Patent Publication Number: US-2018034499-A1

Title: Reconfigurable antenna switch

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Disclosure 
     The present disclosure relates to the field of wireless communications. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a reconfigurable antenna switch usable in different types of wireless communications devices. 
     2. Background Information 
     Carrier aggregation (CA) is a wireless communications solution for increasing data bandwidth. However, carrier aggregation requires the use of filters in wireless communications devices that use carrier aggregation for communications. The use of filters results in the loss of power on the signal path in separating frequency bands. Filters placed on wireless communications devices result in power loss even when the wireless communications devices do not support carrier aggregation. This power loss degrades performance of such wireless communications device. 
    
    
     
       2. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a standardized arrangement for user equipment that supports carrier aggregation; 
         FIG. 2  shows a representative reconfigurable antenna switch, according to an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  shows a representative reconfigurable antenna switch arrangement, according to an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  shows a representative reconfigurable antenna switch arrangement, according to an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  shows a representative reconfigurable antenna switch arrangement, according to an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  shows a representative reconfigurable antenna switch arrangement, according to an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  shows a representative reconfigurable antenna switch arrangement, according to an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  shows a representative reconfigurable antenna switch arrangement, according to an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  shows a representative wireless communications system for a wireless communications device that includes the reconfigurable antenna switch, according to an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  shows a representative network interface device for the reconfigurable antenna switch arrangement, according to an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  shows a representative network interface device for the reconfigurable antenna switch arrangement, according to an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  shows a representative reconfigurable antenna switch arrangement, according to an aspect of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 13  shows a representative reconfigurable antenna switch arrangement, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, representative embodiments disclosing specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present teachings. Descriptions of known systems, devices, materials, methods of operation and methods of manufacture may be omitted so as to avoid obscuring the description of the example embodiments. Nonetheless, systems, devices, materials and methods that are within the purview of one of ordinary skill in the art may be used in accordance with the representative embodiments. 
     It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for purposes of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. The defined terms are in addition to the technical and scientific meanings of the defined terms as commonly understood and accepted in the technical field of the present teachings. 
     It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third etc. may be used herein to describe various elements or components, these elements or components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element or component from another element or component. Thus, a first element or component discussed below could be termed a second element or component without departing from the teachings of the inventive concept. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the inventive concept. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     It will be understood that when an element or component is referred to as being “connected to”, “coupled to”, or “adjacent to” another element or component, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or component, or intervening elements or components may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or component, there are no intervening elements or components present. 
     In view of the foregoing, the present disclosure, through one or more of its various aspects, embodiments and/or specific features or sub-components, is thus intended to bring out one or more of the advantages as specifically noted below. 
     Methods described herein are illustrative examples, and as such are not intended to require or imply that any particular process of any embodiment be performed in the order presented. Words such as “thereafter,” “then,” “next,” etc. are not intended to limit the order of the processes, and these words are instead used to guide the reader through the description of the methods. Further, any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an” or “the”, is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular unless so specified. 
       FIG. 1  shows a standardized arrangement for user equipment that supports carrier aggregation. The arrangement in  FIG. 1  is compliant with one or more standards such as a long term evolution (LTE) standard. In  FIG. 1 , two different frequency bands are labeled Band A and Band B and represent specific bandwidth segments on the frequency spectrum. Bandwidth A in turn has two different subbands labeled Tx for transmitting and Rx for receiving. Band B also has two different subbands labeled Tx for transmitting and Rx for receiving. Band A is connected to an external “Matching Network-A” element  152 . Band B is connected to an external “Matching Network-B” element  154 . The external Matching Network-A element  152  and Matching Network-B element  154  are each connected to an antenna  192 . Therefore, Matching Network-A element  152  is in a first path to the antenna  192 , and Matching Network-B element  154  is in a second path to the antenna  192 . 
     According to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), in long-term evolution (LTE) user equipment that uses a standardized arrangement such as in  FIG. 1 , download and upload resources are allocated using two or more component carriers such as the Band A and Band B in  FIG. 1 . The external Matching Network-A element  152  and Matching Network-B element  154  are necessary to support carrier aggregation. Matching Network-A element  152  and Matching Network-B element  154  coordinate transmission and/or reception using antenna  192  to help allow radio frequency (RF) signals to pass to the antenna without interference caused by the other signal path, though matching network elements generally also cause loss. 
       FIG. 2  shows a representative reconfigurable antenna switch  200 , according to an aspect of the present disclosure. In  FIG. 2 , four radio frequency ports/throws are labelled T 1  ( 221 ), T 2  ( 222 ), T 3  ( 223 ), and T 4  ( 224 ). Radio frequency ports described herein can be connected to a power amplifier duplexer (PAD) in a wireless communications device that includes the reconfigurable antenna switch  200 . Also in  FIG. 2 , four ports are labelled P 1  ( 231 ), P 2  ( 232 ), P 3  ( 233 ), and P 4  ( 234 ), and are connected to components within the wireless communications device that includes the reconfigurable antenna switch  200 . For example, the four ports labelled P 1  ( 231 ), P 2  ( 232 ), P 3  ( 233 ), and P 4  ( 234 ) can each be connected to an antenna (not shown) as antenna ports, or between another of the ports P 1  ( 231 ), P 2  ( 232 ), P 3  ( 233 ), and P 4  ( 234 ) and the radio frequency (RF) throws T 1  ( 221 ), T 2  ( 222 ), T 3  ( 223 ), and T 4  ( 224 ). 
     In  FIG. 2 , the reconfigurable antenna switch  200  can be configured to support a variety of configurations for the different types of wireless communications devices that include the reconfigurable antenna switch  200 . The configurations that can be supported by the reconfigurable antenna switch  200  include:
         single antenna architecture   dual antenna architecture   carrier aggregation   non-carrier-aggregation       

     A wireless communications device that includes an reconfigurable antenna switch as a component may be a mobile phone configured to communicate over cellular networks such as a long term evolution (LTE) compliant cellular network. Many different types of such wireless communications devices are possible, and as described herein, such wireless communications devices may include multiple different configurations such as those noted above. The reconfigurable antenna switch  200  can be used in different types of wireless communications devices, and configured specifically for each different type. 
     The reconfigurable antenna switch  200  can be made of one or more silicon on insulator (SOI) semiconductors, such as silicon on sapphire (SOS) semiconductors. Alternatively, an reconfigurable antenna switch  200  can be made of other forms of metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS). 
