Multi-band wireless communication device with multiplexer and method of multiplexing multi-band wireless signals

An apparatus includes: a first multiplexer configured to allow bi-directional communication over a first plurality of multiplexed communication bands that each include a corresponding transmit band and a corresponding receive band, wherein none of the transmit bands of the first multiplexer have transmit frequencies that overlap with any receive frequencies of any of the receive bands of the first multiplexer; a second multiplexer configured to allow bi-directional communication over a second plurality of multiplexed communication bands that each include a corresponding transmit band and a corresponding receive band, wherein none of the transmit bands of the second multiplexer have transmit frequencies that overlap with any receive frequencies of any of the receive bands of the second multiplexer; and an electromechanical band switch configured to selectively connect the first and second multiplexers to a common antenna.

BACKGROUND

As mobile telecommunications demands continue to increase, a number of different frequency bands have been allocated for mobile telecommunications in various geographical regions.

FIG. 1is an example table100of mobile telecommunications bands for the evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRA) from the 3rdGeneration Partnership Project (3 GPP). Table100shows a plurality of communication bands110, each communication band including a so-called “up-link” frequency band120on which a mobile telecommunication device transmits and a corresponding so-called “down-link” frequency band130on which a mobile telecommunication device receives. Hereinafter, “up-link” frequency bands120will be referred to as transmit bands120, and “down-link” frequency bands130will be referred to as receive bands130.

As shown in Table100, the communication bands110span an RF/microwave frequency range of about 700 MHz to 2700 MHz. Associated with each communication band110is a corresponding duplex mode140for operation, either frequency division duplexing (FDD) or time division duplexing (TDD). It can be seen fromFIG. 1that when a communication band110employs FDD operation, then there is a frequency offset between the corresponding transmit band120and the corresponding receive band130, and when a communication band110employs TDD operation, then the corresponding transmit band120and the corresponding receive band130have the same frequency range as each other.

It will be noted that in some cases the transmit bands120and/or receive bands130of two or more of the communication bands110have overlapping frequencies. In general, communication bands110with overlapping frequencies are utilized in different geographical regions (e.g., U.S., Europe, Asia, etc.).

Meanwhile, there has been a desire to support non-simultaneous operation in many different communication bands110so that one mobile telecommunication device can be used with many different mobile telecommunication systems operating in different communication bands110, and in some cases in different geographical regions as a user travels from place to place.

FIG. 2illustrates one example of an arrangement200for a transceiver front-end for a mobile telecommunication device that supports non-simultaneous operation in a plurality of different communication bands. Arrangement200includes a transmit/received (T/R) and band switch210, a plurality of duplexers220-i(here, i (1,6)), and a power amplifier (PA) module230.

T/R and band switch210has a common port213connected to an antenna10, and a plurality of switched ports215-j(here, j (1,8)) that are selectively coupled to common port213under control of a mobile telecommunication device in which arrangement200is provided. As shown inFIG. 2, six of the switched ports215-jare connected to corresponding duplexers220-i, and two of the switched ports215-jfor GSM Hi bands (1800, 1900 MHz) transmit signal235and GSM Lo bands (850, 950) transmit signal245are connected to PA module213.

In general, switches can be divided into two categories: (1) mechanical or electromechanical switches; and electronic switches, including solid state switches. Mechanical or electromechanical switches operate to make or break an electrical connection by connecting and disconnecting a physical contact between two terminals. Examples of mechanical switches include toggle switches, push-button switches, mercury switches, and knife switches. Examples of electromechanical switches include electromagnetic relays, reed switches, and RF microelectromechanical system (MEMS) switches. Examples of electronic switches include diodes, triacs, silicon-controlled rectifiers, transistors (e.g., field effect transistors), and logic gates. In general, electronic switches can operate faster (i.e., higher switching speeds) or with a longer lifetime (i.e., a greater number of switching cycles) compared to mechanical or electromechanical switches. On the other hand, in many applications, and particularly at RF and microwave frequencies, mechanical or electromechanical switches can provide significantly lower insertion losses when the switch is “ON” and greater electrical isolation when the switch is “OFF” than be achieved with electronic switches.

