Multi-carrier dynamic antenna diversity

An antenna diversity circuit having a plurality of processing chains including first and second processing chains configured to communicate with a first antenna, and process signals for first and second carriers, respectively, and third and fourth processing chains configured to communicate with a second antenna, and process signals for the first and second carriers, respectively; and a dynamic antenna diversity controller configured to activate one or more of the plurality of processing chains based on a predetermined set of criteria.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to multi-carrier dynamic antenna diversity taking into consideration carrier aggregation.

BACKGROUND

Antenna diversity is a wireless diversity scheme that uses two or more antennas with respective processing chains to improve the quality and reliability of a wireless link. This scheme may be accomplished in an advanced implementation by dynamically switching the processing chains on and off based on conditions such as radio frequency conditions.

Existing dynamic antenna diversity schemes do not take in consideration carrier aggregation, which is the use of more than one carrier to increase overall transmission bandwidth. Antenna selection could differ by carrier, yet in these existing solutions all carriers have a same antenna diversity setting. A result could be performance or power penalties when individual carriers have different preferred diversity settings. For example, if it is assumed that a first carrier A preferably uses two antennas, and a second carrier B preferably uses one antenna, the dynamic antenna diversity circuit selects for both carriers A and B either one or two antennas. If the antenna diversity circuit selects one antenna, the result is likely a performance degradation for Carrier A. Alternatively, if the antenna diversity circuit selects two antennas, the result is likely unnecessary power consumption by Carrier B because a second processing chain for the second antenna is on despite not being needed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ASPECTS

The present disclosure is directed to an antenna diversity circuit configured to activate one or more processing chains, which are configured to communicate with antennas, based on conditions of different carriers. Each processing chain for each antenna and each carrier may be controlled separately.

FIG. 1illustrates a schematic diagram of an antenna diversity circuit100in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure.

The antenna diversity circuit100comprises antennas110, a switching circuit120, a plurality of processing chains130, and a combined processor140.

The antennas110comprise a first antenna110-1and a second antenna110-2. While two antennas110are shown, the disclosure is not limited in this respect; there may be any number of antennas110as suitable for the intended purpose.

The plurality of processing chains130comprises first through eighth processing chains131-138. The first through fourth processing chains131-134are configured to communicate with the first antenna110-1, and the fifth through eighth processing chains135-138are configured to communicate with the second antenna110-2. The first, second, fifth, and sixth processing chains131,132,135,136are receive processing chains, which are configured to process received signals. The third, fourth, seventh, and eighth processing chains133,134,137,138are transmit processing chains, which are configured to process signals to be transmitted. The first, third, fifth, and seventh processing chains131,133,135,137are configured to process signals for a first carrier A, and the second, fourth, sixth, and eighth processing chains132,134,136,138are configured to process signals for a second carrier B. A carrier is also known as a channel.

The plurality of processing chains130is shown as having a combination of receive processing chains131,132,135,136and transmit processing chains133,134,137,138, but the disclosure is not limited in this respect. Alternatively, the plurality of processing chains130may be limited to receive processing chains, or alternatively, limited to transmit processing chains. Or the number of receive processing chains may not be the same as the number of transmit processing chains. Also, the plurality of processing chains130is shown as having eight processing chains131-138, but the disclosure is not limited in this respect either; there may be any number of processing chains as suitable for the intended purpose.

The combined processor140comprises a dynamic antenna diversity controller142, which is configured to activate one or more of the plurality of processing chains131-138based on a predetermined set of criteria. The dynamic antenna diversity controller142receives input signals, which represent conditions such as any of received signal strength, transmit path loss, quality of service, frequency, bandwidth, signal-to-noise ratio, propagation path delay profile, propagation path delay spread, Doppler spread, velocity, packet error rate, bit error rate, interference strength, cell load, or any other suitable condition. The dynamic antenna diversity controller142then processes this information, and based on a predetermined set of criteria, activates the plurality of processing chains131-138via the switching circuit120, which comprises a respective switch for each of the processing chains131-138.

