Apparatus for transmitting and/or receiving radio frequency signals and method of operating such apparatus

Apparatus for transmitting and/or receiving radio frequency, RF, signals, particularly for a mobile radio device for a wireless communications system, particularly a cellular communications system, said apparatus comprising a primary antenna module having a first radiation pattern, at least one secondary antenna module having a second radiation pattern, which is different from said first radiation pattern, and a control unit configured to selectively activate and/or deactivate said primary antenna module and/or said at least one secondary antenna module.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of European patent application No. 19187648.1 filed on Jul. 22, 2019, titled “APPARATUS FOR TRANSMITTING AND/OR RECEIVING RADIO FREQUENCY SIGNALS AND METHOD OF OPERATING SUCH APPARATUS”, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary embodiments relate to an apparatus for transmitting and/or receiving radio frequency, RF, signals. Further exemplary embodiments relate to a method of operating an apparatus for transmitting and/or receiving radio frequency, RF, signals.

BACKGROUND

Apparatus and methods of the aforementioned type can be used to process radio frequency, RF, signals, e.g. for mobile radio devices for cellular communications systems.

SUMMARY

The scope of protection sought for various embodiments of the invention is set out by the independent claims. The exemplary embodiments and features, if any, described in this specification, that do not fall under the scope of the independent claims, are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various exemplary embodiments of the invention.

Exemplary embodiments relate to an apparatus for transmitting and/or receiving radio frequency, RF, signals, said apparatus comprising a primary antenna module having a first radiation pattern, at least one secondary antenna module having a second radiation pattern, which is different from said first radiation pattern of said primary antenna module, and a control unit configured to selectively activate and/or deactivate said primary antenna module and/or said at least one secondary antenna module. This enables an increased operational flexibility and may, according to further exemplary embodiments, which are explained in detail further below, e.g. be used to extend a radio range and/or improve efficiency, e.g. by at least temporarily reducing a power consumption.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said apparatus may e.g. be used for mobile radio device(s), e.g. UEs (user equipments) for wireless communications systems, particularly cellular communications systems, such as e.g. according to the fifth generation (5G) standard. According to further exemplary embodiments, said apparatus may also be used in other mobile radio devices such as e.g. tablet computers, mobile personal computers (laptops, notebooks), modems for cellular communications networks, e.g. for (mobile) sensor devices, e.g. for sensor networks.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said apparatus may be configured to transmit and/or receive RF signals in a frequency range above 10 GHz (gigahertz) or above 15 GHz.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said apparatus may be configured to transmit and/or receive RF signals in the frequency range FR2 as defined by the standard 3GPP TS 38.101-2 V15.2.0 (2018-06), cf. e.g. Table 5.1-1 on p. 12.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said first radiation pattern is an omnidirectional radiation pattern, and said second radiation pattern is a non-omnidirectional radiation pattern.

As an example, according to further exemplary embodiments, an omnidirectional radiation pattern is a radiation pattern which is associated with gain levels G between Gmax −3 dB<G<Gmax for at least 70% (percent) of an angular space considered (full sphere or hemi-sphere), wherein Gmax represents the maximum gain of an antenna (module) with such radiation pattern.

As an example, according to further exemplary embodiments, a non-omnidirectional radiation pattern is a radiation pattern which is associated with gain levels G between Gmax −3 dB<G<Gmax for less than 70% (percent) of an angular space considered (full sphere or hemi-sphere), wherein Gmax represents the maximum gain of an antenna (module) with such radiation pattern.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said primary antenna module comprises a static radiation pattern, which e.g. cannot be changed, particularly cannot be changed dynamically, e.g. during an operation of said apparatus.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said primary antenna module comprises a monopole antenna, preferably a quarter-wavelength monopole antenna.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said at least one secondary antenna module comprises a radiation pattern, which can dynamically be changed, e.g. during an operation of said apparatus. As an example, said at least one secondary antenna module may be of the phased-array type.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said at least one secondary antenna module comprises at least one linear antenna array having two or more antenna elements, wherein preferably said two or more antenna elements are patch antenna elements.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said at least one secondary antenna module comprises at least one linear dual polarized patch array.

According to further exemplary embodiments, preferably if said at least one secondary antenna module comprises a plurality of linear (optionally dual polarized) patch arrays, at least two of said linear patch arrays are arranged in parallel to each other or orthogonal to each other.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said apparatus comprises two or three secondary antenna modules.

According to further exemplary embodiments, if there is more than one secondary antenna module, at least two of said secondary antenna modules may comprise similar or identical radiation pattern(s) or characteristic(s), respectively. According to further exemplary embodiments, at least two of said secondary antenna modules may comprise different radiation pattern(s) or characteristic(s), respectively.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said primary antenna module and said at least one secondary antenna module are arranged on and/or attached to a common carrier element. According to further exemplary embodiments, said common carrier element may comprise or represent a printed circuit board.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said control unit is configured to determine at least one of the following received power parameters: a) a received power of a received RF signal associated with said primary antenna module (e.g., an RF signal that has been (or is being) received via said primary antenna module), b) a received power of a received RF signal associated with said at least one secondary antenna module (e.g., an RF signal that has been (or is being) received via said at least one secondary antenna module), and to selectively activate and/or deactivate said primary antenna module and/or said at least one secondary antenna module depending on at least one of said received power parameters. This e.g. enables to at least temporarily activate such antennas or antenna module(s), which are associated with a comparatively great receive power level, while other antennas or antenna module(s) may at least temporarily be deactivated.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said control unit is configured to selectively activate and/or deactivate at least one component of said primary antenna module and/or at least one component of said at least one secondary antenna module depending on at least one of said received power parameters. This e.g. enables to at least temporarily deactivate one or more components, preferably active components (which dissipate electrical energy when activated) of such antennas or antenna module(s), which are associated with a comparatively small receive power level, while other antennas or antenna module(s) may at least temporarily be activated.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said at least one secondary antenna module may e.g. comprise at least one of the following elements: (preferably analog) phase shifter, power amplifier (PA), low noise amplifier (LNA).

