WO2024017466A1 - Étalonnage et linéarisation efficaces dans des systèmes à antennes multiples - Google Patents

Étalonnage et linéarisation efficaces dans des systèmes à antennes multiples Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024017466A1
WO2024017466A1 PCT/EP2022/070311 EP2022070311W WO2024017466A1 WO 2024017466 A1 WO2024017466 A1 WO 2024017466A1 EP 2022070311 W EP2022070311 W EP 2022070311W WO 2024017466 A1 WO2024017466 A1 WO 2024017466A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
antenna
coupling
line
switch
switching unit
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PCT/EP2022/070311
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English (en)
Inventor
Dirk Wiegner
Andreas Wich
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Nokia Solutions And Networks Oy
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Priority to PCT/EP2022/070311 priority Critical patent/WO2024017466A1/fr
Publication of WO2024017466A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024017466A1/fr

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
    • H04B1/02—Transmitters
    • H04B1/04—Circuits
    • H04B1/0475—Circuits with means for limiting noise, interference or distortion
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B17/00—Monitoring; Testing
    • H04B17/10—Monitoring; Testing of transmitters
    • H04B17/11—Monitoring; Testing of transmitters for calibration
    • H04B17/12—Monitoring; Testing of transmitters for calibration of transmit antennas, e.g. of the amplitude or phase
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B17/00—Monitoring; Testing
    • H04B17/10—Monitoring; Testing of transmitters
    • H04B17/15—Performance testing
    • H04B17/191—Over-the-air testing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B17/00—Monitoring; Testing
    • H04B17/20—Monitoring; Testing of receivers
    • H04B17/21—Monitoring; Testing of receivers for calibration; for correcting measurements
    • H04B17/22—Monitoring; Testing of receivers for calibration; for correcting measurements for calibration of the receiver components
    • H04B17/221—Monitoring; Testing of receivers for calibration; for correcting measurements for calibration of the receiver components of receiver antennas, e.g. as to amplitude or phase

Definitions

  • Various example embodiments relate to efficient calibration and linearization in multi-antenna systems. More specifically, various example embodiments exemplarily relate to measures (including methods, apparatuses and computer program products) for realizing efficient calibration and linearization in multi-antenna systems.
  • the present specification generally relates to multi-antenna systems (beamforming, massive multiple input multiple output (mMIMO), from sub 6 GHz frequency range up to THz frequency range), in particular linearization of the distributed power amplifiers (PA) in order to achieve improved linearity and thus system energy efficiency, and calibration of the individual transmission (Tx) / reception (Rx) paths in order to enable beamforming, beamsteering, and mMIMO operation (e. g. coherent transmission), as well as control thereof.
  • mMIMO massive multiple input multiple output
  • m ulti-antenna systems like beamforming systems, beam steering systems or m MI MO systems employing coherent transm ission are under development.
  • the systems have to be calibrated for their individual antenna transceiver paths with respect to phase, amplitude, and delay.
  • UE calibration user equipments
  • suitable calibration measurement paths and references e.g. dedicated transceiver (TRX)
  • the feedback paths for linearization and the measurement paths for calibration are independent paths and thus require extra effort and cost.
  • Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of an example m ulti-antenna system with linearization and calibration equipment, and in particular illustrates such multi-antenna system with an exemplary transceiver with a DPD (as an example for linearization) feedback path and a separate calibration coupling structure with a calibration path (hardware (HW) internal implementation of a calibration measurement path).
  • Figure 6 thus shows a basic principle implementation concept of the calibration measurement path for a hybrid multi-antenna array with e.g. 16 TRXs and 128 antennas (hybrid m ultiantenna system) . More specifically, the extract shown in Figure 6 illustrates splitting/combining of a conversion TRX to antennas (of which three are shown in Figure 6) .
  • At least one port of the calibration line implemented in the antenna module is connected to one of the regular transceivers, which can be switched to calibration mode instead of normal operation.
  • an own full feedback Rx path is implemented (e.g. in case of frequency division duplex (FDD)) ; or at least one of the regular receivers or even up to all receivers are re-used as feedback path during downlink operation in case of time division duplex (TDD) systems.
  • FDD frequency division duplex
  • TDD time division duplex
  • a possible implementation variant of a linearization feedback path is also depicted in Figure 6.
  • the feedback signal at the output of the PA is coupled by a specific coupler device.
  • the calibration measurement path(s) and the linearization feedback path(s) are at least partially separate paths e.g. partially requiring specific components like couplers, extra radio frequency (RF) lines to be routed, etc.
  • RF radio frequency
  • an antenna control apparatus comprising a controller, a plurality of antenna lines connectable to a plurality of respective antennas, each of said antenna lines including a filter circuitry dividing said respective antenna line into an antenna-side antenna line portion and an opposite-side antenna line portion, a com mon coupling line, and a plurality of coupling structures corresponding to said plurality of respective antenna lines, each of said coupling structures being configured to couple a signal on said respective antenna line to said com mon coupling line, wherein each of said coupling structures includes a coupling switch configured such that, in a first coupling switch state, said signal on said respective antenna-side antenna line portion is coupled to said com mon coupling line, in a second coupling switch state, said signal on said respective opposite-side antenna line portion is coupled to said common coupling line, and, in a third coupling switch state, said signal on said respective antenna line is not coupled to said common coupling line, and said controller is configured to control each of said plurality of coupling switches corresponding to
  • a controller of an antenna control apparatus comprising said controller, a plurality of antenna lines connectable to a plurality of respective antennas, each of said antenna lines including a filter circuitry dividing said respective antenna line into an antenna-side antenna line portion and an opposite- side antenna line portion, a common coupling line, and a plurality of coupling structures corresponding to said plurality of respective antenna lines, each of said coupling structures being configured to couple a signal on said respective antenna line to said com mon coupling line, wherein each of said coupling structures includes a coupling switch configured such that, in a first coupling switch state, said signal on said respective antenna-side antenna line portion is coupled to said com mon coupling line, in a second coupling switch state, said signal on said respective opposite-side antenna line portion is coupled to said com mon coupling line, and, in a third coupling switch state, said signal on said respective antenna line is not coupled to said com mon coupling line, wherein said controller is configured to control each of said plurality of coupling
  • a method of controlling an antenna control apparatus comprising a controller, a plurality of antenna lines connectable to a plurality of respective antennas, each of said antenna lines including a filter circuitry dividing said respective antenna line into an antenna-side antenna line portion and an opposite- side antenna line portion, a common coupling line, and a plurality of coupling structures corresponding to said plurality of respective antenna lines, each of said coupling structures being configured to couple a signal on said respective antenna line to said com mon coupling line, wherein each of said coupling structures includes a coupling switch configured such that, in a first coupling switch state, said signal on said respective antenna-side antenna line portion is coupled to said com mon coupling line, in a second coupling switch state, said signal on said respective opposite-side antenna line portion is coupled to said com mon coupling line, and, in a third coupling switch state, said signal on said respective antenna line is not coupled to said com mon coupling line, the method comprising controlling each of said plurality of coupling
  • a controller of an antenna control apparatus comprising said controller, a plurality of antenna lines connectable to a plurality of respective antennas, each of said antenna lines including a filter circuitry dividing said respective antenna line into an antenna-side antenna line portion and an opposite- side antenna line portion, a common coupling line, and a plurality of coupling structures corresponding to said plurality of respective antenna lines, each of said coupling structures being configured to couple a signal on said respective antenna line to said com mon coupling line, wherein each of said coupling structures includes a coupling switch configured such that, in a first coupling switch state, said signal on said respective antenna-side antenna line portion is coupled to said com mon coupling line, in a second coupling switch state, said signal on said respective opposite-side antenna line portion is coupled to said com mon coupling line, and, in a third coupling switch state, said signal on said respective antenna line is not coupled to said com mon coupling line, the controller comprising at least one processor, at least one memory including computer
  • a computer program product comprising computer-executable computer program code which, when the program is run on a computer (e.g. a computer of an apparatus according to any one of the aforementioned apparatus-related exemplary aspects of the present disclosure), is configured to cause the computer to carry out the method according to any one of the aforementioned method- related exemplary aspects of the present disclosure.
  • Such computer program product may comprise (or be embodied) a (tangible) computer-readable (storage) medium or the like on which the computerexecutable computer program code is stored, and/or the program may be directly loadable into an internal memory of the computer or a processor thereof.
  • Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system or apparatus according to example embodiments
  • Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a system or apparatus according to example embodiments
  • Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus according to example embodiments
  • Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus according to example embodiments
  • Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a procedure according to example embodiments
  • Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of an example m ulti-antenna system with linearization and calibration equipment
  • Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of a m ulti-antenna system with linearization and calibration equipment according to example embodiments
  • Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram illustrating linearization and calibration actions according to example embodiments
  • Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of a m ulti-antenna system with linearization and calibration equipment according to example embodiments
  • Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of a multi-antenna system with linearization and calibration equipment according to example embodiments
  • Figure 1 1 shows a schematic diagram of a multi-antenna system with linearization and calibration equipment according to example embodiments
  • Figure 12 shows a schematic diagram illustrating control of com mon linearization and calibration according to example embodiments
  • Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a procedure according to example embodiments.
  • Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of a procedure according to example embodiments.
  • Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of a procedure according to example embodiments
  • Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of a procedure according to example embodiments
  • Figure 17 shows a schematic diagram of a multi-antenna system with linearization and calibration equipment according to example embodiments
  • Figure 18 shows a schematic diagram of a multi-antenna system with linearization and calibration equipment according to example embodiments
  • Figure 19 shows a schematic diagram of a multi-antenna system with linearization and calibration equipment according to example embodiments
  • Figure 20 shows a schematic diagram of a multi-antenna system with linearization and calibration equipment according to example embodiments
  • Figure 21 shows a schematic diagram illustrating control of com mon linearization and calibration according to example embodiments
  • Figure 22 is a schematic diagram of a procedure according to example embodiments.
  • Figure 23 is a schematic diagram of a procedure according to example embodiments.
  • Figure 24 is a schematic diagram of a procedure according to example embodiments.
  • Figure 25 is a block diagram alternatively illustrating an apparatus according to example embodiments.
  • the following description of the present disclosure and its embodiments mainly refers to specifications being used as non-limiting examples for certain exemplary network configurations and deployments. Namely, the present disclosure and its embodiments are mainly described in relation to 3GPP specifications being used as non-lim iting examples for certain exemplary network configurations and deployments. As such, the description of example embodiments given herein specifically refers to term inology which is directly related thereto. Such term inology is only used in the context of the presented non-lim iting examples, and does naturally not limit the disclosure in any way. Rather, any other com munication or com munication related system deployment, etc. may also be utilized as long as compliant with the features described herein.
