / receiver 112 selects from 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 transmitter / receiver 112 combines the signal from the primary antenna 130 with the signal from the diversity antenna 140 to increase the signal-to-noise ratio of the combined signal. In some implementations, the transmitter / receiver 112 has multiple inputs / multiple outputs (M).
IMO) Process the signal for communication.

Since the diversity antenna 140 is physically separated from the primary antenna 130,
The diversity antenna 140 is coupled to the communication module 110 via a transmission line 135 such as a cable or printed circuit board (PCB) trace. In some implementations, the transmit line 135 is lossy, attenuating the signal received by the diversity antenna 140, after which the signal reaches the communication module 110. That is, in some implementations, gain is applied to the signal received by the diversity antenna 140, as described below. Gain (or other analog processing such as filtering) can be applied by the diversity receiver module. Since such a diversity receiver module is arranged physically close to the diversity antenna 140, it can be referred to as a diversity receiver front-end module.

FIG. 2 shows a diversity receiver (DRx) configuration 200 including a DRx front-end module (FEM) 210. The DRx configuration 200 includes a diversity antenna 140 configured to receive the diversity signal and give the diversity signal to the DRxFEM 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 indicated by the controller 120. In another example, DRxFEM2
10 can be configured to amplify the diversity signal. For that purpose
The DRxFEM210 may include a filter, a low noise amplifier, a band selection switch, a matching circuit and other components.

The DRxFEM210 transmits the processed diversity signal via the transmission line 135 to a downstream module such as the diversity RF (D-RF) module 116. The downstream module supplies the further processed diversity signal to the transmitter / receiver 112. Diversity RF module 116 (and transmitter / receiver in some implementations)
Is controlled by the controller 120. In some implementations, the controller 120 is mounted within the transmitter / receiver 112.

FIG. 3 shows that in some embodiments, the diversity receiver (DRx) configuration 300 may 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 diversity signals. In some implementations, the diversity signal can be a single band signal containing data modulated into a single frequency band. In some implementations, the diversity signal can be a multiband signal (also referred to as an interband carrier aggregation signal) that includes data modulated into multiple frequency bands.

The DRx module 310 has an input for receiving the diversity signal from the diversity antenna 140 and an output for feeding the processed diversity signal to the transmitter / receiver 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 is DR
x Corresponds to the path between the inputs and outputs of module 310. Each path may correspond to each frequency band. The output of the DRx module 310 is provided 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 input and output of the DRx module 310.

The frequency band can be a cellular frequency band such as the UMTS (Universal Mobile Communication System) frequency band. For example, the first frequency band is 1930 MHz (M)
The UMTS downlink or "Rx" band 2 between HZ) and 1990 MHz can be the UMTS downlink or "Rx" band 2 and the second frequency band can be the UMTS downlink or "Rx" band 5 between 869 MHz and 894 MHz. Other downlink frequency bands may also be used, such as those listed below in Table 1 or other non-UMTS frequency bands.

In some implementations, the DRx module 310 includes a DRx controller 302. DR
The x controller 302 receives a signal from the controller 120 (also referred to as a communication controller) and selectively activates one or more of the 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, with the controller 120 directly and selectively activating one or more of the plurality of paths.

As mentioned above, in some implementations, the diversity signal is a single band signal.
That is, in some implementations, the first multiplexer 311 routes a diversity signal to one of a plurality of paths corresponding to the frequency band of a single band signal based on the signal received from the DRx controller 302. It is a multiplexer (SPMT) switch. DRx controller 3
02 can generate a signal based on the band selection signal received from the communication controller 120 by the DRx controller 302. Similarly, in some implementations, the second multiplexer 3
Reference numeral 12 denotes a SPMT switch that routes a signal from 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.

As mentioned above, in some implementations, the diversity signal is a multi-band signal.
That is, in some implementations, the first multiplexer 311 is the DRx controller 302.
A signal divider that routes a diversity signal to two or more of a plurality of paths corresponding to two or more frequency bands of a multiple band signal based on a divider control signal received from. The function of the signal divider can be implemented as a SPMT switch, a diplexer filter, or any combination thereof. Similarly, in some implementations, the second multiplexer 312 DRs signals from two or more of a plurality of paths corresponding to two or more frequency bands of a multiband signal.
x A signal coupler that couples based on the coupler control signal received from the controller 302. The function of the signal coupler can be implemented as a SPMT switch, a diplexer filter, or any 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 is a DRx controller 302 (
It is configured to selectively activate one or more of the plurality of paths based on the band selection signal received (eg, from the communication controller 120). In some implementations, the DRx controller 30
2 is configured to selectively activate one or more of a plurality of paths by transmitting a divider control signal to the signal divider and a combiner control signal to the signal coupler.

The DRx module 310 includes a plurality of bandpass filters 313a to 313d. Each one of the band-passing filters 313a to 313d is provided along one corresponding path of the plurality of paths, and the signal received by the band-passing filter is transferred to the corresponding frequency band of the plurality of paths. It is configured to filter with. In some implementations, the bandpass filters 313a-313d are further configured to filter the signal received by the bandpass filter into the downlink frequency subband 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 the signal received by the amplifier.

In some implementations, amplifiers 314a-314d are narrowband amplifiers configured to amplify signals within the corresponding frequency band of the path in which the amplifier is provided. In some implementations, amplifiers 314a-314d are controllable 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 the amplifier enable signal received at that 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 to 314d, each of which is provided along one or more of the plurality of paths, thereby transmitting the amplifier enable signal to the plurality of paths. Configured to selectively activate one or more. In such an implementation
Rather than being controlled by the DRx controller 302, the first multiplexer 311 is a signal divider that routes the diversity signal to each of the plurality of paths, and the second multiplexer 312 combines the signals from each of the plurality of paths. It can be a signal coupler. However, in an implementation in which the DRx controller 302 controls the first multiplexer 311 and the second multiplexer 312, the DRX controller 302 also enables (or disables) certain amplifiers 314a-314d, eg, to save battery power. You can also do it.

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

The VGA gain can be bypassable, step variable, or continuously variable. In some implementations, at least one VGA 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),
By closing the line between the input of the fixed gain amplifier and the output of the fixed gain amplifier, it is possible to allow the signal to bypass the fixed gain amplifier. The bypass switch can allow the signal to pass through a fixed gain amplifier by opening the line between the input and the output (in the second position). In some implementations, when the bypass switch is in the first position, the fixed gain amplifier is disabled or reconfigured to accommodate bypass mode.

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

In some implementations, amplifiers 314a-314d are variable current amplifiers (VCAs). The current drawn by the VCA can be bypassable, step variable, or continuously variable. In some implementations, at least one of the VCA is a fixed current amplifier,
Includes a bypass switch that can be controlled by an amplifier control signal. The bypass switch (in position 1) can allow the 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 can allow the signal to pass through a fixed current amplifier by opening the line between the input and the output (in the second position). In some implementations, when the bypass switch is in the first position, the fixed current amplifier is disabled or reconfigured to accommodate bypass mode.

In some implementations, at least one of the VCA is a step variable current amplifier configured to amplify the signal received by the VCA by drawing one of the multiple components 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 the signal received in 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 is of the input signal received at the input.
Generate amplifier control signals (s) based on quality of service metrics. In some implementations, the DRx controller 302 generates an amplifier control signal (s) based on the signal received from the communication controller 120. The amplifier control signal can also be based on the quality of service (QoS) metric of the received signal. The QoS metric of the received signal can be, at least in part, based on the diversity signal received at the diversity antenna 140 (eg, the input signal received at the input). The QoS metric of the received signal can also be based on the signal received at the primary antenna. In some implementations, the DRx controller 302 does not receive a signal from the communication controller 120 and is a QoS of the diversity signal.
Generate an amplifier control signal (s) based on the metric.

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

As described above, the DRx module 310 sends the input receiving the diversity signal from the diversity antenna 140 and the processed diversity signal to the transmitter / receiver 330 (
It has an output (via a transmit line 135 and a diversity RF module 320). The diversity RF module 320 transmits the processed diversity signal to the transmission line 1.
Received via 35 for further processing. In particular, the processed diversity signal is divided or routed into one or more paths by the diversity RF multiplexer 321. In that path, the split or routed signal is filtered by the corresponding bandpass filters 323a-323d and amplified by the corresponding amplifiers 324a-324d. The output of each of the amplifiers 324a to 324d is given to the transmitter / receiver 330.

