Patent Description:
As an example, the signal booster can receive, via an antenna, downlink signals from the wireless communication access point. The signal booster can amplify the downlink signal and then provide an amplified downlink signal to the wireless device. In other words, the signal booster can act as a relay between the wireless device and the wireless communication access point. As a result, the wireless device can receive a stronger signal from the wireless communication access point. Similarly, uplink signals from the wireless device (e.g., telephone calls and data) can be directed to the signal booster. The signal booster can amplify the uplink signals before communicating, via an antenna, the uplink signals to the wireless communication access point.

The following prior art documents are acknowledged: <CIT> and <CIT>. <CIT> discloses an Apparatus and methods for radio frequency signal boosters, where a multi-band signal booster is provided for boosting the uplink and downlink channels of at least a first frequency band and a second frequency band. In certain configurations, the downlink channels of the first and second channels are adjacent, and the signal booster includes a first amplification path for boosting the uplink channel of the first frequency band, a second amplification path for boosting the uplink channel of the second frequency band, and a third amplification path for boosting both downlink channels of the first and second frequency bands. <CIT> is international application published under number <CIT>, and describes a technology for a repeater, which can include first and second a first multiband filters, one or more first-direction signal paths communicatively coupled between the first multiband filter and the second <NUM> multi-band filter.

In a broad independent aspect, the invention provides a repeater system comprising:.

In a subsidiary aspect, the repeater system of any preceding or subsequent aspect further comprises a signal splitter communicatively coupled between the server port and the first repeater and the second repeater.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the repeater system of any preceding or subsequent aspect further comprises a discrete match filter device communicatively coupled between the server port and the first repeater and the second repeater.

In a subsidiary aspect, the repeater system of any preceding or subsequent aspect further comprises:.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the repeater system of any preceding or subsequent aspect further comprises:.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the repeater system of any preceding or subsequent aspect, wherein the first donor port is configured to:.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the repeater system of any preceding or subsequent aspect comprises a second donor port which is configured to:.

In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with any preceding or subsequent aspect, the server port is configured to:.

In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with any preceding or subsequent aspect, the repeater system further comprises a discrete match filter device communicatively coupled between the first donor port, the second donor port and the server port, wherein the discrete match filter device is coupled to one or more of: the first amplification and filtering path, the second amplification and filtering path, the third amplification and filtering path or the fourth amplification and filtering path.

In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with any preceding or subsequent aspect, the repeater system comprises the discrete match filter device includes one or more bandpass filters corresponding to one or more of the first first-direction band, the second first-direction band, the first second-direction band, or the second second-direction band.

In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with any preceding or subsequent aspect, the defined fractional bandwidth threshold ratio for the selected filter type is <NUM>%; and defined relative gap threshold ratio for the selected filter type is <NUM>% or <NUM>%.

In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with any preceding or subsequent aspect, the combination of the first first-direction band and the second first-direction band has a relative gap that is less than a defined relative gap threshold ratio for the selected filter type, thereby making the first first-direction band spectrally adjacent to the second first-direction band.

In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with any preceding or subsequent aspect,.

In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with any preceding or subsequent aspect, the selected filter type is a surface acoustic wave (SAW) filter.

In a further independent aspect, the invention provides a repeater, comprising:.

In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with any preceding or subsequent aspect, the repeater further comprises:.

In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with any preceding or subsequent aspect, the first donor port is configured to:.

In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with any preceding or subsequent aspect, the second donor port is configured to:.

In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with any preceding or subsequent aspect, the repeater further comprises a signal splitter communicatively coupled between the first donor port, the second donor port and the server port, wherein the signal splitter is coupled to the first amplification and filtering path and the second amplification and filtering path.

In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with any preceding or subsequent aspect, the repeater further comprises a discrete match filter device communicatively coupled between the first donor port, the second donor port and the server port, wherein the discrete match filter device is coupled to one or more of: the first amplification and filtering path, the second amplification and filtering path, the third amplification and filtering path and the fourth amplification and filtering path.

In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with any preceding or subsequent aspect, the discrete match filter device includes one or more bandpass filters corresponding to one or more of the first first-direction band, the second first-direction band, the first second-direction band, or the second second-direction band.

In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with any preceding or subsequent aspect, the defined fractional bandwidth threshold ratio for the selected filter type is <NUM>%.

In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with any preceding or subsequent aspect, the defined relative gap threshold ratio for the selected filter type is <NUM> % or <NUM>%.

In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with any preceding or subsequent aspect, the first repeater further comprises:.

In a further independent aspect, the repeater, comprises:.

In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with any preceding or subsequent aspect, a combination of the first frequency range and the second frequency range has a relative gap that is less than a defined relative gap threshold ratio for the selected filter type.

In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with any preceding or subsequent aspect, the repeater further comprises a signal splitter communicatively coupled between the first port, the second port and the third port, wherein the signal splitter is coupled to the first amplification and filtering path and the second amplification and filtering path.

In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with any preceding or subsequent aspect, the repeater further comprises a discrete match filter device communicatively coupled between the first port, the second port and the third port, wherein the discrete match filter device is coupled to the first amplification and filtering path and the second amplification and filtering path.

In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with any preceding or subsequent aspect, the discrete match filter device includes one or more bandpass filters for one or more frequency ranges in an opposite signal direction of the first frequency range and the second frequency range.

In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with any preceding or subsequent aspect, the first amplification and filtering path, the first frequency range, the second amplification and filtering path and the second frequency range are in an uplink, and the same signal direction is an uplink direction.

In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with any preceding or subsequent aspect, the first amplification and filtering path, the first frequency range, the second amplification and filtering path and the second frequency range are in a downlink, and the same signal direction is a downlink direction.

In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with any preceding or subsequent aspect, the first port is a server port, the second port is a first donor port, and the third port is a second donor port.