  • the calibration measurement path and the linearization feedback path are usually at least partially independent paths.
  • a coupling structure with a switch works as a coupling device from a calibration line to an antenna feeding point / antenna line and vice versa.
  • the calibration line is connected to a common coupling line where the coupling is particularly effected.
  • the switch allows to activate or prevent the coupling to the common coupling line so that signals on the antenna line do no longer couple into the calibration line (e.g. Tx to Calibration/DPD-Rx) , and/or signals on the com mon calibration line do no longer couple to the antenna path (e.g. Calibration-Tx to Rx) .
  • a common/combined linearization feedback path and HW internal self-calibration measurement path is provided, which enables to calibrate the individual antenna TX and RX paths as well as allowing to monitor the individual PA output signals, thereby enabling adaptive linearization.
  • such structures and control thereof is provided for, among others, fully digital mMI MO systems, hybrid m ulti- antenna systems (with dedicated PAs per antenna) , and hybrid multi-antenna systems (with several antennas are controlled by a com mon PA) .
  • these include methods/procedures of operation to check and calibrate individual antenna paths during regular operation without a need to turn off the system from normal operation for calibration update, which enables improved system performance.
  • Example embodiments are applied to m ulti-antenna systems in general (fully digital, hybrid variants/architectures, from sub 6GHz, m m-wave frequency range up to sub-THz and THz frequency range in case linearization is also applied) .
  • example embodiments are described for RF frontends in base stations, the underlying principle is not lim ited to such application, but can for example also be applied to mobile equipment (UEs, industry4.0, V2X, etc.) , if m ulti-antenna systems are used.
  • mobile equipment UEs, industry4.0, V2X, etc.
  • Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system or apparatus according to example embodiments, and in particular illustrates an antenna control apparatus according to example embodiments.
  • Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a system or apparatus according to example embodiments, and in particular illustrates an antenna control apparatus according to example embodiments.
  • Figure 2 illustrated a modification of the antenna control apparatus shown in Figure 1 .
  • the antenna control apparatus 10 comprises a controller 1 1 , a plurality of antenna lines 12, a common coupling line 14, and a plurality of coupling structures 15a, 15b, 15c, 16 corresponding to said plurality of respective antenna lines 12.
  • the plurality of antenna lines 12 are connectable to a plurality of respective antennas 22 (illustrated in Figure 2), each of said antenna lines 12 including a filter circuitry 13 dividing said respective antenna line 12 into an antennaside antenna line portion 12b and an opposite-side antenna line portion 12a.
  • Each of said coupling structures 15a, 15b, 15c, 16 being configured to couple a signal on said respective antenna line 12 to said com mon coupling line 14.
  • each of said coupling structures 15a, 15b, 15c, 16 includes a coupling switch 16 configured such that, in a first coupling switch state, said signal on said respective antenna-side antenna line portion 12b is coupled to said com mon coupling line 14, in a second coupling switch state, said signal on said respective opposite-side antenna line portion 12a is coupled to said com mon coupling line 14, and, in a third coupling switch state, said signal on said respective antenna line 12 is not coupled to said com mon coupling line 14.
  • said controller 1 1 is configured to control each of said plurality of coupling switches 16 corresponding to said plurality of coupling structures 15a, 15b, 15c, 16.
  • Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus according to example embodiments.
  • the apparatus may be a controller 1 1 of an antenna control apparatus.
  • the controller may be the controller 1 1 of the antenna control apparatus of Figures 1 and 2.
  • the controller 1 1 is configured to control each of said plurality of coupling switches 16 corresponding to said plurality of coupling structures 15a, 15b, 15c, 16.
  • Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a procedure according to example embodiments.
  • the apparatus according to Figure 4 may perform the method of Figure 5 but is not limited to this method.
  • the method of Figure 5 may be performed by the apparatus of Figure 4 but is not lim ited to being performed by this apparatus.
  • a procedure comprises an operation of controlling (S51 ) each of a plurality of coupling switches 16 corresponding to a plurality of coupling structures 15a, 15b, 15c, 16 of an antenna control apparatus 10, the an antenna control apparatus 10 comprising a controller 1 1 , a plurality of antenna lines 12 connectable to a plurality of respective antennas 22, each of said antenna lines 12 including a filter circuitry 13 dividing said respective antenna line 12 into an antennaside antenna line portion 12b and an opposite-side antenna line portion 12a, a common coupling line 14, and said plurality of coupling structures 15a, 15b, 15c, 16 corresponding to said plurality of respective antenna lines 12, each of said coupling structures 15a, 15b, 15c, 16 being configured to couple a signal on said respective antenna line 12 to said common coupling line 14, wherein each of said coupling structures 15a, 15b, 15c, 16 includes a coupling switch 16 configured such that, in a first coupling switch state, said signal on said respective antenna-side antenna
  • each of said coupling structures 15a, 15b, 15c, 16 being configured to couple a signal on said com mon coupling line 14 to said respective antenna line 12, and said coupling switch 16 of each of said coupling structures 15a, 15b, 15c, 16 is configured such that, in said first coupling switch state, said signal on said com mon coupling line 14 is coupled to said respective antenna-side antenna line portion 12b, and, in said second coupling switch state, said signal on said common coupling line 14 is coupled to said respective opposite-side antenna line portion 12a.
  • said com mon coupling line 14 is connected to a switching unit 17 ( Figure 2) configured to, in a first switching unit state, interconnect said common coupling line 14 with a reception line 18 (Figure 2) connectable to a reception circuit 20 ( Figure 2).
  • an exemplary method according to example embodiments may comprise an operation of controlling said switching unit 17.
  • said controller 1 1 may be configured to control said switching unit 17.
  • said switching unit 17 is configured to, in a second switching unit state, interconnect said com mon coupling line 14 with a transm ission line 19 ( Figure 2) connectable to a transm ission circuit 21 .
  • said switching unit 17 is configured to, in a third switching unit state, interconnect one of said plurality of antenna lines 12 with said reception line 18.
  • said switching unit 17 includes a first switch (e.g. sw1 ) and a second switch (e.g. sw2), said first switch is configured to, in said first switching unit state, interconnect said reception line 18 with a first interconnection line, and said second switch is configured to, in said first switching unit state, interconnect said first interconnection line with said common coupling line 14.
  • a first switch e.g. sw1
  • a second switch e.g. sw2
  • said first switch is configured to, in said first switching unit state, interconnect said reception line 18 with a first interconnection line
  • said second switch is configured to, in said first switching unit state, interconnect said first interconnection line with said common coupling line 14.
  • said second switch is configured to, in said second switching unit state, interconnect said transmission line with said common coupling line 14.
  • said switching unit 17 includes a third switch (e.g. sw3) , said first switch is configured to, in said third switching unit state, interconnect said reception line 18 with a second interconnection line, and said third switch is configured to, in said third switching unit state, interconnect said second interconnection line with said one of said plurality of antenna lines 12.
  • a third switch e.g. sw3
  • said first switch is configured to, in said third switching unit state, interconnect said reception line 18 with a second interconnection line
  • said third switch is configured to, in said third switching unit state, interconnect said second interconnection line with said one of said plurality of antenna lines 12.
  • said switching unit 17 includes a first switch (e.g. sw5) , a second switch (e.g. sw7) , and a third switch (e.g. sw8) , said first switch is configured to, in said first switching unit state, interconnect said reception line 18 with a first interconnection line, said second switch is configured to, in said first switching unit state, interconnect said first interconnection line with a second interconnection line, and said third switch is configured to, in said first switching unit state, interconnect said second interconnection line with said common coupling line 14.
  • a first switch e.g. sw5
  • a second switch e.g. sw7
  • a third switch e.g. sw8
  • said second switch is configured to, in said second switching unit state, interconnect said transmission line with said second interconnection line
  • said third switch is configured to, in said second switching unit state, interconnect said second interconnection line with said com mon coupling line 14.
  • said switching unit 17 includes a fourth switch (e.g. sw6) and a fifth switch (e.g. sw3) , said first switch is configured to, in said third switching unit state, interconnect said reception line 18 with a third interconnection line, said fourth switch is configured to, in said third switching unit state, interconnect said third interconnection line with a fourth interconnection line, and said fifth switch is configured to, in said third switching unit state, interconnect said fourth interconnection line with said one of said plurality of antenna lines 12.
  • a fourth switch e.g. sw6
  • a fifth switch e.g. sw3
  • said first switch is configured to, in said third switching unit state, interconnect said reception line 18 with a third interconnection line
  • said fourth switch is configured to, in said third switching unit state, interconnect said third interconnection line with a fourth interconnection line
  • said fifth switch is configured to, in said third switching unit state, interconnect said fourth interconnection line with said one of said plurality of antenna lines 12.
  • said antenna control apparatus further comprises said reception circuit 20, said reception line 18 is connected to said reception circuit 20, and said reception circuit 20 includes a calibration unit 31 configured to perform calibration measurement and a linearization unit 32 configured to perform linearization processing.
  • Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus according to example embodiments, and in particular illustrates a reception circuit 20.
  • the reception circuit 20 includes a calibration unit 31 and a linearization unit 32.
  • the reception circuit 20 illustrated in Figure 3 may correspond to the reception circuit 20 shown in Figure 2.
  • an exemplary method may comprise, in a normal transmission and reception operation mode of said plurality of antennas 22, an operation of controlling each of said plurality of coupling switches 16 to assume said third coupling switch state, and an operation of controlling said switching unit 17 to assume said third switching unit state.
  • said controller 1 1 may be configured to, in a normal transmission and reception operation mode of said plurality of antennas 22, control each of said plurality of coupling switches 16 to assume said third coupling switch state, and control said switching unit 17 to assume said third switching unit state.
  • an exemplary method may comprise, in a transmission/transmitter calibration mode of at least one of said plurality of antenna lines 12, an operation of controlling at least one of said plurality of coupling switches 16 corresponding to said at least one of said plurality of antenna lines 12 to assume said first coupling switch state, and an operation of controlling said switching unit 17 to assume said first switching unit state.
  • said controller 1 1 may be configured to, in a transm ission calibration mode of at least one of said plurality of antenna lines 12, control at least one of said plurality of coupling switches 16 corresponding to said at least one of said plurality of antenna lines 12 to assume said first coupling switch state, and control said switching unit 17 to assume said first switching unit state.