According to further exemplary embodiments, when deactivating/activating said at least one secondary antenna module by means of said control unit, at least one of said phase shifter(s) and/or PA and/or LNA may be deactivated/activated. According to further exemplary embodiments, activating/deactivating may be performed by activating/deactivating an electrical energy supply of (e.g., a direct current supply voltage for) at least one of said elements.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said control unit is configured to: determine whether said received power of a received RF signal associated with said at least one secondary antenna module is less than or equal to a predetermined first threshold, and, if said received power of said received RF signal associated with said at least one secondary antenna module is less than or equal to said predetermined first threshold, activate said primary antenna module, wherein preferably, said control unit is configured to, if said received power of said received RF signal associated with said at least one secondary antenna module is greater than said predetermined first threshold, deactivate said primary antenna module.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said control unit may be configured to determine whether said primary antenna module is currently activated, prior to deactivating it.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said apparatus comprises two or more secondary antenna modules, wherein said control unit is configured to: determine whether a received power of a received RF signal associated with one of said secondary antenna modules is greater than a predetermined second threshold, and, if said received power of said received RF signal associated with said one of said secondary antenna modules is greater than said predetermined second threshold, deactivate a) at least one further secondary antenna module of said two or more secondary antenna modules (preferably all further secondary antenna modules) and/or b) said primary antenna module, wherein preferably, said control unit is configured to, if said received power of said received RF signal associated with said one of said secondary antenna modules is less than or equal to said predetermined second threshold, activate A) at least one further secondary antenna module of said two or more secondary antenna modules and/or B) said primary antenna module.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said control unit may be configured to determine whether at least one further secondary antenna module of said two or more secondary antenna modules and/or B) said primary antenna module is active, prior to deactivating it.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said control unit is further configured to determine a received power of a received RF signal associated with said at least one further secondary antenna module of said two or more secondary antenna modules, determine a received power of a received RF signal associated with said primary antenna module, to compare said received power of said received RF signal associated with said at least one further secondary antenna module with said received power of said received RF signal associated with said primary antenna module, and, optionally, to deactivate at least one of said at least one further secondary antenna module and said primary antenna module. This way, the “better” one—in terms of receive power level—of said at least one further secondary antenna module and said primary antenna module may be kept activated, while the other one(s) may be deactivated again.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said control unit is configured to control an electric energy supply to said primary antenna module and to said at least one secondary antenna module. Preferably, said control unit is configured to individually activate and deactivate an electric energy supply to said primary antenna module (or at least one component thereof) and to said at least one secondary antenna module (or at least one component thereof).

Further exemplary embodiments relate to a mobile radio device for a wireless communications system, particularly a cellular communications system, comprising at least one apparatus according to the embodiments. As an example, said mobile radio device may be a user equipment.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said radio device is configured to at least temporarily operate according to the standard 3GPP TS 38.331, V15.4.0, 2018-12, and to at least temporarily use at least said primary antenna module for a target cell search depending on synchronization signal blocks, SSB, according to the standard 3GPP TS 38.331, V15.4.0, 2018-12. This enables to attain low latency for a target cell search, as compared e.g. to a time division multiplexed (TDM) operation of two or more secondary antenna modules.

Further exemplary embodiments relate to a method of operating a mobile radio device for a wireless communications system, particularly a cellular communications system, comprising at least one apparatus according to the embodiments.

Further exemplary embodiments relate to a method of operating an apparatus for transmitting and/or receiving radio frequency, RF, signals, particularly for a mobile radio device for a wireless communications system, particularly a cellular communications system, said apparatus comprising a primary antenna module having a first radiation pattern, at least one secondary antenna module having a second radiation pattern, which is different from said first radiation pattern of said primary antenna module, and a control unit, wherein said method comprises: selectively activating and/or deactivating, by means of said control unit, said primary antenna module and/or said at least one secondary antenna module.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said primary antenna module and/or said at least one secondary antenna module may be activated in a time multiplexed manner, e.g. for performing a target cell search when using said apparatus for a mobile radio device (e.g., UE) for a cellular communications network.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said method further comprises: determining, by means of said control unit, at least one of the following received power parameters: a) a received power of a received RF signal associated with said primary antenna module, b) a received power of a received RF signal associated with said at least one secondary antenna module, and selectively activating and/or deactivating said primary antenna module and/or said at least one secondary antenna module depending on at least one of said received power parameters.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said method further comprises: determining, by means of said control unit, whether said received power of a received RF signal associated with said at least one secondary antenna module is less than or equal to a predetermined first threshold, and, if said received power of said received RF signal associated with said at least one secondary antenna module is less than or equal to said predetermined first threshold, activating said primary antenna module, wherein preferably, said method further comprises deactivating, by means of said control unit, said primary antenna module, if said received power of said received RF signal associated with said at least one secondary antenna module is greater than said predetermined first threshold.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said apparatus comprises two or more secondary antenna modules, and said control unit determines whether a received power of a received RF signal associated with one of said secondary antenna modules is greater than a predetermined second threshold, and, if said received power of said received RF signal associated with said one of said secondary antenna modules is greater than said predetermined second threshold, deactivates a) at least one further secondary antenna module of said two or more secondary antenna modules and/or b) said primary antenna module, wherein preferably, said control unit, if said received power of said received RF signal associated with said one of said secondary antenna modules is less than or equal to said predetermined second threshold, activates A) at least one further secondary antenna module of said two or more secondary antenna modules and/or B) said primary antenna module.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said control unit controls, preferably individually, an electric energy supply to said primary antenna module (and/or to at least one component thereof) and to said at least one secondary antenna module (and/or to at least one component thereof).

Further preferred embodiments relate to a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to according to the embodiments.

Further preferred embodiments relate to a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to the embodiments.

Further preferred embodiments relate to a data carrier signal carrying the computer program according to the embodiments.

