Flexible beamforming architecture

An apparatus is disclosed for implementing a flexible beamforming architecture. In an example aspect, the apparatus comprises an antenna array comprising a first antenna element with a first feed port and a second antenna element with a second feed port. The apparatus also comprises a wireless transceiver with a first dedicated transceiver path coupled to the first feed port and a second dedicated transceiver path coupled to the second feed port. The wireless transceiver also comprises a flexible beamforming network configured to selectively be in a first configuration that couples both the first dedicated transceiver path and the second dedicated transceiver path to a first intermediate transceiver path of the wireless transceiver, and be in a second configuration that connects the first dedicated transceiver path to the first intermediate transceiver path and connects the second dedicated transceiver path to a second intermediate transceiver path of the wireless transceiver.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to wireless transceivers and, more specifically, to implementing a flexible beamforming architecture that enables a wireless transceiver to selectively perform analog beamforming, digital beamforming, or hybrid beamforming.

BACKGROUND

To increase transmission rates and throughput, cellular and other wireless networks are using signals with higher frequencies and smaller wavelengths. As an example, fifth-generation (5G)-capable devices or next-generation wireless local area network (WLAN)-capable devices communicate with networks using frequencies that include those at or near the extremely-high frequency (EHF) spectrum (e.g., frequencies greater than 24 gigahertz (GHz)) with wavelengths at or near millimeter wavelengths (mmW). However, these signals present various technological challenges, such as higher path loss as compared to signals for earlier generations of wireless communications. In certain scenarios, it can be difficult for a mmW wireless signal to travel far enough to make cellular or WLAN communications feasible at these higher frequencies.

SUMMARY

An apparatus is disclosed that implements a flexible beamforming architecture. Using switches and coupler circuits (e.g., combiners and splitters), a flexible beamforming network dynamically connects or couples dedicated transceiver paths to intermediate transceiver paths. Different configurations of the flexible beamforming network enable a wireless transceiver to selectively have an analog beamforming architecture, a digital beamforming architecture, or a hybrid beamforming architecture. Performance of these different beamforming architectures can vary in terms of power consumption, responsiveness to changing conditions of a transmission channel (e.g., due to changes in Doppler spread and multipath fading), and ability to compensate for non-linear phase fronts. As such, the wireless transceiver can dynamically enable different beamforming architectures via the flexible beamforming network and match a particular beamforming technique to a given environment or situation.

In an example aspect, an apparatus that implements a flexible beamforming architecture is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an antenna array and a wireless transceiver. The antenna array comprises a first antenna element with a first feed port and a second antenna element with a second feed port. The wireless transceiver comprises a set of dedicated transceiver paths, a set of intermediate transceiver paths, and a flexible beamforming network. The set of dedicated transceiver paths comprises a first dedicated transceiver path coupled to the first feed port and a second dedicated transceiver path coupled to the second feed port. The set of intermediate transceiver paths comprises a first intermediate transceiver path and a second intermediate transceiver path. The flexible beamforming network is coupled between the set of dedicated transceiver paths and the set of intermediate transceiver paths. The flexible beamforming network is configured to selectively be in a first configuration that couples both the first dedicated transceiver path and the second dedicated transceiver path to the first intermediate transceiver path, and be in a second configuration that connects the first dedicated transceiver path to the first intermediate transceiver path and connects the second dedicated transceiver path to the second intermediate transceiver path.

In an example aspect, an apparatus that implements a flexible beamforming architecture is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an antenna array and a wireless transceiver. The antenna array comprises a first antenna element with a first feed port and a second antenna element with a second feed port. The wireless transceiver comprises a set of dedicated transceiver paths and a set of intermediate transceiver paths. The set of dedicated transceiver paths comprises a first dedicated transceiver path coupled to the first feed port and a second dedicated transceiver path coupled to the second feed port. The set of intermediate transceiver paths comprises a first intermediate transceiver path and a second intermediate transceiver path. The wireless transceiver also includes beamforming flexibility means for selectively coupling both the first dedicated transceiver path and the second dedicated transceiver path to the first intermediate transceiver path based on a first configuration and connecting the first dedicated transceiver path to the first intermediate transceiver path and the second dedicated transceiver path to the second intermediate transceiver path based on a second configuration. The beamforming flexibility means is coupled between the set of dedicated transceiver paths and the set of intermediate transceiver paths.

In an example aspect, a method for operating a flexible beamforming architecture is disclosed. The method comprises coupling, based on a first configuration, both a first dedicated transceiver path of a radio-frequency integrated circuit and a second dedicated transceiver path of the radio-frequency integrated circuit to a first intermediate transceiver path of the radio-frequency integrated circuit. Based on the first configuration, the method comprises operating an analog beamformer in an active state. The method also comprises connecting, based on a second configuration, the first dedicated transceiver path to the first intermediate transceiver path and connecting the second dedicated transceiver path to a second intermediate transceiver path of the radio-frequency integrated circuit. The method further comprises operating at least a portion of a digital beamformer in the active state based on the second configuration.

In an example aspect, an apparatus that implements a flexible beamforming architecture is disclosed. The apparatus includes a set of dedicated transceiver paths, a set of intermediate transceiver paths, and a flexible beamforming network. The set of dedicated transceiver paths comprises a first dedicated transceiver path and a second dedicated transceiver path. The set of intermediate transceiver paths comprises a first intermediate transceiver path and a second intermediate transceiver path. The flexible beamforming network is coupled between the set of dedicated transceiver paths and the set of intermediate transceiver paths. The flexible beamforming network comprises a first coupler circuit coupled to the first intermediate transceiver path, a first dedicated switch, and a second dedicated switch. The first dedicated switch comprises a first pole coupled to the first dedicated transceiver path, a first throw coupled to the first coupler circuit, and a second throw coupled to the first intermediate transceiver path. The second dedicated switch comprises a second pole coupled to the second dedicated transceiver path, a third throw coupled to the first coupler circuit, and a fourth throw coupled to the second intermediate transceiver path.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Cellular and other wireless networks can use signals with higher frequencies and smaller wavelengths to increase transmission rates and throughput. Signals within the extremely-high frequency (EHF) spectrum (e.g., frequencies greater than 24 gigahertz (GHz)) with wavelengths at or near millimeter wavelengths, however, experience higher path loss compared to signals at lower frequency ranges. As such, it can be difficult for a mmW wireless signal to travel far enough to make cellular or WLAN communications feasible at these higher frequencies.

To address this issue, some electronic devices employ beamforming techniques to increase signal strength or sensitivity in a particular spatial direction. Beamforming techniques adjust amplitudes and/or phases of signals that are transmitted or received via different antenna elements of an antenna array. These adjustments determine a constructive and destructive interference pattern that occurs once the signals are combined together over-the-air or within a wireless transceiver. An angular direction that the constructive interference occurs at increases a signal-to-noise ratio of the combined signals. Applying beamforming techniques to mmW signals can therefore concentrate energy in a particular direction to compensate for the higher path loss. In this way, the electronic device can communicate with other devices over farther distances.