  • an exemplary method may comprise, in a reception/receiver calibration mode of at least one of said plurality of antenna lines 12, an operation of controlling at least one of said plurality of coupling switches 16 corresponding to said at least one of said plurality of antenna lines 12 to assume said first coupling switch state, and an operation of controlling said switching unit 17 to assume said second switching unit state.
  • said controller 1 1 may be configured to, in a reception calibration mode of at least one of said plurality of antenna lines 12, control at least one of said plurality of coupling switches 16 corresponding to said at least one of said plurality of antenna lines 12 to assume said first coupling switch state, and control said switching unit 17 to assume said second switching unit state.
  • an exemplary method may comprise, in a linearization mode of at least one of said plurality of antenna lines 12, an operation of controlling at least one of said plurality of coupling switches 16 corresponding to said at least one of said plurality of antenna lines 12 to assume said first coupling switch state or said second coupling switch state, and an operation of controlling said switching unit 17 to assume said first switching unit state.
  • said controller 1 1 may be configured to, in a linearization mode of at least one of said plurality of antenna lines 12, control at least one of said plurality of coupling switches 16 corresponding to said at least one of said plurality of antenna lines 12 to assume said first coupling switch state or said second coupling switch state, and control said switching unit 17 to assume said first switching unit state.
  • a respective portion of at least two of said plurality of antenna lines 12 is embodied as a com mon antenna line portion
  • each filter circuitry 13 of said at least two of said plurality of antenna lines 12 is embodied as a com mon filter circuitry
  • said com mon filter circuitry is arranged in said com mon antenna line portion.
  • said antenna control apparatus 10 further comprises said plurality of antennas 22, and said plurality of antenna lines 12 is connected to said plurality of respective antennas 22.
  • Exemplary embodiments aim at m ulti-antenna systems where both, adaptive linearization, e.g. DPD (in order to improve system efficiency and thus reduce RF frontend power consumption), as well as hardware internal self-calibration is utilized.
  • adaptive linearization e.g. DPD (in order to improve system efficiency and thus reduce RF frontend power consumption)
  • hardware internal self-calibration is utilized.
  • coupling to the calibration line is made switchable, and the same path is used for calibration as well as for adaptive pre-distortion.
  • an enhanced common switchable linearization feedback and calibration coupler 11 using a three-pole switch (triple-throw switch, three-position switch) (swC) is applied.
  • a com mon switchable RX/CalTRX/LinFB (receiver/calibration transceiver/linearization feedback) path I 2 is provided, which may comprise at least switches and lines for connection to a receiver and a transm itter (or a transceiver) .
  • Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of a m ulti-antenna system with linearization and calibration equipment according to example embodiments, and in particular illustrates an exemplary preferred implementation of a basic com mon linearization (e.g. DPD) feedback and calibration path concept into the analogue RF multi-antenna frontend according to example embodiments.
  • Figure 17 shows a schematic diagram of a multi-antenna system with linearization and calibration equipment according to example embodiments, and in particular illustrates an exemplary alternative implementation of a basic com mon linearization (e.g. DPD) feedback and calibration path concept into the analogue RF multi-antenna frontend according to example embodiments.
  • a basic com mon linearization e.g. DPD
  • FIG. 7 An exemplary above-mentioned enhanced common switchable linearization feedback and calibration coupler 11 and an exemplary above- mentioned com mon switchable RX/CalTRX/LinFB path I2 are conceivable from Figures 7 and 17. As illustrated in Figure 7, at least one of conventional RX paths is re-used for TDD m ulti-antenna systems for calibration measurement as well as for linearization feedback measurement.
  • the coupling structure according to example embodiments can be flexibly activated/de-activated and is close to the respective individual antennas.
  • This coupling structure according to example embodiments is achieved by implementation of a calibration switch (swC) as an example of the coupling switch.
  • swC calibration switch
  • This implementation allows to flexibly activate or de-activate coupling of the respective RF signal at the respective antenna into the com mon calibration and linearization feedback line/path I2. Since the switch neither has to handle high power levels nor has to support very high switching speeds, the switch device can be realized as a medium performance and thus low cost device with low control effort.
  • the RX path is configured for RX operation by adequately setting respective switches (sw1 , sw2) in the com mon RX/CalTRX/LinFB (receiver/calibration transceiver/linearization feedback) path I2 as well as adequately setting TDD switches (sw3) and coupling switches (swC, set to de-activate coupling in order to improve for RX operation the isolation of the com mon RX/CalTRX/LinFB path) at the antennas.
  • switches sw1 , sw2
  • TDD switches sw3
  • coupling switches swC, set to de-activate coupling in order to improve for RX operation the isolation of the com mon RX/CalTRX/LinFB path
  • the com mon RX/CalTRX/LinFB path I2 is configured by adequately setting the switches (sw1 , sw2) for adaptive predistortion and/or calibration measurement.
  • I n this case, according to example embodiments, the following scenarios are possible: a) Perform ing linearization feedback measurement in order to improve PA performance (linearity, energy efficiency) : I n this case, the PA/path to be tapped for signal feedback is activated for signal coupling to the com mon linearization (e.g. DPD) feedback and calibration path by respective activation of the switch (swC) at the respective antenna (with the PA/path to be tapped being selectively tapped either before (a) or after (b) the filter) .
  • the com mon linearization e.g. DPD
  • the coupled signal carrying the signal information for the linearization, is fed back to the digital RF unit by adequate configuration of the switches (sw1 , sw2) in the com mon RX/CalTRX/LinFB path and the TDD switch (sw3).
  • the signal is fed to the linearization (DPD) block.
  • DPD linearization
  • DPD DPD feedback and calibration path by respective activation of the switch (swC) at the respective antenna (with the antenna path to be tapped being selectively tapped either before (a) or after (b) the filter) .
  • the coupled signal, carrying the signal information for the calibration if necessary a calibration specific signal can be applied, e.g. a constant amplitude zero autocorrelation (CAZAC) sequence
  • CAZAC constant amplitude zero autocorrelation
  • an actual user signal (e.g. LTE, NR, e.g. PRS, CSI-RS, etc.) is also usable for calibration.
  • an actual user signal e.g. LTE, NR, e.g. PRS, CSI-RS, etc.
  • the tapped signal can be used sim ultaneously for calibration (determ ining respective phase, amplitudes, delays) and linearization.
  • the tapped signal is simultaneously fed to the linearization and calibration unit in the digital RF frontend for respective analysis.
  • the RX path is configured for RX operation by adequately setting respective switches (sw5, sw6, sw7, sw8) in the com mon RX/CalTRX/LinFB (receiver/ calibration transceiver/linearization feedback) path I2 as well as adequately setting TDD switches (sw3) and coupling switches (swC, set to de-activate coupling in order to improve for RX operation the isolation of the com mon RX/CalTRX/LinFB path) at the antennas.
  • switches sw5, sw6, sw7, sw8
  • TDD switches sw3
  • coupling switches swC, set to de-activate coupling in order to improve for RX operation the isolation of the com mon RX/CalTRX/LinFB path
  • the com mon RX/CalTRX/LinFB path I2 is configured by adequately setting the switches (sw5, sw6, sw7, sw8) for adaptive pre-distortion and/or calibration measurement.
  • I n this case, according to example embodiments, the following scenarios are possible: a) Perform ing linearization feedback measurement in order to improve PA performance (linearity, energy efficiency) : I n this case, the PA/path to be tapped for signal feedback is activated for signal coupling to the com mon linearization (e.g.
  • DPD DPD feedback and calibration path by respective activation of the switch (swC) at the respective antenna (with the PA/path to be tapped being selectively tapped either before (a) or after (b) the filter) .
  • the coupled signal carrying the signal information for the linearization, is fed back to the digital RF unit by adequate configuration of the switches (sw5, sw6, sw7, sw8) in the com mon RX/CalTRX/LinFB path and the TDD switch (sw3) .
  • the signal is fed to the linearization (DPD) block.
  • the antenna path to be tapped for signal feedback is activated for signal coupling into the com mon linearization (e.g. DPD) feedback and calibration path by respective activation of the switch (swC) at the respective antenna (with the antenna path to be tapped being selectively tapped either before (a) or after (b) the filter) .
  • the coupled signal, carrying the signal information for the calibration if necessary a calibration specific signal can be applied, e.g.
  • a constant amplitude zero autocorrelation (CAZAC) sequence is fed back to the digital RF unit by adequate configuration of the switches (sw5, sw6, sw7, sw8) in the com mon RX/CalTRX/LinFB path and the TDD control switch (sw3).
  • the signal is fed to the calibration and beamforming block.
  • the tapped signal can be used simultaneously for calibration (determining respective phase, amplitudes, delays) and linearization.
  • the tapped signal is sim ultaneously fed to the linearization and calibration unit in the digital RF frontend for respective analysis.
  • the PA/path to be tapped can be selectively tapped either before (a) or after (b) the filter.
  • the feedback signal for pre-distortion i.e., linearization
  • the circulator and filter (b) in lim ited situations, namely when the signal is directly placed at the suppression edges of the filter (band edges) , it can happen that only a limited bandwidth (BW) and thus only one side of the out- of-band channels can be fed back and analyzed for the linearization.
  • BW bandwidth
  • This potential issue does not exist in case of the signal was not directly placed at the band/filter edges, or if, e.g. in future, linearization techniques requiring less BW (e.g. die temperature based) are used, or in case of mm-wave or sub-THz range where large quantities of spectrum is available.
  • tapping the feedback signal for pre-distortion after the filter (b) e.g. kind of equalization effects (over frequency) can be achieved as additional benefit.
  • the feedback signal for the linearization can alternatively also be tapped before the filter (a) .
  • the (bandpass) filter is not in the measured signal path.
  • LNA low-noise amplifiers
  • a com mon switchable (activate (a) / activate (b) /de-activate) coupling structure for calibration and linearization together with the configurable RX/CalTRX/LinFB path furthermore supports the following calibration measurements:
  • All swC switches are active ((a) or (b)) : This allows for sim ultaneous calibration of all RX paths by sending a calibration signal via the RX/CalTRX/LinFB path to the switchable couplers by which the calibration TX signal couples via the common coupling line to all RX where the respective receive signals of the individual RX paths can be received and analyzed in the digital RF unit.
  • the system is off from normal operation during this calibration procedure, thus, overall system throughput may be adversely impacted.
  • all TX paths can be calibrated simultaneously by activating all swC switches and allowing coupling all the individually applied orthogonal TX signals to the com mon RX/CalTRX/LinFB path.
  • Some selected swC switches are set to active ((a) or (b)) : Such a setting allows for calibration and/or linearization of selective paths e.g. during normal operation in the field.