Further preferred embodiments relate to a use of the apparatus according to the embodiments and/or of the method according to the embodiments and/or of the computer program according to the embodiments for a) extending a radio range of a mobile radio device, particularly of a terminal for a cellular communications network and/or b) increasing a power efficiency of a mobile radio device, particularly of a terminal for a cellular communications network.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIG.1schematically depicts a simplified block diagram of an apparatus100for transmitting and/or receiving radio frequency, RF, signals RFS, according to exemplary embodiments. The apparatus100comprises a primary antenna module110having a first radiation pattern RP1, at least one secondary antenna module120having a second radiation pattern RP2, which is different from said first radiation pattern RP1of said primary antenna module110, and a control unit130configured to selectively activate and/or deactivate said primary antenna module110and/or said at least one secondary antenna module120. This enables an increased operational flexibility and may, according to further exemplary embodiments, which are explained in detail further below, e.g. be used to extend a radio range and/or improve efficiency, e.g. by at least temporarily reducing an electric power consumption.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said apparatus100may e.g. be used for mobile radio device(s)10(FIG.6), e.g. UEs (user equipments) for wireless communications systems20(FIG.11A), particularly cellular communications systems, such as e.g. according to the fifth generation (5G) standard.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said apparatus100(FIG.1) may be configured to transmit and/or receive RF signals RFS in a frequency range above 10 GHz (gigahertz) or above 15 GHz.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said apparatus100may be configured to transmit and/or receive RF signals RFS in the frequency range FR2 as defined by the standard 3GPP TS 38.101-2 V15.2.0 (2018-06), cf. e.g. Table 5.1-1 on p. 12.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said selective activation and/or deactivation of said primary antenna module110via said control unit130may be controlled by means of at least one control signal c1, cf.FIG.1.

Similarly, according to further exemplary embodiments, said selective activation and/or deactivation of said at least one secondary antenna module120via said control unit130may be controlled by means of at least one further control signal c2.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said first radiation pattern RP1is an omnidirectional radiation pattern, also cf. the exemplary beam pattern diagram ofFIG.3, and said second radiation pattern RP2is a non-omnidirectional radiation pattern.

As an example, according to further exemplary embodiments, an omnidirectional radiation pattern RP1is a radiation pattern which is associated with gain levels G between Gmax −3 dB<G<Gmax for at least 70% (percent) of an angular space considered (full sphere or hemi-sphere), wherein Gmax represents the maximum gain of an antenna (module) with such radiation pattern RP1.

As an example, according to further exemplary embodiments, a non-omnidirectional radiation pattern RP2is a radiation pattern which is associated with gain levels G between Gmax −3 dB<G<Gmax for less than 70% (percent) of an angular space considered (full sphere or hemi-sphere), wherein Gmax represents the maximum gain of an antenna (module) with such radiation pattern, cf. the nonvanishing directivity as depicted by curve RP2ofFIG.3exhibiting increased gain values in an angular range between about 45 degrees and 135 degrees. In other words, a main lobe of the second radiation pattern RP2is centered about 90 degrees inFIG.3.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said primary antenna module110(FIG.1) comprises a static radiation pattern, which e.g. cannot be changed, particularly cannot be changed dynamically, e.g. during an operation of said apparatus. As an example, said static radiation pattern RP1may e.g. be determined by design, i.e. providing a specific type of antenna having a specific, fixed beam characteristic.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said primary antenna module110comprises a monopole antenna, preferably a quarter-wavelength monopole antenna. According to further exemplary embodiments, said monopole antenna may be arranged on a carrier C (not shown inFIG.1, cf.FIG.5A) also carrying at least one further component of said apparatus100, such as e.g. said at least one further antenna module120. According to further exemplary embodiments, said carrier C may also comprise a metallized surface portion that may constitute a ground plane (not shown) for said monopole antenna.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said at least one secondary antenna module120(FIG.1) comprises a radiation pattern RP2, which can dynamically be changed, e.g. during an operation of said apparatus100. As an example, said at least one secondary antenna module120may be of the phased-array type.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said at least one secondary antenna module120comprises at least one linear antenna array1202, cf.FIG.4, having two or more (presently for example four) antenna elements1202a,1202b,1202c,1202d, wherein preferably said two or more antenna elements are patch antenna elements. As an example, said patch antenna elements1202a,1202b,1202c,1202dmay be arranged on a common carrier element1204such as a printed circuit board and/or another suitable substrate for carrying said one or more patches1202a,1202b,1202c,1202d, which may comprise or may be made of electrically conductive material.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said at least one secondary antenna module120(FIG.1) comprises at least one linear dual polarized patch array.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said apparatus comprises two or three secondary antenna modules120. This is exemplarily depicted byFIG.2, wherein the apparatus100acomprises said primary antenna module110and three secondary antenna modules120a,120b,120c, each having a respective radiation pattern RP2a, RP2b, RP2c. Preferably, and similar to apparatus100ofFIG.1, each of said antenna modules110,120a,120b,120cof the apparatus100aofFIG.2may be individually activated and/or deactivated by said control unit130by a respective control signal c1, c2a, c2b, c2c.

According to further exemplary embodiments, wherein said secondary antenna modules120a,120b,120cmay also be denoted as “antenna panels” or “panels”, said control unit130may also be denoted as “panel control module” (PCM).

According to further exemplary embodiments, preferably if said at least one secondary antenna module120(FIG.1) comprises a plurality of linear (optionally dual polarized) patch arrays, at least two of said linear patch arrays are arranged in parallel to each other or orthogonal to each other. This is exemplarily depicted byFIG.5Awhich depicts an apparatus100baccording to further exemplary embodiments. The apparatus100bcomprises one primary antenna module110, preferably with an omnidirectional radiation pattern RP1(also cf.FIG.3), and four secondary antenna modules120a,120b,120c,120d. Preferably, said four secondary antenna modules120a,120b,120c,120dare of the linear patch array type, similar toFIG.4. The modules120a,120dare arranged horizontally inFIG.5A, and the modules120b,120care arranged vertically inFIG.5A. This way, respective main lobes of the secondary antenna modules120a,120b,120c,120d, also cf. the non-uniform or non-omnidirectional radiation pattern RP2ofFIG.3, may e.g. point in four different directions of the drawing plane ofFIG.5A.

According to further exemplary embodiments, if there is more than one secondary antenna module120a,120b,120c,120d, at least two of said secondary antenna modules120a,120b,120c,120dmay comprise similar or identical radiation pattern(s) or characteristic(s), respectively. In the example ofFIG.5A, all four secondary antenna modules120a,120b,120c,120dpreferably comprise substantially identical radiation patterns, cf. reference sign RP2ofFIG.3. Alternatively, one or more of said secondary antenna modules120a,120b,120c,120dmay comprise a dynamically controllable radiation pattern.