       FIG. 3  shows a representative reconfigurable antenna switch arrangement, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. In  FIG. 3 , radio frequency throws T 1  ( 321 ), T 2  ( 322 ), T 3  ( 323 ) and T 4  ( 324 ) all connect to the port P 1  ( 331 ), which is an antenna port in  FIG. 3 . In turn, antenna port P 1  ( 331 ) is connected to a single antenna  392  which is the only antenna on the wireless communications device that includes reconfigurable antenna switch  300 . 
     In  FIG. 3 , the reconfigurable antenna switch  300  is configured for a wireless communications device that does not support carrier aggregation. The port P 1  ( 331 ) can select one throw among throws T 1  ( 321 ), T 2  ( 322 ), T 3  ( 323 ), T 4  ( 324 ). In the configuration of the wireless communications device that includes reconfigurable antenna switch  300 , the radio frequency signal passes from the antenna  392  to the antenna port P 1  ( 331 ) without passing through an external matching network. This configuration involves the lowest transmission and reception loss of any configuration discussed in the present disclosure. 
     As described above,  FIG. 3  shows a non-carrier-aggregation configuration using one antenna. All throws T 1  ( 321 ), T 2  ( 322 ), T 3  ( 323 ), T 4  ( 324 ) are connected to port P 1  ( 331 ), which is connected to the antenna  392 . The path used in  FIG. 3  does not add power loss by not passing through a filter or external matching network used to support carrier aggregation. 
       FIG. 4  shows a representative reconfigurable antenna switch arrangement, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. In  FIG. 4 , radio frequency throw T 1  ( 421 ) connects to intermediate port P 3  ( 433 ), which in turn is connected to matching networks  452 . Radio frequency throw T 3  ( 423 ) connects to intermediate port P 4  ( 434 ), which in turn is connected to matching networks  454 . Matching networks  452 ,  454  are both connected to intermediate port P 2  ( 432 ), which in turn connects to antenna port P 1  ( 431 ). 
     That is, the only port configured as an antenna port on the reconfigurable antenna switch  400  is port P 1  ( 431 ). In the reconfigurable antenna switch  400  in  FIG. 4 , port P 3  ( 433 ) is selectively connected to throw T 1  ( 421 ). Port P 4  ( 434 ) is selectively connected to throw T 3  ( 423 ). The external matching networks  452 ,  454  ensure that radio frequency signals pass to the antenna  492  without interference from the other path. In an embodiment, these matching networks  452 ,  454  can be replaced with a diplexer. 
     In  FIG. 4 , throw T 1  ( 421 ) is dedicated to or otherwise corresponds to band A. Throw T 2  ( 422 ) is dedicated to or otherwise corresponds to band B. Throw T 3  ( 423 ) is dedicated to or otherwise corresponds to Band C. Throw T 4  ( 424 ) is dedicated to or otherwise corresponds to Band D. Bands A, B, C and D are each distinct portions of the frequency spectrum usable by a wireless communications device that includes reconfigurable antenna switch  400  and antenna  492 . 
     The configuration of the wireless communications device that includes reconfigurable antenna switch  400  is supportive of carrier aggregation using a single antenna. This configuration is different than the configuration of the wireless communications device that includes reconfigurable antenna switch  300  in  FIG. 3 , which used the single antenna  392  but was not supportive of carrier aggregation. 
     As described above,  FIG. 4  shows a configuration for carrier aggregation using one antenna. Antenna port P 1  ( 431 ) is connected intermediate the antenna  492  and port P 2  ( 432 ). External matching networks  452 ,  454  are respectively connected to port P 3  ( 433 ) for the upper frequency path, and to port P 4  ( 434 ) for the lower frequency path. The upper frequency signal passing by P 3  ( 433 ) and the lower frequency signal passing by P 4  ( 434 ) can deliver power simultaneously, and thus support carrier aggregation. 
       FIG. 5  shows a representative reconfigurable antenna switch arrangement, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. In  FIG. 5 , radio frequency throw T 1  ( 521 ) connects to intermediate port P 3  ( 533 ), which in turn is connected to matching networks  552 . Radio frequency throw T 3  ( 523 ) connects to intermediate port P 4  ( 534 ), which in turn is connected to matching networks  554 . Matching networks  552 ,  554  are both connected to intermediate port P 2  ( 532 ), which in turn connects to antenna port P 1  ( 531 ). 
     That is, as in the configuration of  FIG. 4 , the only port configured as an antenna port on the reconfigurable antenna switch  500  is port P 1  ( 531 ). In the reconfigurable antenna switch  500  in  FIG. 5 , port P 3  ( 533 ) is selectively connected to throw T 1  ( 521 ). Port P 4  ( 534 ) is selectively connected to throw T 3  ( 523 ). The external matching networks  552 ,  554  ensure that radio frequency signals pass to the antenna  592  without interference from the other path. In an embodiment, these matching networks  552 ,  554  can be replaced with a diplexer. 
     In  FIG. 5 , throw T 1  ( 521 ) is connected to a multiplexer  501  that supports Bands A, B, C and D. Additionally, throw T 3  is connected to a multiplexer  505  that supports Bands E, F, G and H. Multiplexer  501  can carry multiple signals in Bands A, B, C and D to the throw T 1  simultaneously. In the same way, multiplexer  505  can carry multiple signals in Bands E, F, G and H to the throw T 3  simultaneously. As a result, throws T 1  and T 3  can provide dynamic and variable carrier aggregation with multiple bandwidth options. 
     Examples of available bandwidth combinations selectable using the throws T 1  ( 521 ) and T 3  ( 523 ) and multiplexers  501 ,  505  include (for one preset configuration): one or more of A, B, C and D; and one or more of E, F, G and H. Therefore, using multiplexers  501 ,  505 , the reconfigurable antenna switch  500  can be set to utilize any of numerous different combinations of bands for carrier aggregation. 
     In  FIG. 5 , throw T 1  is dedicated to or otherwise corresponds to bands A, B, C and D. Throw T 3  ( 523 ) is dedicated to or otherwise corresponds to band E, F, G and H. 
     The configuration of the wireless communications device that includes reconfigurable antenna switch  500  is again supportive of carrier aggregation using a single antenna. This configuration is different than the configuration of the wireless communications device that includes reconfigurable antenna switch  300  in  FIG. 3 , which used the single antenna  392  but was not supportive of carrier aggregation. This configuration is similar to the configuration of the wireless communications device that includes the reconfigurable antenna switch  400  in  FIG. 4 , but provides significantly more variability for carrier aggregation combinations using multiplexers  501 ,  505 . 
