Using multi-feed antennas

Methods and devices for use with a multi-feed antenna used in a MIMO communication system are described herein. A method can include obtaining an antenna feed characteristic indicator associated with each of the feeds of the multi-feed antenna, and controlling how power is distributed among the feeds based on the antenna feed characteristic indicator associated with each of the feeds. An antenna feed characteristic indicator can be, e.g., an indicator of impedance matching, in which case power can be distributed among the feeds of the multi-feed antenna based on the indicators of impedance matching associate with each of the feeds. Power can also be distributed based on an indicator of link quality. Additionally, or alternatively, coding rate and/or modulation type can also be controlled for each of the feeds of the multi-feed antenna, based on one or more antenna feed characteristic indicators and/or one or more indicators of link quality.

BACKGROUND

With the proliferation of wireless devices, there is a desire for faster and faster data rates. Single-input-single-output (SISO) communication technology can provide spectral efficiency up to only a certain limit, and beyond that, it becomes instrumental to use multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) communication technology to increase data rates and throughput. MIMO communication technology, which typically utilizes multiple independent antennas at both ends of a wireless communication link, is well known for increasing data rate of wireless channels without consuming additional bandwidth.

SUMMARY

Methods and devices for use with a multi-feed antenna used in a multi-input-multi-output (MIMO) communication system are described herein, wherein the multi-feed antenna includes two or more antenna feeds. In accordance with an embodiment, a method can include obtaining one or more antenna feed characteristic indicators associated with each of the feeds of the multi-feed antenna. Additionally, the method can also include controlling how power is distributed among the feeds of the multi-feed antenna based at least in part on at least one of the one or more antenna feed characteristic indicators associated with each of feeds of the multi-feed antenna. An antenna feed characteristic associated with each feed can be, e.g., an indicator of impedance matching, in which case power can be distributed among the feeds of the multi-feed antenna based on the indicator of impedance matching associated with each of the feeds. Power can additionally, or alternatively, be distributed based at least in part on an indicator of link quality associated with a wireless communication link supported by the multi-feed antenna. Additionally, or alternatively, coding rates and/or modulation types can be separately controlled for each of the feeds of the multi-feed antenna, based at least in part on one or more antenna feed characteristic indicators and/or one or more indicators of link quality, such that the coding rate and/or the modulation type differs for different feeds of the multi-feed antenna.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

MIMO communication systems typically utilize multiple independent antennas at each end of a wireless communication link. More specifically, a first MIMO communication device (at a first end of a wireless communication link) is typically connected to two or more separate antennas that are used to transmit (and/or receive) wireless communication signals, and a second MIMO communication device (at a second end of the wireless communication link) is typically connected to two or more additional separate antennas that are used to receive (and/or transmit) wireless communication signals. However, the inclusion of multiple antennas in small devices is often difficult due to space constraints, and multiple antennas typically cost more to manufacture than a single antenna.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the present technology, rather than relying on multiple independent antennas to achieve the advantages of MIMO communication technology, single antennas including multiple antenna feeds are used. Such antennas are referred to herein as single element multi-feed antennas, or more succinctly as multi-feed antennas. Such multi-feed antennas can include two or more antenna feeds, which can also be referred to herein more succinctly as “feeds.” The antenna feeds can also be referred as antenna ports, or more succinctly as “ports”. Where a multi-feed antenna (MFA) includes exactly two antenna feeds, the MFA can be more specifically referred to as a dual-feed antenna (DFA). In other words, as the term multi-feed antenna (MFA) is used herein, this term encompasses a dual-feed antenna (DFA). Where the MFA includes more than two antenna feeds, the MFA can be more specifically referred to as an MFA including at least three feeds, an MFA including three or more feeds, or an MFA including more than two feeds. The separate feeds of an MFA are spatially separated from one another. To provide spatial multiplexing, each of the different feeds of an MFA can be fed a separate signal that is associated with a respective separate data stream. Alternatively, to provide transmit diversity, each of the different feeds of an MFA can be fed a separate signal that is associated with a same data stream.

With a single element multi-feed antenna (MFA), each of the feeds accesses the antenna as if an aperture includes multiple isolated antennas with unique radiation patterns. If designed judiciously, such a multi-feed antenna can be integrated in a limited space, thereby enabling the use of MIMO communication technology in small devices with stringent space constraints.

Where a MIMO communication device utilizes multiple independent antennas, each of the separate antennas (during transmission) can be fed with a separate signal, each of which can be associated with a respective separate data stream. In this manner, wireless signals associated with multiple separate data streams can be transmitted across a wireless communication link. Similarly, where a MIMO communication utilizes a single antenna having multiple antenna feeds (i.e., an MFA), each of the separate antenna feeds (during transmission) can be fed with a separate signal, each of which can be associated with a respective separate data stream. This similarly enables wireless signals associated with multiple separate data streams to be transmitted across a wireless communication link.