There are challenges to beamforming signals, however. Implementing some beamforming techniques can increase power consumption, cost, and complexity of the electronic device relative to other designs that do not employ beamforming techniques. Furthermore, a transmission channel can experience different amounts of Doppler spread or different types of multipath fading. Doppler spread can result from movement of a transmitting electronic device or a receiving electronic device, and this Doppler spread shifts frequencies of mmW signals that propagate through the transmission channel Multipath fading can distort amplitudes and phases of the mmW signals. These distortions can result in a non-linear phase front at the antenna array of the electronic device. As a result, both Doppler spread and multipath fading can make it challenging to determine appropriate beamforming parameters to improve communication performance. These challenges can be addressed by different types of beamforming architectures.

An analog beamforming architecture, for example, can consume less power and be less complex than a digital beamforming architecture, but it may not be able to respond as quickly to changes in conditions of the transmission channel, such as changes in Doppler spread or multipath fading. It may also be challenging for the analog beamforming architecture to compensate for a non-linear phase front. In contrast, a digital beamforming architecture can efficiently adjust beamforming parameters to address changing channel conditions due to Doppler spread and multipath fading, but it may consume more power and add additional cost and complexity relative to the analog beamforming architecture. Performance of a hybrid beamforming architecture can be in between that of the analog beamforming architecture and the digital beamforming architecture in terms of power consumption, responsiveness, and ability to compensate for a non-linear phase front.

Some electronic devices implement one type of beamforming architecture, such as the analog beamforming architecture, the digital beamforming architecture, or the hybrid beamforming architecture. Consequently, performance of these electronic devices is limited by the associated benefits and costs of the corresponding single beamforming architecture.

In contrast, an apparatus is disclosed that implements a flexible beamforming architecture. Using switches and coupler circuits (e.g., combiners and splitters), a flexible beamforming network dynamically connects or couples dedicated transceiver paths to intermediate transceiver paths. Different configurations of the flexible beamforming network enable a wireless transceiver to selectively have an analog beamforming architecture, a digital beamforming architecture, or a hybrid beamforming architecture. Performance of these different beamforming architectures can vary in terms of power consumption, responsiveness to changing conditions of a transmission channel (e.g., due to changes in Doppler spread and multipath fading), and ability to compensate for non-linear phase fronts. As such, the wireless transceiver can dynamically enable different beamforming architectures via the flexible beamforming network and match a particular beamforming technique to a given environment or situation.

FIG.1illustrates an example environment100for utilizing a flexible beamforming architecture. In the environment100, a computing device102communicates with a base station104through a wireless communication link106(wireless link106). In this example, the computing device102is depicted as a smart phone. However, the computing device102may be implemented as any suitable computing or electronic device, such as a modem, cellular base station, broadband router, access point, cellular phone, gaming device, navigation device, media device, laptop computer, desktop computer, tablet computer, wearable computer, server, network-attached storage (NAS) device, smart appliance or other internet of things (IoT) device, medical device, vehicle-based communication system, radar, radio apparatus, and so forth.

The base station104communicates with the computing device102via the wireless link106, which may be implemented as any suitable type of wireless link. Although depicted as a tower of a cellular network, the base station104may represent or be implemented as another device, such as a satellite, server device, terrestrial television broadcast tower, access point, peer-to-peer device, mesh network node, fiber optic line, and so forth. Therefore, the computing device102may communicate with the base station104or another device via a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination thereof.

The wireless link106can include a downlink of data or control information communicated from the base station104to the computing device102, or an uplink of other data or control information communicated from the computing device102to the base station104. The wireless link106may be implemented using any suitable communication protocol or standard, such as second-generation (2G), third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), or fifth-generation (5G) cellular; IEEE 802.11 (e.g., Wi-Fi™); IEEE 802.15 (e.g., Bluetooth™); IEEE 802.16 (e.g., WiMAX™); and so forth. In some implementations, the wireless link106may wirelessly provide power and the base station104may comprise a power source.

As shown, the computing device102includes an application processor108and a computer-readable storage medium110(CRM110). The application processor108may include any type of processor, such as a multi-core processor, that executes processor-executable code stored by the CRM110. The CRM110may include any suitable type of data storage media, such as volatile memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM)), non-volatile memory (e.g., Flash memory), optical media, magnetic media (e.g., disk), and so forth. In the context of this disclosure, the CRM110is implemented to store instructions112, data114, and other information of the computing device102, and thus does not include transitory propagating signals or carrier waves.

The computing device102may also include input/output ports116(I/O ports116) and a display118. The I/O ports116enable data exchanges or interaction with other devices, networks, or users. The I/O ports116may include serial ports (e.g., universal serial bus (USB) ports), parallel ports, audio ports, infrared (IR) ports, user interface ports such as a touchscreen, and so forth. The display118presents graphics of the computing device102, such as a user interface associated with an operating system, program, or application. Alternately or additionally, the display118may be implemented as a display port or virtual interface, through which graphical content of the computing device102is presented.

A wireless transceiver120of the computing device102provides connectivity to respective networks and other electronic devices connected therewith. Alternately or additionally, the computing device102may include a wired transceiver, such as an Ethernet or fiber optic interface for communicating over a local network, intranet, or the Internet. The wireless transceiver120may facilitate communication over any suitable type of wireless network, such as a wireless local area network (LAN) (WLAN), peer-to-peer (P2P) network, mesh network, cellular network, wireless wide-area-network (WWAN), and/or wireless personal-area-network (WPAN). In the context of the example environment100, the wireless transceiver120enables the computing device102to communicate with the base station104and networks connected therewith. However, the wireless transceiver120can also enable the computing device102to communicate “directly” with other devices or networks.

The wireless transceiver120includes circuitry and logic for transmitting and receiving communication signals via at least one antenna array140. Components of the wireless transceiver120can include amplifiers, switches, mixers, analog-to-digital converters, filters, and so forth for conditioning the communication signals (e.g., for generating or processing signals). The wireless transceiver120may also include logic to perform in-phase/quadrature (I/Q) operations, such as synthesis, encoding, modulation, decoding, demodulation, and so forth. In some cases, components of the wireless transceiver120are implemented as separate receiver and transmitter entities. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless transceiver120can be realized using multiple or different sections to implement respective receiving and transmitting operations (e.g., separate transmit and receive chains). In general, the wireless transceiver120processes data and/or signals associated with communicating data of the computing device102over the antenna array140.

The wireless transceiver120also includes dedicated transceiver (TRX) paths122-1to122-N, intermediate transceiver paths124-1to124-M, and a flexible beamforming network126, where N and M are integers that may or may not be equal to each other. The dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-N are respectively coupled to feed ports of antenna elements associated with the antenna array140, and can include components such as amplifiers and phase shifters. Using these components, the dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-N individually condition signals that are transmitted or received via the feed ports. A signal that is conditioned by one of the dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-N propagates to or from the antenna element that the dedicated transceiver path is associated with and does not substantially propagate to or from another antenna element.