The diversity RF multiplexer 321 can be controlled by the controller 120 (either directly or via 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, amplifiers 324a-3
Each of the 24d contains an enable / disable input and is enabled (or disabled) based on the amplifier enable signal. Amplifier 324 in some implementations
a to 324d are variable gain amplifiers (VGA) that amplify the signal received in VGA by the gain controlled by the amplifier control signal received from the controller 120 (or the on-chip diversity RF controller controlled by the controller 120). be. In some implementations, amplifier 3
24a to 324d are variable current amplifiers (VCA).

By adding the DRx module 310 to the receiver chain that already includes 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
It is not included in the diversity RF module 320. Rather, DRx module 310
Bandpass filters 313a-313d are used 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 gain amount given by the amplifiers 324a to 324d of the diversity RF module 320 by the gain amount given by the amplifiers 314a to 314d of the DRx module 310. Can be done.

For example, when 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 the Diversity RF Module 320 is activated, its gain is automatically 15.
It descends by dB. However, both the signal component and the out-of-band blocker are received 1
It is amplified by 5 dB. That is, the 15 dB gain drop of the 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 may be designed so that the linearity of the amplifier increases with gain reduction (or current increase).

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

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

FIG. 4 shows, in some embodiments, the diversity R with a diversity receiver configuration 400 having fewer amplifiers than the diversity receiver (DRx) module 310.
It is shown that the F module 420 can be included. The diversity receiver configuration 400 includes the diversity antenna 140 and the DRx module 310 described above with reference to FIG.
The output of the DRx module 310 passes through the transmission line 135 to the diversity RF module 420. The diversity RF module 420 is the diversity R of FIG.
The F module 420 differs from the diversity RF module 320 of FIG. 3 in that it contains fewer amplifiers than the DRx module 310.

As mentioned above, in some implementations, the diversity RF module 420 does not include a passband filter. That is, in some implementations, one or more amplifiers 424 of the diversity RF module 420 need not be band-specific. In particular, the diversity RF module 420 may include one or more paths. Each path is DRx module 310
Includes an amplifier 424 that is not one-to-one mapped to the path of. The mapping of such a path (or corresponding amplifier) can be stored in the controller 120.

Thus, the DRx module 310 may include a certain number of paths, each corresponding to one frequency band, while the diversity RF module 420 may include one or more paths that do not correspond to a single frequency band.

In some implementations (shown in FIG. 4), the diversity RF module 420 includes a single wideband or tunable amplifier 424 that amplifies the signal received from the transmit line 135 and outputs the amplified signal to the multiplexer 421. The multiplexer 421 includes a plurality of multiplexer outputs, each of which corresponds to each frequency band. In some implementations, the diversity RF module 420 does not include any amplifier.

In some implementations, the diversity signal is a single band signal. That is, in some implementations, the multiplexer 421 is a SPMT switch that routes a diversity signal based on the signal received from the controller 120 into one of a plurality of outputs corresponding to the frequency band of the single band signal. In some implementations, the diversity signal is a multi-band signal. That is, in some implementations, the multiplexer 421 is the controller 1
It is a signal divider which routes a diversity signal based on a divider control signal received from 20 into two or more corresponding to two or more frequency bands of a multiple band signal of a plurality of outputs. In some implementations, the diversity RF module 420 can be combined with the transmitter / receiver 330 as a single module.

In some implementations, the diversity RF module 420 includes multiplex 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 fed to a multiplexer 421 configured to route the signal to the corresponding input of the transmitter / receiver 330.

FIG. 5 shows that in some embodiments, the diversity receiver configuration 500 may include a DRx module 510 coupled to an off-module filter 513. DR
The x-module 510 is a packaging substrate 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 to support filters for any desired band.

The DRx module 510 includes a fixed number of paths between the inputs and outputs of the DRx module 510. The DRx module 510 is a bypass switch 5 controlled by the DRx controller 502.
Includes a bypass path between the input and output activated by 19. Despite the fact that FIG. 5 illustrates a single bypass switch 519, in some implementations the bypass switch 519 is a multiplex switch (eg, a first switch located physically close to the input).
And a second switch) provided physically close to the output. As shown in FIG.
The bypass path does not include a filter or amplifier.

The DRx module 510 includes a first multiplexer 511 and a second multiplexer 512.
Includes a certain number of multiplexer paths, including. The multiplexer path contains a certain number of on-module paths. It includes a first multiplexer 511, bandpass filters 313a-313d mounted on the packaging board 501, amplifiers 314a-314d mounted on the packaging board 501, and a second multiplexer 512. The multiplexer path includes one or more off-module paths. It includes a first multiplexer 511, a bandpass filter 513 mounted outside the packaging substrate 501, an amplifier 514, and a second multiplexer 512. The amplifier 514 can be a broadband amplifier mounted on the packaging board 501, or can be mounted outside the packaging board 501. As described above, the amplifiers 314a to 314d and 514 can be variable gain amplifiers and / or variable current amplifiers.

The DRx controller 502 is configured to selectively activate one or more of a plurality of paths between inputs and outputs. In some implementations, the DRx controller 502 is a DRx controller 5
02 is configured to selectively activate one or more of a plurality of paths based on a band selection signal received (eg, from a communication controller). The DRx controller 502 selectively activates the path, for example, by opening and closing the bypass switch 519, by enabling or disabling amplifiers 314a to 314d, 514, by controlling the multiplexers 511 and 512, or via other mechanisms. Can be. For example, the DRx controller 502 is (
For example, the switch along the path (between the filters 313a to 313d, 513 and the amplifiers 314a to 314d, 514) can be opened and closed, or the gain of the amplifiers 314a to 314d, 514 can be set to substantially zero.

FIG. 6A shows that in some embodiments, the diversity receiver configuration 600 may include a DRx module 610 with one or more phase matching components 624a-624b. The DRx module 610 includes two paths from the input of the DRx module 610 coupled to the antenna 140 to the output of the DRx module 610 coupled to the transmission line 135.

In the DRx module 610 of FIG. 6A, the signal divider and bandpass filter are implemented as diplexers 611. The diplexer 611 includes an input coupled to the antenna 140, a first output coupled to the first amplifier 314a, and a second output coupled to the second amplifier 314b. At the first output, the diplexer 611 receives at the input (eg, from the antenna 140) and outputs a filtered signal to the first frequency band.
At the second output, the diplexer 611 outputs a signal received at the input and filtered into the second frequency band. In some implementations, Diplexer 611
Is configured to divide the input signal received at the input of the DRx module 610 into a plurality of signals in each of a plurality of frequency bands propagating along a plurality of paths, a triplexer, a quad plexer, or any other Can be replaced with a multiplexer.

As described above, each of the amplifiers 314a to 314b is provided along one corresponding path of the path and is configured to amplify the signal received by the amplifier. Amplifier 3
The outputs of 14a-314b are fed through the corresponding phase shift components 624a-624b and then coupled by a signal coupler 612.

The signal coupler 612 includes a first input coupled to the first phase shift component 624a, a second input coupled to the second phase shift component 624b, and an output coupled to the output of the DRx module 610. The signal at the output of the signal coupler is the sum of the signals at the first input and the second input. That is, the signal coupler is configured to combine signals propagating along a plurality of paths.

When the signal is received by the antenna 140, the signal is filtered by the diplexer 611 into the first frequency band and propagates along the first path through the first amplifier 314a. The filtered amplified signal is phase-shifted by the first phase shift component 624a and supplied to the first input of the signal coupler 612. In some implementations
The signal coupler 612 or the second amplifier 314b does not prevent the signal from continuing in the opposite direction through the signal coupler 612 along the second path. That is, the signal is the second phase shift component 6.
It propagates through 24b and through the second amplifier 314b, where it is reflected from the diplexer 611. The reflected signal propagates through the second amplifier 314b and the second phase shift component 624b and reaches the second input of the signal coupler 612.