FIGS. 2-4, described in detail below, illustrate schematic diagrams of dynamic antenna diversity circuits configured to select processing chains communicating with antennas. The selection may be independent per carrier, or alternatively, a selection for one carrier may influence a selection for another carrier.

FIG. 2illustrates a schematic diagram of an antenna diversity circuit200in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure.

The antenna diversity circuit200is similar to the antenna diversity circuit100ofFIG. 1, except for the combined processor240, which processes the first carrier A and the second carrier B separately rather than together.

The combined processor240comprises an antenna diversity controller242, normal processor244for the first carrier A, normal processor246for the second carrier B, and carrier combined normal processor248. Normal processing by a “normal processor” is intended to mean processing as done conventionally, for example equalization, modulation, demodulaton, coding, and decoding.

The controller242comprises a first carrier A diversity antenna controller242-2, switching settings unit242-4, and second carrier B diversity antenna controller242-6. The first carrier A diversity antenna controller242-2is configured to activate one or more of the plurality of processing chains131,133,135,137for the first carrier A. Similarly, the second carrier B diversity antenna controller242-6is configured to activate one or more of the plurality of processing chains132,134,136,138for the second carrier B. The switching settings unit242-4is configured to store antenna diversity switching settings, and may be, for example any memory.

Conditions could be different for each of the first carrier A and the second carrier B due to different propagation conditions. Conditions may be, for example, signal strength in a received signal (downlink), path loss in a transmitted signal (uplink), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), etc. Propagation conditions may be, for example, frequencies, bands, etc. The condition could vary based on the locations of base stations with different distances to a computing device, or different interference conditions on the carriers, for example, due to different cell loads or distributions of activity of other users on the carriers.

These conditions could result in the antenna diversity controller242selecting more than one antenna being used for a same carrier. For example, the antenna diversity controller242may activate the first receive processing chain131communicating with the first antenna110-1for the first carrier A, and the seventh transmit processing chain137communicating with the second antenna110-1for the same first carrier A.

Alternatively, these conditions could result in the antenna diversity controller242selecting a single antenna for a same carrier. For example, the dynamic antenna diversity controller242may activate the first receive processing chain131communicating with first antenna110-1for the first carrier A, and the third transmit processing chain133configured to communicate with the first antenna110-1for the first carrier A.

Alternatively, these conditions could result in the antenna diversity controller242activating more than one transmit processing chain and more than one receive processing chain for the same carrier. For example, the dynamic antenna diversity controller242may activate the first receive processing chain131configured to communicate with the first antenna110-1for the first carrier A, the third transmit processing chain133configured to communicate with the first antenna110-1for the first carrier A, the fifth receive processing chain135configured to communicate with the second antenna110-2for the first carrier A, and the seventh transmit processing chain137configured to communicate with the second antenna110-2for the first carrier A.

FIG. 3illustrates a schematic diagram of a processing circuit300in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure. The processing circuit300difference from the corresponding portion inFIG. 2in that one or more of the carriers may require special handling.

The processing circuit300comprises first Carrier A normal processor244, controller342(Carrier A portion only shown), and special handling unit310.

The controller342comprises first Carrier A antenna diversity controller242-2, switching settings unit242-4, and switching setting change unit320. The second Carrier B portion of the controller342is not shown, but is basically a mirror image of the Carrier A portion coupled on the other side of switching settings unit242-4.

The special handling unit310is configured to determine if the first Carrier A requires special handling, and if so, instructs the switching setting change unit320to change the first Carrier A switching settings.

By way of example, the first carrier A may be a primary carrier carrying control packets for both the first carrier A and the second carrier B, which may be a secondary carrier. The predetermined set of criteria may comprise a higher-standard predetermined criterion and a lower-standard predetermined criterion. In such a case, the dynamic antenna diversity controller142,242may then activate one or more of the plurality of processing chains131,133,135,137for the primary first carrier A based on the higher-standard predetermined criterion, and the secondary second carrier B based on the lower-standard predetermined criterion. For example, the primary first carrier A may use both the first antenna110-1and the second antenna110-2, while the secondary second carrier B, on which only data packets are carried, follows a normal dynamic diversity scheme that is less aggressive, that is, only one of the antennas,110is used.