According to other exemplary embodiments, at least two of said secondary antenna modules may also comprise different radiation pattern(s) or characteristic(s), respectively.

According to further exemplary embodiments, cf.FIG.5A, said primary antenna module110and said secondary antenna modules120a,120b,120c,120dare arranged on and/or attached to a common carrier element C. According to further exemplary embodiments, said common carrier element C may comprise or represent a printed circuit board.

Optionally, according to further exemplary embodiments, at least one radio module11,12a,12b,12c,12dmay be provided and assigned to a respective antenna modules.

As an example, as is well known in the art, such radio module may be represented by an integrated circuit comprising at least one of the following elements, e.g. for a transmit chain: a) digital interface, e.g. for exchanging data with a baseband processing unit, BBU,14configured to perform baseband signal processing for said apparatus100b, b) digital to analog converter, e.g. for converting transmit data to be transmitted in form of an analog RF signal RFS by means of at least one antenna module110,120a,120b,120c,120dfrom the digital domain (e.g., as received via said digital interface from the BBU14) to the analog domain, c) filter for filtering signals processed by said radio module, d) (preferably automatic) gain control stage, e) upconverter (e.g., comprising a mixer stage), e.g. for upconverting analog signals to an intermediate frequency, IF, range, f) amplifier, e.g. for amplifying analog signals in said IF range, g) diplexer or quadplexer or the like to combine several analog IF signals into one output signal, e.g. for supplying at least one of said antenna modules110,120a,120b,120c,120dwith at least one of said analog IF signals, h) analog interface, e.g. for connection to at least one of said antenna modules110,120a,120b,120c,120d, e.g. by means of at least one coaxial cable.

Similar elements may also be used to provide at least one receive chain in such radio module. Additionally, the radio module may comprise at least one analog to digital converter for transforming analog signals e.g. derived from analog IF signals as received from at least one of said antenna modules110,120a,120b,120c,120din a receive direction (e.g., after amplification and/or downconversion from the IF range to e.g. a baseband range and/or filtering), into the digital domain, e.g. for forwarding to the BBU14via said digital interface.

According to further exemplary embodiments, the BBU14and the radio units11,12a,12b,12c,12dmay also be arranged on said carrier element C (FIG.5A). According to further exemplary embodiments, the control unit130or a corresponding functionality may also be integrated into said BBU14.

FIG.5Bschematically depicts a simplified block diagram of an apparatus100c, which is similar to the embodiment100bofFIG.5A. However,FIG.5Badditionally depicts details related to the connection of the various elements11,12a,12b,12c,12d,14,110,120a,120b,120c,120d.

As an example, according to further exemplary embodiments, the radio unit11, which is assigned to the primary antenna module110, is connected via a first connection11′ to the BBU14and is connected via a second connection11″ to the primary antenna module110.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said first connection11′ may comprise a digital bus implementing the abovementioned digital interface for exchanging digital data with said baseband processing unit, BBU,14.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said first connection11′ may comprise one or more (preferably dedicated) control lines and/or one or more lines for electrical energy supply of said radio unit11by means of said BBU14and/or the control unit130, which may be integrated into said BBU14. This way, the control unit130may e.g. selectively activate or deactivate the radio unit11, i.e. by activating or deactivating the electrical energy supply to said radio unit11via said first connection11′.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said second connection11″ may comprise an analog interface such as e.g. at least one coaxial cable, e.g. for transmitting IF range analog signals from the radio unit11to the primary antenna module110and/or for receiving IF range analog signals from the primary antenna module110to the radio unit11.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said second connection11″ may comprise one or more (preferably dedicated) control lines and/or one or more lines for electrical energy supply of said primary antenna module110by means of said radio unit11and/or the control unit130, which may be integrated into said BBU14, as mentioned above. This way, the control unit130may e.g. selectively activate or deactivate the primary antenna module110(and/or the radio unit11, as mentioned above), i.e. by activating or deactivating the electrical energy supply to said radio unit11via said first connection11′ and/or the electrical energy supply from said radio unit11to said primary antenna module110via said second connection11″.

As an example, according to further exemplary embodiments, the radio unit12a, which is assigned to the first secondary antenna module120a, is connected via a first connection12a′ to the BBU14and is connected via a second connection12a″ to the first secondary antenna module120a.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said first connection12a′ may comprise a digital bus implementing the abovementioned digital interface for exchanging digital data with said baseband processing unit, BBU,14.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said first connection12a′ may comprise one or more (preferably dedicated) control lines and/or one or more lines for electrical energy supply of said radio unit12aby means of said BBU14and/or the control unit130. This way, the control unit130may e.g. selectively activate or deactivate the radio unit12a, i.e. by activating or deactivating the electrical energy supply to said radio unit12avia said first connection12a′.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said second connection12a″ may comprise an analog interface such as e.g. at least one coaxial cable, e.g. for transmitting IF range analog signals from the radio unit12ato the first secondary antenna module120aand/or for receiving IF range analog signals from the first secondary antenna module120ato the radio unit12a.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said second connection12a″ may comprise one or more (preferably dedicated) control lines and/or one or more lines for electrical energy supply of said first secondary antenna module120aby means of said radio unit12aand/or the control unit130. This way, the control unit130may e.g. selectively activate or deactivate the first secondary antenna module120a(and/or its assigned radio unit12a, as mentioned above), i.e. by activating or deactivating the electrical energy supply to said radio unit12avia said first connection12a′ and/or the electrical energy supply from said radio unit12ato said first secondary antenna module120avia said second connection12a″.

According to further exemplary embodiments, at least one of said further radio units12b,12c,12d, preferably all of said further radio units12b,12c,12d, may comprise respective first connections to the BBU14, which may be similar or identical to the first connection12a′ of said radio unit12a.

According to further exemplary embodiments, at least one of said further radio units12b,12c,12d, preferably all of said further radio units12b,12c,12d, may comprise respective second connections to their respectively assigned secondary antenna module120b,120c,120d, which may be similar or identical to the second connection12a″ of said radio unit12a.

This way, according to further exemplary embodiments, the control unit130may individually activate and/or deactivate at least one of the components11,12a,12b,12c,12d,110,120a,120b,120c,120d.