In a further subsidiary aspect in accordance with any preceding or subsequent aspect, a combination of the first uplink band and the second uplink band has a relative gap that is less than a defined relative gap threshold ratio for the selected filter type.

Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but is extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. The same reference numerals in different drawings represent the same element. Numbers provided in flow charts and processes are provided for clarity in illustrating steps and operations and do not necessarily indicate a particular order or sequence.

As used herein, the term "approximately" is used to provide flexibility and imprecision associated with a given term, metric or value. The degree of flexibility for a particular variable can be readily determined by one skilled in the art. However, unless otherwise enunciated, the term "approximately" generally connotes flexibility of less than <NUM>%, and most often less than <NUM>%, and in some cases less than <NUM> %.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary signal booster <NUM> in communication with a wireless device <NUM> and a base station <NUM>. The signal booster <NUM> can be referred to as a repeater. A repeater can be an electronic device used to amplify (or boost) signals. The signal booster <NUM> (also referred to as a cellular signal amplifier) can improve the quality of wireless communication by amplifying, filtering, and/or applying other processing techniques via a signal amplifier <NUM> to uplink signals communicated from the wireless device <NUM> to the base station <NUM> and/or downlink signals communicated from the base station <NUM> to the wireless device <NUM>. In other words, the signal booster <NUM> can amplify or boost uplink signals and/or downlink signals bi-directionally. In one example, the signal booster <NUM> can be at a fixed location, such as in a home or office. Alternatively, the signal booster <NUM> can be attached to a mobile object, such as a vehicle or a wireless device <NUM>.

In one configuration, the signal booster <NUM> can include an integrated device antenna <NUM> (e.g., an inside antenna, server antenna or a coupling antenna) and an integrated node antenna <NUM> (e.g., an outside antenna). The integrated node antenna <NUM> can receive the downlink signal from the base station <NUM>. The downlink signal can be provided to the signal amplifier <NUM> via a second coaxial cable <NUM> or other type of radio frequency connection operable to communicate radio frequency signals. The signal amplifier <NUM> can include one or more cellular signal amplifiers for amplification and filtering. The downlink signal that has been amplified and filtered can be provided to the integrated device antenna <NUM> via a first coaxial cable <NUM> or other type of radio frequency connection operable to communicate radio frequency signals. The integrated device antenna <NUM> can wirelessly communicate the downlink signal that has been amplified and filtered to the wireless device <NUM>.

Similarly, the integrated device antenna <NUM> can receive an uplink signal from the wireless device <NUM>. The uplink signal can be provided to the signal amplifier <NUM> via the first coaxial cable <NUM> or other type of radio frequency connection operable to communicate radio frequency signals. The signal amplifier <NUM> can include one or more cellular signal amplifiers for amplification and filtering. The uplink signal that has been amplified and filtered can be provided to the integrated node antenna <NUM> via the second coaxial cable <NUM> or other type of radio frequency connection operable to communicate radio frequency signals. The integrated device antenna <NUM> can communicate the uplink signal that has been amplified and filtered to the base station <NUM>.

In one example, the signal booster <NUM> can filter the uplink and downlink signals using any suitable analog or digital filtering technology including, but not limited to, surface acoustic wave (SAW) filters, bulk acoustic wave (BAW) filters, film bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR) filters, ceramic filters, waveguide filters or low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) filters.

In one example, the signal booster <NUM> can send uplink signals to a node and/or receive downlink signals from the node. The node can comprise a wireless wide area network (WWAN) access point (AP), a base station (BS), an evolved Node B (eNB), a baseband unit (BBU), a remote radio head (RRH), a remote radio equipment (RRE), a relay station (RS), a radio equipment (RE), a remote radio unit (RRU), a central processing module (CPM), or another type of WWAN access point.

In one configuration, the signal booster <NUM> used to amplify the uplink and/or a downlink signal is a handheld booster. The handheld booster can be implemented in a sleeve of the wireless device <NUM>. The wireless device sleeve can be attached to the wireless device <NUM>, but can be removed as needed. In this configuration, the signal booster <NUM> can automatically power down or cease amplification when the wireless device <NUM> approaches a particular base station. In other words, the signal booster <NUM> can determine to stop performing signal amplification when the quality of uplink and/or downlink signals is above a defined threshold based on a location of the wireless device <NUM> in relation to the base station <NUM>.

In one example, the signal booster <NUM> can include a battery to provide power to various components, such as the signal amplifier <NUM>, the integrated device antenna <NUM> and the integrated node antenna <NUM>. The battery can also power the wireless device <NUM> (e.g., phone or tablet). Alternatively, the signal booster <NUM> can receive power from the wireless device <NUM>.

In one configuration, the signal booster <NUM> can be a Federal Communications Commission (FCC)-compatible consumer signal booster. As a non-limiting example, the signal booster <NUM> can be compatible with FCC Part <NUM> or <NUM> Code of Federal Regulations (C. ) Part <NUM> (March <NUM>, <NUM>). In addition, the signal booster <NUM> can operate on the frequencies used for the provision of subscriber-based services under parts <NUM> (Cellular), <NUM> (Broadband PCS), <NUM> (AWS-<NUM>, <NUM> Lower A-E Blocks, and <NUM> Upper C Block), and <NUM> (Specialized Mobile Radio) of <NUM> C. The signal booster <NUM> can be configured to automatically self-monitor its operation to ensure compliance with applicable noise and gain limits. The signal booster <NUM> can either self-correct or shut down automatically if the signal booster's operations violate the regulations defined in FCC Part <NUM>.