  • All selected RX paths can be calibrated and/or linearized simultaneously using RX/CalTRX/LinFB in calibration TX mode.
  • orthogonal sequences different sub-carriers or minimum-cross-correlation sequences, etc.
  • the TX(s) to be calibrated are transmitting via the respective related antennas into the air.
  • their respective TX calibration signal power can be reduced during operation or known phases can be applied to take signals corresponding to the calibration signaling out of wanted beams and thus clearly reduce impact of the actually calibrated TXs on the normal operation.
  • Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram illustrating linearization and calibration actions according to example embodiments, and in particular illustrates potential calibration and linearization actions assigned to system performance impacts.
  • Figure 8 shows in a sum marized manner different possible calibration and linearization actions, assigned to "usually requires the system to be offline and thus impacting overall system performance" or “can be done during normal operation and thus not or only minor impacting system performance".
  • example embodiments implementing com mon switchable coupling structure for calibration and linearization together with the configurable RX/CalTRX/LinFB path, whereby a com mon linearization and calibration path is enabled, linearization and/or calibration of individual or sub-groups of TRX are enabled, and by this, step-by-step full system calibration even during normal operation with no or only minor impact on system performance is enabled (lower box). Even sim ultaneous linearization and TX calibration is enabled by implementation of example embodiments (lower box).
  • swC may be activated to (a) , where linearization (e.g. DPD) FB signal is tapped at the respective PA output, or to (b), where linearization (e.g. DPD) FB signal is tapped at the respective antenna coupler.
  • swC may be activated to (b) , where full TX path calibration up to respective antenna coupler is performed, or to (a) , where only part of TX path is calibrated (up to PA output) .
  • swC may be activated to (b) , where full TX path calibration up to respective antenna coupler is performed, or to (a), where only part of TX path is calibrated (up to PA output).
  • Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of a m ulti-antenna system with linearization and calibration equipment according to example embodiments, and in particular illustrates an exemplary preferred implementation of the basic com mon linearization (e.g. DPD) and calibration path concept (including exemplary above-mentioned enhanced com mon switchable linearization feedback and calibration coupler 11 and an exemplary above-mentioned com mon switchable RX/CalTRX/LinFB path I2) explained above into a fully digital m ulti-antenna system frontend.
  • Figure 18 shows a schematic diagram of a multi-antenna system with linearization and calibration equipment according to example embodiments, and in particular illustrates an exemplary alternative implementation of the basic com mon linearization (e.g.
  • Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of a multi-antenna system with linearization and calibration equipment according to example embodiments, and in particular illustrates an exemplary preferred implementation of the basic com mon linearization (e.g. DPD) and calibration path concept (including exemplary above-mentioned enhanced com mon switchable linearization feedback and calibration coupler 11 and an exemplary above-mentioned com mon switchable RX/CalTRX/LinFB path I 2) explained above into a hybrid multi-antenna system frontend (variant 1 : individual PAs per antenna).
  • Figure 19 shows a schematic diagram of a multi-antenna system with linearization and calibration equipment according to example embodiments, and in particular illustrates an exemplary alternative implementation of the basic com mon linearization (e.g.
  • Figure 1 1 shows a schematic diagram of a multi-antenna system with linearization and calibration equipment according to example embodiments, and in particular illustrates an exemplary preferred implementation of basic com mon linearization (e.g. DPD) and calibration path concept (including exemplary above-mentioned enhanced com mon switchable linearization feedback and calibration coupler 11 and an exemplary above-mentioned com mon switchable RX/CalTRX/LinFB path I 2) explained above into a hybrid multi-antenna system frontend (variant 2: com mon PA for several antennas) .
  • basic com mon linearization e.g. DPD
  • calibration path concept including exemplary above-mentioned enhanced com mon switchable linearization feedback and calibration coupler 11 and an exemplary above-mentioned com mon switchable RX/CalTRX/LinFB path I 2
  • Figure 20 shows a schematic diagram of a multi-antenna system with linearization and calibration equipment according to example embodiments, and in particular illustrates an exemplary alternative implementation of basic com mon linearization (e.g. DPD) and calibration path concept (including exemplary above-mentioned enhanced com mon switchable linearization feedback and calibration coupler 11 and an exemplary above-mentioned com mon switchable RX/CalTRX/LinFB path I 2) explained above into a hybrid multi-antenna system frontend (variant 2: com mon PA for several antennas) .
  • basic com mon linearization e.g. DPD
  • calibration path concept including exemplary above-mentioned enhanced com mon switchable linearization feedback and calibration coupler 11 and an exemplary above-mentioned com mon switchable RX/CalTRX/LinFB path I 2
  • the swC’ switches are implemented when a com mon PA is used for several antennas and in this case only one path (e.g. the com mon calibration and digital pre-distortion path) has a switch swC coupling the feedback signal at the PA/path to be tapped before (a) the filter.
  • the swC’ switches have one port less than the swC switches, since the swC’ switches are not connected to a coupler tapping a PA/path to be tapped before (a) a filter.
  • the swC’ switches are implemented when a com mon PA is used for several antennas and in this case only one path (e.g. the common calibration and digital pre-distortion path) has a switch swC coupling the feedback signal at the PA/path to be tapped before (a) the filter.
  • the beamforming is usually done with passive devices such as phase shifters or delay lines in the analogue domain for the individual antennas/paths.
  • a common RX/CalTRX/LinFB path as well as common switchable linearization feedback and calibration couplers (implementation of switches directly into the coupling configuration at the respective antennas) are utilized.
  • reduced frontend complexity saving of devices (couplers) as well as the possibility to tap individual antenna signals only either for linearization or calibration, even during normal operation can be achieved, while it is allowed to individually activate or de-activate respective coupling, which can contribute to improved system performance (less required off-time for calibration, more frequent monitoring and adaptation of calibration parameters phase, amplitude, and delay).
  • Figure 12 shows a schematic diagram illustrating control of com mon linearization and calibration according to example embodiments, and in particular illustrates an appropriate management and control concept in relation to the com mon linearization (e.g. DPD) feedback and calibration path approach related to the preferred implementations explained above (with the preferred implementation explained above with reference to Figure 10 as an exemplary concrete control target being shown) .
  • Figure 21 shows a schematic diagram illustrating control of com mon linearization and calibration according to example embodiments, and in particular illustrates an appropriate management and control concept in relation to the common linearization (e.g. DPD) feedback and calibration path approach related to the alternative implementations explained above (with the alternative implementation explained above with reference to Figure 19 as an exemplary concrete control target being shown) .
  • DPD common linearization
  • a control controlling the common linearization (e.g. DPD) and calibration path implementation (including exemplary above-mentioned enhanced com mon switchable linearization feedback and calibration coupler 11 and an exemplary above-mentioned com mon switchable RX/CalTRX/LinFB path I 2) explained above, is preferably implemented in the digital RF frontend with com munication to base band.
  • DPD common linearization
  • calibration path implementation including exemplary above-mentioned enhanced com mon switchable linearization feedback and calibration coupler 11 and an exemplary above-mentioned com mon switchable RX/CalTRX/LinFB path I 2
  • control is configured to control the relevant switches (sw1 , sw2, sw3, sw4, swC, swC) and put them into adequate states for the respective mode of operations (as e.g. indicated by Figure 8) .
  • control is configured to control the relevant switches (sw3, sw4, sw5, sw6, sw7, sw8, swC, swC) and put them into adequate states for the respective mode of operations (as e.g. indicated by Figure 8) .
  • control is operated as discussed below with reference to Figures 13 to 16 and 22 to 24, respectively illustrating exemplarily global methods/procedures operating a m ulti-antenna system having the common linearization (e.g. DPD) and calibration path implementation (including exemplary above-mentioned enhanced com mon switchable linearization feedback and calibration coupler 11 and an exemplary above-mentioned common switchable RX/CalTRX/LinFB path I 2) explained above.
  • common linearization e.g. DPD
  • calibration path implementation including exemplary above-mentioned enhanced com mon switchable linearization feedback and calibration coupler 11 and an exemplary above-mentioned common switchable RX/CalTRX/LinFB path I 2
  • Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a procedure according to example embodiments, and in particular illustrates a procedure of a selection of a mode of operation and a normal system operation configuration (Calibration procedure using common calibration/linearization (e.g. DPD) ; selection of operation and regular TRX operation) related to the preferred implementations explained above.
  • Figure 22 is a schematic diagram of a procedure according to example embodiments, and in particular illustrates a procedure of a selection of a mode of operation and a normal system operation configuration (Calibration procedure using com mon calibration/linearization (e.g. DPD) ; selection of operation and regular TRX operation) related to the alternative implementations explained above.
  • Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of a procedure according to example embodiments, and in particular illustrates a procedure for regular linearization (e.g. DPD) operation and optional sim ultaneous TX calibration (Calibration procedure using com mon calibration/linearization (e.g. DPD) ; regular linearization (e.g. DPD) operation and optional simultaneous TX path calibration) related to the preferred implementations explained above.
  • Figure 23 is a schematic diagram of a procedure according to example embodiments, and in particular illustrates a procedure for regular linearization (e.g. DPD) operation and optional sim ultaneous TX calibration (Calibration procedure using com mon calibration/linearization (e.g. DPD) ; regular linearization (e.g.
  • FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a procedure according to example embodiments, and in particular illustrates a procedure for full or partial system calibration (Calibration procedure using common calibration/linearization (e.g. DPD) ; regular calibration operation - full or partial in-operation calibration) related to the preferred implementations explained above.
  • Figure 24 is a schematic diagram of a procedure according to example embodiments, and in particular illustrates a procedure for full or partial system calibration (Calibration procedure using com mon calibration/linearization (e.g. DPD) ; regular calibration operation - full or partial in-operation calibration) related to the alternative implementations explained above.
  • Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of a procedure according to example embodiments, and in particular illustrates a system operation procedure in case of TRX subset calibration (Calibration procedure using com mon calibration/linearization (e.g. DPD) ; system operation procedure in case of subset ( Figure 15) calibration) related to the preferred implementations and the alternative implementations explained above.
  • TRX subset calibration Calibration procedure using com mon calibration/linearization (e.g. DPD)
  • Figure 15 system operation procedure in case of subset
  • step S1302 of Figure 13 If the kind of system operation is determ ined to be Linearization (and Calibration) (step S1302 of Figure 13) , the procedure proceeds to step S1303.
  • step S1303 of Figure 13 the procedure of Figure 14 is entered, where after the procedure returns to step S1301 .