     In  FIG. 5 , the operation of carrier aggregation uses one antenna  592  and multiplexers  501 ,  505 . This configuration supports multi-carrier-aggregation, three or more frequency bands, and also enables carrier aggregation in similar frequency bands, in lower frequency bands, or in higher frequency bands separated by external matching networks  552 ,  554 . The multiplexers  501 ,  505  are connected to throws T 1  ( 521 ) and T 3  ( 523 ) and facilitate carrier aggregation in similar frequency bands. Ports P 3  ( 533 ) and P 4  ( 534 ) support additional carrier aggregation using external matching networks  552 ,  554 . For the non-carrier aggregation case, throws T 1  ( 521 ), T 2  ( 522 ), T 3  ( 523 ), T 4  ( 524 ) are selectively connected to port P 1  ( 531 ), which is connected to the antenna  592 . The path not passing by an intermediate port does not add power loss by not passing through a filter or matching network used to support carrier aggregation. 
       FIG. 6  shows a representative reconfigurable antenna switch arrangement, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. In  FIG. 6 , radio frequency throw T 1  ( 621 ) connects to antenna port P 3  ( 633 ). Antenna port P 3  ( 633 ) connects to antenna  692 . Radio frequency throw T 3  ( 623 ) connects to antenna port P 4  ( 634 ). Antenna port P 4  ( 634 ) connects to antenna  694 . 
     That is, ports P 3  and P 4  are both configured as antenna ports for the antennas  692 ,  694  in the configuration of  FIG. 6 . In the reconfigurable antenna switch  600  in  FIG. 6 , port P 3  ( 633 ) is selectively connected to throw T 1  ( 621 ). Port P 4  ( 634 ) is selectively connected to throw T 3  ( 623 ). In  FIG. 6 , the configuration using two antennas  692 ,  694  is supportive of both carrier aggregation and non-carrier-aggregation. 
     The configuration of the wireless communications device that includes reconfigurable antenna switch  600  is different than the configuration of the wireless communications device that includes reconfigurable antenna switch  300  in  FIG. 3 , which used the single antenna  392  but was not supportive of carrier aggregation. However, similar to the configuration of the reconfigurable antenna switch  300  in  FIG. 3 , in the configuration of the wireless communications device that includes reconfigurable antenna switch  600 , the radio frequency signal goes from the antennas  692 ,  694  to the antenna ports P 3  ( 633 ), P 4  ( 634 ) without passing through an external matching network. This configuration involves the lowest transmission and reception loss of any configuration discussed in the present disclosure. 
     In  FIG. 6 , throw T 1  ( 621 ) is dedicated to or otherwise corresponds to band A. Throw T 2  ( 622 ) is dedicated to or otherwise corresponds to band B. Throw T 3  ( 623 ) is dedicated to or otherwise corresponds to Band C. Throw T 4  ( 624 ) is dedicated to or otherwise corresponds to Band D. Bands A, B, C and D are each distinct portions of the frequency spectrum usable by a wireless communications device that includes reconfigurable antenna switch  600  and antennas  692 ,  694 . 
       FIG. 6  shows the operation of a configuration for two antennas  692 ,  694 . Ports P 1  ( 631 ) and P 2  ( 632 ) are not used in  FIG. 6 . All four throws T 1  ( 621 ), T 2  ( 622 ), T 3  ( 623 ) and T 4  ( 624 ) can be connected to ports P 3  ( 633 ) and P 4  ( 634 ). The configuration of  FIG. 6  supports both carrier aggregation and non-carrier-aggregation without additional loss imposed by filtering. 
       FIG. 7  shows a representative reconfigurable antenna switch arrangement, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. In  FIG. 7 , radio frequency throw T 1  ( 721 ) connects to antenna port P 3  ( 733 ), which in turn is connected to reconfigurable antenna switch  792 . Radio frequency throw T 3  ( 723 ) connects to antenna port P 4  ( 734 ), which in turn is connected to antenna  794 . In  FIG. 7 , no matching networks are required since two antennas  792 ,  794  are present on the wireless communications device that includes reconfigurable antenna switch  700 . 
     That is, as in the configuration of  FIG. 6 , both ports P 3  ( 733 ) and P 4  ( 734 ) are ports configured as antenna ports on the reconfigurable antenna switch  700 . In the reconfigurable antenna switch  700  in  FIG. 7 , port P 3  ( 733 ) is selectively connected to throw T 1  ( 721 ). Port P 4  ( 734 ) is selectively connected to throw T 3  ( 723 ). 
     In  FIG. 7 , throw T 1  ( 721 ) is connected to a multiplexer  701  that supports Bands A, B, C and D. Additionally, throw T 3  is connected to a multiplexer  705  that supports Bands E, F, G and H. Multiplexer  701  can carry multiple signals in Bands A, B, C and D to the throw T 1  simultaneously. In the same way, multiplexer  705  can carry multiple signals in Bands E, F, G and H to the throw T 3  simultaneously. As a result, throws T 1  and T 3  can provide dynamic and variable carrier aggregation with multiple bandwidth options. 
     Examples of available bandwidth combinations selectable using the throws T 1  ( 721 ) and T 3  ( 723 ) and multiplexers  701 ,  705  include (for one preset configuration): one or more of A, B, C and D; and one or more of E, F, G and H. Therefore, using multiplexers  701 ,  705 , the reconfigurable antenna switch  700  can be set to utilize any of numerous different combinations of bands for carrier aggregation. In  FIG. 7 , throw T 1  is dedicated to or otherwise corresponds to bands A, B, C and D. Throw T 3  ( 723 ) is dedicated to or otherwise corresponds to bands E, F, G and H. 
     The configuration of the wireless communications device that includes reconfigurable antenna switch  700  is again supportive of carrier aggregation using dual antennas  792 ,  794 . The reconfigurable antenna switch  700  also supports non-carrier-aggregation. This configuration is an improvement on the reconfigurable antenna switch  600  in  FIG. 6  in that the multiplexers  701 ,  705  provide much more flexibility in combining bands for use in carrier aggregation. 
     In  FIG. 7 , operation of a solution with two antennas  792 ,  794  uses multiplexers  701 ,  705 . The configuration of  FIG. 7  supports multi-carrier aggregation without power losses imposed by a diplexer or additional matching networks. 
       FIG. 8  shows a representative reconfigurable antenna switch arrangement, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. In  FIG. 8 , an additional port P 5  ( 835 ) is provided compared to previous embodiments. The additional port P 5  ( 835 ) provides an expanded range of carrier aggregation band combinations as explained below. 