In arrangement200, T/R and band switch210is required to switch very rapidly and repeatedly between transmit and receive switched ports215-jto support TDD operation, and therefore must be capable of millions of rapid state changes. Accordingly, an electronic switch is used for T/R and band switch210.

In general, a duplexer is a device that allows bi-directional (duplex) communication over a single communication band at the same time. In arrangement200, each duplexer220-isupports a corresponding communication band110and includes two filters (e.g., bandpass filters)222: a transmit filter222for the corresponding transmit band120and a receive filter for the corresponding receive band130. Each duplexer220-ihas a common port223, a transmit port225, and a receive port227. Each common port223is connected to a corresponding switched port215-jof T/R+band switch210. Each transmit port225is connected to PA module230, and each receive port227is connected to a receiver circuit for the mobile telecommunication device (not shown inFIG. 2).

Functionally, in the arrangement200each switched port215-jof T/R and band switch210supports a different communication band (or part of a different communication band), and only one communication band can be used at a time. Connecting to two or more switched ports215-jat the same time would cause the circuits attached to each switched port215-jto unacceptably load one another. Also arrangement200can support both TDD and FDD operation, both of which are typically required in many mobile telecommunication devices. Since TDD operation requires T/R and band switch210to toggle between transmit and receive states very rapidly and frequently, as noted above this limits the technology that can be used to implement T/R and band switch210, and this typically results in a significant insertion loss. Since a primary contributor to loss is leakage into open throws, adding throws to T/R and band switch210further increases the loss.

Increases in data traffic have created an interest in improved bandwidths. As one way to support higher data throughput, recent releases of the 3 GPP Specification have started to include the potential for multi-carrier use for Radio Access Networks (RANs).

FIG. 3illustrates provisions for multicarrier operation by a mobile telecommunication device as provided in Release 8, Release 9, and planned future releases of the 3 GPP Specification. As shown inFIG. 3, Release 8 provides for multi-carrier reception by a mobile telecommunication device, but only for carriers or channels within a single communication band. Release 9 provides for simultaneous multi-carrier reception by a mobile telecommunication device of signals with carriers or channels in two or more different communication bands. Planned future releases are expected to provide for simultaneous transmission and reception by a mobile telecommunication device with carriers or channels in two or more different communication bands.

As shown inFIG. 2, arrangement200can support multi-carrier or multi-channel reception within a single communication band as provided in Release 8 of the 3 GPP Specification. However, simultaneous multi-band communication as provided in Releases 9 and planned for future releases of the 3 GPP Specification is not possible with arrangement200.

FIG. 4illustrates another example of an arrangement400for a transceiver front-end for a mobile telecommunication device. Arrangement400includes two T/R and band switches210-1and210-2, each connected to a corresponding antenna20-1and20-2. In particular, antenna20-1is a hi-band or high frequency antenna handing signals in a frequency range of 1700-2200 MHz, and antenna20-2is a low-band or low frequency antenna handing signals in a frequency range of 800-1000 MHz.

In the arrangement400, some simultaneous operation in different communication bands can be supported, as long as the different communication bands are connected to separate antennas. In arrangement400, one high frequency communication band and one low frequency communication band could be operated at the same time via the separate hi-band antenna20-1and low-band antenna20-2.

However in arrangement400the number of bands available for simultaneous communication cannot exceed the number of antennas. Furthermore, there is a fundamental limitation on the flexibility of selecting which communication bands can be operated at the same time. That is, only pairs of communication bands that are connected to different antennas can be utilized at the same time.

What is needed, therefore, is an arrangement for a front end of a mobile telecommunications device that can allow for simultaneous multi-band communication without requiring separate antennas for each simultaneously-operated communication band.

In an example embodiment, an apparatus comprises: a first multiplexer configured to allow bi-directional communication over a first plurality of multiplexed communication bands that each include a corresponding transmit band and a corresponding receive band, wherein none of the transmit bands of the first multiplexer have transmit frequencies that overlap with any receive frequencies of any of the receive bands of the first multiplexer; a second multiplexer configured to allow bi-directional communication over a second plurality of multiplexed communication bands that each include a corresponding transmit band and a corresponding receive band, wherein none of the transmit bands of the second multiplexer have transmit frequencies that overlap with any receive frequencies of any of the receive bands of the second multiplexer; and an electromechanical band switch configured to selectively connect the first and second multiplexers to a common antenna.