When the initial signal (at the first input of the signal coupler 612) and the reflected signal (at the second input of the signal coupler 612) are out of phase, the addition performed by the signal coupler 612 results in the signal coupler 61.
The signal is weakened at the output of 2. Similarly, when the initial signal and the reflected signal are in phase, the addition performed by the signal coupler 612 enhances the signal at the output of the signal coupler 612. That is, in some implementations, the second phase shift component 624b is configured to phase shift the signal (at least in the first frequency band) so that the initial signal and the reflected signal are at least partially in phase. .. In particular, the second phase shift component 624b is configured to phase shift the signal (at least in the first frequency band) so that the total amplitude of the initial signal and the reflected signal is greater than the amplitude of the initial signal. ..

For example, the second phase shift component 624b introduces the signal passing through the second phase shift component 624b by reverse propagation through the second amplifier 314b, reflection from the diplexer 611, and forward propagation through the second amplifier 314b. It can be configured to shift the phase by −1/2 times the phase shift to be performed. In another example, the second phase shift component 624b propagates the signal passing through the second phase shift component 624b 360 degrees and in the reverse direction through the second amplifier 314b, the reflection from the diplexer 611, and the second amplifier 314b. It can be configured to shift the phase by half the difference from the phase shift introduced by the forward propagation through. in general,
The second phase shift component 624b is configured to phase shift the signal passing through the second phase shift component 624b so that the initial signal and the reflected signal have a phase difference of an integral multiple (including zero) of 360 degrees. be able to.

In one example, the initial signal can be 0 degrees (or any other reference phase) by reverse propagation through the second amplifier 314b, reflection from the diplexer 611, and forward propagation through the second amplifier 314b. , 140 degree phase shift can be introduced. That is, in some implementations, the second phase shift component 624b is configured to phase shift the signal passing through the second phase shift component 624b by −70 degrees. That is, the initial signal is the second
Reverse propagation through the second amplifier 314b to -70 degrees by the phase shift component 624b,
70 by reflection from the diplexer 611 and forward propagation through the second amplifier 314b
The phase is shifted to degrees and back to 0 degrees by the second phase shift component 624b.

In some implementations, the second phase shift component 624b is the second phase shift component 624.
It is configured to phase shift the signal passing through b by 110 degrees. That is, the initial signal goes to 110 degrees by the second phase shift component 624b, back to 250 degrees by reverse propagation through the second amplifier 314b, reflection from the diplexer 611, and forward propagation through the second amplifier 314b. In addition, the phase is shifted to 360 degrees by the second phase shift component 624b.

At the same time, the signal received by the antenna 140 is filtered by the diplexer 611 into the second frequency band and propagates along the second path through the second amplifier 314b. The filtered amplified signal is phase-shifted by the second phase shift component 624b and supplied to the second input of the signal coupler 612. In some implementations, signal coupler 612
Alternatively, the first amplifier 314a has a signal coupler 6 along the first path, with the signal continuing in the opposite direction.
Does not prevent you from passing through 12. That is, the signal propagates through the first phase shift component 624a and through the second amplifier 314a, where it is reflected from the diplexer 611. The reflected signal propagates through the first amplifier 314a and the first phase shift component 624a and reaches the first input of the signal coupler 612.

When the initial signal (at the second input of the signal coupler 612) and the reflected signal (at the first input of the signal coupler 612) are out of phase, the signal coupler 612 is added by the addition performed by the signal coupler 612.
When the signal is weakened at the output of, and the initial signal and the reflected signal are in phase, the addition performed by the signal coupler 612 strengthens the signal at the output of the signal coupler 612. That is, in some implementations, the first phase shift component 624a is configured to phase shift the signal (at least in the second frequency band) so that the initial signal and the reflected signal are at least partially in phase. ..

For example, the first phase shift component 624a introduces the signal passing through the first phase shift component 624a by reverse propagation through the first amplifier 314a, reflection from the diplexer 611, and forward propagation through the first amplifier 314a. It can be configured to shift the phase by −1/2 times the phase shift to be performed. In another example, the first phase shift component 624a propagates the signal passing through the first phase shift component 624a 360 degrees and in the reverse direction through the first amplifier 314a, the reflection from the diplexer 611, and the first amplifier 314a. It can be configured to shift the phase by half the difference from the phase shift introduced by the forward propagation through. in general,
The first phase shift component 624a is configured to phase shift the signal passing through the first phase shift component 624a so that the initial signal and the reflected signal have a phase difference of an integral multiple (including zero) of 360 degrees. be able to.

The phase shift components 624a to 624b can be mounted as a passive circuit. especially,
Phase shift components 624a-624b can be implemented as an LC circuit and include one or more passive components such as inductors and / or capacitors. These passive components are connected in parallel and / or in series to connect between the outputs of amplifiers 314a-314b and the input of the signal coupler 612 or between the outputs of amplifiers 314a-314b and the ground voltage. be able to. In some implementations, the phase shift components 624a-624b are integrated on the same die or in the same package as the amplifiers 314a-314b.

In some implementations (eg, as shown in FIG. 6A), the phase shift component 624a
~ 624b are provided along the path after the amplifiers 314a-314b. That is, any signal attenuation caused by the phase shift components 624a-624b does not affect the performance of the module 610, eg, the signal-to-noise ratio of the output signal. However, in some implementations, the phase shift components 624a-624b are amplifiers 314a-314b.
It is provided along the route in front of. For example, the phase shift components 624a to 624b can be integrated into impedance matching components provided between the diplexer 611 and the amplifiers 314a to 314b.

FIG. 6B shows that in some embodiments, the diversity receiver configuration 640 may include a DRx module 641 with one or more phase matching components 624a-624b and two-stage amplifiers 614a-614b. The DRx module 641 of FIG. 6B is the D of FIG. 6A.
It is substantially the same as the Rx module 610. However, the DRx module 610 of FIG. 6A
The amplifiers 314a to 314b of the above are the two-stage amplifiers 6 in the DRx module 641 of FIG. 6B.
It is replaced with 14a to 614b.

FIG. 6C shows that in some embodiments, the diversity receiver configuration 680 may include a DRx module 681 with one or more phase matching components 624a-624b and a coupler post-stage amplifier 615. The DRx module 681 of FIG. 6C is substantially similar to the DRx module 610 of FIG. 6A. However, the DRx module 681 of FIG. 6C includes a coupler post-stage amplifier 615 provided between the output of the signal coupler 612 and the output of the DRx module 681. Similar to the amplifiers 314a to 314b, the coupler post-stage amplifier 615 is D.
It can be a variable gain amplifier (VGA) and / or a variable current amplifier controlled by an Rx controller (not shown).

FIG. 7 shows that in some embodiments, the diversity receiver configuration 700 may include a DRx module 710 with tunable phase shift components 724a-724d. Each of the tunable phase shift components 724a to 724d can be configured to phase shift the signal passing through the tunable phase shift component by the amount controlled by the phase shift tuning signal received from the DRx controller 702.

The diversity receiver configuration 700 includes an input coupled to the antenna 140 and a transmission line 13.
Includes a DRx module 710 with an output coupled to 5. DRx module 710
Includes a certain number of paths between the inputs and outputs of the DRx module 710. In some implementations, the DRx module 710 has one or more bypass paths between inputs and outputs activated by one or more bypass switches controlled by the DRx controller 702 (not shown).
including.

The DRx module 710 includes an input multiplexer 311 and an output multiplexer 312.
Includes a certain number of multiplexer paths, including. The multiplexer path includes a fixed number of on-module paths (shown) including an input multiplexer 311, bandpass filters 313a to 313d, amplifiers 314a to 314d, tunable phase shift components 724a to 724d, output multiplexer 312 and coupler post-multiplexer amplifier 615. include. The multiplexer path is
It may include one or more off-module routes (not shown) as described above. Again, as described above, the amplifiers 314a-314d (gain posterior amplifier 615) can be variable gain amplifiers and / or variable current amplifiers.

The tunable phase shift components 724a to 724d may include one or more variable components such as inductors and capacitors. These variable components shall be connected in parallel and / or in series to connect between the output of amplifiers 314a-314d and the input of the output multiplexer 312 or between the output of amplifiers 314a-314d and the ground voltage. Can be done.