Where a MIMO communication device utilizes multiple independent antennas, each of the separate antennas can be designed to have optimal antenna matching, and the multiple antennas can be designed and spaced apart from one another to achieve optimal antenna isolation. However, where a MIMO communication device utilizes a single antenna having multiple antenna feeds (i.e., an MFA), it is much more difficult to achieve optimal matching and isolation for the multiple feeds.

In order to maximize power transfer it is desirable that the impedance of an antenna be perfectly matched to a predetermined impedance, which can be the impedance of a transmitter amplifier (e.g., a power amplifier) and/or transmission line that is coupled to the antenna. Further, it is desirable that the isolation between separate antennas (or separate antenna feeds of an MFA) be as large as possible, to minimize the coupling between the separate antennas (or between the separate antenna feeds of the MFA). It is noted that embodiments described herein are not intended to necessarily provide for the aforementioned maximized power transfer, perfect impedance matching, and minimized coupling.

An impedance matching indicator for each feed of an MFA that includes two feeds can be determined, for example, by using a vector network analyzer (VNA) to measure scattering parameters S11 and/or S22. Isolation of the two feeds can be determined, for example, by using a VNA to measure the scattering parameter S12 and/or S21. Scattering parameters, which are also known as S-parameters, describe the response of an N-port network to voltage signals at each port. For example, an MFA including two feeds can be treated as a 2-port network. With S-parameters, the first number refers to the responding port, while the second number refers to the incident port. Thus S12 means the response at port 1 due to a signal at port 2. S11 is referred to as the “forward reflection” coefficient, which is the signal leaving port 1 relative to the signal being injected into port 1. S22 is referred to as the “reverse reflection” coefficient, which is the signal leaving port 2 relative to the signal being injected into port 2. S11 and S22 can also be referred to as measures of return loss. S21 is referred to as the “forward transmission” coefficient, which is the signal leaving port 2 relative to the signal being injected into port 1. S12 is referred to as the “reverse transmission” coefficient, which is the signal leaving port 1 relative to the signal being injected into port 2. S21 and S12 can also be referred to as measures of isolation.

FIG. 1is a high level block diagram of a MIMO communication system100that includes a first MIMO communication device102aand a second MIMO communication device102b. The first MIMO communication device102ais shown as including a data source/sink104a, a transmit/receive station106a(which can also be referred to as a transceiver106aor a radio106a), and an MFA108a. The MIMO communication device102bis shown as including a data source/sink104b, a transmit/receive station106b(which can also be referred to as a transceiver106bor a radio106b), and an MFA108b. Each of the MIMO communication devices102aand102bcan also be referred to more generally as a wireless communication device, since they are capable of performing wireless communications. Each data source/sink104can be, e.g., a processor, or a network interface, but is not limited thereto.

The MIMO communication system100can be a full-duplex communication system where the first and second wireless communication devices102aand102bcan transmit and receive signals simultaneously. The MIMO communication system100can alternatively be a half-duplex communication system where only one of the first and second wireless communication devices102aand102bcan transmit signals at a time, during which time the other one of the wireless communication devices102aand102breceives the transmitted signals. While embodiments described herein can be used in both full-duplex and half-duplex systems, to simplify the discussion, for much of the remaining discussion the first wireless communication device102awill be described as transmitting wireless signals to the second wireless communication device102b. Nevertheless, it should be clear that the first wireless communication device102acan also receive signals, and the second wireless communication device102bcan also transmit signals. The first and second wireless communication devices102aand102b, can be collectively referenced herein as wireless communication devices102, or individually as a wireless communication device102. It is also possible that a wireless communication device102can be designed to be capable of only one of transmitting or receiving wireless communication signals.

Still referring toFIG. 1, the MFA108ais shown as including a first antenna feed110_1and a second antenna feed110_2. The first and second antenna feeds110_1and110_2can be collectively referenced as the antenna feeds110, or individually as an antenna feed110. As noted above, each antenna feed110can be more succinctly referred to as a feed, or as a port. WhileFIG. 1(andFIG. 2) show the MFA108aas including only two antenna feeds110, the MFA108acan alternatively include more than two antenna feeds110. For example, the MFA108acan include three or four antenna feeds, but is not limited thereto. The MFA108bcan similarly include two or more antenna feeds. Where the MFA108aincludes exactly two antenna feeds, the MFA108acan be more specifically referred to as a dual-feed antenna (DFA)108a, as noted above. The MFAs108aand108bcan be collectively referenced as the MFAs108, or individually referenced as an MFA108.