In another example embodiment, a method comprises: multiplexing to a first common port a first plurality of communication bands each supporting a corresponding bi-directional communication signal that includes a corresponding transmit signal that is transmitted in a corresponding transmit band and a corresponding receive signal that is received in a corresponding receive band; multiplexing to a second common port a second plurality of communication bands each supporting a corresponding bi-directional communication signal that includes a corresponding transmit signal that is transmitted in a corresponding transmit band and a corresponding receive signal that is received in a corresponding receive band; and selectively connecting one of the first common port and the second common port to an antenna.

In yet another example embodiment, an apparatus comprises: one or more receivers; one or more transmit amplifiers; a first multiplexer having a common port, a plurality of transmit ports connected to the one or more transmit amplifiers, and a plurality of receive ports connected to the one or more receivers; a second multiplexer having a common port, a plurality of transmit ports connected to the one or more transmit amplifiers, and a plurality of receive ports connected to the one or more receivers; and an electromechanical band switch configured to selectively connect the first and second multiplexers to an antenna.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the term “radio frequency” or “RF” pertains to VHF, UHF, SHF, microwave and even millimeter wave frequencies to the extent that technology permits the devices and circuits disclosed herein to be fabricated and operated at such frequencies. Also, unless otherwise noted, when a first device is said to be connected or coupled to a second device, this encompasses cases where one or more intermediate devices may be employed to connect the two devices to each other. In contrast, when a first device is said to be directly connected or directly coupled to a second device, this encompasses cases where the two devices are connected together without any intervening devices except any necessary electrical wires. As used herein, “approximately” means within 10%, and “substantially” means at least 75%.

FIGS. 5A-Billustrate multiplexing of communication channels for a wireless telecommunication device. In particular,FIGS. 5A-Billustrate operation of a multiplexer500. Multiplexer500includes a common port510, a plurality of transmit ports520-j(here, j (1,3)), and a plurality of receive ports530-k(here, k (1,3)). Each of the transmit ports520-jis configured to pass transmit frequencies in a corresponding transmit band to common port510, and each of the receive ports530-kis configured to receive frequencies in a corresponding receive band from common port510. A corresponding bandpass filter522-i(here, i (1,6)) is connected between each transmit port520-jand common port510, and a corresponding bandpass filter522-iis connected between each receive port530-kand common port510.

In a mobile telecommunication device, common port of multiplexer500is connected to an antenna (e.g., via a switch as described in greater detail below), transmit ports520-jare connected to one or more transmit amplifiers, and receive ports530-kare connected to one or more receivers.

Operationally, multiplexer500is configured to allow bi-directional communication over a first plurality of multiplexed communication bands (e.g., communication band A, communication band B, and communication band C) that each include a corresponding transmit band (e.g., Band A Tx, Band B Tx, and Band C Tx) and a corresponding receive band (e.g., Band A Rx, Band B Rx, and Band C Rx). Furthermore, as shown inFIG. 5A, simultaneous operation is possible on two communication bands (e.g., communication band A and communication band C) at the same time. That is, with multiplexer500, it is possible to simultaneously: transmit a first transmit signal for Band A TX provided at a first one of the transmit ports of the first multiplexer; transmit a second transmit signal for Band B TX provided at a second one of the transmit ports of the first multiplexer; receive a first receive signal for Band A Rx supplied to a first one of the receive ports; and receive a second receive signal for Band B Rx supplied to a second one of the receive ports.

However, there can be a problem for simultaneous operation with multiplexer500if the communication band A, communication band B, and communication band C are not carefully chosen. In particular, a necessary constraint is that there is no overlap between the transmit frequencies of the transmit band of one communication band and the receive frequencies of the receive band of another communication band. If the transmit band (e.g., Band A Tx) of one communication band overlaps the receive band (e.g., Band B Rx) of another communication band, multiplexing cannot be applied due to signal leakage from the transmit signal to the receiver.

For example, referring back to Table100inFIG. 1, communication band 1, which is used in Europe, and communication band 2, which is used in the U.S., cannot be multiplexed together in a single multiplexer500due to frequency overlap between transmit band 1 (1920- 1980 MHz) and receive band 2 (1930-1990 MHz). Similarly communication band 5, which is used in the U.S., and communication band 8, which is used in the Europe, cannot be multiplexed together in a single multiplexer500due to frequency overlap between transmit band 8 (880-915 MHz) and receive band 5 (869-894 MHz).