     In  FIG. 8 , radio frequency throw T 1  ( 821 ) connects to intermediate port P 3  ( 833 ), which in turn is connected to matching networks  852 . Radio frequency throw T 3  ( 823 ) connects to intermediate port P 4  ( 834 ), which in turn is connected to matching networks  854 . Radio frequency throw T 4  ( 824 ) connects to intermediate port P 5  ( 835 ), which in turn is connected to matching networks  855 . Matching networks  852 ,  854 ,  855  are all connected to intermediate port P 2  ( 832 ), which in turn connects to antenna port P 1  ( 831 ). 
     That is, as in the configuration of  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the only port configured as an antenna port on the reconfigurable antenna switch  800  is port P 1  ( 831 ). In the reconfigurable antenna switch  800  in  FIG. 8 , port P 3  ( 833 ) is selectively connected to throw T 1  ( 821 ). Port P 4  ( 834 ) is selectively connected to throw T 3  ( 823 ). Port P 5  ( 835 ) is selectively connected to throw T 4  ( 824 ). The external matching networks  852 ,  854  and  855  ensure that radio frequency signals pass to the antenna  892  without interference from the other paths. In an embodiment, these matching networks  852 ,  854 ,  855  can be replaced with a triplexer. 
     In  FIG. 8 , throw T 1  ( 821 ) is connected to a multiplexer  801  that supports Bands A, B, C and D. Throw T 2  ( 822 ) is connected to a multiplexer  805  that supports Bands E and F, but which is not used in  FIG. 8  since throw T 2  ( 822 ) is not connected to a port antenna or intermediate antenna in  FIG. 8 . Additionally, throw T 3  ( 823 ) is connected to a multiplexer  809  that supports Bands G and H. Throw T 4  ( 824 ) is connected to multiplexer  811  which supports Bands I, J, K, L, M and N. Multiplexer  801  can carry multiple signals in Bands A, B, C and D to the throw T 1  simultaneously. Multiplexer  809  can carry multiple signals in Bands G and H to the throw T 3  simultaneously. In the same way, multiplexer  811  can carry multiple signals in Bands I, J, K, L, M and N to the throw T 4  simultaneously. As a result, throws T 1  ( 821 ), T 3  ( 823 ) and T 4  ( 824 ) can provide dynamic and variable carrier aggregation with multiple bandwidth options. 
     Examples of available bandwidth combinations selectable using the throws T 1  ( 821 ), T 3  ( 823 ) and T 4  ( 824 ) and multiplexers  801 ,  809  and  811  include (for one preset configuration): one or more of A, B, C and D; one or more of G and H; and one or more of I, J, K, L, M and N. Therefore, using multiplexers  801 ,  809  and  811 , the reconfigurable antenna switch  800  can be set to utilize any of numerous different combinations of bands for carrier aggregation. 
     In  FIG. 8 , throw T 1  ( 821 ) is dedicated to or otherwise corresponds to bands A, B, C and D. Throw T 3  ( 523 ) is dedicated to or otherwise corresponds to bands E and F. Throw T 4  is dedicated to or otherwise corresponds to bands I, J, K, L, M and N. 
     The configuration of the wireless communications device that includes reconfigurable antenna switch  800  is again supportive of carrier aggregation using a single antenna  892 . This configuration is different than the configuration of the wireless communications device that includes reconfigurable antenna switch  300  in  FIG. 3 , which used the single antenna  392  but was not supportive of carrier aggregation. This configuration is similar to the configuration of the wireless communications devices that includes the reconfigurable antenna switch  400  in  FIG. 4  and the reconfigurable antenna switch  500  in  FIG. 5 , but provides significantly more variability for carrier aggregation combinations using multiplexers  801 ,  809 ,  811 . For the non-carrier aggregation case, throws T 1  ( 821 ), T 2  ( 822 ), T 3  ( 823 ), T 4  ( 824 ) are selectively connected to port P 1  ( 831 ), which is connected to the antenna  892 . The path not passing by an intermediate port does not add power loss by not passing through a filter or matching network used to support carrier aggregation. 
       FIG. 9  shows a representative wireless communications device  900  that includes the reconfigurable antenna switch such as reconfigurable antenna switch  200  in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 9  is illustrative of the multiple different components, features and characteristics of, for example, a modern smart phone that implements the reconfigurable antenna switch  200  in a network interface device  940 . The wireless communications device  900  can include a set of instructions that can be executed to cause the wireless communications device  900  to perform methods or functions disclosed herein. The wireless communications device  900  may operate in a standalone device or may operate in a device connected, for example, using a wireless network  901  such as an LTE-compliant cellular network, to other computer systems or peripheral devices. 
     The wireless communications device  900  can also be implemented as or incorporated into various devices, such as a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a mobile tablet computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or any other wireless communications device capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. The wireless communications device  900  can be incorporated as or in a particular device that in turn is in an integrated system that includes additional devices. In a particular embodiment, the wireless communications device  900  can be implemented using wireless communications devices that provide voice, video or data communication. Further, while the single wireless communications device  900  is illustrated, the term “device” shall also be taken to include any collection of systems or sub-systems that individually or jointly execute a set, or multiple sets, of instructions to perform one or more functions. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the wireless communications device  900  includes a processor  910 . Any processor for the wireless communications device  900  described herein is tangible and non-transitory. As used herein, the term “non-transitory” is to be interpreted not as an eternal characteristic of a state, but as a characteristic of a state that will last for a period of time. The term “non-transitory” specifically disavows fleeting characteristics such as characteristics of a particular carrier wave or signal or other forms that exist only transitorily in any place at any time. A processor is an article of manufacture and/or a machine component. A processor for the wireless communications device  900  is configured to execute software instructions in order to perform functions as described in the various embodiments herein. A processor for the wireless communications device  900  may be a general purpose processor or may be part of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) such as a baseband processor chipset processor described with respect to  FIGS. 10 and 11  below. A processor for the wireless communications device  900  may also be a microprocessor, a microcomputer, a processor chip, a controller, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a state machine, or a programmable logic device. A processor for the wireless communications device  900  may also be a logical circuit, including a programmable gate array (PGA) such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or another type of circuit that includes discrete gate and/or transistor logic. A processor for the wireless communications device  900  may be a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or both. Additionally, any processor described herein may include multiple processors, parallel processors, or both. Multiple processors may be included in, or coupled to, a single device or multiple devices. 