InFIG. 1(andFIG. 2), the first MIMO communication device102ais shown as including an MFA108a, and the second MIMO communication device102bis shown as including an MFA108b. It would also be possible that only one of the MIMO communication devices102aor102bincludes an MFA108, while the other includes multiple independent antennas. For example, the MIMO communication device102bcan instead include two or more independent antennas. Embodiments of the present technology, described herein, are applicable so long as one of the MIMO communication devices102includes an MFA108. Further, unless stated otherwise, it will be assumed that the first MIMO communication device102aincludes an MFA108.

In accordance with an embodiment, in order for the first MIMO communication device102ato transmit multiple data streams to the second transceiver system102b, the data source/sink104aprovides a data stream to the transmitter/receiver station106a, the transmitter/receiver station106aseparates the data stream into two (or more) data streams, and performs coding, modulation and RF up-conversion to generate a separate signal to provide to each of the antenna feeds110of the MFA108a. For example, where the MFA108aincludes two antenna feeds110_1and110_2, the transmitter/receiver station106acan separate a data stream (received from the data source/sink104a) into first and second data streams, from which first and second transmit signals are generated and provided to the first antenna feed110_1and the second antenna feed110_2. In response to being provided with the first and second signals, the MFA108awill transmit wireless RF signals associated with the two separate data streams across a wireless communication link111between the first and second wireless communication devices102aand102b. This would provide for spatial multiplexing. Alternatively, to provide for transmit diversity, the first and second transmit signals that are generated by the transmitter/receiver station106a, and fed to the first antenna feed110_1and the second antenna feed110_2, can include the same data.

For another example, where an MFA108includes three antenna feeds110, the transmitter/receiver station106can separate a data stream (received from the data source/sink104a) into three data streams, based upon which three generated signals are fed to the three antenna feeds110. More generally, where an MFA108includes N antenna feeds110, the transmitter/receiver station106can separate the data stream (received from the data source/sink104) into N data streams, which can be used to generate N signals that are provided to the N antenna feeds110of the MFA108, where N≧2. The N data streams can be N different data streams, which would provide for spatial multiplexing. Alternatively, the N data streams can be copies of the same data stream, which would provide for transmit diversity.

While embodiments described herein are also intended for use with an MFA108that include more than two antenna feeds110, for much of the remaining description, each MFA108will often be described as having two feeds110, to simplify the discussion. Nevertheless, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from the description herein that the features described herein can be similarly used where an MFA108includes three or more antenna feeds110.

Wireless communication systems typically operate in a designated frequency band. For example, wireless local area networks (WLANs) that are based on IEEE 802.11 standards, which are marketed under the Wi-Fi brand name, typically operate using one of five distinct frequency bands, which include the 2.4 GHz, 3.6 GHz, 4.9 GHz, 5 GHz, and 5.9 GHz bands, wherein each band (which can also be referred to as a frequency range) is divided into a multitude of channels. Countries apply their own regulations to the allowable channels, which specify, inter alia, maximum power levels within these frequency ranges. For example, in the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is the regulatory agency that restricts transmit power levels for various frequency bands to facilitate efficient use of these frequency bands and to avoid excessive radio frequency (RF) interference. In other words, regulatory agencies may limit the total amount of power that can be transmitted in a wireless communication system, including, but not limited to, MIMO communication systems.

To conserve power and/or reduce potential interference with other systems, a wireless communication system may voluntarily operate below its regulated power limits, e.g., during periods of high link quality, which can be determined, e.g., based on a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), a received signal strength indicator (RSSI), and/or bit-error rate (BER), or more generally, based on channel state information (CSI). For example, a WiFi system may periodically increase or reduce transmit power levels to maintain a guaranteed BER and/or SNR in a power efficient manner.

Where a MIMO communication system utilizes multiple independent antennas at each end of a wireless communication link, it is conventional to distribute power equally among each of the transmitting antennas. Similarly, where a single antenna includes multiple antenna feeds, as is the case with the MFA108ashown inFIG. 1(andFIG. 2), one option would be to always distribute power equally among the first and second feeds110_1and110_2of the transmitting MFA108a. More specifically, where an MFA includes exactly two antenna feeds (and thus, is a DFA), the total power can be distributed among the two feeds110of the transmitting MFA108in accordance with the equation: Ptotal=Pfeed1+Pfeed2, where Pfeed1=W1*Ptotal, Pfeed2=W2*Ptotal, and weights W1 and W2 are the same, i.e., 0.5. More generally, where an MFA includes N antenna feeds, the weight Withat specifies the power distributed to each antenna feed of the transmitting MFA can be equally set to 1/N.