An additional practical constraint for multiplexer500is the amount of effective loss the multiplexer introduces in transmit and receive paths of a mobile telecommunication devices. Each added filter for each added transmit or receive band does have some impact on the overall effective insertion loss seen by any given band. However with today's technology, and depending on the requirements of a particular mobile telecommunication device, three or four different bands can be multiplexed before the insertion loss penalty starts to become unacceptable.

One way to make use of multiplexing is to combine bands found in a single geography at a common output node. Accordingly,FIGS. 6A-Cillustrate three example multiplexers600-1,600-2, and600-3that may be employed in a transceiver front-end for a mobile telecommunication device that supports simultaneous operation in a plurality of different communication bands. InFIGS. 6A-C, and going forward inFIGS. 7-12, the transmit band numbers and receive band numbers illustrated in the drawings correspond to the transmit band numbers and receive band numbers listed in Table100ofFIG. 1. That is, B1 Tx corresponds to transmit band 1 in Table100(i.e., 1920-1980 MHz), B1 Rx corresponds to receive band 1 in Table100(i.e., 2110-2170 MHz), B3 Tx corresponds to transmit band 3 in Table100(i.e., 1710-1785 MHz), etc.

As shown inFIG. 6A: multiplexer600-1multiplexes together communication bands 2, 4 and 5 which are used in the U.S.; multiplexer600-2multiplexes together communication bands 1, 3 and 8 which are used in Europe; and multiplexer600-1multiplexes together communication bands 1 and 5 which are used in Asia.

Multiplexer600-1supports simultaneous multi-band communication in the U.S. as provide by Release 9 and planned future releases of the 3 GPP specification. Similarly, multiplexer600-2supports simultaneous multi-band communication in Europe, and multiplexer600-3supports simultaneous multi-band communication in Asia.

It should be understood that the multiplexers600-1,600-2, and600-3shown inFIGS. 6A-Care only examples, and that multiplexers combining different combinations of communication bands are possible.

FIG. 7illustrates a first example embodiment of a transceiver700for a mobile telecommunication device that supports simultaneous operation in a plurality of different communication bands. Transceiver700includes a band switch710, first and second multiplexers600-1and600-2, a transmit amplifier module720, and a receiver module730.

Transmit amplifier module720includes one or more transmit amplifiers (e.g., different transmit amplifiers for different frequency ranges), and receiver module730includes one or more receivers (e.g., different receivers for different frequency ranges, different receive signal formats, etc.). Transmit amplifier module720can be configured in a variety of different ways than that shown inFIG. 7. For example, in some embodiments, transmit amplifier module720may include a converged power amplifier that supports TDD GSM plus multiple FDD UMTS bands. In other embodiments, transmit amplifier module720may include multiple separate power amplifiers (e.g., a multiband UMTS power amplifier plus a GSM power amplifier, or multiple UMTS band power amplifiers plus a GSM power amplifier, etc.). Many other arrangements are possible. Similarly, in some embodiments receiver module730may include one “receiver” for each band, while in other embodiments, switches, diplexers or the like could be used to allow two bands (usually from different geographies) to share a receiver port of receiver module730. Again, many other arrangements are possible.

First multiplexer600-1has a common port610, a plurality of transmit ports620-j(here,j (1,3)) connected to the one or more transmit amplifiers of transmit amplifier module720, and a plurality of receive ports630-ki(here, k (1,3)) connected to the one or more receivers of receiver module730. First multiplexer600-1includes a plurality of bandpass filters622-i(here, (1,6)), each of the bandpass filters622-icorresponding to one of the transmit bands (B2 Tx, B4 Tx, or B5 Tx) of first multiplexer600-1or one of the receive bands (B2 Rx, B4 Rx, or B5 Rx) of first multiplexer600-1. Each of the transmit ports620jof first multiplexer600-1is configured to pass transmit frequencies in a corresponding transmit band (B2 Tx, B4 Tx, or B5 Tx) to common port610of first multiplexer600-1, and each of the receive ports630-kof first multiplexer600-1is configured to receive frequencies in a corresponding receive band (B2 Rx, B4 Rx, or B5 Rx) from common port610of first multiplexer600-1. In a beneficial feature, none of the transmit frequencies of any of the transmit bands (B2 Tx, B4 Tx, or B5 Tx) of first multiplexer600-1overlap any of the receive frequencies of any of the receive bands (B2 Rx, B4 Rx, or B5 Rx).