By way of another example, the first carrier A and the second carrier B may have different qualities of service. An example could be that first carrier A carries voice packets, such as Voice over LTE or circuit switch packets, and the second carrier B carries data packets or packet switch packets. The first carrier A may receive a voice packet every 20 ms, the voice packet may being 1 ms in length, and the rest of the time the first carrier A is idle. On the other hand the second carrier B, which carries the data packets, has the data packets distributed randomly, that is, data may be downloaded and then the user takes time to read the data before downloading additional data. The voice packets may therefore be carried on one carrier, while the data packets may be carried on two carriers. For example, the dynamic antenna diversity controller may adjust the diversity settings (e.g., criteria thresholds) for the first data carrier A with the voice packets periodically, that is, by switching on a second antenna periodically in order to receive the voice packets at a higher quality.

FIG. 4illustrates a schematic diagram of an antenna diversity circuit400in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure. The antenna diversity circuit400differs from the antenna diversity circuit200ofFIG. 2in that the first carrier A and the second carrier B may share cross-carrier information410.

For example, the first carrier A may receive “advanced” information that the second carrier B is scheduled for packet reception. This cross-carrier information410is shared from the Carrier A antenna diversity controller242-2to the Carrier B antenna diversity controller242-6to be used in the antenna diversity decision for Carrier B. The antenna diversity circuit400could switch on a processing chain132,136and associated antenna before or just in time for data packet reception, rather than after the second carrier B detects the data packets.

FIG. 5illustrates a schematic diagram of a computing device500in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure. The computing device500may be a cellular phone, base station, tablet, or any other wireless device.

The computing device500comprises at least a first antenna510-1and a second antenna510-2, a plurality of processing chains (not shown), and an antenna diversity controller520. The antenna diversity controller520is similar to the antenna diversity controllers142,242,342described above.

FIG. 6illustrates a flowchart of an antenna diversity method600in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure.

At Step610, a quality of a signal is determined.

At Step620, the dynamic antenna diversity controller142,242,342activates one or more of the plurality of processing chains131-138based on a predetermined quality set of criteria.

This disclosure is applicable to any wireless, multi-antenna, multi-carrier system, such as those based on any of fifth generation (5G) wireless mobile telecommunications technologies, Long Term Evolution (LTE), third generation (3G) wireless mobile telecommunications technologies, wireless fidelity (WiFi), etc. 3G may include Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), which may include the system enhancement High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), which may include system enhancements General Packet Radio System (GPRS) and Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA2000).

The following examples pertain to further embodiments.

Example 1 is an antenna diversity circuit, comprising: a plurality of processing chains comprising: first and second processing chains configured to communicate with a first antenna, and process signals for first and second carriers, respectively; and third and fourth processing chains configured to communicate with a second antenna, and process signals for the first and second carriers, respectively; and a dynamic antenna diversity controller configured to activate one or more of the plurality of processing chains based on a predetermined set of criteria.

In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1, wherein the processing chains are receive processing chains.

In Example 3, the subject matter of Example 1, wherein the processing chains are transmit processing chains.

In Example 4, the subject matter of Example 1, wherein: the first, second, third, and fourth processing chains are receive processing chains, and the plurality of processing chains further comprises: fifth and sixth transmit processing chains configured to communicate with the first antenna, and process signals for the first and second carriers, respectively; and seventh and eight transmit processing chains configured to communicate with the second antenna, and process signals for the first and second carriers, respectively.

In Example 5, the subject matter of Example 4, wherein the dynamic antenna diversity controller is further configured to activate the first receive processing chain configured to communicate with the first antenna for the first carrier, and the fifth transmit processing chain configured to communicate with the second antenna for the first carrier.