Alternatively, in accordance with specific embodiments of the present technology, antenna feed characteristic indicators and/or wireless communication link characteristic indicators can be taken into account to modify how power is distributed among the multiple (e.g., first and second) feeds of the transmitting MFA108a. In such embodiments, more power can be distributed to one of the antenna feeds than to another one of the antenna feeds. Additional details of how such embodiments can be implemented are provided below. However, before providing such additional details, exemplary details of the transmitter/receiver station106a, according to an embodiment, will first be described with reference toFIG. 2.

Referring toFIG. 2, the transmitter/receiver station106ais shown as including a transmit (TX) and receive (RX) data processor212, which can also be referred to as the TX/RX data processor212, or more succinctly as a data processor212. The data processor212can include, e.g., a demultiplexer, a multiplexer, one or more digital signal processor (DSP), but is not limited thereto. The DSP(s) of the data processor212can perform baseband processing, medium access control (MAC) layer processing and/or physical layer processing, which can involve selecting the MAC protocol to be used and/or physical layer protocol to be used. The DSP(s) can also separate data into packets, and add and remove MAC layer and physical layer packet headers. The data processor212can also control the timing of data packets, and thus, can including an oscillator and/or other timing circuitry, or such timing circuitry can be external to the data processor212and shared by other blocks of the transmitter/receiver station106a.

The transmitter/receiver station106ais also shown as including a modulator and demodulator222(which can also be referred to as the modulator/demodulator222) and radio frequency (RF) circuitry232, which could include a power distributor234. Additionally, the transmitter/receiver station106ais shown as including a controller242that is communicatively coupled to a memory252. The controller242is also shown as being communicatively coupled to the data processor212, the modulator/demodulator222and the RF circuitry232. The controller242can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. For example, the controller242can be implemented by a processor that executes program code instructions stored in the memory252. The controller242can alternatively be implemented by an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Other variations are possible, and within the scope of the embodiments described herein. The memory252can provide storage for program code and/or data used by the controller242. For a more specific example, the memory252can store antenna feed characteristic indicators associated with each of the feeds110of the MFA108a. While shown as a single block inFIG. 2, the TX/RX data processor212can be separated into a TX data processor block and an RX data processor block. Similarly, the modulator/demodulator222can be separated into a modulator block and a demodulator block. Further, the RF circuitry232can be separated into a transmit RF circuitry block and a receive RF circuitry block. The power distributor234can be implemented, e.g., as an adjustable Wilkinson type power divider. More generally, the power distributor234can be implemented as an adjustable N-way power divider, where N is the number of antenna feeds of an MFA, and thus, is the number of ways a total specified transmit power level (Ptotal) is to be distributed among the N antenna feeds of the MFA108.

In accordance with an embodiment, the MFA controller242that implements MFA control functionality can also be implemented in a control path, whereby its processing is not invoked on every data path. In such an implementation, MFA logic can make out of band decisions, such as the power ratio to apply on two (or more) feeds, and send the decisions to the power distributor234.

During transmission, the data processor212can demultiplex (i.e., separate) data received from the data source/sink104ainto a number of data streams, and can further format, code, and interleave each data stream based on a coding scheme to provide a corresponding coded data stream. The coded data streams are then provided to the modulator portion of the modulator/demodulator222. The modulator/demodulator222can include one or more DSP and/or other circuitry that can be perform orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM), Fourier transforms and an inverse Fourier transforms, but is not limited thereto. For example, during transmission an OFDM symbol can be obtained by performing an inverse Fourier transform, e.g., an Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT), on a set of input symbols. During reception, the input symbols can be recovered by performing a Fourier transform, e.g., a fast Fourier transform (FFT), on the OFDM symbol. The FFT effectively multiplies an OFDM symbol by each of a plurality of subcarriers and integrates over a symbol period. The subcarriers can be modulated by QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) symbols, but other forms of modulation such as Phase Shift Keying (PSK) or Pulse Amplitude Modulation (PAM) can also be used. To reduce the effects of multipath, OFDM symbols can be extended by a guard period at the start of each symbol. Collectively, the data processor212and the modulator/demodulator222can implement a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) that is selected by the controller242, wherein each different MCS index value provides a unique reference to a combination of the number of spatial streams, the modulation type and the coding rate. Where an MFA includes two antenna feeds110, the MFA can be used to transmit up to two spatial streams. Where an MFA includes three antenna feeds110, the MFA can be used to transmit up to three spatial streams. Where an MFA includes four antenna feeds110, the MFA can be used to transmit up to four spatial streams. The coding rate is an indication of how much of a data stream is actually being used to transmit usable data, which is expressed as a fraction with the most efficient coding rate being ⅚ or 83.3% of the data stream being used. Besides ⅚, other exemplary coding rates include ½ and ¾, but are not limited thereto. The modulation type specifies the method by which a data stream is communicated through the air, wherein the more complex the modulation type, the higher the data rate. However, more complex modulation types typically require better channel conditions such as less interference and a good line of sight. Exemplary modulation types, listed from least complex to most complex, include binary phase-shift keying (BPSK), quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK), 16-quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), and 64-QAM, but are not limited thereto.