     Moreover, the wireless communications device  900  includes a main memory  920  and a static memory  930  that can communicate with each other via a bus  908 . Memories described herein are tangible storage mediums that can store data and executable instructions, and are non-transitory during the time instructions are stored therein. As used herein, the term “non-transitory” is to be interpreted not as an eternal characteristic of a state, but as a characteristic of a state that will last for a period of time. The term “non-transitory” specifically disavows fleeting characteristics such as characteristics of a particular carrier wave or signal or other forms that exist only transitorily in any place at any time. A memory described herein is an article of manufacture and/or machine component. Memories described herein are computer-readable mediums from which data and executable instructions can be read by a computer. Memories as described herein may be random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash memory, electrically programmable read only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), registers, a hard disk, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. Memories may be volatile or non-volatile, secure and/or encrypted, unsecure and/or unencrypted. 
     As shown, the wireless communications device  900  may further include a video display unit  950 , such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), or a solid state display. Additionally, the wireless communications device  900  may include an input device  960 , such as a keyboard/virtual keyboard or touch-sensitive input screen, and a cursor control device  970 , such as a touch-sensitive input screen or pad. The wireless communications device  900  can also include a drive unit  980 , a signal generation device  990 , such as a speaker or remote control, and a network interface device  940 . As noted, the reconfigurable antenna switch  200  may be a component of the network interface device  940  in the wireless communications device  900 . 
     In a particular embodiment, as depicted in  FIG. 9 , the disk drive unit  980  may include a computer-readable medium  982  in which one or more sets of instructions  984 , e.g. software, can be embedded. Sets of instructions  984  can be read from the computer-readable medium  982 . Further, the instructions  984 , when executed by a processor, can be used to perform one or more of the methods and processes as described herein. In a particular embodiment, the instructions  984  may reside completely, or at least partially, within the main memory  920 , the static memory  930 , and/or within the processor  910  during execution by the wireless communications device  900 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, dedicated hardware implementations, such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic arrays and other hardware components, can be constructed to implement one or more of the methods described herein. One or more embodiments described herein may implement functions using two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and data signals that can be communicated between and through the modules. Accordingly, the present disclosure encompasses software, firmware, and hardware implementations. Nothing in the present application should be interpreted as being implemented or implementable solely with software and not hardware such as a tangible non-transitory processor and/or memory. 
     In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, the methods described herein may be implemented using a hardware computer system that executes software programs. Further, in a representative, non-limited embodiment, implementations can include distributed processing, component/object distributed processing, and parallel processing. 
     The present disclosure contemplates a computer-readable medium  982  that includes instructions  984  or receives and executes instructions  984  responsive to a propagated signal; so that a device connected to a wireless network  901  can communicate voice, video or data over the wireless network using the network interface device  940 . Further, the instructions  984  may be transmitted or received over the wireless network  901  via the network interface device  940 . 
       FIG. 10  shows representative antenna architecture for a reconfigurable antenna switch arrangement, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. In  FIG. 10 , a network interface device  1040  is similar or the same as network interface device  940  in  FIG. 9 . The network interface device  1040  includes components that functionally relate to an antenna  1092  of a wireless communications device such as the wireless communications device  900  in  FIG. 9 . In  FIG. 10 , two reconfigurable antenna switches  200   a ,  200   b  are included in the network interface device  940 . The reconfigurable antenna switch  200   a  is used for an upper frequency band on the frequency spectrum. The reconfigurable antenna switch  200   b  is used for a lower frequency band on the frequency spectrum (i.e., lower than the upper frequency band). 
     In  FIG. 10 , the reconfigurable antenna switch  200   a  is connected to a dedicated power amplifier duplexer (PAD)  1080  in the network interface device  1040 . The reconfigurable antenna switch  200   b  is connected to a dedicated power amplifier duplexer  1081 . Power amplifier duplexers  1080 ,  1081  combine functions of a power amplifier with a duplexer. The power amplifier characteristic of the power amplifier duplexers  1080 ,  1081  is the amplification of low-power signals up to required levels, such as preset threshold levels required for a particular wireless communications device. The duplexer characteristic of the power amplifier duplexers  1080 ,  1081  enables bi-directional (duplex) communication for the wireless communications device by isolating transmissions (transmitters) from receptions (receivers) for a common antenna  1092 . The power amplifier duplexers  1080 ,  1081  may be a universal power amplifier module with integrated duplexers (PAMiD) structure. The universal reconfigurable antenna switch  200   a ,  200   b  can be provided for different types of wireless communications devices along with universal power amplifier duplexers  1080 ,  1081 , and the two devices may even be provided together as a combined universal module for use in different types of wireless communications devices. 
     In  FIG. 10 , the reconfigurable antenna switches  200   a ,  200   b  are shown as stand-alone components of the network interface device  1040 . However, reconfigurable antenna switches  200   a ,  200   b  can be combined with respective power amplifier duplexers  1080 ,  1081  as a single device or combined module, so that such devices or modules can be sold together as a component usable by different manufacturers of different types of wireless communications devices. 
     A baseband chipset  1070  and control  1075  include at least one tangible processor to control all radio network functions for the device that includes the power amplifier duplexers  1080 ,  1081 , and reconfigurable antenna switches  200   a ,  200   b . The processor may include a baseband processor, which is a chip, to manage radio functions involving the antenna  1092 . A baseband chipset  1070  controls reconfigurable antenna switches  200   a ,  200   b  and power amplifier duplexers  1080 ,  1081  using general purpose input/output (GPIO), or the standardized mobile industry processor interface for RF front end interface (MIPI RFEE). 
     The reconfigurable antenna switches  200   a ,  200   b  in  FIG. 10  are the same switches as shown in  FIG. 2 . Reconfigurable antenna switches  200   a ,  200   b  can be configured for any of the different configurations shown herein, but are labelled as  200   a ,  200   b  to show that they are at least initially un-configured before being configured or reconfigured. In  FIG. 10 , each reconfigurable antenna switch  200   a ,  200   b  is connected to a diplexer  1090 , which in turn is connected to a single antenna  1092  that transmits and receives signals for both the upper frequency band and lower frequency band labelled in  FIG. 10 . The diplexer  1090  of the network interface device  1040  performs frequency-domain multiplexing for the upper frequency band and lower frequency band, which enables the upper frequency band and lower frequency band to share the common antenna  1092  without interfering with one another. 