  • step S1304 of Figure 13 If the kind of system operation is determ ined to be Normal TRX Operation (step S1304 of Figure 13) , the procedure proceeds to step S1305. I n step S1305 of Figure 13, all swC (and swC) # n are set/switched to Term ination, and sw1 is set/switched to Rx (connect sw3) , and the procedure proceeds to step S1306.
  • step S1306 of Figure 13 CalLNA is turned off, and the procedure proceeds to step S1307.
  • step S1307 the system is in normal operation, where after the procedure returns to step S1301 .
  • step S1308 of Figure 13 If the kind of system operation is determ ined to be Calibration (step S1308 of Figure 13) , the procedure proceeds to step S1309.
  • step S1309 of Figure 13 the procedure of Figure 15 (and potentially of Figure 16) is entered, where after the procedure returns to step S1301 .
  • step S2202 of Figure 22 If the kind of system operation is determ ined to be Linearization (and Calibration) (step S2202 of Figure 22) , the procedure proceeds to step S2203.
  • step S2203 of Figure 22 the procedure of Figure 23 is entered, where after the procedure returns to step S2201 .
  • step S2204 of Figure 22 If the kind of system operation is determ ined to be Normal TRX Operation (step S2204 of Figure 22) , the procedure proceeds to step S2205.
  • step S1305 of Figure 13 all swC (and swC) # n are set/switched to Term ination, switches sw5, sw6 are set to bypass sw7 and sw8 and to connect the opposite-side antenna line portion (circulator) to the down-conversion unit (normal operation, no calibration mode), and sw3 is set/switched to Rx or termination related to the actual operation mode (uplink or downlink) in normal operation, and the procedure proceeds to step S2206.
  • step S2206 of Figure 22 CalLNA is turned off, and the procedure proceeds to step S2207.
  • step S2207 the system is in normal operation, where after the procedure returns to step S2201 .
  • step S2208 of Figure 22 If the kind of system operation is determ ined to be Calibration (step S2208 of Figure 22) , the procedure proceeds to step S2209.
  • step S2209 of Figure 22 the procedure of Figure 24 (and potentially of Figure 16) is entered, where after the procedure returns to step S2201 .
  • step S1401 of Figure 14 it is determ ined whether linearization (e.g. DPD) is active and commencing. If so, the procedure proceeds to step S1402.
  • linearization e.g. DPD
  • An alternative approach (subordinate approach, as it is causing an interrupt of operation (signal off/on) , thus potentially applied only when putting the system into operation, during maintenance or for m MI MO muted TRX) can be to stop the system signal sending, then the system/frontend configuration (switches, set correct operation mode (TX or RX) , etc.) for the respective operation (linearization and calibration, calibration, ...) is done followed by activating the system sending signal. This could be done in case of e.g. hot- switching would cause an issue/defect to the switches.
  • step S1402 of Figure 14 it is determined whether TRX (# n) enters Tx Phase (e.g. turnaround) . If so, the procedure proceeds to step S1403.
  • swC # n is switched either to PA output coupler (a) or antenna (b) , and the procedure proceeds to step S1404.
  • sw4 (if applicable) is set to normal TX operation
  • sw3 is set to Term ination
  • sw1 , sw2 are set to connect the coupling line (sw1 connects sw2) to RX (down-converter) , and the procedure proceeds to step S1405.
  • Tx (# n) signal is received and Pre-distortion Coefficient(s) is/are calculated.
  • step S1406 only if linearization (e.g. DPD) and calibration are to be done simultaneously, the procedure proceeds to step S1406.
  • linearization e.g. DPD
  • calibration e.g. DPD
  • serialized Tx linearization e.g. DPD
  • step S2301 of Figure 23 it is determ ined whether linearization (e.g. DPD) is active and commencing. If so, the procedure proceeds to step S2302.
  • linearization e.g. DPD
  • step S2303 of Figure 14 swC # n is switched either to PA output coupler (a) or antenna (b) , and the procedure proceeds to step S2304.
  • step S2304 of Figure 23 sw4 (if applicable) is set to normal TX operation, sw3 is set to Term ination, sw5 and sw6 are set to connect sw7 and sw8, sw7 is set to connect the RX path, sw8 is set to connect the coupling line, and the procedure proceeds to step S2305.
  • Tx (# n) signal is received and Pre-distortion Coefficient(s) is/are calculated.
  • step S2306 only if linearization (e.g. DPD) and calibration are to be done simultaneously, the procedure proceeds to step S2306.
  • linearization e.g. DPD
  • calibration e.g. DPD
  • serialized Tx linearization e.g. DPD
  • step S1501 of Figure 15 it is determined whether calibration is active and com mencing. If so, the procedure proceeds to steps S1502 and S1507.
  • An alternative approach (subordinate approach, as it is causing an interrupt of operation (signal off/on) , thus potentially applied only when putting the system into operation, during maintenance or for m MI MO muted TRX) can be to stop the system signal sending, then the system/frontend configuration (switches, set correct operation mode (TX or RX) , etc.) for the respective operation (linearization and calibration, calibration, 7) is done followed by activating the system sending signal. This could be done in case of e.g. hot- switching would cause an issue/defect to the switches.
  • step S1502 of Figure 15 it is determ ined whether TRXs enter Tx Period for transm itter (TX) calibration (sw4 (if applicable) is set to normal TX operation). If so, the procedure proceeds to step S1503.
  • TX Tx Period for transm itter
  • step S1507 of Figure 15 it is determined whether TRXs enter Rx Period for receiver (RX) calibration (sw4 (if applicable) is connected to CalTX (to sw2)). If so, the procedure proceeds to step S1508.
  • steps S1502 and S1507 it is noted that acyclic operation is possible: If the system is in UL mode, DL Tx could be calibrated without creating interference. Likewise, if the system is in DL mode, instead of transmitting to UEs the system could do Rx calibration.
  • step S1503 of Figure 15 all or a subset (entering procedure of Figure 16 in case of a subset) of swC (swC) are switched to antenna (b) for full path calibration or to (a) to calibrate only a part of TX, and the procedure proceeds to step S1504.
  • step S1504 of Figure 15 sw1 , sw2 are set to connect coupling line (sw1 connected to sw2) to RX (down-converter) , sw3 is set to Term ination, and the procedure proceeds to step S1505.
  • a Calibration Sequence is received (from all/a subset of Tx) via Calibration Rx, and the procedure proceeds to step S1506.
  • I n step S1506 of Figure 15 Tx Calibration Coefficients are calculated.
  • step S1508 of Figure 15 all or a subset (entering procedure of Figure 16 in case of a subset) of swC (swC) are switched to the common coupling line, and the procedure proceeds to step S1509.
  • step S1509 of Figure 15 sw1 is set to connect RX (connect to sw3), sw2, CalLNA Tx are set to connect to the common coupling line, CalLNA is activated, and the procedure proceeds to step S1510.
  • step S1510 of Figure 15 a Calibration Signal is transmitted to Calibration Line, and the procedure proceeds to step S151 1 .
  • Tx calibration all or only a subset of Tx can be switched to the receiving calibration Rx via calibration line; this can be done in-operation using the regular Tx-signal or using a special Calibration Sequence for just the subset of Txs.
  • Rx calibration all or only a subset of Rx can be switched to the calibration LNA via the calibration line. These Rx will experience a superposition of the regular Rx signal via the antenna and the (stronger) Cali-LNA sequence, possibly in-operation.
  • step S2401 of Figure 24 it is determined whether calibration is active and com mencing. If so, the procedure proceeds to steps S2402 and S2407.
  • An alternative approach (subordinate approach, as it is causing an interrupt of operation (signal off/on) , thus potentially applied only when putting the system into operation, during maintenance or for m MI MO muted TRX) can be to stop the system signal sending, then the system/frontend configuration (switches, set correct operation mode (TX or RX) , etc.) for the respective operation (linearization and calibration, calibration, ...) is done followed by activating the system sending signal. This could be done in case of e.g. hot- switching would cause an issue/defect to the switches.
  • step S2402 of Figure 24 it is determ ined whether TRXs enter Tx Period for transm itter (TX) calibration (sw4 (if applicable) is set to normal TX operation). If so, the procedure proceeds to step S2403.
  • TX Tx Period for transm itter
  • step S2407 of Figure 24 it is determined whether TRXs enter Rx Period for receiver (RX) calibration (sw4 (if applicable) is set to CalTX (to sw7)) . If so, the procedure proceeds to step S2408.
  • steps S2402 and S2407 it is noted that acyclic operation is possible: If the system is in UL mode, DL Tx could be calibrated without creating interference. Likewise, if the system is in DL mode, instead of transmitting to UEs the system could do Rx calibration.
  • step S2403 of Figure 24 all or a subset (entering procedure of Figure 16 in case of a subset) of swC (swC) are switched to antenna (b) for full path calibration or to (a) to calibrate only a part of TX, and the procedure proceeds to step S2404.
  • step S2404 of Figure 24 sw3 is set to Termination, sw5 and sw6 are set to connect sw7 and sw8, sw7 is connected to RX path, sw8 is connected to coupling line, and the procedure proceeds to step S2405.
  • step S2405 of Figure 24 a Calibration Sequence is received (from all/a subset of Tx) via Calibration Rx, and the procedure proceeds to step S2406.
  • I n step S2406 of Figure 24 Tx Calibration Coefficients are calculated.
  • I n step S2408 of Figure 24 all or a subset (entering procedure of Figure 16 in case of a subset) of swC (swC) are switched to the common coupling line, and the procedure proceeds to step S2409.
  • step S2409 of Figure 24 sw7, sw8, CalLNA Tx are set to connect to com mon coupling line, sw5 and sw6 are set to bypass sw7 and sw8 for RX measurement, CalLNA is activated, and the procedure proceeds to step S2410.
  • step S2410 of Figure 24 a Calibration Signal is transmitted to Calibration Line, and the procedure proceeds to step S241 1 .
  • step S241 1 of Figure 24 Calibration Sequence is received and RX Calibration Coefficients are calculated.
  • Tx calibration all or only a subset of Tx can be switched to the receiving calibration Rx via calibration line; this can be done in-operation using the regular Tx-signal or using a special Calibration Sequence for just the subset of Txs.
  • Rx calibration all or only a subset of Rx can be switched to the calibration LNA via the calibration line. These Rx will experience a superposition of the regular Rx signal via the antenna and the (stronger) Cali-LNA sequence, possibly in-operation.
  • step S1601 of Figure 16 Calibration of a Subset of TX or RX during normal operation is entered from the procedure of Figure 15 or Figure 24 (respectively in case of a subset) , and the procedure proceeds to step S1602.