The RF circuitry232converts transmission symbol streams, received from the modulator/demodulator222, into one or more analog signals and further conditions (e.g., amplifies, filters, and upconverts) the analog signals to generate analog signals that are provided to the various antenna feeds110of the MFA108. Accordingly, the RF circuitry232can include one or more digital-to-analog converters (DACs), amplifiers, filters and/or upconverters, but is not limited thereto. The power distributor234, which can be controlled by the controller242, can be used to control how power is distributed among the multiple antenna feeds110.

During reception, modulated RF signals are received by the MFA108a, and the RF circuitry232conditions (e.g., filters, amplifies, and downconverts) the received signals and digitizes the conditioned signals to provide data samples for each received data stream. Accordingly, the RF circuitry232can include one or amplifiers, filters, downconverters and/or analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), but is not limited thereto. The sample streams from RF circuitry232are then provided to the modulator/demodulator222, the demodulator portion of which recovers modulation symbols in accordance with one or more demodulation schemes complementary to the one or more modulation schemes used during transmission of the received signal. The data processor212then decodes the demodulated data to recover the transmitted data, which is provided to the data source/sink104a.

The demodulator portion of the modulator/demodulator222can determine indicators of link quality (e.g., the channel response and noise variance) and provide these indicators of link quality to the controller242. The data processor212may also determine the status of each received packet and may further provide one or more other indicators of link quality to the controller242. More generally, indicators of link quality can be obtained and provided to the controller242. Exemplary indicators of link quality can include, but are not limited to, signal to noise ratio (SNR), bit error rate (BER), soft error rate (SER), received signal strength indicator (RSSI), and received channel power indicator (RCPI). Other exemplary indicators of link quality include short-term channel state information (CSI) and long-term CSI. Further exemplary indicators of link quality, which can be determined or otherwise obtained by a transmitting wireless communication device on its own (e.g., in an open loop environment), or based on feedback received from the receiving wireless communication device (e.g., in a closed loop environment), include information about missed acknowledgements (ACKs), corrupt ACKs, over the air (OTA) antenna measurements, total radiated power (TRP), total isotropic sensitivity (TIS), capacity, radiation efficiency (ER), spectral efficiency, diversity gain, and received signal correlation.

As noted above, when utilizing an MFA108, one option would be to always distribute power equally among the multiple feeds110of the MFA108. In accordance with certain embodiments of the present technology, rather than distributing power equally among the multiple feeds110of the MFA108, the power is instead distributed unequally, but in such a manner that a total specified transmit power level (Ptotal) is not exceeded. For example, referring toFIG. 2, where the MFA108ais shown as including two antenna feeds110_1and110_2, the power can be distributed in accordance with the equation: Ptotal=Pfeed1+Pfeed2, where Pfeed1=W1*Ptotal, Pfeed2=W2*Ptotal, and W1≠W2. The manner in which power is distributed can be based on antenna feed characteristic indicators that have been measured, a priori, and stored in memory252, and/or based on antenna feed characteristic indicators that are measured and updated from time to time (e.g., periodically, or in response to a triggering event) and optionally stored in memory252.

FIG. 3is an example of a table300including antenna feed characteristic indicators for multiple feeds110of an MFA108, which table can be stored in memory252. Exemplary types of antenna feed characteristic indicators, which can be stored for each antenna feed110of an MFA108, include, but are not limited to, one or more antenna feed impedance matching indicator (IMI), and one or more antenna feed isolation indicator (IsI). Each of the feeds of an MFA can have its own corresponding impedance matching network, in which case, the IMI for a feed can also be representative of the impedance matching network. Another exemplary antenna feed characteristic indicator is an antenna feed phase indicator (PI), which provides an indication of a phase delay that is caused when a signal is fed to a specific antenna feed of an MFA. Such antenna feed PIs can be useful, e.g., when performing beam steering by driving different feeds of an MFA with signals that are purposely out of phase with one another.

Exemplary impedance matching indicators (IMIs) include, but are not limited to, the forward reflection coefficient S11, matching efficiency (ME), and standing wave ratio (SWR). The standing wave ratio (SWR) is a measure of impedance matching of a load (e.g., an antenna feed110) to the characteristic impedance of a transmission line. Radiation efficiency (εR) is defined as the ratio of radiated power (Pradiated) radiated) and input power (Pinput), i.e., εR=Pradiated/Pinput, which is a value between 0 and 1 that quantifies how efficiently an antenna feed can radiate power. The total radiation efficiency (εT) of an antenna, however, falls short of εRdue to impedance mismatch that causes a fraction of input power to a port to be reflected back from the port rather than getting radiated. More specifically, εT=ME*εR, where, ME is the matching efficiency (ME) when the antenna is connected to a transmission line. Both εRand εTcan be measured directly, e.g., in a reverberation chamber. The matching efficiency (ME) is the ratio of εTto εR(i.e., ME=εT/εR), which is inversely proportional to the return loss (S11 and S22). Accordingly, the larger the ME, the more radiation efficiency and hence less return loss. An exemplary antenna feed isolation indicator (IsI) is the reverse transmission coefficient S12.

