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 other 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 documents <CIT> and <CIT> disclose related prior art.

Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to 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.

<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 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 3GPP LTE Release <NUM>. <NUM> (January <NUM>) or other desired releases. The signal booster <NUM> can boost signals from the 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) <NUM> (Release <NUM> September <NUM>) 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 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) <NUM> (Release <NUM> January <NUM>) 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 3GPP TS <NUM> V15. <NUM> (January <NUM>).

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 -<NUM> decibel-milliwatts (dBm). 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 an example diagram of a repeater <NUM> that includes a pre-amplification system <NUM> for a modem <NUM> (or modem module). The repeater <NUM> (or signal booster) can be a cellular repeater. The pre-amplification system <NUM> can receive a downlink signal on a downlink signal path. The downlink signal can be a downlink cellular signal. The pre-amplification system <NUM> can include a pre-amplifier <NUM> to amplify the downlink signal to produce an amplified downlink signal. The pre-amplifier <NUM> can be a low noise amplifier (LNA) or another type of amplifier. The pre-amplifier <NUM> can be a low-gain and wideband amplifier, as the pre-amplifier <NUM> can cover all of the cellular bands amplified by the repeater <NUM>. The pre-amplification system <NUM> can provide the amplified downlink signal to the modem <NUM>. In other words, the pre-amplification system <NUM> can be responsible for downlink signal amplification prior to or before a downlink signal reaches the modem <NUM>.

In one example, the modem <NUM> (or modem module) can include an amplifier, such as a low noise amplifier (LNA). The amplifier included in the modem <NUM> (or modem module) can be separate from the pre-amplifier <NUM>. In other words, the pre-amplifier <NUM> can be outside the modem <NUM> (or modem module).

In one example, the pre-amplification system <NUM> can be considered a pre-amplifier for the modem <NUM> because the pre-amplification system <NUM> can amplify a downlink (DL) signal before the downlink signal is received at the modem <NUM>. An amplifier on a DL-only port won't violate the modem's government certification, such as a certification by the federal communication commission (FCC). Amplifying the uplink (UL) output from the modem would violate the modem's government certification. Signals going to a modem's UL/DL port can't be amplified without separating the UL and DL signals, which would add so much insertion loss that it wouldn't be worthwhile. However, using a pre-amplifier on a DL only port can improve the downlink signal without violating the modem's government certification. Therefore, the pre-amplification system <NUM> can serve to improve a performance of the modem <NUM>.

Further, as described in further detail below, the downlink signal path can be communicatively coupled to a diversity donor antenna. In one example, downlink signal amplification for the downlink signal path that is coupled to the diversity donor antenna, as performed by the pre-amplification system <NUM>, can provide about 3dB of increased receiver sensitivity, thereby allowing a higher data throughput via an Ethernet port <NUM> of the modem <NUM>. In other words, this additional 3dB of receiver sensitivity can result in the higher data throughput via the Ethernet port <NUM> of the modem <NUM>. The increased receiver sensitivity can be particularly useful when the repeater <NUM> is used in a rural geographical area with poor cellular reception.

In one example, the modem <NUM> can include a first modem port <NUM>, a second modem port <NUM> and the Ethernet port <NUM>. The first modem port <NUM> can be an uplink-downlink modem port. The second modem port <NUM> can be a downlink-only modem port. The Ethernet port <NUM> can be communicatively coupled to a coaxial cable <NUM>. In an alternative configuration, the modem <NUM> may not include an Ethernet port, but rather a port for an optical fiber cable or another suitable port for a specific type of cable.

In one example, the modem <NUM> can receive a downlink signal via the first modem port <NUM> and/or the second modem port <NUM>. The modem <NUM> can modify the downlink signal (e.g., amplify and/or filter the downlink signal) to produce a modified downlink signal. The modem <NUM> can direct the modified downlink signal to the coaxial cable <NUM> via the Ethernet port <NUM>. Similarly, the modem <NUM> can receive an uplink signal through the coaxial cable <NUM> via the Ethernet port <NUM>. The modem <NUM> can modify the uplink signal (e.g., amplify and/or filter the uplink signal) to produce a modified uplink signal. The modem <NUM> can direct the modified uplink signal to the first modem port <NUM> and/or the second modem port <NUM>.