The DRx controller 702 is configured to selectively activate one or more of a plurality of paths between inputs and outputs. In some implementations, the DRx controller 702 is the DRx controller 7
02 is configured to selectively activate one or more of a plurality of paths based on a band selection signal received (eg, from a communication controller). The DRx controller 702 is configured with a multiplexer 311, for example, by enabling or disabling amplifiers 314a-314d as described above.
The route can be selectively activated by the control of 312 or through other mechanisms.

In some implementations, the DRx controller 702 is a tunable phase shift component 7
It is configured to tune 24a to 724d. In some implementations, DRx
The controller 702 tunes the tunable phase shift components 724a to 724d based on the band selection signal. For example, the DRx controller 702 tunes the tunable phase shift components 724a to 724d based on a look-up table that associates a plurality of frequency bands (or a plurality of sets of frequency bands) indicated by a band selection signal with tuning parameters. be able to. Therefore, the DRx controller 702 transmits a phase shift tuning signal to the tunable phase shift components 724a to 724d of each active path in response to the band selection signal, and the tunable phase shift component (or its variable) according to the tuning parameters. Parts) can be tuned.

The DRx controller 702 can be configured to tune the tunable phase shift components 724a to 724d so that the out-of-band reflection signal is in phase with the out-of-band initial signal in the output multiplexer 312. For example, the band selection signal has a first path corresponding to the first frequency band (passing through the first amplifier 314a), a second path corresponding to the second frequency band (passing through the second amplifier 314b), and (third). When instructing that the third path (through the amplifier 314c) should be activated, the DRx controller 702 (1) for the signal propagating along the second path (in the second frequency band). So that the initial signal propagates in the opposite direction along the first path, is reflected from the bandpass filter 313a, and is in phase with the reflected signal that propagates forward through the first path, and (2). ) For a signal propagating along the third path (in the third frequency band), the initial signal propagates in the opposite direction along the first path, is reflected from the bandpass filter 313a, and is the first path. The first tunable phase shift component 724a can be tuned so that it is in phase with the reflected signal propagating in the forward direction through it.

The DRx controller 702 can tune the first tunable phase shift component 724a so that the second frequency band is phase-shifted by an amount different from that of the third frequency band. For example, the signal in the second frequency band is phase-shifted by 140 degrees and the third frequency band is reverse propagating through the first amplifier 314a, reflected from the bandpass filter 313a, and forward through the first amplifier 314b. When the phase is shifted by 130 degrees due to propagation
The DRx controller 702 is a first tuneable phase shift component that phase-shifts the second frequency band by -70 degrees (or 110 degrees) and the third frequency band by -65 degrees (or 115 degrees). The 724a can be tuned.

Similarly, the DRx controller 702 has a second phase shift component 724b and a third phase shift component 7.
24c can also be tuned.

In another example, the band selection signal passes through the first path, the second path, and (passing through the fourth amplifier 314d).
When instructing that the fourth path should be activated, the DRx controller 702 (1)
For signals propagating along the second path (in the second frequency band), the initial signal propagates in the opposite direction along the first path, is reflected by the bandpass filter 313a, and passes through the first path. The initial signal is along the first path so that it is in phase with the reflected signal that propagates forward through it, and (2) for the signal that propagates along the fourth path (in the fourth frequency band). The first tunable phase shift component 724a can be tuned so that it is in phase with the reflected signal that propagates in the opposite direction, is reflected from the bandpass filter 313a, and propagates forward through the first path. ..

The DRx controller 702 can tune the variable components of the tunable phase shift components 724a to 724d to have different values for different sets of frequency bands.

In some implementations, the tunable phase shift components 724a-724d are D.
It is replaced by a fixed phase shift component that is not tuneable or controlled by the Rx controller 702. Each one of the phase shift components provided along one corresponding path of the path corresponding to one frequency band of a plurality of paths sets each of the other frequency bands to the initial signal along the corresponding other path. Is configured to be phase-shifted so that it propagates in the opposite direction along the one path, is reflected from the corresponding bandpass filter, and is in phase with the reflected signal propagating forward through the one path. be able to.

For example, the third phase shift component 724c is fixed, and (1) the initial signal at the first frequency (propagating along the first path) propagates in the opposite direction along the third path, and the third The first frequency band is phase-shifted so as to be in phase with the reflected signal reflected from the bandpass filter 313c and propagating in the forward direction through the third path, and (2) (propagating along the second path). Second
The initial signal at the frequency propagates in the opposite direction along the third path, and the third band pass filter 31
The second frequency band is phase-shifted so as to be in phase with the reflected signal reflected from 3c and propagated forward through the third path, and (3) (propagating along the fourth path) fourth. The initial signal at the frequency propagates in the opposite direction along the third path, is reflected from the third band pass filter 313c, and is in phase with the reflected signal propagating forward through the third path. It is configured to phase shift the four frequency bands. Other phase shift components can be fixed and configured in the same manner.

That is, the DRx module 710 includes a DRx controller 702 configured to select one or more of a plurality of paths between the input of the DRx module 710 and the output of the DRx module 710. The DRx module 710 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 the signal received by the amplifier. DRx
The module further includes a plurality of phase shift components 724a-724d. Each one of the plurality of phase shift components 724a to 724d is provided along one corresponding path of the plurality of paths.
Moreover, it is configured to shift the phase of the signal passing through the phase shift component.

In some implementations, the first phase shift component 724a is provided along the first path corresponding to the first frequency band (eg, the frequency band of the first band pass filter 313a) and the first phase shift component 724a. The initial signal propagated along the second path corresponding to the second frequency band by phase-shifting the second frequency band (for example, the frequency band of the second band passing filter 313b) of the signal passing through the above, and the first signal. It is configured to be at least partially in phase with the reflected signal propagating along one path.

In some implementations, the first phase shift component 724a further phase shifts the third frequency band of the signal passing through the first phase shift component 724a (eg, the frequency band of the third band pass filter 313c). It is configured so that the initial signal propagating along the third path corresponding to the three frequency bands and the reflected signal propagating along the first path are at least partially in phase.

Similarly, in some implementations, the second phase shift component 7 provided along the second path.
The 24b phase-shifts the first frequency band of the signal passing through the second phase shift component 724b, and at least includes an initial signal propagating along the first path and a reflected signal propagating along the second path. It is configured to be in phase.

FIG. 8 shows that in some embodiments, the diversity receiver configuration 800 may include a DRx module 810 with one or more impedance matching components 834a-834b. The DRx module 810 includes two paths from the input of the DRx module 810 coupled to the antenna 140 to the output of the DRx module 810 coupled to the transmission line 135.

In the DRx module 810 of FIG. 8 (as in the DRx module 610 of FIG. 6A), the signal divider and bandpass filter are implemented as diplexers 611. The diplexer 611 has an input coupled to the antenna and a first impedance matching component 834.
It includes a first output coupled to a and a second output coupled to a second impedance matching component 834b. The diplexer 611 has a first output (eg, from antenna 140).
The signal that has been filtered to the first frequency band received at the input is output. At the second output, the diplexer 611 outputs a signal that has been filtered to the second frequency band received at the input.

Impedance matching components 834a to 634d are provided between the diplexer 611 and the amplifiers 314a to 314b, respectively. As described above, each of the amplifiers 314a to 314b is provided along one corresponding path of the path and is configured to amplify the received signal in the amplifier. The output of the amplifiers 314a to 314b is the signal coupler 612
Is supplied to.

The signal coupler 612 has a first input coupled to the first amplifier 314a and a second amplifier 314.
It includes a second input coupled to b and an output coupled to the output of the DRx module 610.
The signal at the output of the signal coupler is the sum of the signals at the first input and the second input.

When the signal is received by the antenna 140, the signal is filtered by the diplexer 611 into the first frequency band and propagates along the first path through the first amplifier 314a. Similarly, the signal is filtered by the diplexer 611 into the second frequency band and propagates along a second path through the second amplifier 314b.