In one configuration, the signal booster <NUM> can improve the wireless connection between the wireless device <NUM> and the base station <NUM> (e.g., cell tower) or another type of wireless wide area network (WWAN) access point (AP). The signal booster <NUM> can boost signals for cellular standards, such as the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) Release <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>, 3GPP <NUM> Release <NUM> or <NUM>, or Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) <NUM>. In one configuration, the repeater <NUM> can boost signals for <NPL>) or other desired releases. The signal booster <NUM> can boost signals from the <NPL>) bands or LTE frequency bands. For example, the signal booster <NUM> can boost signals from the LTE frequency bands: <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. In addition, the signal booster <NUM> can boost selected frequency bands based on the country or region in which the signal booster is used, including any of bands <NUM>-<NUM> or other bands, as disclosed in 3GPP TS <NUM> V16. <NUM> (January <NUM>).

In another configuration, the repeater <NUM> can boost signals from the <NPL>) bands or <NUM> frequency bands. In addition, the repeater <NUM> can boost selected frequency bands based on the country or region in which the repeater is used, including any of bands n1 - n86, n257 - n261, or other bands, as disclosed in <NPL>).

The number of 3GPP LTE or <NUM> frequency bands and the level of signal improvement can vary based on a particular wireless device, cellular node, or location. Additional domestic and international frequencies can also be included to offer increased functionality. Selected models of the signal booster <NUM> can be configured to operate with selected frequency bands based on the location of use. In another example, the signal booster <NUM> can automatically sense from the wireless device <NUM> or base station <NUM> (or GPS, etc.) which frequencies are used, which can be a benefit for international travelers.

In one configuration, multiple signal boosters can be used to amplify UL and DL signals. For example, a first signal booster can be used to amplify UL signals and a second signal booster can be used to amplify DL signals. In addition, different signal boosters can be used to amplify different frequency ranges.

In one configuration, the signal booster <NUM> can be configured to identify when the wireless device <NUM> receives a relatively strong downlink signal. An example of a strong downlink signal can be a downlink signal with a signal strength greater than approximately -80dBm. The signal booster <NUM> can be configured to automatically turn off selected features, such as amplification, to conserve battery life. When the signal booster <NUM> senses that the wireless device <NUM> is receiving a relatively weak downlink signal, the integrated booster can be configured to provide amplification of the downlink signal. An example of a weak downlink signal can be a downlink signal with a signal strength less than -80dBm.

<FIG> illustrates exemplary frequency ranges for a plurality of uplink and downlink bands. The frequency ranges can be measured in megahertz (MHz). The uplink bands can include band <NUM> (B12), band <NUM> (B13) and band <NUM> (B71). The downlink bands can include band <NUM> (B12), band <NUM> (B13), and band <NUM> (B71). As shown, B71 can correspond to a frequency range of <NUM> to <NUM> in a downlink, B71 can correspond to a frequency range of <NUM> to <NUM> in an uplink, B12 can correspond to a frequency range of <NUM> to <NUM> in an uplink, B12 can correspond to a frequency range of <NUM> to <NUM> in a downlink, and B13 can correspond to a frequency range of <NUM> to <NUM> in the downlink. B71 and B12 can be spectrally adjacent bands in the uplink, and B12 and B13 can be spectrally adjacent bands in the downlink. In addition, B13 can correspond to a frequency range of <NUM> to <NUM> in the uplink.

As used herein, two bands can be "spectrally adjacent" when the two bands are abutting (i.e., <NUM> between the two bands), or two bands can be spectrally adjacent when there is a relatively small amount of spectrum gap or frequency separation between the two bands, such as <NUM> or <NUM>. In one example, "spectrally adjacent" can be defined functionally based on a filter roll-off capability. When bands are so close together that a bandpass filter (BPF) would be unable to roll off (or attenuate) the other band more than, for example, <NUM> dB, the bands can be considered spectrally adjacent. By this definition, <NUM>-<NUM> between bands would reasonably still allow two bands to be considered spectrally adjacent. In some cases, the separation between spectrally adjacent bands can be up to <NUM> or more depending on a frequency and a Q factor of the bandpass filter. As a result, "spectrally adjacent" separation can be different depending on which bandpass filter technology is being used. For example, a lower Q technology might consider two bands spectrally adjacent where a higher Q technology would be able to filter the bands separately.

Signal boosters (or repeaters) are continually being designed to operate on an increased number of frequency bands (or frequency ranges). As the number of frequency bands increase, spectrally adjacent frequency bands can especially be challenging when designing signal boosters. A signal booster often uses multiplexers (e.g., duplexers, triplexers, quadplexers) to separate the various uplink and downlink amplification and filtering signal paths in the signal booster. One quadplexer design that has been especially difficult for manufacturers to develop is a surface acoustic wave (SAW) B12-<NUM>-<NUM> quadplexer, which comprises a B71DL-B12/71UL duplexer abutted with a B12UL-B12/13DL duplexer. One reason this has been difficult to develop is that B12-71UL are spectrally adjacent bands and span from <NUM>-<NUM>, which has a fractional bandwidth of <NUM>%. The fractional bandwidth is a passband bandwidth relative to or divided by a center frequency. In the case of B12-71UL, this would equate to <NUM>/<NUM>, which is equal to the fractional bandwidth of <NUM>%. Typical SAW filter manufacturers are unable to develop a B12/71UL filter with that wide of a factional bandwidth, as a fractional bandwidth of <NUM>-<NUM>% is typically more feasible.

Further, even if such a wide fractional bandwidth was achieved, in this case, there is a narrow guard band on the lower side, as the downlink path starts at <NUM>. Thus, in addition to the fractional bandwidth, another measure that is taken into account during filter design is the relative gap. The relative gap is a bandwidth of the guard band or gap relative to or divided by a center frequency of the guard band or gap. In the case of B12-71UL, this would equate to <NUM>/<NUM>, which is equal to a relative gap of <NUM>%. While typical SAW filter manufacturers might be able to develop a filter with such a relative gap, albeit with some difficulty, such a narrow relative gap combined with a wide fractional bandwidth (such as a fractional bandwidth of <NUM>% for a B12/71UL filter) makes designing such a quadplexer extremely challenging. As a result, developing a SAW B12-<NUM>-<NUM> quadplexer (which includes a B12/71UL filter) for a signal booster has been hindered by these factors.