  • step S1602 of Figure 16 (single or set of) TX(s) or RX(s) to be calibrated is/ are selected, and the procedure proceeds to step S1603.
  • the selection could e.g. be done based on monitoring, where TX(s) or RX(s) with largest changes or TX(s) or RX(s) which have not been re-calibrated since a longer time may have priority.
  • Further criterions could e.g. be that TRX(s) paths which e.g. have been re-activated from MI MO m uting or set to clearly different new power levels may have priority. Other criterions for selection are also possible.
  • step S1603 of Figure 16 concerned TX(s) or RX(s) to be calibrated are set to be not considered for beamforming during respective calibration phase, and the procedure proceeds to step S1604.
  • step S1604 of Figure 16 normal system operation with adapted beamforming weights without TX(s) or RX(s) to be calibrated is performed, and the procedure proceeds to step S1605.
  • step S1605 of Figure 16 selected TX(s) or RX(s) are calibrated and a new calibration set is created, and the procedure proceeds to step S1606.
  • step S1606 of Figure 16 beamform ing is updated considering new calibration sets of calibrated TX(s) and RX(s) , and the procedure proceeds to step S1607.
  • step S1607 of Figure 16 calibrated TX(s) and RX(s) are set to normal operation, and the procedure proceeds to step S1608.
  • step S1608 of Figure 16 a reiteration (returning to step S1601 ) is done in case of new TX(s) or RX(s) subset is to be calibrated. Otherwise, normal operation of full system is performed.
  • Tx calibration all or only a subset of Tx can be switched to the receiving calibration Rx via calibration line; this can be done in-operation using the regular Tx-signal or using a special Calibration Sequence for just the subset of Txs.
  • Rx calibration all or only a subset of Rx can be switched to the calibration LNA via the calibration line. These Rx will experience a superposition of the regular Rx signal via the antenna and the (stronger) Cali-LNA sequence, possibly in-operation.
  • example embodiments show implementation of a calibration switch arrangement which enables new advanced features like sim ultaneous linearization and calibration or calibration of sub-groups of TRX even during normal operation, which can clearly improve performance of the system since system off-time for calibration during normal operation can be avoided.
  • sub-groups of TRX can be easily defined and calibrated during operation by the disclosed calibration network implementation.
  • example embodiments show control functions and blocks for the disclosed calibration network implementation as shown in Figure 12 (and Figure 21 ) as well as the related procedures to operate such a system and to perform different functions like com mon linearization and calibration, or calibration of TRX sub-groups only or calibration of a full system .
  • TRX can be selected for sub-group calibration during normal operation e.g. based on duration since last calibration, or in case of operation conditions have been changed for specific TRX (like e.g. change of load, PA supply voltage adaptation, selective linearization (e.g. DPD) has been done, have been activated from MI MO muting, etc.) .
  • specific TRX like e.g. change of load, PA supply voltage adaptation, selective linearization (e.g. DPD) has been done, have been activated from MI MO muting, etc.
  • Example embodiments can be applied to different m ulti-antenna architectures, such as e.g. fully digital or hybrid systems, operating e.g. in frequency ranges of sub-6 GHz to m m-wave range, THz frequency range, etc.
  • the com mon/combined linearization feedback path and calibration measurement paths and the related methods of control and operation thereof as provided herein allow for calibration during operation, as well as reduced complexity and cost (e.g. saving of couplers for linearization feedback path, less RF lines) .
  • reduced frontend complexity saving of devices (couplers) as well as the possibility to tap individual antenna signals only either for linearization or calibration, even during normal operation, can be achieved. It is allowed to individually activate or de-activate respective coupling, which can contribute to improved system performance (less required off-time for calibration, more frequent monitoring and adaptation of calibration parameters phase, amplitude, and delay) .
  • the network entity may comprise further units that are necessary for its respective operation. However, a description of these units is om itted in this specification.
  • the arrangement of the functional blocks of the devices is not construed to limit the disclosure, and the functions may be performed by one block or further split into sub-blocks.
  • the apparatus i.e. network entity (or some other means) is configured to perform some function
  • this is to be construed to be equivalent to a description stating that a (i.e. at least one) processor or corresponding circuitry, potentially in cooperation with computer program code stored in the memory of the respective apparatus, is configured to cause the apparatus to perform at least the thus mentioned function.
  • a (i.e. at least one) processor or corresponding circuitry potentially in cooperation with computer program code stored in the memory of the respective apparatus, is configured to cause the apparatus to perform at least the thus mentioned function.
  • function is to be construed to be equivalently implementable by specifically configured circuitry or means for performing the respective function (i.e. the expression “unit configured to” is construed to be equivalent to an expression such as “means for”).
  • the apparatus (controller) 1 1 ’ (corresponding to the controller 1 1 ) comprises a processor 251 , a memory 252 and an interface 253, which are connected by a bus 254 or the like.
  • the apparatuses may be connected via link 255 e.g. to other apparatuses.
  • the processor 251 and/or the interface 253 may also include a modem or the like to facilitate comm unication over a (hardwire or wireless) link, respectively.
  • the interface 253 may include a suitable transceiver coupled to one or more antennas or com munication means for (hardwire or wireless) com munications with the linked or connected device(s), respectively.
  • the interface 253 is generally configured to comm unicate with at least one other apparatus, i.e. the interface thereof.
  • the memory 252 may store respective programs assumed to include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by the respective processor, enables the respective electronic device or apparatus to operate in accordance with the example embodiments.
  • the respective devices/ apparatuses may represent means for perform ing respective operations and/or exhibiting respective functionalities, and/or the respective devices (and/or parts thereof) may have functions for performing respective operations and/or exhibiting respective functionalities.
  • processor or some other means
  • the processor is configured to perform some function
  • this is to be construed to be equivalent to a description stating that at least one processor, potentially in cooperation with computer program code stored in the memory of the respective apparatus, is configured to cause the apparatus to perform at least the thus mentioned function.
  • function is to be construed to be equivalently implementable by specifically configured means for perform ing the respective function (i.e. the expression “processor configured to [cause the apparatus to] perform xxx-ing” is construed to be equivalent to an expression such as “means for xxx-ing”) .
  • an apparatus representing the controller 1 1 comprises at least one processor 251 , at least one memory 252 including computer program code, and at least one interface 253 configured for com munication with at least another apparatus.
  • the processor i.e. the at least one processor 251 , with the at least one memory 252 and the computer program code
  • the processor is configured to perform controlling each of a plurality of coupling switches corresponding to a plurality of coupling structures (thus the apparatus comprising corresponding means for controlling).
  • any method step is suitable to be implemented as software or by hardware without changing the idea of the embodiments and its modification in terms of the functionality implemented;
  • - method steps and/or devices, units or means likely to be implemented as hardware components at the above-defined apparatuses, or any module(s) thereof, are hardware independent and can be implemented using any known or future developed hardware technology or any hybrids of these, such as MOS (Metal Oxide Sem iconductor) , CMOS (Complementary MOS) , BiMOS (Bipolar MOS) , BiCMOS (Bipolar CMOS) , ECL (Em itter Coupled Logic) , TTL (Transistor-Transistor Logic) , etc., using for example ASI C (Application Specific IC (I ntegrated Circuit)) components, FPGA (Field-program mable Gate Arrays) components, CPLD (Complex
  • - devices, units or means e.g. the above-defined network entity or network register, or any one of their respective units/means
  • devices, units or means can be implemented as individual devices, units or means, but this does not exclude that they are implemented in a distributed fashion throughout the system , as long as the functionality of the device, unit or means is preserved;
  • an apparatus like the user equipment and the network entity /network register may be represented by a semiconductor chip, a chipset, or a (hardware) module comprising such chip or chipset; this, however, does not exclude the possibility that a functionality of an apparatus or module, instead of being hardware implemented, be implemented as software in a (software) module such as a computer program or a computer program product comprising executable software code portions for execution/being run on a processor;
  • a device may be regarded as an apparatus or as an assembly of more than one apparatus, whether functionally in cooperation with each other or functionally independently of each other but in a same device housing, for example.
  • any method step is suitable to be implemented as software or by hardware without changing the idea of the present disclosure.
  • Devices and means can be implemented as individual devices, but this does not exclude that they are implemented in a distributed fashion throughout the system , as long as the functionality of the device is preserved. Such and similar principles are to be considered as known to a skilled person.
  • Software in the sense of the present description comprises software code as such comprising code means or portions or a computer program or a computer program product for performing the respective functions, as well as software (or a computer program or a computer program product) embodied on a tangible medium such as a computer-readable (storage) medium having stored thereon a respective data structure or code means/portions or embodied in a signal or in a chip, potentially during processing thereof.
  • the present disclosure also covers any conceivable combination of method steps and operations described above, and any conceivable combination of nodes, apparatuses, modules or elements described above, as long as the above-described concepts of methodology and structural arrangement are applicable.
  • Such measures exemplarily comprise a controller of an antenna control apparatus comprising said controller, a plurality of antenna lines connectable to a plurality of respective antennas, each of said antenna lines including a filter circuitry dividing said respective antenna line into an antenna-side antenna line portion and an opposite-side antenna line portion, a com mon coupling line, and a plurality of coupling structures corresponding to said plurality of respective antenna lines, each of said coupling structures being configured to couple a signal on said respective antenna line to said com mon coupling line, wherein each of said coupling structures includes a coupling switch configured such that, in a first coupling switch state, said signal on said respective antenna-side antenna line portion is coupled to said com mon coupling line, in a second coupling switch state, said signal on said respective opposite-side antenna line portion is coupled to said com mon coupling line, and, in a third coupling switch state, said signal on said
  • An antenna control apparatus comprising a controller, a plurality of antenna lines connectable to a plurality of respective antennas, each of said antenna lines including a filter circuitry dividing said respective antenna line into an antenna-side antenna line portion and an opposite- side antenna line portion, a com mon coupling line, and a plurality of coupling structures corresponding to said plurality of respective antenna lines, each of said coupling structures being configured to couple a signal on said respective antenna line to said com mon coupling line, wherein each of said coupling structures includes a coupling switch configured such that, in a first coupling switch state, said signal on said respective antenna-side antenna line portion is coupled to said common coupling line, in a second coupling switch state, said signal on said respective opposite-side antenna line portion is coupled to said common coupling line, and, in a third coupling switch state, said signal on said respective antenna line is not coupled to said common coupling line, and said controller is configured to control each of said plurality of coupling switches corresponding to said plurality of coupling structures
  • each of said coupling structures being configured to couple a signal on said common coupling line to said respective antenna line
  • said coupling switch of each of said coupling structures is configured such that, in said first coupling switch state, said signal on said com mon coupling line is coupled to said respective antenna-side antenna line portion, and, in said second coupling switch state, said signal on said common coupling line is coupled to said respective opposite-side antenna line portion.