Each path can be characterized by noise figure and gain. The noise figure of each path is
It is a deterioration representation of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) caused by an amplifier and an impedance matching component provided along the path. In particular, the noise figure of each path is the decibel (dB) difference between the SNR at the input of the impedance matching components 834a to 834b and the SNR at the output of the amplifiers 314a to 314b. That is, the noise figure is a measure of the difference between the noise output of an amplifier and the noise output of an "ideal" amplifier of the same gain (no noise). Similarly, the gain for each path is a representation of the gain caused by the amplifier and impedance matching components provided along that path.

The noise figure and gain of each path can be different for different frequency bands. For example, the first path may have an in-band noise figure and an in-band gain for the first frequency band and an out-of-band noise figure and an out-of-band gain for the second frequency band. Similarly, the second path may have an in-band noise figure and an in-band gain for the second frequency band and an out-of-band noise figure and an out-of-band gain for the first frequency band.

The DRx module 810 is also characterized by different noise figures and gains for different frequency bands. In particular, the noise figure of the DRx module 810 is the dB difference between the SNR at the input of the DRx module 810 and the SNR at the output of the DRx module 810.

The noise figure and gain of each path (in each frequency band) depends, at least in part, on the impedance (in each frequency band) of the impedance matching components 834a-834b. Therefore, it may be advantageous to have impedance matching components 834a to 834b.
Impedance minimizes the in-band noise figure of each path and / or maximizes the in-band gain of each path. That is, in some implementations, the impedance matching components 834a to 834b are each (such impedance matching components 834a to 834).
It is configured to reduce the in-band noise figure of each path (compared to a DRx module lacking b) and / or increase the in-band gain of each path.

Since the signal propagating along the two paths is coupled by the signal coupler 612, the out-of-band noise generated or amplified by the amplifier can have a negative effect on the coupled signal. For example, the first
The out-of-band noise generated or amplified by the amplifier 314a can increase the noise figure of the DRx module 810 at the second frequency. Therefore, it can be advantageous that the impedances of the impedance matching components 834a-834b minimize the out-of-band noise figure of each path and / or the out-of-band gain of each path. That is, in some implementations, each of the impedance matching components 834a-834b reduces the out-of-band noise figure of its path (compared to a DRx module lacking such impedance matching components 834a-834b) and / Or it is configured to reduce the out-of-band gain of each path.

Impedance matching components 834a to 834b can be mounted as a passive circuit. In particular, impedance matching components 834a-834b can be implemented as RLC circuits and include one or more passive components such as resistors, inductors and / or capacitors. These passive components are connected in parallel and / or in series to the output of the diplexer 611 and the amplifier 314a ~
It can be connected between the input of 314b or between the output of the diplexer 611 and the ground voltage. Impedance matching components 834a-834b in some implementations
Are integrated on the same die or in the same package as the amplifiers 314a-314b.

As mentioned above, it is the impedance matching component 834 that can be advantageous for a particular path.
The impedances a to 834b are such that the in-band noise figure is minimized, the in-band gain is maximized, the out-of-band noise figure is minimized, and the out-of-band gain is minimized. All four goals can be set with only two degrees of freedom (eg, impedance in the first frequency band and impedance in the second frequency band), or various other constraints (eg, number of parts, cost, die space). ) To achieve impedance matching components 834a-8
Designing 34b can be difficult. Therefore, in some implementations, the in-band metric obtained by subtracting the in-band gain from the in-band noise figure is minimized, and the out-of-band metric obtained by adding the out-of-band gain from the out-of-band noise figure is minimized. It can still be difficult to design impedance matching components 834a-834b to achieve both of these goals with various constraints. That is, in some implementations, in-band metrics are minimized under a set of constraints, and out-of-band metrics are set of constraints and thresholds (eg 0.1 dB, 0.2 dB, etc.). It is minimized with the additional constraint that the in-band metric is not increased by more than 0.5 dB (or any other value). Therefore, the impedance matching component sets the in-band metric, which is the in-band noise figure minus the in-band gain, within the threshold of the in-band metric minimum, such as the in-band metric minimum that can be subject to arbitrary constraints. It is configured to reduce to. Impedance matching components can also provide an out-of-band metric that is the out-of-band noise figure plus the out-of-band gain, with the additional constraint that the out-of-band metric is not increased by more than the threshold, for example, the minimum out-of-band metric. In-band constraint such as value It is configured to reduce to the out-of-band minimum value. In some implementations, the composite metric, which is the in-band metric (weighted by the in-band factor) plus the out-of-band metric (weighted by the out-of-band factor), is minimized under any constraint.

That is, in some implementations, each of the impedance matching components 834a-834b has an in-band metric (in-band noise figure minus in-band gain) for each path (in-band noise figure minus in-band gain).
For example, it is configured to reduce the in-band noise figure, increase the in-band gain, or both). Impedance matching components 834a-83 in some implementations
Each of 4b further reduces the out-of-band metric (out-of-band noise figure plus out-of-band gain) of each path (eg, by lowering the out-of-band noise figure, lowering the out-of-band gain, or both). It is composed.

In some implementations, by lowering the out-of-band metric, the impedance matching components 834a-834b of the DRx module 810 in one or more of the frequency bands without substantially increasing the noise figure in the other frequency bands. Decrease the noise figure.

FIG. 9 shows that in some embodiments, the diversity receiver configuration 900 may include a DRx module 910 with tunable impedance matching components 934a-934d. Each of the tunable impedance matching components 934a to 934d can be configured to represent the impedance controlled by the impedance tuning signal received from the DRx controller 902.

The diversity receiver configuration 900 has an input and transmission line 135 coupled to the antenna 140.
Includes a DRx module 910 with an output coupled to. The DRx module 910 includes a certain number of paths between the inputs and outputs of the DRx module 910. In some implementations, the DRx module 910 includes one or more bypass paths (not shown) between inputs and outputs activated by one or more bypass switches controlled by the DRx controller 902.

The DRx module 910 includes an input multiplexer 311 and an output multiplexer 312.
Includes a certain number of multiplexer paths, including. The multiplexer paths include a certain number of on-module paths (shown) including the input multiplexer 311 and bandpass filters 313a to 31.
3d, tunable impedance matching components 934a-934d, and amplifier 314
Includes a to 314d and an output multiplexer 312. The multiplexer path may include one or more off-module paths (not shown) as described above. Again, as described above, the amplifiers 314a-314d can be variable gain amplifiers and / or variable current amplifiers.

The tunable impedance matching components 934a to 934b are tuneable T.
It can be a type circuit, a tuneable π type circuit, or any other tuneable matching circuit. The tunable impedance matching components 934a-934d may include one or more variable components such as resistors, inductors and capacitors. These variable components are connected in parallel and / or in series to the output of the input multiplexer 311 and the amplifiers 314a-314.
It can be connected between the input of d or between the output of the input multiplexer 311 and the ground voltage.

The DRx controller 902 is configured to selectively activate one or more of a plurality of paths between inputs and outputs. In some implementations, the DRx controller 902 is the DRx controller 9
02 is configured to selectively activate one or more of a plurality of paths based on a band selection signal received (eg, from a communication controller). The DRx controller 902 is configured with a multiplexer 311, for example, by enabling or disabling amplifiers 314a-314d as described above.
The route can be selectively activated by the control of 312 or through other mechanisms.

In some implementations, the DRx controller 902 is configured to tune the tunable impedance matching components 934a-934d. In some implementations, the DRx controller 702 is a tunable impedance matching component 934a-934d.
Is tuned based on the band selection signal. For example, the DRx controller 902 tunes the tunable impedance matching components 934a-934d based on a look-up table that associates a plurality of frequency bands (or a plurality of sets of frequency bands) indicated by a band selection signal with tuning parameters. be able to. Therefore, DRx
The controller 902 transmits an impedance tuning signal to the tunable impedance matching components 934a to 934d of each active path in response to the band selection signal, and tunes the tunable impedance matching component (or its variable component) according to the tuning parameters. can do.

In some implementations, the DRx controller 902 is based on the tuneable impedance matching components 934a-934d, at least in part, based on the amplifier control signal transmitted to control the gain and / or current of the amplifiers 314a-314d. To tune.

In some implementations, the DRx controller 902 minimizes (or reduces) the in-band noise figure of the tunable impedance matching components 934a-934d for each active path.
The in-band gain is maximized (or increased), the out-of-band noise figure for each of the other active paths is minimized (or reduced), and / or the out-of-band gain for each of the other active paths is minimized (or reduced). It is configured to be tuned to be reduced).