Second multiplexer600-2also has a common port610, a plurality of transmit ports620-j(here,j(1,3)) connected to the one or more transmit amplifiers of transmit amplifier module720, and a plurality of receive ports630-k(here, k (1,3)) connected to the one or more receivers of receiver module730. Second multiplexer600-2also includes a plurality of bandpass filters622-I (here, i (1,6)), each of the bandpass filters622-iof second multiplexer600-2corresponding to one of the transmit bands (B1 Tx, B3 Tx, or B8 Tx) of second multiplexer600-2or one of the receive bands (B1 Rx, B3 Rx, and B8 Rx) of second multiplexer600-2. Each of the transmit ports620-jof second multiplexer600-2is configured to pass transmit frequencies in a corresponding transmit band (B1 Tx, B3 Tx, or B8 Tx) to common port610of second multiplexer600-2, and each of the receive ports630-kof first multiplexer600-1is configured to receive frequencies in a corresponding receive band (B1 Rx, B3 Rx, or B8 Rx) from common port610of second multiplexer600-2. In a beneficial feature, none of the transmit frequencies of any of the transmit bands (B1 Tx, B3 Tx, or B8 Tx) of second multiplexer600-2overlap any of the receive frequencies of any of the receive bands (B1 Rx, B3 Rx, or B8 Rx).

Operationally, first multiplexer600-1is configured to allow bi-directional communication over a first plurality of multiplexed communication bands (communication band 2, communication band 4, and communication band 5) that each include a corresponding transmit band (B2 Tx, B4 Tx, and B5 Tx) and a corresponding receive band (B2 Rx, B4 Rx, and B5 Rx). In a beneficial feature, first multiplexer600-1is configured to support simultaneous communication over two or more of its multiplexed communication bands as provided by Release 9 and planned future releases of the 3 GPP specification. For example, with first multiplexer600-1it is possible to simultaneously: transmit via antenna10a first transmit signal supplied by transmit amplifier module720to a first one of the transmit ports620-jof first multiplexer600-1; transmit via antenna10a second transmit signal supplied by transmit amplifier module720to a second one of the transmit ports620-jof first multiplexer600-1; receive via antenna10a first receive signal supplied to receiver module730from a first one of the receive ports630-kof first multiplexer600-1; and receive via antenna10a second receive signal supplied to receiver module730from a second one of the receive ports630-kof first multiplexer600-1.

Similarly, second multiplexer600-2is configured to allow bi-directional communication over a second plurality of multiplexed communication bands (communication band 1, communication band 3, and communication band 8) that each include a corresponding transmit band (B1 Tx, B3 Tx, and B8 Tx) and a corresponding receive band (B1 Rx, B3 Rx, and B8 Rx). In a beneficial feature, second multiplexer600-2is configured to support simultaneous communication over two or more of its multiplexed communication bands as provided by Release 9 and planned future releases of the 3 GPP specification. For example, with second multiplexer600-2it is possible to simultaneously: transmit via antenna10a first transmit signal supplied by transmit amplifier module720to a first one of the transmit ports620-jof second multiplexer600-1; transmit via antenna10a second transmit signal supplied by transmit amplifier module720to a second one of the transmit ports620-jof second multiplexer600-2; receive via antenna10a first receive signal supplied to receiver module730from a first one of the receive ports630-kof second multiplexer600-2; and receive via antenna10a second receive signal supplied to receiver module730from a second one of the receive ports630-kof second multiplexer600-2.

In a beneficial feature, in some embodiments the additional insertion loss for first multiplexer600-1and second multiplexer600-2from each additional bandpass filter622-iis less than 0.15 dB per filter, so that the added loss for first multiplexer600-1and second multiplexer600-2is only about 0.4-0.6 dB, compared to a conventional duplexer220-ias shown for example inFIGS. 2 and 4.