  • Item 3 The antenna control apparatus according to Item 1 or 2, wherein said com mon coupling line is connected to a switching unit configured to, in a first switching unit state, interconnect said common coupling line with a reception line connectable to a reception circuit, and said controller is configured to control said switching unit.
  • Item 4 The antenna control apparatus according to Item 3, wherein said switching unit is configured to, in a second switching unit state, interconnect said com mon coupling line with a transm ission line connectable to a transm ission circuit.
  • Item 5 The antenna control apparatus according to Item 3 or 4, wherein said switching unit is configured to, in a third switching unit state, interconnect one of said plurality of antenna lines with said reception line.
  • Item 6 The antenna control apparatus according to any of Items 3 to 5, wherein said switching unit includes a first switch and a second switch, said first switch is configured to, in said first switching unit state, interconnect said reception line with a first interconnection line, and said second switch is configured to, in said first switching unit state, interconnect said first interconnection line with said common coupling line.
  • Item 7 The antenna control apparatus according to Item 6, wherein said second switch is configured to, in said second switching unit state, interconnect said transmission line with said com mon coupling line.
  • Item 8 The antenna control apparatus according to Item 6 or 7, wherein said switching unit includes a third switch, said first switch is configured to, in said third switching unit state, interconnect said reception line with a second interconnection line, and said third switch is configured to, in said third switching unit state, interconnect said second interconnection line with said one of said plurality of antenna lines.
  • Item 9 The antenna control apparatus according to any of Items 3 to 5, wherein said switching unit includes a first switch, a second switch, and a third switch, said first switch is configured to, in said first switching unit state, interconnect said reception line with a first interconnection line, said second switch is configured to, in said first switching unit state, interconnect said first interconnection line with a second interconnection line, and said third switch is configured to, in said first switching unit state, interconnect said second interconnection line with said com mon coupling line.
  • said switching unit includes a first switch, a second switch, and a third switch
  • said first switch is configured to, in said first switching unit state, interconnect said reception line with a first interconnection line
  • said second switch is configured to, in said first switching unit state, interconnect said first interconnection line with a second interconnection line
  • said third switch is configured to, in said first switching unit state, interconnect said second interconnection line with said com mon coupling line.
  • Item 10 The antenna control apparatus according to Item 9, wherein said second switch is configured to, in said second switching unit state, interconnect said transmission line with said second interconnection line, and said third switch is configured to, in said second switching unit state, interconnect said second interconnection line with said com mon coupling line.
  • Item 1 1 The antenna control apparatus according to Item 9 or 10, wherein said switching unit includes a fourth switch and a fifth switch, said first switch is configured to, in said third switching unit state, interconnect said reception line with a third interconnection line, said fourth switch is configured to, in said third switching unit state, interconnect said third interconnection line with a fourth interconnection line, and said fifth switch is configured to, in said third switching unit state, interconnect said fourth interconnection line with said one of said plurality of antenna lines.
  • said switching unit includes a fourth switch and a fifth switch
  • said first switch is configured to, in said third switching unit state, interconnect said reception line with a third interconnection line
  • said fourth switch is configured to, in said third switching unit state, interconnect said third interconnection line with a fourth interconnection line
  • said fifth switch is configured to, in said third switching unit state, interconnect said fourth interconnection line with said one of said plurality of antenna lines.
  • Item 12 The antenna control apparatus according to any of Items 3 to 1 1 , further comprising said reception circuit, wherein said reception line is connected to said reception circuit, and said reception circuit includes a calibration unit configured to perform calibration measurement and a linearization unit configured to perform linearization processing.
  • Item 13 The antenna control apparatus according to any of Items 5 to 12, wherein said controller is configured to, in a normal transm ission and reception operation mode of said plurality of antennas, control each of said plurality of coupling switches to assume said third coupling switch state, and control said switching unit to assume said third switching unit state.
  • Item 14 The antenna control apparatus according to any of Items 5 to 13, wherein said controller is configured to, in a transm ission calibration mode of at least one of said plurality of antenna lines, control at least one of said plurality of coupling switches corresponding to said at least one of said plurality of antenna lines to assume said first coupling switch state, and control said switching unit to assume said first switching unit state.
  • Item 15 The antenna control apparatus according to any of Items 5 to 14, wherein said controller is configured to, in a reception calibration mode of at least one of said plurality of antenna lines, control at least one of said plurality of coupling switches corresponding to said at least one of said plurality of antenna lines to assume said first coupling switch state, and control said switching unit to assume said second switching unit state.
  • Item 16 The antenna control apparatus according to any of Items 5 to 15, wherein said controller is configured to, in a linearization mode of at least one of said plurality of antenna lines, control at least one of said plurality of coupling switches corresponding to said at least one of said plurality of antenna lines to assume said first coupling switch state or said second coupling switch state, and control said switching unit to assume said first switching unit state.
  • Item 17 The antenna control apparatus according to any of Items 1 to 16, wherein a respective portion of at least two of said plurality of antenna lines is embodied as a common antenna line portion, each filter circuitry of said at least two of said plurality of antenna lines is embodied as a com mon filter circuitry, and said common filter circuitry is arranged in said common antenna line portion.
  • Item 18 The antenna control apparatus according to any of Items 1 to 17, further comprising said plurality of antennas, wherein said plurality of antenna lines is connected to said plurality of respective antennas.
  • a controller of an antenna control apparatus comprising said controller, a plurality of antenna lines connectable to a plurality of respective antennas, each of said antenna lines including a filter circuitry dividing said respective antenna line into an antenna-side antenna line portion and an opposite-side antenna line portion, a com mon coupling line, and a plurality of coupling structures corresponding to said plurality of respective antenna lines, each of said coupling structures being configured to couple a signal on said respective antenna line to said com mon coupling line, wherein each of said coupling structures includes a coupling switch configured such that, in a first coupling switch state, said signal on said respective antenna-side antenna line portion is coupled to said com mon coupling line, in a second coupling switch state, said signal on said respective opposite-side antenna line portion is coupled to said com mon coupling line, and, in a third coupling switch state, said signal on said respective antenna line is not coupled to said com mon coupling line, wherein said controller is configured to control each of said plurality of coupling switches corresponding to said
  • each of said coupling structures being configured to couple a signal on said common coupling line to said respective antenna line
  • said coupling switch of each of said coupling structures is configured such that, in said first coupling switch state, said signal on said com mon coupling line is coupled to said respective antenna-side antenna line portion, and, in said second coupling switch state, said signal on said common coupling line is coupled to said respective opposite-side antenna line portion.
  • Item 21 The controller according to Item 19 or 20, wherein said com mon coupling line is connected to a switching unit configured to, in a first switching unit state, interconnect said common coupling line with a reception line connectable to a reception circuit, and said controller is configured to control said switching unit.
  • Item 22 The controller according to Item 21 , wherein said switching unit is configured to, in a second switching unit state, interconnect said com mon coupling line with a transm ission line connectable to a transm ission circuit.
  • Item 23 The controller according to Item 21 or 22, wherein said switching unit is configured to, in a third switching unit state, interconnect one of said plurality of antenna lines with said reception line.
  • Item 24 The controller according to any of Items 21 to 23, wherein said switching unit includes a first switch and a second switch, said first switch is configured to, in said first switching unit state, interconnect said reception line with a first interconnection line, and said second switch is configured to, in said first switching unit state, interconnect said first interconnection line with said common coupling line.
  • said second switch is configured to, in said second switching unit state, interconnect said transmission line with said com mon coupling line.
  • Item 26 The controller according to Item 24 or 25, wherein said switching unit includes a third switch, said first switch is configured to, in said third switching unit state, interconnect said reception line with a second interconnection line, and said third switch is configured to, in said third switching unit state, interconnect said second interconnection line with said one of said plurality of antenna lines.
  • Item 27 The controller according to any of Items 21 to 23, wherein said switching unit includes a first switch, a second switch, and a third switch, said first switch is configured to, in said first switching unit state, interconnect said reception line with a first interconnection line, said second switch is configured to, in said first switching unit state, interconnect said first interconnection line with a second interconnection line, and said third switch is configured to, in said first switching unit state, interconnect said second interconnection line with said com mon coupling line.
  • said switching unit includes a first switch, a second switch, and a third switch
  • said first switch is configured to, in said first switching unit state, interconnect said reception line with a first interconnection line
  • said second switch is configured to, in said first switching unit state, interconnect said first interconnection line with a second interconnection line
  • said third switch is configured to, in said first switching unit state, interconnect said second interconnection line with said com mon coupling line.
  • Item 28 The controller according to Item 27, wherein said second switch is configured to, in said second switching unit state, interconnect said transmission line with said second interconnection line, and said third switch is configured to, in said second switching unit state, interconnect said second interconnection line with said com mon coupling line.
  • Item 29 The controller according to Item 27 or 28, wherein said switching unit includes a fourth switch and a fifth switch, said first switch is configured to, in said third switching unit state, interconnect said reception line with a third interconnection line, said fourth switch is configured to, in said third switching unit state, interconnect said third interconnection line with a fourth interconnection line, and said fifth switch is configured to, in said third switching unit state, interconnect said fourth interconnection line with said one of said plurality of antenna lines.
  • said switching unit includes a fourth switch and a fifth switch
  • said first switch is configured to, in said third switching unit state, interconnect said reception line with a third interconnection line
  • said fourth switch is configured to, in said third switching unit state, interconnect said third interconnection line with a fourth interconnection line
  • said fifth switch is configured to, in said third switching unit state, interconnect said fourth interconnection line with said one of said plurality of antenna lines.
  • Item 30 The controller according to any of Items 21 to 29, wherein said antenna control apparatus further comprises said reception circuit, said reception line is connected to said reception circuit, and said reception circuit includes a calibration unit configured to perform calibration measurement and a linearization unit configured to perform linearization processing.
  • Item 31 The controller according to any of Items 23 to 30, wherein said controller is configured to, in a normal transm ission and reception operation mode of said plurality of antennas, control each of said plurality of coupling switches to assume said third coupling switch state, and control said switching unit to assume said third switching unit state.
  • Item 32 The controller according to any of Items 23 to 31 , wherein said controller is configured to, in a transm ission calibration mode of at least one of said plurality of antenna lines, control at least one of said plurality of coupling switches corresponding to said at least one of said plurality of antenna lines to assume said first coupling switch state, and control said switching unit to assume said first switching unit state.