       FIG. 11  shows representative antenna architecture for a reconfigurable antenna switch arrangement, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The network interface device  1140  is similar to the network interface device  1040  in  FIG. 10 , and is again the same as or similar to network interface device  940  in  FIG. 9 . The network interface device  1140  includes baseband chipset  1170  and control  1175  with the same functions as baseband chipset  1070  and control  1075  in  FIG. 10 . The network interface device  1140  also includes power amplifier duplexer  1180  and reconfigurable antenna switch  200   a , and power amplifier duplexer  1181  and reconfigurable antenna switch  200   b , each of which perform the same functions as the analogous components in  FIG. 10 . 
     However, the network interface device  1140  includes two antennas  1192 ,  1194 , compared to the single antenna  1092  in  FIG. 10 , and the other components shown in  FIG. 11  all functionally relate to wireless communications over the two antennas  1192 ,  1194 . Also, in  FIG. 11  there is no diplexer, compared to diplexer  1090  in  FIG. 10 . This is because a diplexer would be redundant in a wireless communications device with a different antenna for each frequency band as in  FIG. 11 . In  FIG. 11 , the upper frequency band is used for wireless communications involving the power amplifier duplexer  1180 , switch  200   a , and antenna  1192 . The lower frequency band is used for wireless communications involving power amplifier duplexer  1181 , reconfigurable antenna switch  200   b , and antenna  1194 . 
     In  FIG. 11 , the reconfigurable antenna switches  200   a ,  200   b  are again shown as stand-alone components of the network interface device  1140 . However, reconfigurable antenna switches  200   a ,  200   b  can be combined with respective power amplifier duplexers  1180 ,  1181  as a single device or combined module, or even combined in modules with respective antennas  1192 ,  1194 , so that such a module can be sold or otherwise provided together as a component usable by different manufacturers of different types of wireless communications devices. 
       FIG. 12  shows a representative reconfigurable antenna switch arrangement, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. In  FIG. 12 , radio frequency throw T 1  ( 1221 ) connects to intermediate port P 3  ( 1233 ), which in turn is connected to matching network  1252 . Radio frequency throw T 3  ( 1223 ) connects to intermediate port P 4  ( 1234 ), which in turn is connected to matching network  1254 . Matching networks  1252 ,  1254  are both connected to intermediate port P 2  ( 1232 ), which in turn connects to antenna port P 1  ( 1231 ). Radio frequency throw T 4  ( 1224 ) connects to antenna port P 5  ( 1235 ), which in turn is connected to antenna  1294 . 
     That is both ports P 1  ( 1231 ) and P 5  ( 1235 ) are ports configured as antenna ports on the reconfigurable antenna switch  1200 . In the reconfigurable antenna switch  1200 , port P 3  ( 1233 ) is selectively connected to throw T 1  ( 1221 ). Port P 4  ( 1234 ) is selectively connected to throw T 3  ( 1223 ). Port P 5  ( 1235 ) is selectively connected to throw T 4  ( 1224 ). The external matching network  1252 ,  1254  ensure that radio frequency signals pass to the antenna  1292  without interference from the other paths. In an embodiment, these matching networks  1252 ,  1254  can be replaced with a diplexer. 
     In  FIG. 12 , throw T 1  ( 1221 ) is connected to a multiplexer  1201  that supports Bands A, B, C and D. Throw T 2  ( 1222 ) is connected to a multiplexer  1205  that supports Bands E and F, but which is not used in  FIG. 12  since throw T 2  ( 1222 ) is not connected to a port antenna or intermediate antenna in  FIG. 12 . Additionally, throw T 3  ( 1223 ) is connected to a multiplexer  1209  that supports Bands G and H. Throw T 4  ( 1224 ) is connected to multiplexer  1211  which supports Bands I, J, K, L, M and N. Multiplexer  1201  can carry multiple signals in Bands A, B, C and D to the throw T 1  simultaneously. Multiplexer  1209  can carry multiple signals in Bands G and H to the throw T 3  ( 1223 ) simultaneously. In the same way, multiplexer  1211  can carry multiple signals in Bands I, J, K, L, M and N to the throw T 4  simultaneously. As a result, throws T 1  ( 1221 ), T 3  ( 1223 ) and T 4  ( 1224 ) can provide dynamic and variable carrier aggregation with multiple bandwidth options. 
     Examples of available bandwidth combinations selectable using the throws T 1  ( 1221 ), T 3  ( 1223 ) and T 4  ( 1224 ) and multiplexers  1201 ,  1209  and  1211  include (for one preset configuration): one or more of A, B, C and D; one or more of G and H; and one or more of I, J, K, L, M and N. Therefore, using multiplexers  1201 ,  1209  and  1211 , the reconfigurable antenna switch  1200  can be set to utilize any of numerous different combinations of bands for carrier aggregation. 
     The configuration of the wireless communications device that includes the reconfigurable antenna switch  1200  is again supportive of carrier aggregation using dual antennas  1292 ,  1294 . The reconfigurable antenna switch  1200  also supports non-carrier-aggregation. This configuration is an improvement on the reconfigurable antenna switch  500  in  FIG. 5  by adding port P 5  and antenna  1294 . The configuration in  FIG. 12  provides more variability for carrier aggregation combinations and enables support for non-carrier aggregation. For the non-carrier aggregation case, throws T 1  ( 1221 ), T 2  ( 1222 ), T 3  ( 1223 ), T 4  ( 1224 ) are selectively connected to port P 1  ( 1231 ) or port P 5  ( 1235 ), which are connected to the antenna  1292  or antenna  1294 . The path not passing by an intermediate port does not add power loss by not passing through a filter or matching network used to support carrier aggregation. 
       FIG. 13  shows a representative reconfigurable antenna switch arrangement, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. In  FIG. 13 , there are two cases made possible at the same time using reconfigurable antenna switch  1300 , i.e., a single antenna case and a dual antenna case. 
     For the single antenna case in  FIG. 13 , radio frequency throw T 1  ( 1321 ) connects to intermediate port P 3  ( 1333 ), which in turn is connected to matching network  1352 . Radio frequency throw T 2  ( 1322 ) connects to intermediate port P 4  ( 1334 ), which in turn is connected to matching network  1354 . Matching networks  1352 ,  1354  are both connected to intermediate port P 2  ( 1332 ), which in turn connects to antenna port P 1  ( 1331 ). 
     That is, as in the configuration of  FIGS. 4,5 and 8 , the only port configured as an antenna port on the reconfigurable antenna switch  1300  is port P 1  ( 1331 ). In the reconfigurable antenna switch  1300  in  FIG. 13 , port P 3  ( 1333 ) is selectively connected to throw T 1  ( 1321 ). Port P 4  ( 1334 ) is selectively connected to throw T 2  ( 1322 ). The external matching networks  1352  and  1354  ensure that radio frequency signals pass to the antenna  1392  without interference from the other paths. In an embodiment, these matching networks  1352 ,  1354  can be replaced with a diplexer. 