FIG.6schematically depicts a mobile radio device10for a wireless communications system, particularly a cellular communications system, comprising at least one apparatus100according to the embodiments. As an example, said mobile radio device10may be a user equipment, UE, e.g. for a 5G communications system. Said UE10may e.g. also comprise a BBU14and/or at least one radio unit12as explained above with reference toFIG.5A,5B.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said radio device10is configured to at least temporarily operate according to the standard 3GPP TS 38.331, V15.4.0, 2018-12, and to at least temporarily use at least said primary antenna module110(FIG.1) for a target cell search depending on synchronization signal blocks, SSB, according to the standard 3GPP TS 38.331, V15.4.0, 2018-12. This enables to attain low latency for a target cell search, as compared e.g. to a time division multiplexed (TDM) operation of two or more secondary antenna modules.

Further exemplary embodiments relate to a method of operating a mobile radio device10for a wireless communications system, particularly a cellular communications system, comprising at least one apparatus according to the embodiments. Further details related to exemplary embodiments of said method are explained in the following with reference toFIG.7et seq.

According to further exemplary embodiments, cf.FIG.7, said control unit130is configured to determine200at least one of the following received power parameters PPRX: a) a received power of a received RF signal RFS (FIG.1) associated with said primary antenna module110(e.g., an RF signal that has been (or is being) received via said primary antenna module110), b) a received power of a received RF signal RFS associated with said at least one secondary antenna module120(e.g., an RF signal that has been (or is being) received via said at least one secondary antenna module120), and to selectively activate210and/or deactivate210said primary antenna module110and/or said at least one secondary antenna module120depending on at least one of said received power parameters PPRX. This e.g. enables to at least temporarily activate such antennas or antenna module(s), which are associated with a comparatively great receive power level, while other antennas or antenna module(s) may at least temporarily be deactivated.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said control unit130(FIG.1) is configured to selectively activate and/or deactivate at least one component of said primary antenna module110and/or at least one component of said at least one secondary antenna module120,120a,120b,120c,120ddepending on at least one of said received power parameters PPRX. This e.g. enables to at least temporarily deactivate one or more components, preferably active components (which dissipate electrical energy when activated) of such antennas or antenna module(s), which are associated with a comparatively small receive power level, while other antennas or antenna module(s) may at least temporarily be activated.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said control unit130(FIG.1) is configured to selectively activate and/or deactivate at least one component11,12a,12b,12c,12dassigned to at least one of said antenna modules110,120,120a,120b,120c,120d, preferably together with an activation and/or deactivation of the respective antenna module110,120,120a,120b,120c,120d.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said at least one secondary antenna module120may e.g. comprise at least one of the following elements, also cf.FIG.10which schematically depicts a simplified block diagram of aspects of said secondary antenna module120in the context of an apparatus100d: (preferably analog) phase shifter PS1, . . . , PS4, power amplifier (PA) PA1, . . . , PA4, low noise amplifier (LNA) LNA1, . . . , LNA4.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said at least one secondary antenna module120may e.g. comprise a mixer stage MS with a local oscillator LO, e.g. for upconverting IF range input signals Tx-IF (as e.g. obtained by a radio unit12assigned to said to said secondary antenna module120) to a desired target RF range, wherein said desired target RF range e.g. lies within the FR2 range of the 5G standard, as explained above.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said IF range input signals Tx-IF may be obtained from a quadplexer QP receiving an analog IF signal from the radio unit12.

Said at least one secondary antenna module120ofFIG.10comprises a linear antenna array1202as explained above with respect toFIG.4, i.e. comprising four individual antenna elements1202a, . . . ,1202d. To provide an input signal to the first antenna element1202a, the mixer stage MS of the secondary antenna module120ofFIG.10upconverts said IF range input signal Tx-IF, amplifies it by means of a first power amplifier PA1, (optionally) applies a phase shift to the so amplified signal by means of a first phase shifter PS1, and provides said optionally phase-shifted signal to the first antenna element1202a.

Similar processing in the transmit direction is performed by the further three Tx (transmit) branches of the secondary antenna module120only the fourth of which is designated with reference signs PA4, PS4inFIG.10for reasons of clarity.

According to further exemplary embodiments, a corresponding receive branch of the secondary antenna module120, e.g. associated with the first antenna element1202a, may comprise said first phase shifter PS1, a first LNA LNA1, the mixer stage MS, and the quadplexer. The further three receive branches comprise a similar structure and function, together providing, at an output of the mixer stage MS, i.e. after downconversion, a receive signal Rx-IF in an IF range (i.e., downconverted from an RF range e.g. in the FR2 range of the 5G standard).

As can be seen fromFIG.10, said secondary antenna module120comprises a plurality of active devices, e.g. PA1, . . . , PA4, LNA1, . . . , LNA4, LO, so that substantial savings of electrical energy may be obtained when at least temporarily deactivating said secondary antenna module120according to exemplary embodiments. For apparatus100a,100b,100cwith a plurality of secondary antenna modules, this applies correspondingly.

According to further exemplary embodiments, when deactivating/activating said at least one secondary antenna module120by means of said control unit130, at least one of said phase shifter(s) and/or PA and/or LNA may be deactivated/activated. According to further exemplary embodiments, as mentioned above, activating/deactivating may be performed by activating/deactivating an electrical energy supply of (e.g., a direct current supply voltage for) at least one of said elements.

FIG.8A to8Dschematically depict different beam patterns according to further exemplary embodiments, together with a schematic depiction of the apparatus100bofFIG.5A, wherein only those antenna modules are depicted which are currently activated.

As an example, inFIG.8A, the primary antenna module110(also cf.FIG.5A) is activated, resulting in the first (omnidirectional) radiation pattern RP1ofFIG.8A. A second radiation pattern RP2a′ is attained by activation of (only) the first secondary antenna module120a(also cf.FIG.5A). In other words, the second radiation pattern RP2a′ ofFIG.8Acorresponds with the radiation pattern RP2a(FIG.2) of the first secondary antenna module120a.