One or more such antenna feed IMI and/or antenna feed IsI can be determined for each antenna feed, e.g., in a factory, laboratory or testing facility, using measurement equipment, such as a VNA, and stored in the memory252. Alternatively, one or more antenna feed characteristic indicators (e.g., an IMI) can be a surrogate measure of the antenna characteristic indicator (e.g., a surrogate measure of impedance matching) that is determined on-the-fly, during operation of the wireless communication device102a. Since antenna feed characteristics may differ for different frequency bands, the table300may be multidimensional, as shown inFIG. 3, such that for each antenna feed a separate antenna feed characteristic indicator is stored for each of the different frequency bands with which the MFA may be used. An exemplary surrogate measure of impedance matching for an antenna feed is a measure of the load voltage across the output of a matching network that is connected to the antenna feed, wherein the better the matching the higher the load voltage. Measures of impedance matching can be static or adaptive. A static measure of impedance matching does not change over time, and thus, can be measured once after fabrication of an MFA, and can be used to select parameters and/or components of a matching network. However, in practice, antenna feed characteristics (including those that relate to impedance matching) may change with the near field perturbations, which necessarily change an antenna feed impedance Z11, and hence, S11 as well. To compensate for such changes, an antenna feed matching network that is connected to a feed may be adaptive. For example, an instantaneous load voltage across the output of a matching network can be measured and used to adjust parameters and/or components of the matching network.

FIG. 4is an example of a table400that includes an antenna feed impedance matching indicator (IMI) for each of feed110of an MFA108, which table can be stored in memory252. Since impedance matching depends on the frequency band with which that MFA is being used (i.e., the frequency band at which that MFA operates), the table400is illustrated as a multidimensional table that stores a separate IMI for each feed, for each different frequency band with which the MFA may be used.

FIG. 5is a high level flow diagram that is used to summarize a method according to certain embodiments of the present technology. The steps described with reference toFIG. 5can be performed, e.g., by the controller242inFIG. 2. Referring toFIG. 5, step502involves obtaining one or more antenna feed characteristic indicators associated with each antenna feed of an MFA. An antenna feed characteristic indicator can be obtained from memory (e.g.,252), or more generally from a data storage device that can be memory (e.g.,252) or registers, where the antenna feed characteristic indicators have been measured at an earlier time. Alternatively, an antenna feed characteristic indicator can be obtained from on-the-fly measurement, which may or may not be stored in a data storage device (e.g., memory252). Step504involves controlling how power is distributed among the antenna feeds of the MFA based on at least one of the one or more antenna feed characteristic indicators associated with each of the antenna feeds of the MFA. In accordance with certain embodiments, step504involves distributing more power to one of the antenna feeds of the MFA than to one or more other antenna feeds of the MFA. For example, where the MFA108aincludes the first and second antenna feeds110_1and110_2, step504can involve distributing more power to the feed110_1than to the feed110_2, or vice versa.

Indicators of impedance matching, whether determined a priori or on-the-fly, will provide an indication of which of the first and second antenna feeds has better impedance matching, and which of the first and second antenna feeds has worse impedance matching. It is noted that this may change depending upon the frequency band. For example, while the first antenna feed may have better impedance matching than the second antenna feed at 2.4 GHz, the first antenna feed may have worse impedance matching than the second antenna feed at 5 GHz.

Under certain conditions, e.g., while an indicator of link quality (e.g., SNR) is above a corresponding link quality threshold (e.g., an SNR threshold), step504can involve distributing more power to the one of the first and second antenna feeds110_1,110_2having the worse impedance matching than to the one of the first and second antenna feeds110_1,110_2having the better impedance matching. The feed110having the worse impedance matching can be, e.g., the feed110having the higher return loss (as measured by S11), or the lower mismatch loss (ML). Here, where the link quality (e.g., SNR) is relatively good, distributing more power to the worse matched antenna feed, which has a lower radiation capability, should boost an overall diversity signal strength.