     In  FIG. 13 , throw T 1  ( 1321 ) is connected to a multiplexer  1301  that supports Bands A, B, C and D. Throw T 2  ( 1322 ) is connected to a multiplexer  1305  that supports Bands E and F. Additionally, throw T 3  ( 1323 ) is connected to a multiplexer  1307  that supports Bands G and H. Throw T 4  ( 1324 ) is connected to multiplexer  1309  which supports Bands I and J. Throw T 5  ( 1325 ) is connected to multiplexer  1311  which supports Bands K, L, M, N, O and P. But multiplexers  1307 ,  1309 ,  1311  are not used for the single antenna case in  FIG. 13  since throws T 3  ( 1323 ), T 4  ( 1324 ) and T 5  ( 1325 ) are not connected to a port antenna or intermediate antenna in  FIG. 13  for the single antenna case. Multiplexer  1301  can carry multiple signals in Bands A, B, C and D to the throw T 1  ( 1321 ) simultaneously. In the same way, multiplexer  1305  can carry multiple signals in Bands E and F to the throw T 2  ( 1322 ) simultaneously. As a result, throws T 1  ( 1321 ) and T 2  ( 1322 ) can provide dynamic and variable carrier aggregation with multiple bandwidth options. 
     Examples of available bandwidth combinations selectable using the throws T 1  ( 1321 ) and T 2  ( 1322 ) and multiplexers  1301  and  1305  include (for one preset configuration): one or more of A, B, C and D; and one or more of E and F. Therefore, using multiplexers  1301  and  1305 , the reconfigurable antenna switch  1300  can be set to utilize any of numerous different combinations of bands for carrier aggregation. For the non-carrier aggregation case, throws T 1  ( 1321 ), T 2  ( 1322 ), T 3  ( 1323 ), T 4  ( 1324 ), T 5  ( 1325 ) are selectively connected to port P 1  ( 1331 ), which is connected to the antenna  1392 . The path not passing by an intermediate port does not add power loss by not passing through a filter or matching network used to support carrier aggregation. 
     For the dual antenna case in  FIG. 13 , radio frequency throw T 4  ( 1324 ) connects to antenna port P 5  ( 1335 ), which in turn is connected to antenna  1394 . Radio frequency throw T 5  ( 1325 ) connects to antenna port P 6  ( 1336 ), which in turn is connected to antenna  1396 . In this case, no matching networks are required since two antennas  1394 ,  1396  are present on the wireless communications device that includes reconfigurable antenna switch  1300 . 
     That is, as in the configuration of  FIGS. 6 and 7 , both ports P 5  ( 1325 ) and P 6  ( 1326 ) are ports configured as antenna ports on the reconfigurable antenna switch  1300 . In the reconfigurable antenna switch, port P 5  ( 1335 ) is selectively connected to throw T 4  ( 1324 ). Port P 6  ( 1336 ) is selectively connected to throw T 5  ( 1325 ). 
     In  FIG. 13 , throw T 1  ( 1321 ) is connected to a multiplexer  1301  that supports Bands A, B, C and D. Throw T 2  ( 1322 ) is connected to a multiplexer  1305  that supports Bands E and F Additionally, throw T 3  ( 1323 ) is connected to a multiplexer  1307  that supports Bands G and H. Throw T 4  ( 1324 ) is connected to multiplexer  1309  which supports Bands I and N. Throw T 5  ( 1325 ) is connected to multiplexer  1311  which supports Bands K, L, M, N, O and P. But multiplexer  1301 ,  1305 ,  1307  are not used for the dual antenna case in  FIG. 13  since throws T 1  ( 1321 ), T 2  ( 1322 ) and T 3  ( 1323 ) are not connected to a port antenna or intermediate antenna in  FIG. 13  for the dual antenna case. Multiplexer  1309  can carry multiple signals in Bands I and J to the throw T 4  ( 1324 ) simultaneously. In the same way, multiplexer  1311  can carry multiple signals in Bands K, L, M, N, O and P to the throw T 5  ( 1325 ) simultaneously. As a result, throws T 4  ( 1324 ) and T 5  ( 1325 ) can provide dynamic and variable carrier aggregation with multiple bandwidth options. 
     Examples of available bandwidth combinations selectable using the throws T 4  ( 1324 ) and T 5  ( 1325 ) and multiplexers  1309  and  1311  include (for one preset configuration): one or more of I and J; and one or more of K, L, M, N, O and P. Therefore, using multiplexers  1309  and  1311 , the reconfigurable antenna switch  1300  can be set to utilize any of numerous different combinations of bands for carrier aggregation. 
     The configuration of the wireless communications device that includes the reconfigurable antenna switch  1300  is again supportive of carrier aggregation using either single antenna among antennas  1392 ,  1394 ,  1396  or dual antennas among antennas  1392 ,  1394 ,  1396 . The reconfigurable antenna switch  1300  also supports non-carrier-aggregation. This configuration can select the single antenna case or the dual antenna case. This configuration provides more variability for carrier aggregation combinations and enables support for non-carrier aggregation. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 13 , reconfigurable antenna switch  1300  can be installed in a wireless communications device in a manner that supports use of the single antenna  1392 , or dual antennas  1394 ,  1396 . As a result, configuration of the mode used by such a wireless communications device may be specified after the reconfigurable antenna switch  1300  is installed in the wireless communications device. This may be possible even after such communications device is provided to a carrier or intermediary for sale, or even after such a communication device is sold. Moreover, the specific configuration (single antenna, dual antenna) may be changed dynamically (for example, after sale) since both such configurations are preset and made possible simultaneously in the reconfigurable antenna switch  1300 . 
     Accordingly, the reconfigurable antenna switch enables wireless communications device manufacturers to reliably use reconfigurable antenna switches in a variety of wireless communications devices. The structure of the reconfigurable antenna switches results in a lower transmission and reception loss than any comparable alternative, especially for non-carrier-aggregation configurations. The reconfigurable antenna switch can be installed a variety of wireless communications devices, and configured specifically by the individual manufacturer for at least each type of wireless communications device configuration discussed herein. Use of the reconfigurable antenna switch thus delivers the best performance for the current most widespread usage of radio frequencies by wireless communications device, i.e., non-carrier-aggregation. 