The first plurality of communication bands (communication band 2, communication band 4, and communication band 5) of first multiplexer600-1are allocated within the United States for mobile telecommunications, and the second plurality of communication bands (communication band 1, communication band 3, and communication band 8) of second multiplexer600-2are allocated in Europe for mobile telecommunications. Accordingly, first multiplexer600-1supports simultaneous multi-band communication in a first geographical region (e.g., the U.S.), and second multiplexer600-2supports simultaneous multi-band communication in a second geographical region (e.g., Europe).

Because each of the first and second multiplexers600-1and620-2aggregates communication bands for a separate geographical region, band switch710will only need to be switched when a user changes their geographical region of operation. So band switch710does not need to be capable of millions or billions of switching cycles without failure, and switching speed is also not a factor. Accordingly in another beneficial feature, band switch710is an electromechanical band switch to minimize the insertion loss in the transmit paths and receive paths of transceiver700. In one beneficial embodiment, electromechanical band switch710is an RF microelectromechanical system (MEMS) switch. In some embodiments, the insertion loss of such an RF MEMS switch may be about 0.1 dB, which is considerable less than what might be expected (e.g., 0.5-0.7 dB) if an electronic switch was employed.

Electromechanical band switch710includes a common port713which is connected to antenna10, and a plurality of switched ports715-mhere, m (1,2)) each connected to one of the first and second multiplexers600-1and600-2.

Electromechanical band switch710is configured to selectively connect first and second multiplexers600-1and600-2to a common antenna10. That is, electromechanical band switch710is configured to selectively connect common antenna10to only one of the first and second multiplexers600-1and600-2at a given time.

Transmit amplifier module720includes one or more transmit amplifiers and has a plurality of outputs. At least two of the outputs of amplifier module720are connected to two corresponding bandpass filters622-iof first multiplexer600-1for at least two of the transmit bands (e.g., B2 Tx, B4 Tx, and B5 Tx) of first multiplexer600-1. Also, at least a first one of the outputs of amplifier module720is connected to one of the bandpass filters622-iof first multiplexer600-1for one of the transmit bands (e.g., B2 Tx) of first multiplexer600-1, and at least a second one of the outputs of amplifier module720is connected to one of the bandpass filters622-iof second multiplexer600-2for one of the transmit bands (e.g., B1 Tx) of second multiplexer600-2.

It should be understood that the multiplexers600-1and600-2shown inFIG. 7are only example configurations, and that multiplexers combining different combinations of communication bands are possible. Also, in other embodiments more than two multiplexers may be provided for selection by electromechanical band switch710.

The arrangement shown inFIG. 7only supports frequency division duplexing (FDD) operation. However, this arrangement can be extended to cover time domain duplexing (TDD) operation by adding a transmit/receive (T/R) switch as shown inFIG. 8.

FIG. 8illustrates a second example embodiment of an arrangement800for a transceiver front-end for a mobile telecommunication device that supports simultaneous operation in a plurality of different communication bands, and supports both FDD and TDD operation. For brevity, only the differences between the arrangement800inFIG. 8and the corresponding arrangement inFIG. 7will be described.

In arrangement800, electromechanical band switch710includes three switched ports715-m, and a transmit/receive (T/R) switch820is connected to one of the switched ports715-m.

T/R switch820includes a common port823and a plurality of switched ports825-n(e.g., n (1,6)). In arrangement800, two of the switched ports825-nof T/R switch820are connected to power amplifier module720and configured to receive a transmit signal from transmit amplifier module720for a time-division duplex (TDD) signal, and four of the switched ports825-nof T/R switch820are connected to a receiver (e.g., receiver module730shown inFIG. 7) for a time-division duplex (TDD) signal. To support TDD operation, T/R switch820is an electronic switch which can be switched rapidly and has a very high reliability to support the millions of switching cycles required in a TDD mode for switching between a transmit mode and a receive mode, for example for switching between GSM L Tx (1900) and GSM R Tx (1900) for communication band 33 in Table100.

In arrangement800, electromechanical band switch710is further configured to selectively connect common port823of T/R switch820to the antenna10.

FIG. 9illustrates a third example embodiment of an arrangement900for a transceiver front-end for a mobile telecommunication device that supports simultaneous operation in a plurality of different communication bands, and supports both FDD and TDD operation. For brevity, only the differences between the arrangement900inFIG. 9and the arrangements described above will be described.