In one example, both the fractional bandwidth and the relative gap are important measures when designing SAW filters for signal boosters. Generally, the fractional bandwidth should be less than a certain threshold (e.g., about <NUM>%), whereas the relative gap should be above a certain threshold (e.g., about <NUM>%).

In one example, a B12-<NUM>-<NUM> quadplexer made from ceramic filters may be possible, as the fractional bandwidth and relative gap constraints are different for ceramic filters as compared to SAW filters. However, the increased size of ceramic filters is a problem for use in signal boosters. Therefore, using ceramic filters in the signal booster design is not a feasible option.

In the present technology, to overcome the difficulties of developing a SAW B12-<NUM>-<NUM> quadplexer for a signal booster, a B12-<NUM>-<NUM> quadplexer-less signal booster design is described herein. In this design, the signal booster does not use a B12-<NUM>-<NUM> quadplexer. Rather, the signal booster can incorporate two separate donor ports and a combined server port. A first donor port can be associated with a first uplink signal path for B12UL and a second donor port can be associated with a second uplink signal path for B71UL. In this case, B12UL and B71UL can be amplified independently on separate uplink signal paths. Two separate donor ports, communicatively coupled to two separate donor antennas (or outside antennas), can be used because if B12UL and B71UL were to be recombined from separate bandpass filters (i.e., using a single combined donor port), B12UL and B71UL would overlap. Thus, the separate donor ports and corresponding separate donor antennas can provide sufficient spatial isolation between B12UL and B71UL.

In one example, the signal booster can include a single server port, which can be communicatively coupled to a server antenna (or inside antenna). The single server port, as opposed to having two separate server ports, can reduce an amount of cabling through a building that houses the signal booster, as well as reduce a number of server antennas (or inside antennas) from two to one.

In one example, the first uplink signal path for B12UL and the second uplink signal path for B71UL can be coupled to a combiner device, such as a signal splitter, a directional coupler, a circulator, etc. In one example, the signal splitter can include a directional coupler family. In another example, the first uplink signal path for B12UL and the second uplink signal path for B71UL can be coupled to a filter if discrete matching is applied. The signal splitter and the directional coupler are frequency agnostic, so are suitable for splitting the two separate uplink paths.

In one example, a B12-71UL signal can be received at the server port. The server port can be coupled to the signal splitter. The signal splitter can separate B12UL from B71UL. For example, the signal splitter can separate a total power into two paths - one path is the first uplink signal path for B12UL and the other path is the second uplink signal path for B71UL. In other words, the signal splitter can take that entire B12-71UL signal, and put half of the B12-71UL signal in one signal path and the other half of the B12-71UL signal on the other signal path. At this point, bandpass filter(s) on each signal path can filter the B12-71UL signal appropriately. For example, the first uplink signal path for B12UL can include a B12UL BPF, and the second uplink signal path for B71UL can include a B71UL BPF. The B12UL BPF can slightly overlap in B71UL, and similarly, the B71UL BPF can slightly overlap in B12UL. In other words, the B71UL BPF can slightly roll off into the B12UL BPF, such that the first uplink signal path for B12UL and the second uplink signal path for B71UL cannot be recombined. If a signal splitter were to be used to recombine the first uplink signal path for B12UL and the second uplink signal path for B71UL, the passbands of each would slightly overlap resulting in destructive interference. Therefore, the signal booster can include separate donor antennas, and the resulting signal which has been filtered and amplified can be transmitted from one of the two donor antennas. In this design, the common server port and the separate donor ports can enable B12 and B71 to coexist in an uplink, in view of the challenges of developing a combined B12-71UL BPF due to the wide fractional bandwidth and the reduced relative gap.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a repeater <NUM> (or signal booster) having separate donor ports and a combined server port. For example, the repeater <NUM> can include a first donor port <NUM>, a second donor port <NUM> and a server port <NUM>. The first donor port <NUM> can be communicatively coupled to a first donor antenna <NUM>, the second donor port <NUM> can be communicatively coupled to a second donor antenna <NUM>, and the server port <NUM> can be communicatively coupled to a server antenna <NUM>. The donor antennas <NUM>, <NUM> and the server antenna <NUM> can also be referred to outside antennas and an inside antenna, respectively.

In one example, the repeater <NUM> can include a signal splitter <NUM> (or a directional coupler) communicatively coupled to the server antenna <NUM>. Further, the signal splitter <NUM> can be communicatively coupled to a first uplink signal path <NUM> and a second uplink signal path <NUM>. In a specific example, the first uplink signal path <NUM> can be associated with B12UL and the second uplink signal path <NUM> can be associated with B71UL. The first uplink signal path <NUM> can also be communicatively coupled to the first donor antenna <NUM>, and the second uplink signal path <NUM> can also be communicatively coupled to the second donor antenna <NUM>.

In one example, the first uplink signal path <NUM> can include a BPF <NUM> (e.g., a B12UL BPF) and an amplifier chain <NUM>. The amplifier chain <NUM> can include a low noise amplifier (LNA) and/or a power amplifier (PA). Further, the first uplink signal path <NUM> can include a variable attenuator to apply a fixed or variable gain. Similarly, the second uplink signal path <NUM> can include a BPF <NUM> (e.g., a B71UL BPF) and an amplifier chain <NUM>. The amplifier chain <NUM> can include an LNA and/or PA. Further, the second uplink signal path <NUM> can include a variable attenuator to apply a fixed or variable gain.