In some implementations, the DRx controller 902 minimizes (or reduces) the in-band metric (in-band noise figure minus in-band gain) of the tunable impedance matching components 934a-934d of each active path, and others. It is configured to be tuned to minimize (or reduce) the out-of-band metric (out-of-band noise figure plus out-of-band gain) for each active path.

In some implementations, the DRx controller 902 minimizes (or reduces) the tunable impedance matching components 934a-934d of each active path with a set of constrained in-band metrics, and said set. Constraints and thresholds (eg 0.1 dB, 0)
.. Tune to minimize (or reduce) out-of-band metrics for other active paths with the additional constraint that the in-band metric is not increased by more than 2 dB, 0.5 dB or any other value). It is configured to be.

That is, in some implementations, the DRx controller 902 provides the tunable impedance matching components 934a to 934d for each active path, and the tunable impedance matching component provides an inband metric obtained by subtracting the inband gain from the inband noise figure. ,
It is configured to be reduced to within the limit of the in-band metric minimum, such as the in-band metric minimum that can be subject to arbitrary constraints. The DRx controller 902 further provides tunable impedance matching components 934a to 934d for each active path, and the tunable impedance matching component provides an out-of-band metric obtained by adding an out-of-band gain to the out-of-band noise figure, for example, an in-band metric. It is configured to be tuned to reduce to the in-band constraint out-of-band minimum, such as the out-of-band metric minimum possible with the additional constraint of not increasing beyond the threshold.

In some implementations, the DRx controller 902 puts the tunable impedance matching components 934a-934d of each active path (weighted by in-band factors).
In-band metric (weighted by out-of-band factors for each other active path)
It is configured to tune the composite metric, which is the sum of the out-of-band metric for each other active route, to be minimized (or reduced) under any constraint.

The DRx controller 902 is a tunable impedance matching component 934a to 934d.
Variable components can be tuned to have different values for different sets of frequency bands.

In some implementations, tunable impedance matching components 934a-934
d is replaced by a fixed impedance matching component that is not tuneable or controlled by the DRx controller 902. Each one of the impedance matching components provided along one corresponding path of the path corresponding to one frequency band of a plurality of paths reduces (or minimizes) the in-band metric for the one frequency band. And one or more of the other frequency bands (
It can be configured to reduce (or minimize) out-of-band metrics (eg, for each of the other frequency bands).

For example, the third impedance matching component 934c is fixed and (1) reduces the in-band metric for the third frequency band, (2) reduces the out-of-band metric for the first frequency band, and (3) ) Reduce out-of-band metrics for the second frequency band and / or (4)
It is configured to reduce out-of-band metrics in the fourth frequency band. Other impedance matching components can be fixed and configured as well.

That is, the DRx module 910 includes a DRx controller 902 configured to select one or more of a plurality of paths between the input of the DRx module 910 and the output of the DRx module 910. The DRx module 910 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 the signal received by the amplifier. DRx
The module further includes a plurality of impedance matching components 934a-934d. Each one of the plurality of phase shift components 934a to 934d is provided along one corresponding path of the plurality of paths, and the out-of-band noise figure or out-of-band gain of one corresponding path of the plurality of paths is provided. It is configured to reduce at least one.

In some implementations, the first impedance matching component 934a is the first frequency band (
For example, for a second frequency band (for example, the frequency band of the second band passing filter 313b) provided along the first path corresponding to the first band passing filter 313a) and corresponding to the second path. It is configured to reduce at least one of the out-of-band noise figures or out-of-band gains.

In some implementations, the first impedance matching component 934a also further has at least an out-of-band noise figure or out-of-band gain for a third frequency band corresponding to the third path (eg, the frequency band of the third bandpass filter 313c). It is configured to reduce one.

Similarly, in some implementations, the second impedance matching component 934b provided along the second path is configured to reduce at least one of the out-of-band noise figures or out-of-band gains for the first frequency band. Will be done.

FIG. 10 shows that in some embodiments, the diversity receiver configuration 1000 may include a DRx module 1010 with tunable impedance matching components provided at the inputs and outputs. The DRx module 1010 is a DRx module 10
It may include one or more tunable impedance matching components provided on one or more of the 10 inputs and outputs. In particular, the DRx module 1010 may include an input tunable impedance matching component 1016 provided at the input of the DRx module 1010, an output tunable impedance matching component 1017 provided at the output of the DRx module 1010, or both.

It is unlikely that all of the multiple frequency bands received by the same diversity antenna 140 will be ideal impedance matching. In order to match each frequency band using a compact matching circuit, a tunable input impedance matching component 1016 is mounted on the input of the DRx module 1010 (for example, based on the band selection signal from the communication controller).
It can be controlled by the Rx controller 1002. For example, the DRx controller 1002
The tunable input impedance matching component 1016 can be tuned based on a look-up table that associates a plurality of frequency bands (or a plurality of sets of frequency bands) indicated by a band selection signal with tuning parameters. Therefore, DRx
The controller 1002 can transmit an input impedance tuning signal to the tunable input impedance matching component 1016 in response to the band selection signal, and tune the tunable input impedance matching component (or its variable component) according to the tuning parameters. can.

The tunable input impedance matching component 1016 can be a tunable T-type circuit, a tuneable π-type circuit, or any other tunable matching circuit. In particular, the tunable input impedance matching component 1016 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 to connect between the input of the DRx module 1010 and the input of the first multiplexer 311 or between the input of the DRx module 1010 and the ground voltage. can.

Similarly, with only one transmit line 135 (or at least some transmit lines) carrying signals in many frequency bands, it is unlikely that the entire multiple frequency band will be ideal impedance matching. In order to match each frequency band using a compact matching circuit, a tunable output impedance matching component 1017 is mounted on the output of the DRx module 1010 (eg, based on a band selection signal from the communication controller) by the DRx controller 1002. Can be controlled. For example, the DRx controller 1002 places the tunable output impedance matching component 1017 in a plurality of frequency bands indicated by a band selection signal.
Alternatively, it can be tuned based on a look-up table that associates multiple sets of frequency bands) with tuning parameters. Therefore, the DRx controller 1002 transmits an output impedance tuning signal to the tunable output impedance matching component 1017 in response to the band selection signal, and tunes the tunable output impedance matching component (or its variable component) according to the tuning parameters. can do.

The tunable output impedance matching component 1017 can be a tunable T-type circuit, a tuneable π-type circuit, or any other tunable matching circuit. In particular, the tunable output impedance matching component 1017 may include one or more variable components such as resistors, inductors and capacitors. These variable components shall be connected in parallel and / or in series to connect between the output of the second multiplexer 312 and the output of the DRx module 1010 or between the output of the second multiplexer 312 and the ground voltage. Can be done.

FIG. 11 shows that in some embodiments, the diversity receiver configuration 1100 may include a DRx module 1110 with multi-tunable components. The diversity receiver configuration 1100 includes a DRx module 1110 having an input coupled to the antenna 140 and an output coupled to the transmission line 135. The DRx module 1110 is
It contains a certain number of paths between the inputs and outputs of the DRx module 1110. In some implementations, the DRx module 1110 includes one or more bypass paths (not shown) between inputs and outputs activated by one or more bypass switches controlled by the DRx controller 1102.

The DRx module 1110 includes an input multiplexer 311 and an output multiplexer 31.
Includes a certain number of multiplexer paths, including 2. The multiplexer path includes a tunable input impedance matching component 1016, an input multiplexer 311 and a bandpass filter 3.
A fixed number of on-module paths (shown) including 13a-313d, tunable impedance matching components 934a-934d, amplifiers 314a-314d, tunable phase shift components 724a-724d, output multiplexer 312 and tunable output impedance matching components 1017. include. The multiplexer path may include one or more off-module paths (not shown) as described above. Again, as mentioned above, amplifiers 314a-3
14d can be a variable gain amplifier and / or a variable current amplifier.