In contrast to arrangement800where common port823of electronic T/R switch820is connected to antenna10via electromechanical band switch710, in arrangement900common port823of electronic T/R switch820is directly connected to antenna10together with common port713of electromechanical band switch710. Also, one of the switched ports715-mof electromechanical band switch710is connected to an impedance termination910so that when arrangement900is operating in TDD mode, the path to common port713of electromechanical band switch710will be properly terminated. However, in some embodiments impedance termination910may be omitted.

The architectures illustrated above with respect toFIGS. 7-9can be extended by adding one or more additional electromechanical band switches and/or by adding additional poles (switched ports715-m) to electromechanical band switch710.

FIG. 10illustrates a fourth example embodiment of an arrangement1000for a transceiver front-end for a mobile telecommunication device that supports simultaneous operation in a plurality of different communication bands. For brevity, only the differences between the arrangement1000inFIG. 10and the arrangements described above will be described.

Arrangement1000extends the architectures described above to support Long Term Evolution (LTE) communications. In particular, arrangement1000includes duplexers1010-p(here, m (1,3)) each associated with a corresponding LTE transmit amplifier1020-pand a second electromechanical band switch1030. Duplexers1010-pare each configured to allow bi-directional communication over a corresponding one of a third plurality of communication bands that each include a corresponding transmit band and a corresponding receive band, and second electromechanical band switch1030is configured to selectively connect one of the plurality of duplexers1010-pto antenna10. Although arrangement1000shows support for LTE communication bands LTE7, LTE17 and LTE20, in other embodiments different or additional communication bands could be supported.

An alternative to arrangement1000with similar functionality could be provided by omitting second electromechanical band switch1030, and instead adding additional poles (i.e., switched ports715-m) to electromechanical band switch710, and connecting one of the duplexers1010-pto each of the added switched ports715-m.In that case, electromechanical band switch710is further configured to selectively connect each of the duplexers1010-pto antenna10.

FIG. 11illustrates a fifth example embodiment of an arrangement1100for a transceiver front-end for a mobile telecommunication device that supports simultaneous operation in a plurality of different communication bands. For brevity, only the differences between the arrangement1100inFIG. 11and the arrangements described above will be described.

In particular, arrangement1100is similar to arrangement1000, except that the LTE communication bands are also multiplexed, similarly to the communication bands 2/4/5 and 1/3/8. Accordingly, duplexers1010-pare replaced with a third multiplexer1110and second electromechanical band switch1030becomes a single pole, single throw switch. Third multiplexer1110is configured to allow bi-directional communication over a third plurality of multiplexed communication bands (e.g., LTE7, LTE17 and LTE20) that each include a corresponding transmit band and a corresponding receive band. As with first and second multiplexers600-1and600-2, it is required that there be no overlap between the transmit frequencies of the transmit band of one communication band (e.g., LTE17) and the receive frequencies of the receive band of another communication band (e.g., LTE20) in third multiplexer1110. Third electromechanical band switch1110is configured to selectively connect a common port of third multiplexer1110to antenna10.

An alternative to arrangement1100with similar functionality could be provided by omitting second electromechanical band switch1030, and instead adding an additional pole (i.e., switched port715-m) to electromechanical band switch710, and connecting the common port of third multiplexer1110to the added switched port715-m.In that case, electromechanical band switch710is further configured to selectively connect third multiplexer1110to antenna10.

FIG. 12illustrates a sixth example embodiment of an arrangement1200for a transceiver front-end for a mobile telecommunication device that supports simultaneous operation in a plurality of different communication bands. For brevity, only the differences between the arrangement1200inFIG. 12and the arrangements described above will be described.

In particular, arrangement1200is similar to arrangement1000, with a principal difference being that arrangement1200includes an additional switch1210having a common port and a plurality of switched ports, wherein each of the switched ports of additional switch1210is connected to a corresponding receive bandpass filter622-ifor a corresponding receive band. The common port of the additional switch1210is connected to a switched port825-nof electronic T/R switch820.

While example embodiments are disclosed herein, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that many variations that are in accordance with the present teachings are possible and remain within the scope of the appended claims. The embodiments therefore are not to be restricted except within the scope of the appended claims.