As shown in <FIG>, the uplink signal paths for B12UL and B71UL can be separated, and can be communicatively coupled to separate donor ports. As a result, B12UL and B71UL can coexist in the repeater <NUM>, even though B12UL and B71UL combined have a fractional bandwidth that exceeds a defined threshold and a relative gap that is less than a defined threshold. Since a combined B12-71UL filter presents numerous challenges, as described above, the repeater <NUM> can incorporate the separate uplink signal paths for B12UL and B71UL, as well as the separate donor ports for B12UL and B71UL.

In one example, the repeater <NUM> can include a signal splitter <NUM> (or a directional coupler) communicatively coupled to the server antenna <NUM>. Further, the signal splitter <NUM> can be communicatively coupled to a first sub-repeater <NUM> and a second sub-repeater <NUM>. In a specific example, the first sub-repeater <NUM> can be associated with B12 (as well as other bands, such as B5, B13, B25, and B66) and the second sub-repeater <NUM> can be associated with B71. In other words, the first sub-repeater <NUM> and the second sub-repeater <NUM> can be discrete sub-repeaters, or can be integrated into a single unit. The first sub-repeater <NUM> and the second sub-repeater <NUM> can include one or more amplification and filtering signal paths in an uplink and downlink.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a repeater <NUM> having separate donor antenna ports <NUM>, <NUM> and a combined server antenna port <NUM>. The repeater <NUM> can include a server antenna <NUM> communicatively coupled to the server port <NUM>, a first donor antenna <NUM> (e.g., a B71 donor antenna) communicatively coupled to a first donor port <NUM>, and a second donor antenna <NUM> (e.g., a B12 donor antenna) communicatively coupled to a second donor port <NUM>.

In one example, the repeater <NUM> can include a first amplification and filtering path <NUM> for a first first-direction signal (e.g., a first UL signal) communicatively coupled between the first donor port <NUM> and the server port <NUM> for a first first-direction band (e.g., B71UL). The repeater <NUM> can further include a second amplification and filtering path <NUM> for a second first-direction signal (e.g., a second UL signal) communicatively coupled between the second donor port <NUM> and the server port <NUM> for a second first-direction band (e.g., B12UL). In this example, the first first-direction band (e.g., B71UL) can be spectrally adjacent to the second first-direction band (e.g., B12UL), and a combination of the first first-direction band (e.g., B71UL) and the second first-direction band (e.g., B12UL) can have a fractional bandwidth that is greater than a defined fractional bandwidth threshold ratio for a selected filter type. In one example, the selected filter type can be a surface acoustic wave (SAW) filter. In another example, the first first-direction band and the second first-direction band can have a spectral gap that is less than a threshold, where the spectral gap can be a frequency gap between the first first-direction band and the second first-direction band. As a non-limiting example, a spectral gap of <NUM> or <NUM> may be less than the threshold, thereby making the first first-direction band spectrally adjacent to the second first-direction band.

In one example, the defined fractional bandwidth threshold ratio for the selected filter type (e.g., SAW filter) can be approximately <NUM>%. Further, the combination of the first first-direction band (e.g., B71UL) and the second first-direction band (e.g., B12UL) can have a relative gap that is less than a defined relative gap threshold ratio for the selected filter type. In a specific example, the defined relative gap threshold ratio for the selected filter type can be <NUM>% or <NUM>%.

As shown in <FIG>, the uplink signal paths for B12UL and B71UL can be separated, and can be communicatively coupled to separate donor ports. As a result, B12UL and B71UL can coexist in the repeater <NUM>, even though B12UL and B71UL combined have a fractional bandwidth that exceeds a defined threshold and a relative gap that is less than a defined threshold. In one example, the B12 and B71 UL and DL paths can be located in a single repeater coupled to a single server antenna and multiple donor antennas, as illustrated in <FIG>. Alternatively, two separate repeaters can be used, as illustrated in <FIG>. For example, a first repeater may be a multiband repeater, and a second repeater may be a single band repeater, such as a B71 repeater or a B12 repeater. A server port of each of the two repeaters can be coupled to a single server antenna via a splitter/combiner, as discussed. The donor port of each repeater can be coupled to a separate donor antenna, as shown in <FIG>.

In this example, the first amplification and filtering path <NUM> and the second amplification and filtering path <NUM> can be uplink paths, and the third amplification and filtering path <NUM> and the fourth amplification and filtering path <NUM> can be downlink paths. Further, the first first-direction band can correspond to a B71 uplink frequency range between <NUM> and <NUM>, and the second first-direction band can correspond to a B12 uplink frequency range between <NUM> megahertz (MHz) and <NUM>.

In one example, the repeater <NUM> can include a third amplification and filtering path <NUM> for a first second-direction signal (e.g., a first DL signal) communicatively coupled between the first donor port <NUM> and the server port <NUM> for a first second-direction band (e.g., B71DL). The repeater <NUM> can further include a fourth amplification and filtering path <NUM> for a second second-direction signal (e.g., a second DL signal) communicatively coupled between the second donor port <NUM> and the server port <NUM> for a second second-direction band (e.g., B12DL).

In one example, the repeater <NUM> can include a first multiplexer <NUM> (e.g., a B71 duplexer) communicatively coupled to the first donor port <NUM>, the first amplification and filtering path <NUM> and the third amplification and filtering path <NUM>. In addition, the repeater <NUM> can include a second multiplexer <NUM> (e.g., a B12 duplexer) communicatively coupled to the second donor port <NUM>, the second amplification and filtering path <NUM> and the fourth amplification and filtering path <NUM>.