In some implementations, the intermediate transceiver paths124-1to124-M are selectively associated with individual feed ports of the antenna array140, similar to the dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-N. Alternatively, at least one of the intermediate transceiver paths124-1to124-M is associated with two or more feed ports of the antenna array140. In some cases, the intermediate transceiver paths124-1to124-M are respectively associated with feed ports of sub-arrays within the antenna array140. Depending on a type of association that is active, the intermediate transceiver paths124-1to124-M can individually condition signals that are transmitted or received via the feed ports or condition composite signals that are transmitted or received by multiple feed ports. Each of the intermediate transceiver paths124-1to124-M can include components, such as mixers that upconvert signals to a radio frequency or downconvert radio frequency signals. Each intermediate transceiver path124can be in an enabled state or a disabled state. In the enabled state, components within the intermediate transceiver path124consume power and condition a signal for transmission or reception. In the disabled state, the components within the intermediate transceiver path124consume less power relative to the enabled state and do not condition a signal.

The flexible beamforming network126includes a network of switches and coupler circuits and provides an interface between the dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-N and the intermediate transceiver paths124-1to124-M. Using the switches and coupler circuits, the flexible beamforming network126can connect or couple the dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-N to the intermediate transceiver paths124-1to124-M in different configurations that implement an analog beamforming architecture, a digital beamforming architecture, or a hybrid beamforming architecture, as further described with respect toFIGS.5-1to7.

In general, the term “flexible” describes an ability of the flexible beamforming network126to be configured in different ways to support different types of beamforming In other words, the flexible beamforming network126is configured a first way for analog beamforming, a second way for digital beamforming, and/or a third way for hybrid beamforming Different configurations use or bypass the coupler circuits within the flexible beamforming network126. For analog beamforming, the coupler circuits combine signals from different antenna elements of the antenna array140together in an analog domain. In contrast, for digital beamforming, the coupler circuits are bypassed and the signals from the different antenna elements are combined in a digital domain. For hybrid beamforming, at least one coupler circuit combines signals from different antenna elements of a sub-array within the antenna array140together in the analog domain. As such, the flexible beamforming network126produces combined signals for respective sub-arrays, which are further combined in the digital domain. The flexible beamforming network126can, at least partially, implement a flexible beamforming architecture.

The wireless transceiver120also includes a controller128and a processor130. The controller128controls a configuration of the flexible beamforming network126and can include at least one processor and at least one CRM. The CRM can store computer-executable instructions, such as the instructions112. The processor and the CRM can be localized at one module or one integrated circuit chip or can be distributed across multiple modules or chips. Together, a processor and associated instructions can be realized in separate circuitry, fixed logic circuitry, hard-coded logic, and so forth. The controller128can be implemented as part of the wireless transceiver120, a modem, a general-purpose processor, a processor designed to facilitate wireless communication, some combination thereof, and so forth.

The processor130, which may comprise a modem, can be implemented within or separate from the wireless transceiver120. Although not explicitly shown, the processor130can include a portion of the CRM110or can access the CRM110to obtain computer-readable instructions. The processor130controls the wireless transceiver120and enables wireless communication to be performed. The processor130can include baseband circuitry to perform high-rate sampling processes that can include analog-to-digital conversion, digital-to-analog conversion, digital beamforming, gain correction, skew correction, frequency translation, and so forth. The processor130can provide communication data to the wireless transceiver120for transmission. The processor130can also process a baseband version of a signal accepted from the wireless transceiver120to generate data, which can be provided to other parts of the computing device102via a communication interface for wireless communication or proximity detection.

In general, the controller128or the processor130can control an operational mode of the wireless transceiver120or have knowledge of an active operational mode. Different types of operational modes may include different transceiver modes (e.g., a transmit mode or a receive mode), different power modes (e.g., a low-power mode or a high-power mode), different resource control states (e.g., a connected mode, an inactive mode, or an idle mode), different modulation modes (e.g., a lower-order modulation mode such as quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK) modes or higher-order modulation modes such as 64 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) or 256 QAM), and so forth.

The dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-N, the flexible beamforming network126, and the processor130can, at least partially, implement a flexible beamformer132. The flexible beamformer132can selectively operate as an analog beamformer134, a digital beamformer136, or a hybrid beamformer138during transmission or reception. In general, a beamformer includes components that adjust amplitudes, phases, or delays of signals across different transceiver paths. The beamformer also includes at least one coupler circuit that splits a signal into multiple signals for different transceiver paths during transmission or combines signals from different transceiver paths during reception. These operations are performed in an analog domain, a digital domain, or both the analog domain and the digital domain via the analog beamformer134, the digital beamformer136, or the hybrid beamformer138, respectively. The different types of beamformers are further described with respect toFIG.2-2.

Different performances can be realized by activating the analog beamformer134, the digital beamformer136, or the hybrid beamformer138. The analog beamformer134, for example, can consume less power relative to the digital beamformer136and the hybrid beamformer138. In comparison with the analog beamformer134, the digital beamformer136can more quickly respond to changing conditions of a transmission channel and better compensate for Doppler spread, multipath fading, and non-linear phase fronts. The digital beamformer136can also support multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) techniques, such as spatial diversity or spatial multiplexing. The hybrid beamformer138can provide a performance that is in between that of the analog beamformer134and the digital beamformer136. In particular, the hybrid beamformer138can consume less power relative to the digital beamformer136and be more responsive than the analog beamformer134. The wireless transceiver120is further described with respect toFIG.2-1.

FIG.2-1illustrates an example radio-frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)202of the wireless transceiver120that implements a flexible beamforming architecture. The radio-frequency integrated circuit202includes nodes204-1,204-2. . .204-N and nodes206-1,206-2. . .206-M. The nodes204-1to204-N are respectively coupled to feed ports of antenna elements208-1,208-2. . .208-N, which implement the antenna array140. The nodes206-1to206-M can be coupled to another integrated circuit within the wireless transceiver120, such as an intermediate-frequency integrated circuit or a baseband-frequency integrated circuit, as shown inFIG.3.

The radio-frequency integrated circuit202includes a set of dedicated transceiver paths210with two or more dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-N, a set of intermediate transceiver paths212with two or more intermediate transceiver paths124-1to124-M, and the flexible beamforming network126. The dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-N are respectively coupled to the nodes204-1to204-N. The intermediate transceiver paths124-1to124-M are respectively coupled to the nodes206-1to206-M. The flexible beamforming network126is coupled between the set of dedicated transceiver paths210and the set of intermediate transceiver paths212.

In the depicted configuration, each dedicated transceiver path122-1to122-N includes a first amplifier214-1(e.g., a power amplifier), a second amplifier214-2(e.g., a low-noise amplifier), and a phase shifter (PS)216. The amplifier214-1amplifies a signal for transmission and the amplifier214-2amplifies a received signal. The phase shifter216can include a bidirectional phase shifter or multiple phase shifters for transmission and reception, respectively. The phase shifter216optionally adjusts a phase of a signal for either transmission or reception. Although not shown, each dedicated transceiver path122-1to122-N can optionally include a delay circuit, which adjusts a delay of a signal for either transmission or reception.