In Example 6, the subject matter of Example 4, wherein the dynamic antenna diversity controller is further configured to activate the first receive processing chain configured to communicate with the first antenna for the first carrier, and the fifth transmit processing chain configured to communicate with the first antenna for the first carrier.

In Example 72, the subject matter of Example 1, wherein: the first carrier is a primary carrier, and the second carrier is a secondary carrier, the predetermined set of criteria comprises a higher-standard predetermined criterion and a lower-standard predetermined criterion, and the dynamic antenna diversity controller is further configured to activate the one or more of the plurality of processing chains for the first carrier based on the higher-standard predetermined criterion, and the second carrier based on the lower-standard predetermined criterion.

In Example 8, the subject matter of Example 7, wherein the first carrier carries control packets for both the first carrier and the second carrier.

In Example 9, the subject matter of Example 1, wherein the dynamic antenna diversity controller is further configured to activate the one or more of the plurality of processing chains for the second carrier based on advanced control packets carried on the first carrier.

In Example 10, the subject matter of Example 9, wherein the advanced control packets comprise control information that the second carrier is scheduled for packet reception.

In Example 11, the subject matter of Example 10, wherein the dynamic antenna diversity controller is further configured to activate at least one of the plurality of processing chains for the second carrier based on the advanced control information in time for the packet reception.

In Example 12, the subject matter of Example 1, wherein: the second carrier has a higher quality of service than the first carrier, and the dynamic antenna diversity controller is further configured to activate the one or more of the plurality of processing chains for the second carrier periodically.

In Example 13, the subject matter of Example 12, wherein the first carrier carries data packets, and the second carrier carries voice packets.

In Example 14, the subject matter of Example 1, wherein the predetermined set of criteria is based on a condition.

In Example 15, the subject matter of Example 14, where the condition is selected from a group of conditions consisting of received signal strength, transmit path loss, quality of service, frequency, bandwidth, signal-to-noise ratio, propagation path delay profile, propagation path delay spread, Doppler spread, velocity, packet error rate, bit error rate, interference strength, and cell load.

Example 16 is an antenna diversity method, comprising: determining a quality of a signal; and activating, by a dynamic antenna diversity controller, one or more of a plurality of processing chains based on a predetermined set of quality criteria, wherein the plurality of processing chains comprises: first and second processing chains configured to communicate with a first antenna, and process signals for first and second carriers, respectively, and third and fourth processing chains configured to communicate with a second antenna, and process signals for the first and second carriers, respectively

In Example 17, the subject matter of Example 16, wherein the signal is a received signal, and the processing chains are receive processing chains.

In Example 18, the subject matter of Example 16, wherein the signal is a transmitted signal, and the processing chains are transmit processing chains.

In Example 19, the subject matter of Example 16, wherein: the first carrier is a primary carrier, and the second carrier is a secondary carrier, the predetermined set of quality criteria comprises a higher-standard predetermined quality criterion and a lower-standard predetermined quality criterion, and the activating comprises activating the one or more of the plurality of processing chains for the first carrier based on the higher-standard predetermined quality criterion, and the second carrier based on the lower-standard predetermined quality criterion.

In Example 20, the subject matter of Example 19, wherein the first carrier carries control packets for both the first carrier and the second carrier.

In Example 21, the subject matter of Example 16, further comprising: receiving advanced control packets carried on the first carrier, wherein the activating comprises activating, based the advanced control packets, the one or more of the plurality of processing chains for the second carrier.

In Example 22, the subject matter of Example 21, wherein the advanced control packets comprise control information that the second carrier is scheduled for packet reception.

In Example 23, the subject matter of Example 22, wherein the activating comprises activating at least one of the plurality of processing chains for the second carrier based on the advanced control information in time for the packet reception.

In Example 24, the subject matter of Example 16, wherein: the second carrier has a higher quality of service than the first carrier, and the activating comprises activating the one or more of the plurality of processing chains for the second carrier periodically.