In one example, the first donor port <NUM> can send the first first-direction signal (e.g., the first UL signal) amplified by the repeater <NUM> to the first donor antenna <NUM> coupled to the first donor port <NUM>. In addition, the first donor port <NUM> can receive the first second-direction signal (e.g., the first DL signal) at the first donor port <NUM> from the first donor antenna <NUM>.

In one example, the second donor port <NUM> can send the second first-direction signal (e.g., the second UL signal) amplified by the repeater <NUM> to the second donor antenna <NUM> coupled to the second donor port <NUM>. In addition, the second donor port <NUM> can receive the second second-direction signal (e.g., the second DL signal) at the second donor port <NUM> from the second donor antenna <NUM>.

In one example, the repeater <NUM> can include a signal splitter <NUM> (e.g., a <NUM>-way splitter) communicatively coupled between the first donor port <NUM>, the second donor port <NUM> and the server port <NUM>, where the signal splitter <NUM> can be coupled to the first amplification and filtering path <NUM> and the second amplification and filtering path <NUM>. In this example, the signal splitter <NUM> can also be coupled to the third amplification and filtering path <NUM> and the fourth amplification and filtering path <NUM>.

In one example, the server port <NUM> can send the first second-direction signal (e.g., the first DL signal) amplified by the repeater <NUM> to the server antenna <NUM> coupled to the server port <NUM>. Further, the server port <NUM> can receive the first first-direction signal (e.g., the first UL signal) at the server port <NUM> from the server antenna <NUM>. Further, the server port <NUM> can send the second second-direction signal (e.g., the second DL signal) amplified by the repeater <NUM> to the server antenna <NUM> coupled to the server port <NUM>. Further, the server port <NUM> can receive the second first-direction signal (e.g., the second UL signal) at the server port <NUM> from the server antenna <NUM>.

In one example, the repeater <NUM> can include a discrete match filter device instead of the signal splitter <NUM>. The discrete match filter device can be communicatively coupled between the first donor port <NUM>, the second donor port <NUM> and the server port <NUM>, where the discrete match filter device can be coupled to one or more of: the first amplification and filtering path <NUM>, the second amplification and filtering path <NUM>, the third amplification and filtering path <NUM> and the fourth amplification and filtering path <NUM>. The discrete match filter device can include one or more bandpass filters corresponding to one or more of the first first-direction band (e.g., B71UL), the second first-direction band (e.g., B12UL), the first second-direction band (e.g., B71DL), or the second second-direction band (e.g., B12DL). In other words, in this example, discrete match filter device can be used to match all of the filters, e.g., B12DL and B71DL can be matched and B12UL and B71UL can be matched. These filters can be abutted with respect to each other and discretely matched to each other.

In one example, the first amplification and filtering path <NUM>, the second amplification and filtering path <NUM>, the third amplification and filtering path <NUM> and the fourth amplification and filtering path <NUM> can each include dedicated radio frequency (RF) amplifiers (gain blocks) or amplifier chains, RF detectors, variable RF attenuators and RF filters for each uplink and downlink band, where the variable RF attenuators can apply a fixed or variable gain. Further, the amplifier chains can include a combination of LNAs and/or PAs.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a repeater <NUM> having separate donor antennas and a combined server antenna. The repeater <NUM> can include a first amplification and filtering path <NUM>, a second amplification and filtering path <NUM>, a third amplification and filtering path <NUM> and a fourth amplification and filtering path <NUM>. In this specific example, the first amplification and filtering path <NUM> can be associated with B71UL, the second amplification and filtering path <NUM> can be associated with B12UL, the third amplification and filtering path <NUM> can be associated with B71DL and the fourth amplification and filtering path <NUM> can be associated with B12DL.

Further, in this example, the repeater <NUM> can include a signal splitter <NUM> (e.g., a <NUM>-way splitter) or a discrete match filter device, which can be communicatively coupled to another signal splitter <NUM> (e.g., a <NUM>-way splitter). Since matching B71UL and B12UL can be difficult, in this example, a discrete match filter device can be directly coupled to the third amplification and filtering path <NUM> associated with B71DL and the fourth amplification and filtering path <NUM> associated with B12DL, while the other signal splitter <NUM> (e.g., the <NUM>-way splitter) can be directly coupled to the first amplification and filtering path <NUM> associated with B71UL and the second amplification and filtering path <NUM> associated with B12UL. In other words, in this example, the discrete match filter device is not used for B71UL and B12UL.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a repeater <NUM> having separate donor antennas and a combined server antenna. The repeater <NUM> can include a first amplification and filtering path <NUM>, a second amplification and filtering path <NUM>, a third amplification and filtering path <NUM>, a fourth amplification and filtering path <NUM>, and a fifth amplification and filtering path <NUM>. In this specific example, the first amplification and filtering path <NUM> can be associated with B71UL, the second amplification and filtering path <NUM> can be associated with B12UL, the third amplification and filtering path <NUM> can be associated with B71DL, the fourth amplification and filtering path <NUM> can be associated with B12-13DL, and the fifth amplification and filtering path <NUM> can be associated with B13UL.

Further, in this example, the repeater <NUM> can include a signal splitter <NUM> communicatively coupled to a server antenna <NUM>. The signal splitter <NUM> can be communicatively coupled to a first B71 duplexer <NUM> and a first B12-<NUM> triplexer <NUM>. The repeater <NUM> can also include a second B71 duplexer <NUM> communicatively coupled to a B71 donor antenna <NUM>, as well as a second B12-<NUM> triplexer <NUM> communicatively coupled to a B12 donor antenna <NUM>.