Each intermediate transceiver path124-1to124-M can include a mixer218, which provides frequency conversion. During transmission, the mixer218upconverts a signal from a lower frequency (e.g., a baseband frequency or an intermediate frequency) to a radio frequency. During reception, the mixer218downconverts a signal from the radio frequency to the lower frequency. Although not shown, the intermediate transceiver paths124-1to124-M can include other types of components, such as filters, variable gain amplifiers, and so forth. In other implementations, each dedicated transceiver path122-1to122-N includes the mixer218. In this case, the intermediate transceiver paths124-1to124-M can be disposed in another integrated circuit, such as the intermediate-frequency integrated circuit or the baseband integrated circuit, and coupled to the flexible beamforming network126via the nodes206-1to206-M.

Different configurations of the flexible beamforming network126can be enabled to support operation of the analog beamformer134, the digital beamformer136, or the hybrid beamformer138, as further described inFIG.2-2.

FIG.2-2illustrates an example analog beamformer, an example digital beamformer, and an example hybrid beamformer that implement a flexible beamforming architecture. In the depicted configuration, the processor130includes nodes220-1,220-2. . .220-M, which are respectively coupled to the nodes206-1to206-M of the radio-frequency integrated circuit202. The processor130also includes digital weighting circuits (WC)222-1,222-2. . .222-M and at least one digital coupler circuit224. The digital weighting circuits222-1to222-M can optionally apply complex weights to adjust amplitudes and/or phases of signals that respectively propagate through the intermediate transceiver paths124-1to124-M. The digital coupler circuit224can selectively provide respective split signals to the digital weighting circuits222-1to222-M during transmission and generate a combined signal based on signals provided by the digital weighting circuits222-1to222-M during reception.

As shown inFIG.2-2, the analog beamformer134is implemented, at least partially, by the phase shifters216within the dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-N and a coupler circuit within the flexible beamforming network126(shown inFIG.5-1). The digital beamformer136is implemented, at least partially, by the digital weighting circuits222-1to222-M and the digital coupler circuit224. The hybrid beamformer138is implemented, at least partially, by the components of the analog beamformer134and the components of the digital beamformer136.

The analog beamformer134, the digital beamformer136, and the hybrid beamformer138can selectively be in an active state or an inactive state. In the active state, the beamformer performs amplitude and/or phase adjustments and coupling. In the inactive state, one or more components of the beamformer can be bypassed or the components do not substantially provide amplitude or phase adjustments.

The flexible beamforming network126can be in an analog beamforming configuration, a digital beamforming configuration, or a hybrid beamforming configuration, as further described with respect toFIGS.5-1to7. In the analog beamforming configuration, the flexible beamforming network126couples multiple dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-N to one intermediate transceiver path124, such as the intermediate transceiver path124-1. In this case, the other intermediate transceiver paths124-2to124-M can be in the disabled state to conserve power. If the flexible beamforming network126is in the analog beamforming configuration, the analog beamformer134can be in an active state and the digital beamformer136can be in an inactive state to enable analog beamforming.

In the digital beamforming configuration, the flexible beamforming network126respectively connects at least a portion of the dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-N to a portion of the intermediate transceiver paths124-1to124-M such that each intermediate transceiver path124-1to124-M within the portion is connected to a different dedicated transceiver path122-1to122-N. If the flexible beamforming network126is in the digital beamforming configuration, the digital beamformer136can be in the active state and the analog beamformer134can be in the inactive state to enable digital beamforming.

In the hybrid beamforming configuration, the flexible beamforming network126couples different portions of the dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-N to different intermediate transceiver paths124-1to124-M such that two or more intermediate transceiver paths124-1to124-M are each coupled to different groups of two or more dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-N. For example, the flexible beamforming network126couples the intermediate transceiver path124-1to the dedicated transceiver paths122-1and122-2and couples the intermediate transceiver path124-2to another two dedicated transceiver paths122-3and122-4(not explicitly shown inFIG.2-2). If the flexible beamforming network126is in the hybrid beamforming configuration, both the analog beamformer134and at least a portion of the digital beamformer136can be in the active state to enable hybrid beamforming Any intermediate transceiver path124-1to124-M that is not coupled to a group of dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-N can be in the disabled state to conserve power.

In some implementations, the controller128is coupled to the digital beamformer136and obtains beamforming parameters226that are applied by the digital weighting circuits222-1to22-M during digital beamforming. The controller128can provide these beamforming parameters226to the analog beamformer134, which can use these beamforming parameters226to perform analog beamforming.

The controller128can dynamically activate different beamformers according to a given environment or situation. If the wireless transceiver120is attempting to establish communications with the base station104or determine characteristics of a transmission channel (e.g., determine channel state information), the wireless transceiver120can perform a search procedure to determine directions to transmit signals to and receive signals from the base station104. During this procedure, the controller128can activate the digital beamformer136or the hybrid beamformer138to quickly determine these directions. Once communication is established, the controller128can activate the analog beamformer134to conserve power. The controller128can also provide, to the analog beamformer134, the beamforming parameters226associated with the directions determined during the search procedure, as described above.

In a slow multipath fading environment in which amplitudes or phases of a signal do not change significantly during transmission or reception, the controller128can activate the analog beamformer134. Alternatively, if the wireless transceiver120is in a mode that uses MIMO techniques, the controller128can activate the digital beamformer136to enable digital beamforming.

In a fast multipath fading environment in which amplitudes or phases of signals change significantly during transmission or reception, the controller128can activate the digital beamformer136or the hybrid beamformer138, which can quickly respond to changing conditions in the transmission channel In some cases, the wireless transceiver120can include multiple radio-frequency integrated circuits202, as further described with respect toFIG.3.

FIG.3illustrates an example wireless transceiver120that implements a flexible beamforming architecture. In the depicted configuration, the wireless transceiver120includes three radio-frequency integrated circuits (RFICs)202-1,202-2, and202-3, which are respectively coupled to three antenna arrays140-1,140-2, and140-3. The wireless transceiver120also includes a switch network302and an intermediate-frequency integrated circuit (IFIC)304or a baseband-frequency integrated circuit (BBIC)306. The switch network302is coupled between the radio-frequency integrated circuits202-1to202-3and either the intermediate-frequency integrated circuit304or the baseband-frequency integrated circuit306. If the wireless transceiver120implements a superheterodyne transceiver, the switch network302provides an interface between the radio-frequency integrated circuits202-1to202-3and the intermediate-frequency integrated circuit304. Alternatively, if the wireless transceiver120implements a direct conversion transceiver without the intermediate-frequency integrated circuit304, the switch network302provides an interface between the radio-frequency integrated circuits202-1to202-3and the baseband-frequency integrated circuit306. Although not explicitly shown, the intermediate-frequency integrated circuit304can be coupled to the baseband-frequency integrated circuit306to implement the superheterodyne transceiver, and the baseband-frequency integrated circuit306can be coupled to the processor130.

The antenna arrays140-1to140-3can be located on and oriented towards different sides of the computing device102. The antenna array140-1can be located, for example, on a top side of the computing device102, the antenna array140-2can be located on a left side, and the antenna array140-3can be located on a front side. In this manner, the antenna arrays140-1to140-3and the corresponding radio-frequency integrated circuits202-1to202-3can respectively transmit or receive signals along a vertical direction or Y axis, a horizontal direction or X axis, or out of the page along a Z axis. In general, antenna arrays and radio-frequency integrated circuits can be disposed around the computing device102to enabled transmission and reception of signals in any direction relative to the computing device102.