     Additionally, the reconfigurable antenna switches described in the present disclosure support wireless communications devices with either one antenna or two antennas. The reconfigurable antenna switches improve flexibility of carrier aggregation by using additional poles. Moreover, for non-carrier-aggregation, the reconfigurable antenna switches remove redundant insertion loss caused by components such as diplexers that are related to carrier aggregation. Finally, as shown with respect to several figures, additional flexibility can be provided by using multiplexers, so as to leverage the benefits of the reconfigurable antenna switches described herein. 
     Although reconfigurable antenna switch has been described with reference to several representative embodiments, it is understood that the words that have been used are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of reconfigurable antenna switch in its aspects. Although reconfigurable antenna switch has been described with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, reconfigurable antenna switch is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed; rather reconfigurable antenna switch extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods, and uses such as are within the scope of the appended claims. 
     For example, the present disclosure mainly describes the reconfigurable antenna switch that can be configured for specific device types. Such a device may be originally provided by a manufacturer with no configuration, or with a default configuration, or with a specific configuration requested by a wireless communications device manufacturer. A wireless communications device manufacturer can then configure or reconfigure the reconfigurable antenna switch. The same options are possible if the reconfigurable antenna switch is combined in a module with a power amplifier duplexer as integrated components or as a single component with the same characteristics described herein. 
     Additionally, most embodiments of the present application describe use of lower frequency bands and upper frequency bands. However, a wireless communications device with the reconfigurable antenna switch can be provided with three different matching networks as in  FIG. 8 , by extending the number of ports in the reconfigurable antenna switch as shown. 
     The present disclosure describes a reconfigurable antenna switch usable for both single antenna architectures and dual antenna architectures. For a single antenna front-end architecture, radio frequency signals can pass through filters (in power amplifiers) and an antenna port (for non-carrier-aggregation) or by an external matching (diplexer) to separate frequency bands (for carrier aggregation). For a dual antenna front-end architecture, radio frequency signals pass through each antenna port used for the carrier aggregation in the single antenna architecture, for both non-carrier aggregation and for carrier aggregation. 
     Accordingly, the reconfigurable antenna switches described herein can be used to support both carrier aggregation and non-carrier-aggregation, so that wireless communications devices configured to communicate over a LTE network can benefit from improved performance even when using carrier aggregation. This allows such wireless communications devices to benefit from LTE (e.g., with simultaneous communications over different frequency bands) in a way that minimizes power losses that reduce overall functioning of the wireless communications devices. 
     Although the present specification describes components and functions that may be implemented in particular embodiments with reference to particular standards and protocols, the disclosure is not limited to such standards and protocols. For example, standards such as long term evolution (LTE) represent examples of the state of the art. Such standards are periodically superseded by more efficient equivalents having essentially the same functions. Accordingly, replacement standards and protocols having the same or similar functions are considered equivalents thereof. 
     The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of the disclosure described herein. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may be exaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Accordingly, the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. 
     One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any particular invention or inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the description. 
     According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the reconfigurable antenna switch includes multiple antenna ports configured to be connected to at least one antenna; and multiple throws connected to a power amplifier duplexer, and adapted to be variably connected to any of the antenna ports. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the reconfigurable antenna switch is installed in a device that includes the at least one antenna and the power amplifier duplexer. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, at least one of the throws is variably disconnected from a first antenna port and variably connected to a second antenna port based on a configuration of a wireless communications device in which the reconfigurable antenna switch is installed. 
     According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, the configuration includes a number of the at least one antennas included in the wireless communications device. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the configuration includes whether the wireless communications device supports carrier aggregation. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the throws can be variably connected to the plurality of antenna ports based on a configuration of a wireless communications device in which the reconfigurable antenna switch is installed. The configuration includes a number of the at least one antennas included in the wireless communications device, and whether the wireless communications device supports carrier aggregation. When the wireless communications device includes a single antenna and does not support carrier aggregation, radio frequency signals pass from one of the throws to a single port in a path to the single antenna. 
     According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, the throws can be variably connected to the plurality of antenna ports based on a configuration of a wireless communications device in which the reconfigurable antenna switch is installed. The configuration includes a number of the at least one antennas included in the wireless communications device, and whether the wireless communications device supports carrier aggregation. When the wireless communications device includes a single antenna and supports carrier aggregation, radio frequency signals pass through an external diplexer or external matching network component between multiple of the ports in a path to the single antenna. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the wireless communications device further includes at least one multiplexer each connected to a different throw. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the external diplexer or external matching network component is connected to more than two of the plurality of ports in the path to the single antenna. 
     According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, the throws can be variably connected to the plurality of antenna ports based on a configuration of a wireless communications device in which the reconfigurable antenna switch is installed. The configuration includes a number of the at least one antennas included in the wireless communications device, and whether the wireless communications device supports carrier aggregation. When the wireless communications device includes two antennas, a first antenna of the at least one antennas can be connected to a first antenna port of the at least one antenna port, and a second antenna of the at least one antennas can be connected to the second antenna port of the at least one antenna port, and each of the first antenna port and the second antenna port can select a different throw of the plurality of throws. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the wireless communications device further includes at least one multiplexer each connected to a different throw. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the reconfigurable antenna switch is installed in a mobile device that complies with a long-term evolution (LTE) standard for wireless communications. 
     According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, the reconfigurable antenna switch supports carrier aggregation for aggregated component carriers each comprising an allocated bandwidth used for communications involving the mobile device. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the reconfigurable antenna switch is installed in a mobile device that supports carrier aggregation. The mobile device also includes a single antenna and an external matching network component in a signal path between the single antenna and multiple ports of the plurality of ports. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the number of antenna ports in the reconfigurable antenna switch exceeds the number of throws in the reconfigurable antenna switch. 
     According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, at least one of the throws is configured to be connected to a first antenna port that is also connected to a first antenna. At least one of the throws is configured to be connected to a second antenna port that is connected to an external matching network between the second antenna port and a second antenna. 
     According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a wireless mobile communications device includes at least one memory; at least one processor, at least one antenna, and an reconfigurable antenna switch. The reconfigurable antenna switch includes multiple antenna ports configured to be connected to at least one antenna; and multiple throws connected to a power amplifier duplexer. The reconfigurable antenna switch is configured to be variably connected to any of the plurality of antenna ports. 
     The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter may be directed to less than all of the features of any of the disclosed embodiments. Thus, the following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as defining separately claimed subject matter. 
     The preceding description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present disclosure. As such, the above disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments which fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present disclosure is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description.