In this example, the first amplification and filtering path <NUM> can be communicatively coupled between the first B71 duplexer <NUM> and the second B71 duplexer <NUM>, the second amplification and filtering path <NUM> can be communicatively coupled between the first B12-<NUM> triplexer <NUM> and the second B12-<NUM> triplexer <NUM>, the third amplification and filtering path <NUM> can be communicatively coupled between the first B71 duplexer <NUM> and the second B71 duplexer <NUM>, the fourth amplification and filtering path <NUM> can be communicatively coupled between the first B12-<NUM> triplexer <NUM> and the second B12-<NUM> triplexer <NUM>, and the fifth amplification and filtering path <NUM> can be communicatively coupled between the first B12-<NUM> triplexer <NUM> and the second B12-<NUM> triplexer <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a repeater system <NUM>. The repeater system can include a first repeater <NUM> and a second repeater <NUM>. The first repeater <NUM> and the second repeater <NUM> can be communicatively coupled to a splitter <NUM>. The splitter <NUM> can be communicatively coupled to a server antenna <NUM> via a server port <NUM>. In this example, a single server antenna can be used for the multiple repeaters. In addition, the first repeater <NUM> can be communicatively coupled to a first donor antenna <NUM> via a first donor port <NUM>, and the second repeater <NUM> can be communicatively coupled to a second donor antenna <NUM> via a second donor port <NUM>. The server antenna <NUM>, first donor antenna <NUM>, and second donor antenna <NUM> can be included with the repeater system <NUM>. Alternatively, one or more of the first donor antenna <NUM>, second donor antenna <NUM>, or server antenna <NUM> can be sold separately from the repeater system <NUM>. In this example, each repeater (i.e. first repeater and second repeater) can use a separate donor antenna as compared to another repeater in the repeater system <NUM>.

The first repeater <NUM> is communicatively coupled between the server port <NUM> and the first donor port <NUM>. The first repeater <NUM> includes a first amplification and filtering path for a first first-direction signal in a first first-direction band. The second repeater <NUM> is communicatively coupled between the server port <NUM> and the second donor port <NUM>. The second repeater includes a second amplification and filtering path for a second first-direction signal in a second first-direction band.

In an alternative example, the splitter <NUM> can be replaced with a discrete match filter device. In another example, the splitter <NUM> can refer to a discrete match filter device.

As a non-limiting example, the first repeater <NUM> and the first donor antenna <NUM> can be associated with B71, and the second repeater <NUM> and the second donor antenna <NUM> can be associated with B12. In addition, the first repeater <NUM> and the first donor antenna <NUM> and/or the second repeater <NUM> and the second donor antenna <NUM> can be configured to communicate additional bands, such as B2, B4, B5, B13, B25, B41, etc. As previously discussed with respect to <FIG>, each first direction band can be communicated on a separate first direction amplification and filtering path in one of the first repeater <NUM> or the second repeater <NUM>. Alternatively, multiple first direction bands can be included on a single first direction amplification and filtering path. Each second direction band can be communicated on a separate second direction amplification and filtering path. Alternatively, multiple second direction bands can be included on a single second direction amplification and filtering path, as shown in <FIG> with the B12 and B13 DL signals sent on a single amplification and filtering path <NUM>.

In one example, a third amplification and filtering path for a first second-direction signal can be located in the first repeater <NUM> and communicatively coupled between the first donor port <NUM> and the server port <NUM> for a first second-direction band. A fourth amplification and filtering path can be located in the second repeater <NUM> for a second second-direction signal that is communicatively coupled between the second donor port <NUM> and the server port <NUM> for a second second-direction band. A splitter or the discrete match filter device can be coupled to one or more of: the first amplification and filtering path, the second amplification and filtering path, the third amplification and filtering path or the fourth amplification and filtering path. The discrete match filter device includes one or more bandpass filters corresponding to one or more of the first first-direction band, the second first-direction band, the first second-direction band, or the second second-direction band.

In one example, the first donor port <NUM> is configured to send the first first-direction signal amplified by the first repeater <NUM> to a first donor antenna <NUM> coupled to the first donor port <NUM>. The first donor port <NUM> can receive the first second-direction signal at the first donor port <NUM> from the first donor antenna <NUM> to be filtered and amplified by the first repeater <NUM>. The second donor port <NUM> is configured to send the second first-direction signal amplified by the second repeater <NUM> to a second donor antenna <NUM> coupled to the second donor port <NUM>. The second donor <NUM> port can receive the second second-direction signal at the second donor port <NUM> from the second donor antenna <NUM> to be filtered and amplified by the second repeater <NUM>.

In another example, the server port <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is configured to send the first second-direction signal amplified by the first repeater <NUM> to a server antenna <NUM> coupled to the server port <NUM>. The server port <NUM> can receive the first first-direction signal at the server port <NUM> from the server antenna <NUM> to be filtered and amplified by the first repeater <NUM>. The server port <NUM> can send the second second-direction signal amplified by the second repeater <NUM> to the server antenna <NUM> coupled to the server port <NUM>. The server port <NUM> can receive the second first-direction signal at the server port <NUM> from the server antenna <NUM> to be filtered and amplified by the second repeater <NUM>.

In one example, the first first-direction band of the first repeater <NUM> can be spectrally adjacent to the second first-direction band of the second repeater <NUM>, and a combination of the first first-direction band and the second first-direction band can have a fractional bandwidth that is greater than a defined fractional bandwidth threshold ratio for a selected filter type. In one example, the selected filter type can be a surface acoustic wave (SAW) filter. In another example, the first first-direction band and the second first-direction band can have a spectral gap that is less than a threshold, where the spectral gap can be a frequency gap between the first first-direction band and the second first-direction band. As a non-limiting example, a spectral gap of <NUM> or <NUM> may be less than the threshold, thereby making the first first-direction band spectrally adjacent to the second first-direction band.