The DRx controller 1102 is configured to selectively activate one or more of a plurality of paths between inputs and outputs. In some implementations, the DRx controller 1102 is configured to selectively activate one or more of a plurality of paths based on a band selection signal received by the DRx controller 1102 (eg, from a communication controller). The DRx controller 902 can selectively activate the path, for example, by enabling or disabling amplifiers 314a-314d as described above, by controlling multiplexers 311 and 312, or via other mechanisms. .. In some implementations, the DRx controller 1102 sends the amplifier control signal to one or more amplifiers 314 provided along the one or more activated paths.
It is configured to transmit to each of a to 314d. The amplifier control signal controls the gain (or current) of the destination amplifier.

The DRx controller 1102 is configured to tune one or more of the tunable input impedance matching components 1016, the tunable impedance matching components 934a to 934d, the tunable phase shift components 724a to 724d, and the tunable output impedance matching components 1017. For example, the DRx controller 1102 can tune a tunable component based on a look-up table that associates a plurality of frequency bands (or a plurality of sets of frequency bands) indicated by a band selection signal with tuning parameters. Therefore, the DRx controller 1101 can transmit a tuning signal to the tunable component (of the active path) in response to the band selection signal and tune the tunable component (or its variable component) according to the tuning parameters. In some implementations, the DRx controller 1102 tunes the tunable component, at least in part, based on the amplifier control signal transmitted to control the gain and / or current of the amplifiers 314a-314d. In various implementations, one or more of the tunable components can be replaced with fixed components that are not controlled by the DRx controller 1102.

As you can see, the tuning of one tunable component can affect the tuning of other tunable components. That is, the tuning parameters in the lookup table for the first tunable component can be based on the tuning parameters for the second tunable component. For example, the tuning parameters for the tunable phase shift components 724a-724d can be based on the tuning parameters for the tunable impedance matching components 934a-934d. In another example, the tuning parameters for the tunable impedance matching components 934a-934d may be based on the tuning parameters for the tunable input impedance matching component 1016.

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of a flowchart representation of a method of processing RF signals. In some implementations (and, for example, as detailed below), method 1200 is D in FIG.
This is done by a controller such as Rx controller 1102. In some implementations, Method 1
The 200 can be performed by processing logic including hardware, firmware, software or a combination thereof. In some implementations, method 1200 is performed by a processor that executes code stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium (eg, memory). Briefly, method 1200 receives a band selection signal and receives R.
It involves routing the F signal to one or more tuned paths and processing the received RF signal.

Method 1200 begins at block 1210 with the controller receiving a band selection signal. The controller can receive the band selection signal from another controller, or can receive the band selection signal from a cellular base station or other external source. The band selection signal can indicate one or more frequency bands in which the wireless device transmits and receives RF signals. In some implementations, the band selection signal indicates a set of frequency bands for carrier aggregation communication.

At block 1220, the controller selectively activates one or more paths of the diversity receiver (DRx) module based on the band selection signal. As mentioned above, DR
The x module may include a certain number of paths between one or more inputs (coupled to one or more antennas) and one or more outputs (coupled to one or more transmission lines) of the DRx module. .. The route may include a bypass route and a multiplexer route. The multiplexer route may include an on-module route and an off-module route.

The controller is enabled, for example, by opening and closing one or more bypass switches, by enabling or disabling an amplifier provided along the path via an amplifier enable signal.
One or more of a plurality of paths can be selectively activated by control of one or more multiplexers via a divider control signal and / or a coupler control signal, or through other mechanisms. For example, the controller opens and closes a switch provided along the path.
Alternatively, the gain of the amplifier provided along the path can be set to substantially zero.

At block 1230, the controller sends a tuning signal to one or more tunable components provided along one or more activated paths. The tunable components are a tunable impedance matching component provided at the input of the DRx module, a plurality of tunable impedance matching components each provided along a plurality of paths, and a plurality of tunable components provided along a plurality of paths. It may include one or more of the tuneable phase shift components of, or the tunable output impedance matching components provided at the output of the DRx module.

The controller can tune the tunable component based on a look-up table that associates multiple frequency bands (or multiple sets of frequency bands) indicated by a band selection signal with tuning parameters. Therefore, the DRx controller sends a tuning signal to the tunable component (of the active path) in response to the band selection signal, and the tunable component (or its variable component) according to the tuning parameters.
Can be tuned. In some implementations, the controller controls the tuneable components, at least in part, the gain and / or current of one or more amplifiers, each provided along one or more activated paths. Tuning is performed based on the amplifier control signal transmitted.

FIG. 13 shows the diversity receiver configuration (eg, FIGS. 3-1) in some embodiments.
It is shown that some or all of the configurations shown in 1) can be implemented in one module in whole or in part. Such a module is, for example, a front-end module (FEM).
). Such a module is, for example, a diversity receiver (DRx) F.
It can be EM. In the example of FIG. 13, module 1300 may include packaging substrate 1302. A certain number of parts can be mounted on the packaging substrate 1302. For example, controller 1304 (which may include a front-end power management integrated circuit [FE-PIMC]), low noise amplifier assembly 1306 (which may include one or more variable gain amplifiers),
Matching component 1308 (which may include one or more fixed or tunable phase shift components 1331 and one or more fixed or tunable impedance matching component 1332), multiplexer assembly 1310, and filters (which may include one or more pass-through filters). Bank 1312 extends over packaging substrate 1302 and / or packaging substrate 1302
It can be mounted and / or mounted inside. Other components, such as a fixed number of SMT devices 1314, can also be mounted on the packaging board 1302. It is understood that some component (s) can be mounted on top of other components (s), even though all of the various components are drawn to be laid out on the packaging board 1302.

In some implementations, devices and / or circuits having one or more features described herein may be included in RF electronic devices such as wireless devices. Such devices and / or circuits can be implemented directly on the 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. 14 is a representative wireless device 140 having one or more of the advantageous features described herein.
Draw 0. In the context of one or more modules with one or more features described herein
Such modules are generally dashed frame 1401 (eg mountable as a front-end module), diversity RF module 1411 (eg mountable as a downstream module), and diversity receiver (DRx) module 1300 (eg mountable as a front-end module). Can be drawn by.

Referring to FIG. 14, the power amplifier (PA) 1420 receives each RF signal from a transmitter / receiver 1410 configured and operable to generate an RF signal to be amplified and transmitted in a well-known manner, and receives the received signal. Can be processed. The transmitter / receiver 1410 is shown to interact with a baseband subsystem 1408 configured to provide a conversion between a user-suitable data and / or audio signal and a transmitter / receiver 1410-suitable RF signal. Transmitter / receiver 1
The 410 can also communicate with a power management component 1406 configured to manage power for the operation of the wireless device 1400. Such power management can also control the operation of the baseband subsystem 1408 and modules 1401, 1411 and 1300.

The baseband subsystem 1408 is shown to be connected to the user interface 1402 to facilitate various inputs and outputs of voice and / or data given and received from the user. The baseband subsystem 1408 can also be connected to memory 1404 configured to store data and / or instructions that facilitate the operation of wireless devices and / or provide information storage for the user.

In a typical wireless device 1400, the output of PA1420 is (corresponding matching circuit 14).
It is shown to be aligned and routed to the corresponding duplexer 1424 (via 22).
The amplified and filtered signal can be routed to the primary antenna 1416 via the antenna switch 1414 for transmission. In some embodiments, the duplexer 1424 allows a common antenna (eg, a primary antenna 1416).
Can be used to perform send and receive operations at the same time. In FIG. 14, the received signal is
For example, it is shown to be routed to an "Rx" path that may include a low noise amplifier (LNA).

The wireless devices also include the diversity antenna 1426 and the diversity antenna 1.
It includes a diversity receiver module 1300 that receives signals from 426. The diversity receiver module 1300 processes the received signal and transmits the processed signal to the transmission line 14.
It is transmitted to the diversity RF module 1411 via 35. Diversity RF
Module 1411 supplies the signal to transmitter / receiver 1410 after further processing.

One or more features of the present disclosure can be implemented with the various cellular frequency bands described herein. Examples of such bands are listed in Table 1. As you can see, at least some of the bands can be divided into subbands. As will also be understood, one or more features of the present disclosure can also implement frequency ranges without instructions, such as the examples in Table 1.