As a further example, inFIG.8B, the primary antenna module110(also cf.FIG.5A) is activated, resulting in the first radiation pattern RP1ofFIG.8B. A second radiation pattern RP2b′ is attained by activation of the first secondary antenna module120aand the second secondary antenna module120b(also cf.FIG.5A). Thus, the second radiation pattern RP2b′ ofFIG.8Bcorresponds with a superposition of the individual radiation patterns RP2a, RP2b(FIG.2) of the first and second secondary antenna modules120a,120b. Similar observations apply to the furtherFIGS.8C,8D, wherein the radiation pattern RP2c′ ofFIG.8Cis attained by simultaneously activating three secondary antenna modules120a,120b,120c, and wherein the radiation pattern RP2d′ ofFIG.8Dis attained by simultaneously activating all four secondary antenna modules120a,120b,120c,120dof the apparatus100b.

According to further exemplary embodiments, cf.FIG.9A, said control unit130(FIG.1) is configured to: determine220whether said received power P_RX_2of a received RF signal RFS associated with said at least one secondary antenna module120is less than or equal to a predetermined first threshold T1, and, if said received power P_RX_2of said received RF signal associated with said at least one secondary antenna module120is less than or equal to said predetermined first threshold T1, activate222said primary antenna module110, wherein preferably, said control unit130is configured to, if said received power P_RX_2of said received RF signal associated with said at least one secondary antenna module120is greater than said predetermined first threshold T1, deactivate224said primary antenna module.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said control unit130may be configured to determine221(FIG.9A) whether said primary antenna module110is currently activated, prior to deactivating it, cf. step222.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said apparatus comprises two or more secondary antenna modules120a,120b(cf. e.g. apparatus100aofFIG.2), wherein said control unit130is configured to, cf. the flow chart ofFIG.9B: determine230whether a received power P_RX_2′ of a received RF signal RFS associated with one of said secondary antenna modules120ais greater than a predetermined second threshold T2, and, if said received power P_RX_2′ of said received RF signal RFS associated with said one of said secondary antenna modules120ais greater than said predetermined second threshold T2, deactivate232a) at least one further secondary antenna module120bof said two or more secondary antenna modules (preferably all further secondary antenna modules) and/or b) said primary antenna module110, wherein preferably, said control unit130(FIG.2) is configured to, if said received power P_RX_2′ of said received RF signal associated with said one of said secondary antenna modules is less than or equal to said predetermined second threshold T2, activate234A) at least one further secondary antenna module120bof said two or more secondary antenna modules and/or B) said primary antenna module110.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said control unit130may be configured to determine231whether at least one further secondary antenna module120bof said two or more secondary antenna modules and/or B) said primary antenna module110is active, prior to deactivating232it.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said control unit130is further configured to, e.g. after—or at the end of—step234, determine a received power of a received RF signal associated with said at least one further secondary antenna module120bof said two or more secondary antenna modules, determine a received power of a received RF signal associated with said primary antenna module110, to compare said received power of said received RF signal associated with said at least one further secondary antenna module120bwith said received power of said received RF signal associated with said primary antenna module110, and, optionally, to deactivate at least one of said at least one further secondary antenna module and said primary antenna module. This way, the “better” one—in terms of receive power level—of said at least one further secondary antenna module120band said primary antenna module110may be kept activated, while the other one(s) may be deactivated again for energy efficiency.

According to further exemplary embodiments, as already mentioned above, said control unit130(FIG.1) is configured to control an electric energy supply to said primary antenna module110and to said at least one secondary antenna module120,120a,120b,120c,120d.

Preferably, said control unit130is configured to individually activate and deactivate an electric energy supply to said primary antenna module110(or at least one component thereof) and to said at least one secondary antenna module120,120a,120b,120c,120d(or at least one component thereof, also cf.FIG.10as explained above).

Further exemplary embodiments relate to a method of operating an apparatus according to the embodiments, as e.g. explained above with reference to the flow charts ofFIG.7,9A,9B.

FIG.11Aschematically depicts a simplified diagram of an operational scenario according to further exemplary embodiments. Depicted is a cellular communications system20, e.g. operating according to the 5G standard or configured to at least temporarily operate according to the 5G standard, for example using RF signals in the frequency range FR2 as defined by the standard 3GPP TS 38.101-2 V15.2.0 (2018-06), cf. e.g. Table 5.1-1 on p. 12. The system20comprises a first base station21, e.g. a gNB in the sense of 3GPP TS 38.300 V15.6.0 (2019-06), section 4.1. Similarly, element22may be a second base station, e.g. gNB, and a UE10according to the embodiments (also cf.FIG.6) moving between said gNBs21,22.

FIGS.11B and11Ceach schematically depict a power P over distance d diagram related to the exemplary scenario ofFIG.11A. According to further exemplary embodiments, an “intelligent” switching mechanism for when to power on (i.e., activate) and off (i.e., deactivate) the primary antenna module110(e.g., comprising an omnidirectional antenna or generally an omnidirectional radiation pattern RB1(FIG.3)) is provided.

As an example, according to further embodiments, the primary antenna module110with its omnidirectional radiation pattern RB1may be switched on (i.e., activated), if a benefit can be achieved from a coverage perspective related to the 5G system20ofFIG.11Aunder 2 conditions:

Condition 1: When the received power PS,P1of a first secondary antenna module120a(FIG.2) connected to the serving cell established by gNB21(FIG.11A) falls below a threshold Pthresh, the primary antenna module110may be active and may be switched on, PS,P1<Pthresh. This aspect of the exemplary embodiment can be interpreted in the following way: if the radio conditions perceived by the first secondary antenna module120awith the serving cell of gNB21are good (e.g., PS,P1>=Pthresh), there is no need to activate the primary antenna module110. Otherwise, it may be activated which may improve the radio conditions.

As an example, said Condition 1 is fulfilled at the points denoted with reference sign B1ofFIG.11B. The further curve PT,omniofFIG.11Bdenotes a received power of a potential handover target cell as received by the primary antenna module110.