In another example of <FIG>, the first amplification and filtering path and the second amplification and filtering path are uplink paths. The third amplification and filtering path and the fourth amplification and filtering path are downlink paths. The first first-direction band corresponds to a band <NUM> (B71) uplink frequency range between <NUM> and <NUM>; and the second first-direction band corresponds to a band <NUM> (B12) uplink frequency range between <NUM> megahertz (MHz) and <NUM>.

<FIG> provides an example illustration of the wireless device, such as a user equipment (UE), a mobile station (MS), a mobile communication device, a tablet, a handset, a wireless transceiver coupled to a processor, or other type of wireless device. The wireless device can include one or more antennas configured to communicate with a node or transmission station, such as an access point (AP), a base station (BS), an evolved Node B (eNB), a baseband unit (BBU), a remote radio head (RRH), a remote radio equipment (RRE), a relay station (RS), a radio equipment (RE), a remote radio unit (RRU), a central processing module (CPM), or other type of wireless wide area network (WWAN) access point. The wireless device can communicate using separate antennas for each wireless communication standard or shared antennas for multiple wireless communication standards. The wireless device can communicate in a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wireless personal area network (WPAN), and/or a WWAN.

<FIG> also provides an illustration of a microphone and one or more speakers that can be used for audio input and output from the wireless device. The display screen can be a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, or other type of display screen such as an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display. The display screen can be configured as a touch screen. The touch screen can use capacitive, resistive, or another type of touch screen technology. An application processor and a graphics processor can be coupled to internal memory to provide processing and display capabilities. A non-volatile memory port can also be used to provide data input/output options to a user. The non-volatile memory port can also be used to expand the memory capabilities of the wireless device. A keyboard can be with the wireless device or wirelessly connected to the wireless device to provide additional user input. A virtual keyboard can also be provided using the touch screen.

Various techniques, or certain aspects or portions thereof, can take the form of program code (i.e., instructions) embodied in tangible media, such as floppy diskettes, compact disc-read-only memory (CD-ROMs), hard drives, non-transitory computer readable storage medium, or any other machine-readable storage medium wherein, when the program code is loaded into and executed by a machine, such as a computer, the machine becomes an apparatus for practicing the various techniques. Circuitry can include hardware, firmware, program code, executable code, computer instructions, and/or software. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium can be a computer readable storage medium that does not include signal. In the case of program code execution on programmable computers, the computing device can include a processor, a storage medium readable by the processor (including volatile and non-volatile memory and/or storage elements), at least one input device, and at least one output device. The volatile and non-volatile memory and/or storage elements can be a random-access memory (RAM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), flash drive, optical drive, magnetic hard drive, solid state drive, or other medium for storing electronic data. One or more programs that can implement or utilize the various techniques described herein can use an application programming interface (API), reusable controls, and the like. Such programs can be implemented in a high level procedural or object oriented programming language to communicate with a computer system. However, the program(s) can be implemented in assembly or machine language, if desired. In any case, the language can be a compiled or interpreted language, and combined with hardware implementations.

As used herein, the term processor can include general purpose processors, specialized processors such as VLSI, FPGAs, or other types of specialized processors, as well as base band processors used in transceivers to send, receive, and process wireless communications.

It should be understood that many of the functional units described in this specification have been labeled as modules, in order to more particularly emphasize their implementation independence. For example, a module can be implemented as a hardware circuit comprising custom very-large-scale integration (VLSI) circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. A module can also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices or the like.

In one example, multiple hardware circuits or multiple processors can be used to implement the functional units described in this specification. For example, a first hardware circuit or a first processor can be used to perform processing operations and a second hardware circuit or a second processor (e.g., a transceiver or a baseband processor) can be used to communicate with other entities. The first hardware circuit and the second hardware circuit can be incorporated into a single hardware circuit, or alternatively, the first hardware circuit and the second hardware circuit can be separate hardware circuits.

Modules can also be implemented in software for execution by various types of processors. An identified module of executable code can, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions, which can, for instance, be organized as an object, procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the executables of an identified module need not be physically located together, but can comprise disparate instructions stored in different locations which, when joined logically together, comprise the module and achieve the stated purpose for the module.

Indeed, a module of executable code can be a single instruction, or many instructions, and can even be distributed over several different code segments, among different programs, and across several memory devices. Similarly, operational data can be identified and illustrated herein within modules, and can be embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure. The operational data can be collected as a single data set, or can be distributed over different locations including over different storage devices, and can exist, at least partially, merely as electronic signals on a system or network. The modules can be passive or active, including agents operable to perform desired functions.

Reference throughout this specification to "an example" or "exemplary" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in an example" or the word "exemplary" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials can be presented in a common list for convenience. In addition, various embodiments and example of the present invention can be referred to herein along with alternatives for the various components thereof. It is understood that such embodiments, examples, and alternatives are not to be construed as defacto equivalents of one another, but are to be considered as separate and autonomous representations of the present invention.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of layouts, distances, network examples, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, layouts, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

Claim 1:
A repeater system, comprising:
a server port (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
a first donor port (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
a second donor port (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
a first repeater (<NUM>) communicatively coupled between the server port and the first donor port,
a second repeater (<NUM>) communicatively coupled between the server port and the second donor port,
characterised in that:
the server port configured to be coupled to a server antenna (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
the first donor port configured to be coupled to a first donor antenna (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
the second donor port configured to be coupled to a second donor antenna (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
the first repeater includes a first amplification and filtering path (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for a first first-direction signal in a first first-direction band;
the second repeater includes a second amplification and filtering path (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for a second first-direction signal in a second first-direction band,
the first first-direction band is spectrally adjacent to the second first-direction band, and a combination of a passband bandwidth of the first first-direction band and a passband bandwidth of the second first-direction band divided by a center frequency of the combination has a fractional bandwidth that is greater than a defined fractional bandwidth threshold ratio for a selected filter type.