Throughout the specification and claims, terms such as "including" have an inclusive meaning as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive meaning, ie, "~", unless it is clear in the context that this is not the case.
It should be interpreted as meaning "including, but not limited to,". The term "combination" commonly 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 similar to the same meaning, when used herein, refer to the entire application and not any particular part of the application. Where the context allows, the terms in the above detailed description using the singular or plural may also include the plural or singular, respectively. For the terms "or" and "or" that refer to a list of two or more items, the term covers all of the following interpretations.
That is, any item in the list, all items in the list, and any combination of items in the list.

The above detailed description of embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exclusive, i.e. limiting the invention to the exact embodiments of the disclosure. Although specific embodiments of the present invention and examples thereof have been described above for illustrative purposes, various equal modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. For example, processes or blocks are presented in a given order, but alternative embodiments can use routines with steps in different orders or systems with blocks, some processes or blocks being deleted. Can be moved, added, subdivided, combined, and / or modified. Each of these processes or blocks can be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, processes or blocks may be shown to occur in series, but these processes or blocks instead
It can be done in parallel or at different times.

The teachings of the present invention given herein are not necessarily limited to the above-mentioned systems, and can be applied to other systems. The various embodiment elements and actions described above can be combined to provide further embodiments.

Although some 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. In fact, the novel methods and systems described herein can be embodied in various other forms. Moreover, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the methods and forms of the system described herein may be made without departing from the gist 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 gist of the present disclosure.

Claims (20)

It ’s a receiving system,
A first amplifier provided along the first path between the input of the receiving system and the output of the receiving system and corresponding to the first frequency band, and
A second amplifier provided along a second path between the input of the receiving system and the output of the receiving system and corresponding to a second frequency band.
A third amplifier provided along a third path between the input of the receiving system and the output of the receiving system and corresponding to a third frequency band.
A first impedance matching circuit having a fixed impedance coupled to the first amplifier and provided along the first path.
A second impedance matching circuit having a fixed impedance coupled to the second amplifier and provided along the second path.
It includes a third impedance matching circuit having a fixed impedance coupled to the third amplifier and provided along the third path.
The first impedance matching circuit is configured to reduce the noise figure of the second frequency band and the third frequency band and reduce the in-band metric of the first frequency band, and the in-band metric is the in-band noise. Including the index minus the in-band gain
The second impedance matching circuit is configured to reduce the noise figures of the first frequency band and the third frequency band.
The third impedance matching circuit is a receiving system configured to reduce noise figures in the first frequency band and the second frequency band. The in-band metric is reduced to within the threshold of the in-band metric minimum.
The receiving system according to claim 1, wherein the in-band metric minimum value is the minimum in-band metric possible under any constraint. The receiving system of claim 1, wherein the second impedance matching circuit is further configured to reduce in-band metrics in the second frequency band. The receiving system of claim 1, wherein the third impedance matching circuit is further configured to reduce in-band metrics in the third frequency band. The input signal received at the input of the receiving system is at least a first signal in the first frequency band propagating along the first path and a second signal in the second frequency band propagating along the second path. The receiving system of claim 1, further comprising a multiplexer configured to separate the two signals into a third signal in the third frequency band propagating along the third path. At least, it is configured to combine the first signal propagating along the first path, the second signal propagating along the second path, and the third signal propagating along the third path. The receiving system of claim 1, further comprising a signal coupler. The input signal received at the input of the receiving system is propagated along the first path, the first signal propagating along the first path, the second signal propagating along the second path, and the third signal propagating along the third path. The receiving system of claim 1, further comprising a multiplexer configured to separate into three signals. A first band pass filter provided along the first path and configured to filter the first signal into the first frequency band.
A second band pass filter provided along the second path and configured to filter the second signal into the second frequency band.
The receiving system according to claim 7, further comprising a third band pass filter provided along the third path and configured to filter the third signal into the third frequency band. Enabling the first path by enabling the first amplifier, enabling the second path by enabling the second amplifier, and enabling the third amplifier. The receiving system of claim 1, further comprising a controller configured to selectively enable the third path. Radio frequency (RF) module
A packaging board configured to accept multiple components,
Including the receiving system mounted on the packaging board
The receiving system includes a first amplifier provided along a first path between the input of the receiving system and the output of the receiving system and corresponding to a first frequency band.
The receiving system further includes a second amplifier provided along a second path between the input of the receiving system and the output of the receiving system and corresponding to a second frequency band.
The receiving system further includes a third amplifier provided along a third path between the input of the receiving system and the output of the receiving system and corresponding to a third frequency band.
The receiving system further includes a first impedance matching circuit having a fixed impedance coupled to the first amplifier and provided along the first path.
The first impedance matching circuit is configured to reduce the noise figure of the second frequency band and the third frequency band and reduce the in-band metric of the first frequency band, and the in-band metric is the in-band noise. Including the index minus the in-band gain
The receiving system further includes a second impedance matching circuit with a fixed impedance coupled to the second amplifier and provided along the second path.
The second impedance matching circuit is configured to reduce the noise figures of the first frequency band and the third frequency band.
The receiving system further includes a third impedance matching circuit having a fixed impedance coupled to the third amplifier and provided along the third path.
The third impedance matching circuit is an RF module configured to reduce noise figures in the first frequency band and the second frequency band. The in-band metric is reduced to within the threshold of the in-band metric minimum.
The RF module of claim 10, wherein the in-band metric minimum is the minimum in-band metric possible under any constraint. The RF module of claim 10, wherein the second impedance matching circuit is further configured to reduce in-band metrics in the second frequency band. The RF module of claim 10, wherein the third impedance matching circuit is further configured to reduce in-band metrics in the third frequency band. Enabling the first path by enabling the first amplifier, enabling the second path by enabling the second amplifier, and enabling the third amplifier. 10. The RF module of claim 10, further comprising a controller configured to selectively enable the third path. It ’s a wireless device,
A first antenna configured to receive a first radio frequency (RF) signal,
A front-end module (FEM) that communicates with the first antenna,
Includes a transmitter / receiver configured to receive a processed version of the RF signal from the output of the FEM via a transmit line and generate data bits based on the processed version of the RF signal.
The FEM includes a packaging substrate configured to accept a plurality of components.
The FEM further includes a receiving system mounted on the packaging board.
The receiving system includes a first amplifier provided along a first path between the input of the receiving system and the output of the receiving system and corresponding to a first frequency band.
The receiving system further includes a second amplifier provided along a second path between the input of the receiving system and the output of the receiving system and corresponding to a second frequency band.
The receiving system further includes a third amplifier provided along a third path between the input of the receiving system and the output of the receiving system and corresponding to a third frequency band.
The receiving system further includes a first impedance matching circuit having a fixed impedance coupled to the first amplifier and provided along the first path.
The first impedance matching circuit is configured to reduce the noise figure of the second frequency band and the third frequency band and reduce the in-band metric of the first frequency band, and the in-band metric is the in-band noise. Including the index minus the in-band gain
The receiving system further includes a second impedance matching circuit with a fixed impedance coupled to the second amplifier and provided along the second path.
The second impedance matching circuit is configured to reduce the noise figures of the first frequency band and the third frequency band.
The receiving system further includes a third impedance matching circuit having a fixed impedance coupled to the third amplifier and provided along the third path.
The third impedance matching circuit is a wireless device configured to reduce noise figures in the first frequency band and the second frequency band. The input signal received at the input of the receiving system is propagated along the first path, the first signal propagating along the first path, the second signal propagating along the second path, and the third signal propagating along the third path. The wireless device of claim 15, further comprising a multiplexer configured to separate into three signals. Enabling the first path by enabling the first amplifier, enabling the second path by enabling the second amplifier, and enabling the third amplifier. 15. The wireless device of claim 15, further comprising a controller configured to selectively enable the third path. The in-band metric is reduced to within the threshold of the in-band metric minimum.
The wireless device according to claim 15, wherein the in-band metric minimum value is the minimum in-band metric possible under any constraint. The wireless device of claim 15, wherein the second impedance matching circuit is further configured to reduce in-band metrics in the second frequency band. The wireless device of claim 15, wherein the third impedance matching circuit is further configured to reduce in-band metrics in the third frequency band.

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