The antenna arrays140-1to140-3respectively include antenna elements208-1,208-2. . .208-N, antenna elements208-(N+1),208-(N+2) . . .208-(2N), and antenna elements208-(2N+1),208-(2N+2) . . .208-(3N). Each antenna element208can include a single feed port or multiple feed ports, as further described with respect toFIG.4-1. InFIG.3, the antenna elements208are considered to have single feed ports for simplicity. The antenna elements208within each antenna array140-1to140-3can be arranged in a one-dimensional shape (e.g., a line) or a two-dimensional shape (e.g., a square, a rectangle, a circle, a hexagon, and so forth).

The first radio-frequency integrated circuit202-1includes dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-N, intermediate transceiver paths124-1to124-M, and a first flexible beamforming network126-1. The dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-N are respectively coupled to feed ports of the antenna elements208-1to208-N. The flexible beamforming network126-1is coupled between the dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-N and the intermediate transceiver paths124-1to124-M. Similarly, the second radio-frequency integrated circuit202-2includes dedicated transceiver paths122-(N+1) to122-(2N), intermediate transceiver paths124-(M+1) to124-(2M), and a second flexible beamforming network126-2. The dedicated transceiver paths122-(N+1) to122-(2N) are respectively coupled to feed ports of the antenna elements208-(N+1) to208-(2N). The third radio-frequency integrated circuit202-3includes dedicated transceiver paths122-(2N+1) to122-(3N), intermediate transceiver paths124-(2M+1) to124-(3M), and a third flexible beamforming network126-3. The dedicated transceiver paths122-(2N+1) to122-(3N) are respectively coupled to feed ports of the antenna elements208-(2N+1) to208-(3N).

The switch network302selectively connects one of the radio-frequency integrated circuits202-1to202-3to the intermediate-frequency integrated circuit304or the baseband-frequency integrated circuit306. In particular, the switch network302selectively couples the intermediate transceiver paths124-1to124-M, the intermediate transceiver paths124-(M+1) to124-(2M), or the intermediate transceiver paths124-(2M+1) to124-(3M) to the transceiver paths308-1to308-M of the intermediate-frequency integrated circuit304or the baseband-frequency integrated circuit306. In this way, the intermediate-frequency integrated circuit304or the baseband-frequency integrated circuit306can be shared across the antenna arrays140-1to140-3to conserve space within the wireless transceiver120relative to other design that implement multiple intermediate-frequency integrated circuits304or multiple baseband-frequency integrated circuits306.

Control circuitry (not shown), such as the controller128or the processor130ofFIG.1, can dynamically select which antenna array140-1to140-3and radio-frequency integrated circuit202-1to202-3to activate based on a current situation or environment. If a portion of one of the antenna arrays140-1to140-3is obstructed (e.g., by a user's appendage), the control circuitry can cause the computing device102to transmit and receive signals via one of the unobstructed antenna arrays140-1to140-3. As another example, the control circuitry can select an antenna array140-1to140-3that provides a target spatial coverage along a direction to the base station104ofFIG.1or supports a particular frequency band. A variety of different types of antenna elements208can implement the antenna arrays140-1to140-3, as further described with respect toFIG.4-1.

FIG.4-1illustrates example types of antenna elements208that are coupled to the dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-N within a flexible beamforming architecture. In general, each feed port of an antenna element208is coupled to a dedicated transceiver path122-1to122-N. Depending on a quantity of feed ports, the antenna element208is coupled to one or more dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-N. The antenna element208can be implemented as a single-port antenna element402or a dual-port antenna element404, for instance. In some cases, the single-port antenna element402is easier or cheaper to implement relative to the dual-port antenna element404. In other cases, the dual-port antenna element404can conserver space within the computing device102relative to designs that use two single-port antenna elements402to implement the dual-port antenna element404.

In the depicted configuration, the single-port antenna element402includes a feed port406-1, which is coupled to the dedicated transceiver path122-1. Example types of single-port antenna elements402include a horizontally-polarized patch antenna element408and a vertically-polarized patch antenna element410. The horizontally-polarized patch antenna element408includes a horizontally-polarized feed port412, which transmits or receives horizontally-polarized signals. In contrast, the vertically-polarized patch antenna element410includes a vertically-polarized feed port414, which transmits or receives vertically-polarized signals. Although shown using a square symbol, a shape of the horizontally-polarized patch antenna element408and a shape of the vertically-polarized patch antenna element410can be rectangular, circular, elliptical, pentagonal, in a form of a cross, and so forth.

The dual-port antenna element404includes two feed ports, shown as feed ports406-2and406-3. The feed port406-2is coupled to the dedicated transceiver path122-2and the feed port406-3is coupled to the dedicated transceiver path122-3. The feed ports406-2and406-3of the dual-port antenna element404can be associated with different polarizations, phases, or directions. Example types of dual-port antenna elements404include a dual-polarized patch antenna element416, a dual-polarized cross-patch antenna element418, a dipole antenna element420, and a bowtie antenna element422.

Both the dual-polarized patch antenna element416and the dual-polarized cross-patch antenna element418include the horizontally-polarized feed port412and the vertically-polarized feed port414. Using the feed ports412and414, the dual-polarized patch antenna element416or the dual-polarized cross-patch antenna element418can transmit or receive signals associated with a horizontal polarization, a vertical polarization, a horizontal polarization and a vertical polarization, or a circular polarization. In some implementations, the dual-polarized cross-patch antenna element418can conserve space within the computing device102relative to designs that use the dual-polarized patch antenna element416.

The dipole antenna element420includes a pair of differential feed ports (e.g., a positive (+) feed port424-1and a negative (−) feed port424-2). Using the differential feed ports424-1and424-2, the dipole antenna element420can transmit or receive signals of different phases. The bowtie antenna element422includes feed ports426-1and426-2, which are associated with different angular directions. Using the feed ports426-1and426-2, the bowtie antenna element422can transmit or receive signals in two different directions.

Although not explicitly shown, the antenna element208can alternatively be implemented using a slot antenna element, a crossed bowtie antenna element, an inverted-F antenna, other types of microstrip antenna elements, other types of wire antenna elements, a combination thereof, and so forth. As such, a triangle symbol is used throughout to represent the antenna elements208generically as any of these types of antenna elements or another type of antenna element. In general, each feed port of the antenna element208is coupled to a different dedicated transceiver path122-1to122-N. The dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-N can therefore be associated with different antenna elements, different polarizations, different phases, different angular directions, or combinations thereof.

FIG.4-2illustrates example sub-arrays of antenna elements208that can be coupled to different intermediate transceiver paths124-1to124-M within a flexible beamforming architecture. In the depicted configuration, the antenna array140includes eight antenna elements208-1,208-2. . .208-8. For simplicity, the antenna elements208-1to208-8represent single-port antenna elements402. Each of the antenna elements208-1to208-8are therefore respectively coupled to dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-N, where N equals 8.