Under other conditions, e.g., while the indicator of link quality (e.g., SNR) is below the corresponding link quality threshold (e.g., the SNR threshold), step504can involve distributing more power to the one of the first and second antenna feeds110_1,110_2having the better impedance matching than to the one of the first and second antenna feeds110_1,110_2having the worse impedance matching. The feed110having the better impedance matching can be, e.g., the feed110having the lower return loss (as measured by S11), or the lower mismatch efficiency (ME). Here, where the link quality (e.g., SNR) is relatively poor, distributing more power to the better matched antenna feed, which has a higher radiation capability, should boost the overall SNR. The controller242can use one or more algorithms and/or look-up-tables to determine how much power should be distributed to the various antenna feeds110of an MFA108. For example, an algorithm or a look-up-table can be used to specify the weights W1 and W2 in the equation Ptotal=Pfeed1+Pfeed2, where Pfeed1=W1*Ptotal, and Pfeed2=W2*Ptotal. Antenna feed characteristic indicators and/or indicators of link quality can be used as variables in such an algorithm, or inputs to a look-up-table.

In accordance with certain embodiments, multiple link quality thresholds can be used to determine how to distribute power among the antenna feeds110of an MFA108. For example, there can be a first (e.g., lower) link quality threshold and a second (e.g., higher) link quality threshold. When an obtained indicator of link quality (e.g., SNR) is below the first (e.g., lower) link quality threshold, more power can be distributed to the one of the first and second antenna feeds110_1,110_2having the worse impedance matching than to the one of the first and second antenna feeds110_1,110_2having the better impedance matching. When the obtained indicator of link quality (e.g., SNR) is above the second (e.g., higher) link quality threshold, more power can be distributed to the one of the first and second antenna feeds110_1,110_2having the better impedance matching than to the one of the first and second antenna feeds110_1,110_2having the worse impedance matching. When the obtained indicator of link quality (e.g., SNR) is between the first (e.g., lower) and the second (e.g., higher) link quality thresholds, power can be evenly distributed to the first and second antenna feeds110_1,110_2. The first and second link quality thresholds can be set to be the same, in which case the indicator of link quality (e.g., SNR) cannot be between the two thresholds. Other variations are also possible and within the scope of embodiments of the present technology described herein.

The above described embodiment is summarized with reference to the high level flow diagram ofFIG. 6. Referring toFIG. 6, step602involves obtaining one or more impedance matching indictors (IMIs) for each feed of an MFA, step604involves obtaining one or more indicators of link quality (e.g., SNR), and step606involves controlling how power is distributed among the feeds of an MFA based on at least one of the one or more IMIs and based on at least one of the one or more indicators of link quality. The steps described with reference toFIG. 6can be performed, e.g., by the controller242inFIG. 2.

In accordance with specific embodiments of the present technology, instead of, or in addition to, controlling how power is distributed to different antenna feeds of an MFA, different modulation and coding schemes (MCSs) can be used for different antenna feeds of the MFA. The MCS used for each antenna feed can be defined by an MCS index value. The more complex or higher (i.e., denser) the constellation modulation, the higher the data rate. Moreover, the denser the constellation, the more prone a signal is to bit error. Similarly, the higher the coding rate the less redundancy, and hence, the higher the data rate. However, the higher the coding rate, the more prone a signal is to noise, which can reduce the received SNR and lower the overall throughput. If a signal fed to an antenna feed with a lower radiation efficiency is modulated with a lower density constellation and coded with a lower rate code, then the signal would be more immune to noise, which in turn, can effectively increase the SNR. But again, the lower the MCS the lower the data rate. So a trade-off between data rate and SNR could dictate the MCSs that are selected for the different antenna feeds to increase overall throughput of the system.

The above described embodiment is summarized with reference to the high level flow diagram ofFIG. 7. Referring toFIG. 7, step702involves obtaining one or more antenna feed characteristic indicators associated with each antenna feed of an MFA. Step704involves separately controlling the modulation and coding scheme (MCS) for each feed of the MFA, based on at least one of the one or more antenna feed characteristic indicators associated with each antenna feed of an MFA. More generally, step704can include selecting different coding rates and/or modulation types for different feeds of the MFA.

In accordance with a specific embodiment, step702can involve obtaining one or more impedance matching indictors (IMIs) for each feed of an MFA, and step704can involve separately controlling the MCS for each feed of the MFA based on at least one IMI associated with each feed of the MFA. As noted above, an IMI, whether determined a priori or on-the-fly, will provide an indication of which of the first and second antenna feeds has better impedance matching, and which of the first and second antenna feeds has worse impedance matching. As also noted above, this may change depending upon the frequency band.

FIG. 8is a high level flow diagram that summarizes another embodiment, where one or more indicators of link quality can also be taken into account when selecting MCS index values for the various feeds of an MFA. Referring toFIG. 8, step802involves obtaining one or more impedance matching indictors (IMIs) associated with each feed of an MFA, step804involves obtaining one or more indicators of link quality (e.g., SNR), and step806involves controlling the MCS for each feed of the MFA based on at least one of the one or more IMIs and based on at least one of the one or more indicators of link quality.