Condition 2: When the power of any target (e.g., other gNB22, that may potentially be a target for a handover (HO) procedure) detected by the first secondary antenna module120a(FIG.2), which is currently connected to the serving cell established by gNB21, plus Offset (PT,P1+Obgain) is above the Power (PS,P1) of the serving cell, then the primary antenna module110should be active and switched on: PT,P1+Obgain<PS,P1. This aspect of the exemplary embodiment can be interpreted in the following way: as soon as the first secondary antenna module120aconnected to serving cell (gNB21) detects an additional target cell (of gNB22), then activate the primary antenna module110with its omnidirectional radiation pattern RP1as it is likely that it may boost the power of the target cell (gNB22) and may potentially lead to an earlier handover from gNB21to gNB22and may thus effect a better mobility and throughput performance. Said Condition 2 is e.g. fulfilled at the point denoted with reference sign B2ofFIG.11C.

FIG.12Aschematically depicts a simplified diagram of an operational scenario according to further exemplary embodiments, andFIG.12Bschematically depicts a power P′ over distance d diagram related to the exemplary scenario ofFIG.12A.

Depicted is a cellular communications system20, e.g. operating according to the 5G standard or configured to at least temporarily operate according to the 5G standard, for example using RF signals in the frequency range FR2 as defined by the standard 3GPP TS 38.101-2 V15.2.0 (2018-06), cf. e.g. Table 5.1-1 on p. 12. The system20comprises a first gNB21, a second gNB22, a third gNB23, and a fourth gNB24.FIG.12Aalso shows a UE according to the embodiments (also cf.FIG.6) moving between said gNBs21,22,23,24, cf. arrow A1. More specifically, four different operational states of the UE are depicted byFIG.12A, which are denoted with reference signs P1, P2, P3, P4. As an example, in the state “P1”, the secondary antenna module120c(also cf.FIG.5A) pointing to the left, e.g. towards the gNB21, is activated, in the state “P2” (in which the UE has moved further to the right ofFIG.12A, e.g. towards the fourth gNB24), the secondary antenna module120a(FIG.5A) pointing vertically upwards inFIG.12A, e.g. towards the gNB22, is activated, in the state “P3” (in which the UE has moved further towards the fourth gNB24), the secondary antenna module120d(FIG.5A) pointing vertically downwards inFIG.12A, e.g. towards the gNB23, is activated, and in the state “P4” (in which the UE has arrived at or is close to the fourth gNB24), the secondary antenna module120b(FIG.5A) pointing to the right inFIG.12A, e.g. towards the fourth gNB24, is activated.

According to further exemplary embodiments, a power saving algorithm may be used which will be explained below with reference toFIG.12A,12B.

According to further exemplary embodiments, the primary antenna module110with its omnidirectional radiation pattern RP1(FIG.3) may be switched on if a benefit can be achieved from a power saving perspective under at least one of the following aspects:

Aspect 1: power saving phase. When the receive signal strength of a currently active secondary antenna module connected to a serving cell (Pact,serv) is above a given threshold (Pthresh), then only said primary antenna module110may be used for a target cell discovery: Pact,serv>Pthresh.

According to further exemplary embodiments, said threshold Pthreshmay represent a level at which the UE10is in good radio conditions and thus e.g. with no urgency to perform a handover. The primary antenna module110with an omnidirectional radiation pattern RP1may thus be a comparatively power efficient way to discover new cells.

Aspect 2: fast target cell discovery using said at least one secondary antenna module120,120a,120b, . . . . When the signal strength Pam, measured by the primary antenna module110of one of the target cells is getting “close” to a receive power Pact,servof an active secondary antenna module connected to the serving cell, within an offset value Poffset, then all secondary antenna modules may be activated for a fast target cell discovery (either simultaneously or time multiplexed).

Post Aspect 2: Once Aspect 2 is passed, then a handover or conditional handover may be executed, if for example an “A3”-event is triggered by the UE to the network20.

FIG.12Bexemplarily depicts receive power levels P1,A, P2,B, P3,C, P4,Das may be determined by said UE ofFIG.12Aalong its way A1of movement from gNB21to gNB24, passing the further gNBs22,23, wherein level P1,Ais associated with state P1ofFIG.12A, P2,8is associated with state P2ofFIG.12A, and so on. Also, a receive power level Pomnias may be determined by the primary antenna module110is depicted.

According to further exemplary embodiments, in a first distance range R1, the UE performs target cell search using (preferably only) the primary antenna module110, e.g. in accordance with Aspect 1 mentioned above. In a second distance range R2, all secondary antenna modules120may be activated, in a third distance range R3the UE performs target cell search again using (preferably only) the primary antenna module110, and the process is continued similarly for the further gNB23,24ofFIG.12Awithin the further distance ranges R4, R5, R6, R7ofFIG.12B.

Handover procedures are denoted with reference sign HO inFIG.12B.

FIGS.13A and13Beach schematically depict temporal activation patterns for antenna modules110,120a,120b,120c,120dof the apparatus according to further exemplary embodiments.

In the table ofFIG.13A, line L1corresponds with the first secondary antenna module120a(FIG.5A), line L2corresponds with the second secondary antenna module120b(FIG.5A), line L3corresponds with the third secondary antenna module120c(FIG.5A), line L4corresponds with the fourth secondary antenna module120d(FIG.5A), and line L5corresponds with the primary antenna module110(FIG.5A), wherein the columns col1, col2, . . . , col14denote discrete time steps of said antenna module activation pattern, and wherein a letter “X” in a certain cell defined by a specific line and a specific column denotes that the respective antenna module is activated in the time step denoted by the specific column. As an example, from FIG.13A it can be seen, that the primary antenna module110(cf. line L5) is permanently activated in all time steps col1, col2, . . . , col14, wherein the individual secondary antenna modules120a,120b,120c,120dare periodically activated in a time-multiplexed manner. In other words, according to further preferred embodiments, in a single discrete time step, only two antenna modules are active, namely the primary antenna module110and one of the four secondary antenna modules.

According to further exemplary embodiments, the activation pattern ofFIG.13Amay e.g. be used in an idle mode of the UE (FIG.6), wherein a target cell search may be performed.

According to further exemplary embodiments, the activation pattern ofFIG.13Bmay e.g. be used in a connected mode of the UE (FIG.6), wherein the UE is connected via a first secondary antenna module120a(FIG.5A) to a gNB, wherein a target cell search may be performed e.g. using further three secondary antenna modules120b,120c,120d(lines L2, L3, L4) in a time-multiplexed manner and the primary antenna module110(line L5) in a continuous manner.