As an example, the antenna elements208-1to208-8of the antenna array140are grouped into sub-arrays428-1and428-2. The sub-array428-1includes the antenna elements208-1to208-4and the sub-array428-2includes the antenna elements208-5to208-8. In another example, the antenna elements208-1to208-8of the antenna array140are grouped into sub-arrays430-1,430-2. . .430-4. In this case, the sub-array430-1includes the antenna elements208-1and208-2, the sub-array430-2includes the antenna elements208-3and208-4, the sub-array430-3includes the antenna elements208-5to208-6, and the sub-array430-4includes the antenna elements208-7and208-8.

In the hybrid beamforming configuration, the flexible beamforming network126couples each group of dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-N that are associated with a sub-array428to one of the intermediate transceiver paths124-1to124-M. In some cases, a quantity of intermediate transceiver paths124-1to124-M can be equal to or greater than a quantity of sub-arrays428. An example hybrid beamforming configuration of the flexible beamforming network126is further described with respect toFIG.5-2.

FIG.5-1illustrates an example flexible beamforming network126that selectively enables analog beamforming and digital beamforming. For simplicity, a quantity of dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-N is shown to equal a quantity of intermediate transceiver paths124-1to124-M. In other implementations, the quantities of dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-N and intermediate transceiver paths124-1to124-M can differ. In general, the quantity of intermediate transceiver paths124-1to124-M is less than or equal to the quantity of dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-N. The flexible beamforming network126includes dedicated nodes502-1,502-2. . .502-N and intermediate nodes504-1,504-2. . .504-M. The dedicated nodes502-1to502-N are respectively disposed within the dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-N. The intermediate nodes504-1to504-M are respectively disposed within the intermediate transceiver paths124-1to124-M.

The flexible beamforming network126also includes dedicated switches506-1,506-2. . .506-N, at least one shareable switch508, and at least one coupler circuit510. The dedicated switches506-1to506-N and the shareable switch508can be implemented using one or more transistors, such as metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs), junction field-effect transistors (JFETs), bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), and so forth. For example, the switches can comprise an n-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (NMOSFET) or a p-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (PMOSFET).

The dedicated switches506-1to506-N respectively include poles512-1,512-2. . .512-N, which are respectively coupled to the dedicated nodes502-1to502-N. The dedicated switches506-1to506-N each include two throws514-1to514-(2N). One of the throws514-1to514-(2N) for each of the dedicated switches506-1to506-N is coupled to the coupler circuit510. Another one of the two throws514-1to514-(2N) for each of the dedicated switches506-1to506-N is respectively coupled to the intermediate nodes504-1to504-M. Together, the dedicated switches506-1to506-N selectively connect the dedicated nodes502-1to502-N to the coupler circuit510or connect the dedicated nodes502-1to502-N to the intermediate nodes504-1to504-M.

The shareable switch508includes a pole516coupled to the intermediate node504-1, a throw518-1coupled to the coupler circuit510and a throw518-2coupled to the throw514-2of the dedicated switch506-1. The shareable switch508selectively connects the coupler circuit510to the intermediate node504-1or connects the throw514-2of the dedicated switch506-1to the intermediate node504-1.

The coupler circuit510implements a N:1 coupler, and can include a transformer, a Wilkinson circuit, a directional coupler, and so forth. The coupler circuit510selectively operates as a combiner or a splitter according to a receive mode or a transmit mode of the wireless transceiver120, respectively. InFIG.5-1, the coupler circuit510is represented with an obelus symbol and a plus symbol. The obelus symbol represents an ability of the coupler circuit510to act as a splitter during transmission. As a splitter, the coupler circuit510splits, in an analog domain, a signal provided via the intermediate node504-1and respectively generates multiple split signals, which are provided to the dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-N via the dedicated switches506-1to506-N. The plus symbol represents an ability of the coupler circuit510to act as a combiner during reception. As a combiner, the coupler circuit510combines, in the analog domain, signals that are provided via the dedicated switches506-1to506-N to generate a combined signal.

The flexible beamforming network126ofFIG.5-1can selectively be in an analog beamforming configuration520or a digital beamforming configuration522. In the analog beamforming configuration520, the dedicated switches506-1to506-N connect the dedicated nodes502-1to502-N to the coupler circuit510. Additionally, the shareable switch508connects the intermediate node504-1to the coupler circuit510. As such, the dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-N are each coupled to the intermediate transceiver path124-1. In this manner, the intermediate transceiver path124-1is shared by the dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-N. This enables analog beamforming to be performed during transmission or reception. Because the flexible beamforming network126does not connect or couple the intermediate transceiver paths124-2to124-M to the dedicated transceiver paths122-2to122-N, components within or connected to the intermediate transceiver paths124-2to124-M can be in the disabled state to conserve power.

In the digital beamforming configuration522, the dedicated switches506-1to506-N and the shareable switch508together connect two or more of the dedicated nodes502-1to502-N to the intermediate nodes504-1to504-M, respectively. For example, the dedicated switch506-1and the shareable switch508connect the dedicated node502-1to the intermediate node504-1and the dedicated switch506-2connects the dedicated node502-2to the intermediate node504-2. As another example, the dedicated switches506-2and506-N respectively connect the dedicated nodes502-2and502-N to the intermediate nodes504-2and504-M. In the digital beamforming configuration522, the intermediate transceiver paths124-1to124-M are not shared amongst the dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-N. This enables digital beamforming to be performed during transmission or reception. Because the flexible beamforming network126connects the intermediate transceiver paths124-1to124-M to the dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-N, the intermediate transceiver paths124-1to124-M are in the enabled state and consume power. An example hybrid beamforming configuration of the flexible beamforming network126is further described with respect toFIG.5-2.

FIG.5-2illustrates another example flexible beamforming network126that selectively enables analog beamforming and hybrid beamforming. For simplicity, a quantity of intermediate transceiver paths124-1to124-M is shown to equal a quantity of sub-arrays428-1to428-M. In other implementations, the quantities of intermediate transceiver paths124-1to124-M and sub-arrays428-1to428-M can differ. Each of the sub-arrays428-1to428-M include two or more of the antenna elements208-1to208-N. In some implementations, the sub-arrays428-1to428-M represent the sub-arrays428-1to428-2ofFIG.4-2or the sub-arrays430-1to430-4ofFIG.4-2.

The flexible beamforming network126inFIG.5-2is similar to the flexible beamforming network126ofFIG.5-1, except a quantity of dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-N is greater than a quantity of intermediate transceiver paths124-1to124-M. As such, the flexible beamforming network126includes additional coupler circuits526-1to526-M and a quantity of dedicated switches is equal to M instead of N. The coupler circuits526-1to526-M are respectively coupled between poles512-1to512-N of the dedicated switches506-1to506-M and the dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-N associated with different sub-arrays428-1to428-M. For example, the coupler circuit526-1is coupled to the dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-(N/M), which are associated with the sub-array428-1. The sub-array428-1can include N/M single-port antenna elements402respectively coupled to the dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-(N/M). Alternatively, the sub-array428-1can include N/M dual-port antenna elements404and the dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-(N/M) are respectively coupled to one of the feed ports406-2or406-3of the dual-port antenna elements404.