  • Item 33 The controller according to any of Items 23 to 32, wherein said controller is configured to, in a reception calibration mode of at least one of said plurality of antenna lines, control at least one of said plurality of coupling switches corresponding to said at least one of said plurality of antenna lines to assume said first coupling switch state, and control said switching unit to assume said second switching unit state.
  • Item 34 The controller according to any of Items 23 to 33, wherein said controller is configured to, in a linearization mode of at least one of said plurality of antenna lines, control at least one of said plurality of coupling switches corresponding to said at least one of said plurality of antenna lines to assume said first coupling switch state or said second coupling switch state, and control said switching unit to assume said first switching unit state.
  • Item 35 The controller according to any of Items 19 to 34, wherein a respective portion of at least two of said plurality of antenna lines is embodied as a common antenna line portion, each filter circuitry of said at least two of said plurality of antenna lines is embodied as a com mon filter circuitry, and said common filter circuitry is arranged in said common antenna line portion.
  • Item 36 The controller according to any of Items 19 to 35, wherein said antenna control apparatus further comprises said plurality of antennas, and said plurality of antenna lines is connected to said plurality of respective antennas.
  • Item 37 A method of controlling an antenna control apparatus comprising a controller, a plurality of antenna lines connectable to a plurality of respective antennas, each of said antenna lines including a filter circuitry dividing said respective antenna line into an antenna-side antenna line portion and an opposite-side antenna line portion, a com mon coupling line, and a plurality of coupling structures corresponding to said plurality of respective antenna lines, each of said coupling structures being configured to couple a signal on said respective antenna line to said com mon coupling line, wherein each of said coupling structures includes a coupling switch configured such that, in a first coupling switch state, said signal on said respective antenna-side antenna line portion is coupled to said com mon coupling line, in a second coupling switch state, said signal on said respective opposite-side antenna line portion is coupled to said com mon coupling line
  • each of said coupling structures being configured to couple a signal on said common coupling line to said respective antenna line
  • said coupling switch of each of said coupling structures is configured such that, in said first coupling switch state, said signal on said com mon coupling line is coupled to said respective antenna-side antenna line portion, and, in said second coupling switch state, said signal on said common coupling line is coupled to said respective opposite-side antenna line portion.
  • Item 39 The method according to Item 37 or 38, wherein said com mon coupling line is connected to a switching unit configured to, in a first switching unit state, interconnect said common coupling line with a reception line connectable to a reception circuit, and the method further comprises controlling said switching unit.
  • Item 40 The method according to Item 39, wherein said switching unit is configured to, in a second switching unit state, interconnect said com mon coupling line with a transm ission line connectable to a transm ission circuit.
  • Item 41 The method according to Item 39 or 40, wherein said switching unit is configured to, in a third switching unit state, interconnect one of said plurality of antenna lines with said reception line.
  • Item 42 The method according to any of Items 39 to 41 , wherein said switching unit includes a first switch and a second switch, said first switch is configured to, in said first switching unit state, interconnect said reception line with a first interconnection line, and said second switch is configured to, in said first switching unit state, interconnect said first interconnection line with said common coupling line.
  • Item 43 The method according to Item 42, wherein said second switch is configured to, in said second switching unit state, interconnect said transmission line with said com mon coupling line.
  • Item 44 The method according to Item 42 or 43, wherein said switching unit includes a third switch, said first switch is configured to, in said third switching unit state, interconnect said reception line with a second interconnection line, and said third switch is configured to, in said third switching unit state, interconnect said second interconnection line with said one of said plurality of antenna lines.
  • Item 45 The method according to any of Items 39 to 41 , wherein said switching unit includes a first switch, a second switch, and a third switch, said first switch is configured to, in said first switching unit state, interconnect said reception line with a first interconnection line, said second switch is configured to, in said first switching unit state, interconnect said first interconnection line with a second interconnection line, and said third switch is configured to, in said first switching unit state, interconnect said second interconnection line with said com mon coupling line.
  • Item 46 The method according to Item 45, wherein said second switch is configured to, in said second switching unit state, interconnect said transmission line with said second interconnection line, and said third switch is configured to, in said second switching unit state, interconnect said second interconnection line with said com mon coupling line.
  • Item 47 The method according to Item 45 or 46, wherein said switching unit includes a fourth switch and a fifth switch, said first switch is configured to, in said third switching unit state, interconnect said reception line with a third interconnection line, said fourth switch is configured to, in said third switching unit state, interconnect said third interconnection line with a fourth interconnection line, and said fifth switch is configured to, in said third switching unit state, interconnect said fourth interconnection line with said one of said plurality of antenna lines.
  • Item 48 The method according to any of Items 39 to 47, wherein said antenna control apparatus further comprises said reception circuit, said reception line is connected to said reception circuit, and said reception circuit includes a calibration unit configured to perform calibration measurement and a linearization unit configured to perform linearization processing.
  • Item 49 The method according to any of Items 41 to 48, further comprising in a normal transmission and reception operation mode of said plurality of antennas, controlling each of said plurality of coupling switches to assume said third coupling switch state, and controlling said switching unit to assume said third switching unit state.
  • Item 50 The method according to any of Items 41 to 49, further comprising in a transmission calibration mode of at least one of said plurality of antenna lines, controlling at least one of said plurality of coupling switches corresponding to said at least one of said plurality of antenna lines to assume said first coupling switch state, and controlling said switching unit to assume said first switching unit state.
  • Item 51 The method according to any of Items 41 to 50, further comprising in a reception calibration mode of at least one of said plurality of antenna lines, controlling at least one of said plurality of coupling switches corresponding to said at least one of said plurality of antenna lines to assume said first coupling switch state, and controlling said switching unit to assume said second switching unit state.
  • Item 52 The method according to any of Items 41 to 51 , further comprising in a linearization mode of at least one of said plurality of antenna lines, controlling at least one of said plurality of coupling switches corresponding to said at least one of said plurality of antenna lines to assume said first coupling switch state or said second coupling switch state, and controlling said switching unit to assume said first switching unit state.
  • Item 53 The method according to any of Items 37 to 42, wherein a respective portion of at least two of said plurality of antenna lines is embodied as a common antenna line portion, each filter circuitry of said at least two of said plurality of antenna lines is embodied as a com mon filter circuitry, and said common filter circuitry is arranged in said common antenna line portion.
  • Item 54 The method according to any of Items 37 to 53, wherein said antenna control apparatus further comprises said plurality of antennas, and said plurality of antenna lines is connected to said plurality of respective antennas.
  • a controller of an antenna control apparatus comprising said controller, a plurality of antenna lines connectable to a plurality of respective antennas, each of said antenna lines including a filter circuitry dividing said respective antenna line into an antenna-side antenna line portion and an opposite-side antenna line portion, a com mon coupling line, and a plurality of coupling structures corresponding to said plurality of respective antenna lines, each of said coupling structures being configured to couple a signal on said respective antenna line to said com mon coupling line, wherein each of said coupling structures includes a coupling switch configured such that, in a first coupling switch state, said signal on said respective antenna-side antenna line portion is coupled to said com mon coupling line, in a second coupling switch state, said signal on said respective opposite-side antenna line portion is coupled to said com mon coupling line, and, in a third coupling switch state, said signal on said respective antenna line is not coupled to said com mon coupling line, the controller comprising at least one processor, at least one memory including computer program code, and at
  • Item 56 A computer program product comprising computer-executable computer program code which, when the program is run on a computer, is configured to cause the computer to carry out the method according to any one of Items 37 to 54.
  • Item 57 The computer program product according to Item 56, wherein the computer program product comprises a computer-readable medium on which the computer-executable computer program code is stored, and/or wherein the program is directly loadable into an internal memory of the computer or a processor thereof.
  • Tx TX transm ission, transm itter

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Abstract

L'invention concerne des mesures pour un étalonnage et une linéarisation efficaces dans des systèmes à antennes multiples. De telles mesures comprennent, de manière typique, un organe de commande d'un appareil de commande d'antenne comprenant ledit organe de commande, une pluralité de lignes d'antennes pouvant être connectées à une pluralité d'antennes respectives, chacune desdites lignes d'antennes comprenant un ensemble de circuits de filtre divisant ladite ligne d'antenne respective en une partie de ligne d'antenne côté antenne et en une partie de ligne d'antenne côté opposé, une ligne de couplage commune, et une pluralité de structures de couplage correspondant à ladite pluralité de lignes d'antennes respectives, chacune desdites structures de couplage étant conçue pour coupler un signal sur ladite ligne d'antenne respective à ladite ligne de couplage commune, chacune desdites structures de couplage comprenant un commutateur de couplage conçu de sorte que, dans un premier état de commutateur de couplage, ledit signal sur ladite partie de ligne d'antenne, côté antenne, respective est couplé à ladite ligne de couplage commune, dans un deuxième état de commutateur de couplage, ledit signal sur ladite partie de ligne d'antenne, côté opposé, respective est couplé à ladite ligne de couplage commune et, dans un troisième état de commutateur de couplage, ledit signal sur ladite ligne d'antenne respective n'est pas couplé à ladite ligne de couplage commune, ledit organe de commande étant configuré pour commander chaque commutateur de ladite pluralité de commutateurs de couplage correspondant à ladite pluralité de structures de couplage.
PCT/EP2022/070311 2022-07-20 2022-07-20 Étalonnage et linéarisation efficaces dans des systèmes à antennes multiples WO2024017466A1 (fr)

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2015106802A1 (fr) * 2014-01-15 2015-07-23 Nokia Solutions And Networks Oy Etalonnage d'antenne dans des communications
WO2021104287A1 (fr) * 2019-11-29 2021-06-03 华为技术有限公司 Appareil de correction d'antenne multicanal, antenne réseau et dispositif de communication
US11251822B1 (en) * 2020-07-23 2022-02-15 Xilinx, Inc. Software defined radio (SDR) filter relaxation technique for multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) and large antenna array (LAA) applications

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2015106802A1 (fr) * 2014-01-15 2015-07-23 Nokia Solutions And Networks Oy Etalonnage d'antenne dans des communications
WO2021104287A1 (fr) * 2019-11-29 2021-06-03 华为技术有限公司 Appareil de correction d'antenne multicanal, antenne réseau et dispositif de communication
US11251822B1 (en) * 2020-07-23 2022-02-15 Xilinx, Inc. Software defined radio (SDR) filter relaxation technique for multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) and large antenna array (LAA) applications

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