Under certain conditions, e.g., while an indicator of link quality (e.g., SNR) is above a corresponding link quality threshold (e.g., an SNR threshold), step704can involve using a higher MCS index value for the one of the first and second antenna feeds110_1,110_2having the worse impedance matching than for the one of the first and second antenna feeds110_1,110_2having the better impedance matching. Under other conditions, e.g., while the indicator of link quality (e.g., SNR) is below the corresponding link quality threshold (e.g., the SNR threshold), step704can involve using a higher MCS index value for the one of the first and second antenna feeds110_1,110_2having the better impedance matching than for the one of the first and second antenna feeds110_1,110_2having the worse impedance matching.

In accordance with certain embodiments, multiple link quality thresholds can be used to determine how to select separate MCS index values for separate antenna feeds110of an MFA108. For example, there can be a first (e.g., lower) link quality threshold and a second (e.g., higher) link quality threshold. When an obtained indicator of link quality (e.g., SNR) is below the first (e.g., lower) link quality threshold, a higher MCS index value can be selected for the feed having the better impedance matching. When an obtained indicator of link quality (e.g., SNR) is above the second (e.g., higher) link quality threshold, a higher MCS index value can be used for the feed having the worse impedance matching. When the obtained indicator of link quality (e.g., SNR) is between the first (e.g., lower) and the second (e.g., higher) link quality thresholds, the same MCS index values can be used for multiple feeds. The first and second link quality thresholds can be set to be the same, in which case the indicator of link quality (e.g., SNR) cannot be between the two thresholds. Other variations are also possible and within the scope of embodiments of the present technology described herein.

The controller242can use one or more algorithms and/or look-up-tables to determine which MCS index values, or more generally, which coding rates and/or modulation types are to be used for the various antenna feeds110of an MFA108. Other variations are also possible and within the scope of embodiments of the present technology described herein.

The embodiments described with reference toFIGS. 7 and 8can be combined with the embodiments described with reference toFIGS. 5 and 6. For example, antenna feed characteristic indicators can be used to control how power is distributed among different feeds of an MFA, as well as to control the coding rates and/or modulation types for each of the feeds of the MFA. Further, indicators of link quality can also be taken into account when controlling the power distribution and the coding rates and/or modulation types selected for the different feeds. Unless stated otherwise, the term “based on”, as used herein, means “based on least in part on”, meaning that there can be additional and/or intervening factors that can also be taken into account.

In accordance with certain embodiments, one (or more) antenna feed(s)110of an MFA108can be disabled to improve performance of one or more other antenna feed(s)110of the MFA108. Such an embodiment can involve, e.g., the controller242selectively disabling the antenna feed110having the worst impedance matching, when an indicator of link quality is below a corresponding link quality threshold.

Additionally, or alternatively, one (or more) antenna feed(s)110of an MFA108can be disabled to improve battery life, if a system is powered by a battery. Such an embodiment can involve, e.g., the controller242selectively disabling the antenna feed110having the worst impedance matching, when an indicator of link quality is below a corresponding link quality threshold.

In certain embodiments, different antenna feeds can be used for different applications. For example, one antenna feed of an MFA can be used to support a Bluetooth audio application, while another antenna feed of the same MFA can be used to support a Wi-Fi gaming application, wherein the different applications have different application requirements. In such embodiments, the controller242can selectively switch which application is being supported by which antenna feed, so that multiple different application requirements are supported. This can involve, e.g., using an antenna feed having the best impedance matching to support the application having higher MCS requirement, and using an antenna feed having the worst impedance matching to support the application having the lower MCS requirement. Additionally, or alternatively, depending on link quality, more (or less) power can be distributed to the antenna feed supporting the application having the higher MCS requirement, than to the antenna feed supporting the application having the lower MCS requirement. Other variations are also possible, and within the scope of the embodiments described herein.

While various embodiments of the subject matter of this application have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter. For example, although a few variations have been described in detail above, other modifications or additions are possible. In particular, further features and/or variations may be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, the implementations described above may be directed to various combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed features and/or combinations and sub-combinations of several further features disclosed above. In addition, the logic flow depicted in the accompanying figures and/or described herein do not require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. Other embodiments may be within the scope of the following claims.

Embodiments of the subject matter of this application have been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the performance of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have often been defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternate boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed. Any such alternate boundaries are thus within the scope and spirit of the claims. One skilled in the art will recognize that these functional building blocks can be implemented by discrete components, application specific integrated circuits, processors executing appropriate software and the like or any combination thereof.

The breadth and scope of the present subject matter described herein should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.