In Example 25, the subject matter of Example 16, wherein the predetermined set of quality criterion is selected from a group of quality criterion consisting of received signal strength, transmit path loss, quality of service, frequency, bandwidth, signal-to-noise ratio, propagation path delay profile, propagation path delay spread, Doppler spread, velocity, packet error rate, bit error rate, interference strength, and cell load.

Example 26 is an antenna diversity circuit, comprising: a plurality of processing chains comprising: first and second processing chains for communicating with a first antenna, and processing signals for first and second carriers, respectively; and third and fourth processing chains for communicating with a second antenna, and processing signals for the first and second carriers, respectively; and a dynamic antenna diversity controller for activating one or more of the plurality of processing chains based on a predetermined set of quality criteria.

In Example 27, the subject matter of Example 26, wherein the processing chains are receive processing chains.

In Example 28, the subject matter of Example 26, wherein the processing chains are transmit processing chains.

In Example 29, the subject matter of Example 26, wherein: the first, second, third, and fourth processing chains are receive processing chains, and the plurality of processing chains further comprises: fifth and sixth transmit processing chains for communicating with the first antenna, and processing signals for the first and second carriers, respectively; and seventh and eight transmit processing chains for communicating with the second antenna, and processing signals for the first and second carriers, respectively.

In Example 30, the subject matter of Example 29, wherein the dynamic antenna diversity controller is further for activating the first receive processing chain for communicating with the first antenna for the first carrier, and the fifth transmit processing chain for communicating with the second antenna for the first carrier.

In Example 31, the subject matter of Example 29, wherein the dynamic antenna diversity controller is further for activating the first receive processing chain for communicating with the first antenna for the first carrier, and the fifth transmit processing chain for communicating with the first antenna for the first carrier.

In Example 32, the subject matter of Example 26, wherein: the first carrier is a primary carrier, and the second carrier is a secondary carrier, the predetermined set of criteria comprises a higher-standard predetermined criterion and a lower-standard predetermined criterion, and the dynamic antenna diversity controller is further for activating the one or more of the plurality of processing chains for the first carrier based on the higher-standard predetermined criterion, and the second carrier based on the lower-standard predetermined criterion.

In Example 33, the subject matter of Example of any of Examples 26-32, wherein the first carrier carries control packets for both the first carrier and the second carrier.

In Example 34, the subject matter of Example of any of Examples 26-32, wherein the dynamic antenna diversity controller is further for activating the one or more of the plurality of processing chains for the second carrier based on advanced control packets carried on the first carrier.

In Example 35, the subject matter of Example 34, wherein the advanced control packets comprise control information that the second carrier is scheduled for packet reception.

In Example 36, the subject matter of Example 35, wherein the dynamic antenna diversity controller is further for activating at least one of the plurality of processing chains for the second carrier based on the advanced control information in time for the packet reception.

In Example 37, the subject matter of Example 26, wherein: the second carrier has a higher quality of service than the first carrier, and the dynamic antenna diversity controller is further for activating the one or more of the plurality of processing chains for the second carrier periodically.

In Example 38, the subject matter of Example 37, wherein the first carrier carries data packets, and the second carrier carries voice packets.

In Example 39, the subject matter of Example 26, wherein the predetermined set of criteria is based on a condition.

In Example 40, the subject matter of Example 39, where the condition is selected from a group of conditions consisting of received signal strength, transmit path loss, quality of service, frequency, bandwidth, signal-to-noise ratio, propagation path delay profile, propagation path delay spread, Doppler spread, velocity, packet error rate, bit error rate, interference strength, and cell load.

Example 41 is an apparatus substantially as shown and described.

Example 42 is a method substantially as shown and described.

While the foregoing has been described in conjunction with exemplary aspect, it is understood that the term “exemplary” is merely meant as an example, rather than the best or optimal. Accordingly, the disclosure is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the scope of the disclosure.