Similar patterns as those exemplarily disclosed above with reference toFIG.13A,13Bfor individual antenna modules110,120a,120b,120c,120dmay, according to further exemplary embodiments, also be applied to individual antenna elements (e.g., patches) of e.g. a (linear) array antenna1202(FIG.4). As an example, the various antenna elements1202a,1202b,1202c,1202dof an array antenna1202may be periodically activated in a time-multiplexed manner. Activation and/or deactivation of said individual antenna elements may e.g. be performed by appropriately supplying or not supplying the respective components of an receive and/or transmit branch associated with the respective antenna element, cf. the above explanations with reference toFIG.10.

According to further exemplary embodiments, one reason for at least temporarily deactivating at least one antenna module according to the embodiments is that it is not efficient to have a large amount of RF components (e.g. of the tx and/or rx branches of the antenna modules) switched on, unless it is necessary. When considering a few potential scenarios according to further exemplary embodiments, the potential benefits of temporarily deactivating one or more antenna modules may e.g. vary from a factor of 1 to 16 of power saving, based on the exemplary configuration of the apparatus100bofFIG.5A. For example, in an exemplary scenario of 4 patches1202a, . . . ,1202d(FIG.4) per antenna module a factor of 4 times a number of antenna modules of power saving may be obtained when the primary antenna module110is used instead of the secondary antenna modules120a,120b,120c,120d.

According to further exemplary embodiments, the primary antenna module110(FIG.1) may comprise an own transmitter and/or receiver chain, cf. e.g. the radio unit11ofFIG.5B.

According to further exemplary embodiments, the primary antenna module110(FIG.1) may share a transmitter and/or receiver chain with said at least one secondary antenna module120(FIG.1). In this configuration, an activation and/or deactivation of the components110,120may be attained by the control signal(s) c1, c2provided by said control unit130.

Advantageously, according to further exemplary embodiments, a primary antenna module110with an omnidirectional beam pattern RP1is less complex and less costly as a linear array type antenna, as e.g. device1202ofFIG.4.

Nevertheless, providing said primary antenna module110in addition to said at least one secondary antenna module120enables to flexibly and efficiently adapt an overall beam characteristic of said apparatus to different operational states. As an example, in some operational states, the primary antenna module110may e.g. attain up to 10-15 dB of antenna gain via its omnidirectional antenna as compared to a secondary antenna module120in the “dead zone” angles, e.g. which secondary antenna module120is currently not aligned with its radiation pattern RP2(FIG.3), e.g. with its main lobe of said radiation pattern RP2, to another communication device such as e.g. a serving gNB.

According to further exemplary embodiments, at least one of the following algorithms may be used with the apparatus according to the embodiments: a) range/coverage extension algorithm by enabling the primary antenna module110when it has better coverage than said secondary antenna module120. This algorithm may e.g. be used with UEs10with less or equal than 3 secondary antenna modules120a,120b,120c. b) a power saving algorithm that may e.g. deactivate one or more secondary antenna modules when the primary antenna module110is good enough. This may e.g. happen in good radio conditions.

FIG.14schematically depicts a simplified block diagram of a control unit1300according to further exemplary embodiments. As an example, the control unit130as explained above may comprise a structure and/or configuration similar or identical to the control unit1300ofFIG.14.

The control unit1300ofFIG.14comprises at least one calculating unit1302and at least one memory unit1304associated with (i.e., usably by) said at least one calculating unit1302for at least temporarily storing a computer program PRG and/or data DAT, wherein said computer program PRG is e.g. configured to at least temporarily control an operation of the apparatus100according to the embodiments, e.g. the execution of a method according to the embodiments, for example selectively activating and/or deactivating at least one of said antenna modules110,120.

According to further preferred embodiments, said at least one calculating unit1302may comprise at least one of the following elements: a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a programmable logic element (e.g., FPGA, field programmable gate array), an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), hardware circuitry. According to further preferred embodiments, any combination of two or more of these elements is also possible.

According to further preferred embodiments, the memory unit1304comprises at least one of the following elements: a volatile memory1304a, particularly a random-access memory (RAM), a non-volatile memory1304b, particularly a Flash-EEPROM. Preferably, said computer program PRG is at least temporarily stored in said non-volatile memory1304b. Data DAT, which may e.g. be used for executing the method according to the embodiments, may at least temporarily be stored in said RAM1304a.

According to further preferred embodiments, an optional computer-readable storage medium SM comprising instructions, e.g. in the form of a further computer program PRG2, may be provided, wherein said further computer program PRG2, when executed by a computer, i.e. by the calculating unit1302, may cause the computer1302to carry out the method according to the embodiments. As an example, said storage medium SM may comprise or represent a digital storage medium such as a semiconductor memory device (e.g., solid state drive, SSD) and/or a magnetic storage medium such as a disk or harddisk drive (HDD) and/or an optical storage medium such as a compact disc (CD) or DVD (digital versatile disc) or the like.

According to further preferred embodiments, the control unit1300may comprise a data interface1306, preferably for bidirectional control and/or data exchange cx with said antenna modules110,120and/or other devices12,14(FIG.6), e.g. for selectively activating and/or deactivating at least one of said antenna modules110,120and/or components11,12a, . . . ,12dassigned thereto. Also, according to further exemplary embodiments, said data interface1306may be used to receive at least one received power parameter PPRX (e.g., from a BBU14and/or at least one radio unit12,12a, . . . ), which received power parameter PPRX may be used for selectively activating and/or deactivating at least one of said antenna modules110,120and/or components11,12a, . . . ,12dassigned thereto, according to further exemplary embodiments.

As a further example, by means of said data interface1306, also a data carrier signal DCS may be received, e.g. from an external device, for example via a wired or a wireless data transmission medium. According to further preferred embodiments, the data carrier signal DCS may represent or carry the computer program PRG according to the embodiments, or at least a part thereof.

Further preferred embodiments relate to a use of the apparatus according to the embodiments and/or of the method according to the embodiments and/or of the computer program according to the embodiments for a) extending a radio range of a mobile radio device10, particularly of a terminal for a cellular communications network20and/or b) increasing a power efficiency of a mobile radio device10, particularly of a terminal10for a cellular communications network20.