The flexible beamforming network126ofFIG.5-2can selectively be in the analog beamforming configuration520or a hybrid beamforming configuration524. In the analog beamforming configuration520, the dedicated switches506-1to506-M connect the coupler circuits526-1to526-M to the coupler circuit510. Additionally, the shareable switch508connects the intermediate node504-1to the coupler circuit526-1. As such, the dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-N are each coupled to the intermediate transceiver path124-1. In this manner, the intermediate transceiver path124-1is shared by the dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-N. This enables analog beamforming to be performed during transmission or reception. Because the flexible beamforming network126does not connect or couple the intermediate transceiver paths124-2to124-M to the dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-N, the intermediate transceiver paths124-2to124-M can be in the disabled state to conserve power.

In the hybrid beamforming configuration524, the dedicated switches506-1to506-M respectively connect the coupler circuits526-1to526-M to the intermediate nodes504-1to504-M. As such, the intermediate transceiver paths124-1to124-M are coupled to different groups of dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-N that correspond to the sub-arrays428-1to428-M. In other words, the intermediate transceiver path124-1is shared by the dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-(N/M), the intermediate transceiver path124-2is shared by the dedicated transceiver paths122-(N/M+1) to122-(2N/M), and the intermediate transceiver path124-M is shared by the dedicated transceiver paths122-((M−1)N/M+1) to122-N. Another implementation of the flexible beamforming network126that can selectively be in the analog beamforming configuration520, the digital beamforming configuration522, or the hybrid beamforming configuration524is further described with respect toFIG.6-1.

FIG.6-1illustrates an example flexible beamforming network126that selectively enables analog beamforming, digital beamforming, and hybrid beamforming. The flexible beamforming network126ofFIG.6-1is similar to the flexible beamforming network ofFIG.5-1, with the exception of N and M being equal to four, and the addition of intermediate switches602-1and602-2and coupler circuits604-1and604-2. The flexible beamforming network126ofFIG.6-1can couple the dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-4together across multiple stages, which enables the flexible beamforming network126to also support hybrid beamforming.

The intermediate switches602-1and602-2and the coupler circuits604-1and604-2are coupled between the dedicated switches506-1to506-4and the coupler circuit510. In particular, the coupler circuit604-1is coupled to the throw514-1of the dedicated switch506-1and the throw514-3of the dedicated switch506-2. Likewise, the coupler circuit604-2is coupled to the throw514-5of the dedicated switch506-3and the throw514-7of the dedicated switch506-4. The intermediate switch602-1includes a pole606-1coupled to the coupler circuit604-1, a throw608-1coupled to the intermediate node504-1, and a throw608-2coupled to the coupler circuit510. The intermediate switch602-2includes a pole606-2coupled to the coupler circuit604-2, a throw608-3coupled to the intermediate node504-2, and a throw608-4coupled to the coupler circuit510. The flexible beamforming network126ofFIG.6-1can selectively be in the analog beamforming configuration520, the digital beamforming configuration522, or the hybrid beamforming configuration524, as further described with respect toFIGS.6-2to6-4, respectively.

FIG.6-2illustrates an example analog beamforming configuration520of the flexible beamforming network126ofFIG.6-1. In the analog beamforming configuration520, the dedicated switches506-1and506-2respectively connect the dedicated nodes502-1and502-2to the coupler circuit604-1. Likewise, the dedicated switches506-3and506-4respectively connect the dedicated nodes502-3and502-4to the coupler circuit604-2.

The intermediate switches602-1and602-2respectively connect the coupler circuits604-1and604-2to the coupler circuit510. The shareable switch508-1connects the coupler circuit510to the intermediate node504-1. In this way, the flexible beamforming network126connects the dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-4to the intermediate transceiver path124-1to enable analog beamforming. The intermediate transceiver paths124-2to124-4can be in the disabled state to conserve power.

FIG.6-3illustrates an example digital beamforming configuration522of the flexible beamforming network126ofFIG.6-1. In the digital beamforming configuration522, the dedicated switches506-1to506-4and the shareable switches508-1and508-2together connect the dedicated nodes502-1to502-4to the intermediate nodes504-1to504-4, respectively. As such, the flexible beamforming network126respectively connects the dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-4to the intermediate transceiver paths124-1to124-4. In this configuration, the coupler circuits510,604-1, and604-2associated with the analog beamformer134are bypassed.

FIG.6-4illustrates an example hybrid beamforming configuration524of the flexible beamforming network126ofFIG.6-1. In this example, the dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-2are associated with a first sub-array430-1and the dedicated transceiver paths122-3and122-4are associated with a second sub-array430-2. Similar to the analog beamforming configuration520shown inFIG.6-2, the dedicated switches506-1and506-2respectively connect the dedicated nodes502-1and502-2to the coupler circuit604-1in the hybrid beamforming configuration524. Likewise, the dedicated switches506-3and506-4respectively connect the dedicated nodes502-3and502-4to the coupler circuit604-2.

In contrast to the analog beamforming configuration520ofFIG.6-2, the intermediate switches602-1and602-2and the shareable switches508-1and508-2together connect the coupler circuits604-1and604-2to the intermediate nodes504-1and504-2, respectively, in the hybrid beamforming configuration524. In this way, the flexible beamforming network126couples the dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-2to the intermediate transceiver path124-1and couples the dedicated transceiver paths122-3and122-4to the intermediate transceiver path124-2to enable hybrid beamforming Components within or connected to the intermediate transceiver paths124-3and124-4can be in the disabled state to conserve power.

Although not explicitly shown, the flexible beamforming network126can also support polarization diversity. Consider, for example, that the dedicated transceiver paths122-1and122-2ofFIG.6-4are associated with a first polarization and the dedicated transceiver paths122-3and122-4are associated with a second polarization. The dedicated transceiver paths122-1and122-2can be coupled to horizontally-polarized feed ports412of different horizontally-polarized patch antenna elements408and the dedicated transceiver paths122-3and122-4can be coupled to vertically-polarized feed ports414of different vertically-polarized patch antenna elements410, for instance. Alternatively, the dedicated transceiver paths122-1and122-2can be coupled to horizontally-polarized feed ports412of different dual-polarized antenna elements (e.g., dual-polarized patch antenna elements416or dual-polarized cross-patch antenna elements418) and the dedicated transceiver paths122-3and122-4can be coupled to vertically-polarized feed ports414of these dual-polarized antenna elements.

To support polarization diversity, the hybrid beamforming configuration524can be used to couple groups of dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-N associated with different polarizations to different intermediate transceiver paths124-1to124-M. In this example, the flexible beamforming network126couples the dedicated transceiver paths122-1and122-2that are associated with a first polarization to the intermediate transceiver path124-1and couples the dedicated transceiver paths122-3and122-4that are associated with a second polarization to the intermediate transceiver path124-2. This can enable the analog beamformer134to perform analog beamforming for both polarizations.

FIG.7illustrates another example flexible beamforming network126that selectively enables analog beamforming, digital beamforming, and hybrid beamforming. The flexible beamforming network126ofFIG.7is similar to the flexible beamforming network126ofFIG.6-4but expanded to support eight dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-8with the four intermediate transceiver paths124-1to124-4. In this case, a quantity of dedicated transceiver paths122is greater than a quantity of intermediate transceiver paths124(e.g., N>M).

Additionally, the dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-4are associated with a first polarization702-1and the dedicated transceiver paths122-5to122-8are associated with a second polarization702-2. In one implementation, the dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-4are coupled to four antenna elements208-1to208-4(not shown) implemented as horizontally-polarized patch antenna elements408ofFIG.4and the dedicated transceiver paths122-5to122-8are coupled to four other antenna elements208-5to208-8(not shown), which are implemented as vertically-polarized patch antenna elements410. In another implementation, the dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-4are respectively coupled to horizontally-polarized feed ports412of four antenna elements208-1to208-4, which are implemented as dual-polarized patch antenna elements416. Likewise, the dedicated transceiver paths122-5to122-8are respectively coupled to vertically-polarized feed ports515of the four antenna elements208-1to208-4.

Similar to the flexible beamforming network126ofFIG.6-4, the flexible beamforming network126ofFIG.7can selectively be in the analog beamforming configuration520, the digital beamforming configuration522, or the hybrid beamforming configuration524. In the analog beamforming configuration520, the flexible beamforming network126can couple the dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-4to the intermediate transceiver path124-1and/or couple the dedicated transceiver paths122-5to122-8to the intermediate transceiver path124-2. In the digital beamforming configuration522, the flexible beamforming network126can selectively couple the dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-4to the intermediate transceiver paths124-1to124-4, respectively, or couple the dedicated transceiver paths122-5to122-8to the intermediate transceiver paths124-1to124-4, respectively. In the hybrid beamforming configuration524, the flexible beamforming network126can couple the dedicated transceiver paths122-1and122-2to the intermediate transceiver path124-1, the dedicated transceiver paths122-3and122-4to the intermediate transceiver path124-2, the dedicated transceiver paths122-5and122-6to the intermediate transceiver path124-3, and the dedicated transceiver paths122-7and122-8to the intermediate transceiver path124-4.

In some implementations, the flexible beamforming network126can be implemented without the one or more shareable switches508shown inFIGS.5-1to7if isolation performance of the dedicated switches506and the coupler circuits510are sufficient. As such, the shareable switches508can be optional in some cases.

In another implementation not explicitly shown, the coupler circuit(s)510and the intermediate switches602ofFIGS.6-1and7can be removed to implement a flexible beamforming network126that can selectively be in the digital beamforming configuration522or the hybrid beamforming configuration524. In this case, the coupler circuit604-1is connected to the shareable switch508-1and the coupler circuit604-2is connected to the shareable switch508-2. In the digital beamforming configuration522, the flexible beamforming network126respectively connects the dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-4to the intermediate transceiver paths124-1to124-4via the dedicated switches506-1to506-4. In contrast, the flexible beamforming network126couples the dedicated transceiver paths122-1and122-2to the intermediate transceiver path124-1and couples the dedicated transceiver paths122-3and122-4to the intermediate transceiver path124-2in the hybrid beamforming configuration524.

FIG.8is a flow diagram illustrating an example process800for operating a flexible beamforming architecture. The process800is described in the form of a set of blocks802-808that specify operations that can be performed. However, operations are not necessarily limited to the order shown inFIG.8or described herein, for the operations may be implemented in alternative orders or in fully or partially overlapping manners. Operations represented by the illustrated blocks of the process800may be performed by a wireless transceiver (e.g., ofFIG.1) or a flexible beamformer (e.g., ofFIG.1). More specifically, the operations of the process800may be performed, at least partially, by a flexible beamforming network126as shown inFIGS.1,2-2, and5-1to7.

At block802, both a first dedicated transceiver path of a radio-frequency integrated circuit and a second dedicated transceiver path of the radio-frequency integrated circuit are coupled to a first intermediate transceiver path of the radio-frequency integrated circuit based on a first configuration. For example, the flexible beamforming network126ofFIGS.5-1,5-2,6-1, and7couples both the dedicated transceiver paths122-1and at least another one of the dedicated transceiver paths122-2to122-N of the radio-frequency integrated circuit202to the intermediate transceiver path124-1based on the analog beamforming configuration520. The flexible beamforming network126includes dedicated switches506and one or more coupler circuits510to couple the dedicated transceiver paths122-1and the other dedicated transceiver path122-2to122-N to the intermediate transceiver path124-1.

At block804, an analog beamformer operates in an active state based on the first configuration. For example, the analog beamformer134operates in an active state to perform analog beamforming using the dedicated transceiver path122-1, the other dedicated transceiver path122-2to122-N, and the flexible beamforming network126.

At block806, the first dedicated transceiver path is connected to the first intermediate transceiver path and the second dedicated transceiver path is connected to a second intermediate transceiver path of the radio-frequency integrated circuit based on a second configuration. For example, the flexible beamforming network126ofFIGS.5-1,5-2,6-1, and7connects (or couples) the dedicated transceiver path122-1to the intermediate transceiver path124-1and connects (or couples) the other dedicated transceiver path122-2to122-N to another one of the intermediate transceiver paths124-2to124-M.

At block808, at least a portion of a digital beamformer operates in the active state based on the second configuration. For example, the digital beamformer136operates in the active state to perform hybrid beamforming using a portion of the digital weighting circuits222-1to222-M and the digital coupler circuit224or to perform digital beamforming using the digital weighting circuits222-1to222-M and the digital coupler circuit224.

InFIGS.5-1and6-3, the first dedicated transceiver path and the second dedicated transceiver path can correspond to the dedicated transceiver paths122-1and122-2. Likewise, the first intermediate transceiver path and the second intermediate transceiver path can correspond to the intermediate transceiver paths124-1and124-2.

InFIG.5-2, the first dedicated transceiver path can correspond to one of the dedicated transceiver paths122-1to122-(N/M) and the second dedicated transceiver path can correspond to one of the dedicated transceiver paths122-(N/M+1) to122-(2N−M). InFIG.6-4, the first dedicated transceiver path can correspond to one of the dedicated transceiver paths122-1and122-2and the second dedicated transceiver path can correspond to one of the dedicated transceiver paths122-3to122-4. In bothFIGS.5-2and6-4, the first intermediate transceiver path and the second intermediate transceiver path can correspond to the intermediate transceiver paths124-1and124-2.

InFIG.7, the first dedicated transceiver path can correspond to the dedicated transceiver path122-1and the second dedicated transceiver path can correspond to the dedicated transceiver path122-2or the dedicated transceiver path122-3. The first intermediate transceiver path can correspond to the intermediate transceiver path124-1and the second intermediate transceiver path can correspond to the intermediate transceiver path124-2or the intermediate transceiver path124-3.

Unless context dictates otherwise, use herein of the word “or” may be considered use of an “inclusive or,” or a term that permits inclusion or application of one or more items that are linked by the word “or” (e.g., a phrase “A or B” may be interpreted as permitting just “A,” as permitting just “B,” or as permitting both “A” and “B”). Further, items represented in the accompanying figures and terms discussed herein may be indicative of one or more items or terms, and thus reference may be made interchangeably to single or plural forms of the items and terms in this written description. Finally, although subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features or methodological operations, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or operations described above, including not necessarily being limited to the organizations in which features are arranged or the orders in which operations are performed.