In one example, the repeater <NUM> can include a first donor antenna port <NUM> and a second donor antenna port <NUM>. The first donor antenna port <NUM> can be communicatively coupled to a first donor antenna <NUM>, and the second donor antenna port <NUM> can be communicatively coupled to a second donor antenna <NUM>. In one example, the first donor antenna <NUM> can be a main donor antenna, and the second donor antenna <NUM> can be a diversity donor antenna. Similarly, the first donor antenna port <NUM> can be a main donor antenna port, and the second donor antenna port <NUM> can be a diversity donor antenna port. In one example, the first donor antenna <NUM> can be an uplink-downlink antenna, and the second donor antenna <NUM> can be a downlink-only antenna. In other words, the first donor antenna <NUM> can be capable of transmitting uplink signals and receiving downlink signals, whereas the second donor antenna <NUM> can be capable of only receiving downlink signals. Further, the first donor antenna <NUM> and the second donor antenna <NUM> can achieve antenna diversity using spatial diversity, pattern diversity, polarization diversity, etc. For example, the first donor antenna <NUM> and the second donor antenna <NUM> can be cross polarized antennas.

In one example, the first donor antenna <NUM> and the second donor antenna <NUM> can be configured to receive and/or transmit signals in the same set of bands. In one specific example, the second donor antenna <NUM> (e.g., the downlink-only donor antenna) can be configured to only accommodate downlink frequencies.

In one example, the repeater <NUM> can include a first signal path <NUM> communicatively coupled between the first donor antenna port <NUM> and the first modem port <NUM>. The first signal path <NUM> can be an uplink-downlink signal path. In other words, the first signal path <NUM> can carry uplink signals received from the modem <NUM> via the first modem port <NUM>, and the first signal path <NUM> can direct the uplink signals for transmission via the first donor antenna <NUM>. The first signal path <NUM> can comprise of a coaxial cable that is connected between the first donor antenna port <NUM> and the first modem port <NUM>. The first donor antenna <NUM> can transmit the uplink signals to a base station. In addition, the first signal path <NUM> can carry downlink signals received from the first donor antenna <NUM> via the first donor antenna port <NUM>. The first donor antenna <NUM> can receive the downlink signals from the base station. The first signal path <NUM> can direct the downlink signals to the modem <NUM> via the first modem port <NUM>. In one example, the first signal path <NUM> may not include amplifiers or filters, and a signal is directed on the first signal path <NUM> to the modem <NUM> without modification (e.g., without amplification or filtering) of the signal.

In one example, the repeater <NUM> can include a second signal path <NUM> communicatively coupled between the second donor antenna port <NUM> and the second modem port <NUM>. The second signal path <NUM> can be a downlink-only signal path. Thus, the second signal path <NUM> can carry downlink signals received from the second donor antenna <NUM> via the second donor antenna port <NUM>, and the second signal path <NUM> can direct the downlink signals to the modem <NUM> via the second modem port <NUM>. Further, the second signal path <NUM> can include the pre-amplifier <NUM> to amplify received downlink signals. For example, the pre-amplifier <NUM> may amplify a received downlink signal to produce an amplified downlink signal, and the amplified downlink signal can be directed on the second signal path <NUM> to the second modem port <NUM>. The pre-amplifier <NUM> can be included in the pre-amplification system <NUM>, which can be responsible for providing amplified downlink signals to the modem <NUM>. In other words, the pre-amplifier <NUM> in the pre-amplification system <NUM> can perform downlink signal amplification prior to or before a downlink signal reaches the modem <NUM>.

In one example, the second donor antenna <NUM> can receive a downlink signal from the base station. The downlink signal can be directed onto the second signal path <NUM>. More specifically, the downlink signal can be directed to the pre-amplification system <NUM>, and the pre-amplifier <NUM> in the pre-amplification system <NUM> can amplify the downlink signal to produce an amplified downlink signal. The amplified downlink signal can be directed to the modem <NUM> via the second modem port <NUM>. The modem <NUM> can modify the amplified downlink signal by performing amplification, filtering, etc. on the amplified downlink signal. In other words, the modem <NUM> can modify the amplified downlink signal to produce a modified amplified downlink signal. The modem <NUM> can direct the modified amplified downlink signal to the coaxial cable <NUM> via the Ethernet port <NUM> of the modem <NUM>. In other words, the modem <NUM> can output the modified amplified downlink signal via the Ethernet port <NUM>, and the modified amplified downlink signal can be sent on the coaxial cable <NUM> to a destination.

In one example, the modem <NUM> can act as a cellular-to-WiFi converter. For example, the modem <NUM> can combine a first downlink cellular signal received on the first signal path <NUM> and an amplified cellular downlink signal received on the second signal path <NUM> to form a combined downlink signal. The modem <NUM> can demodulate the combined downlink signal for output to the Ethernet port <NUM>. Alternatively, the modem <NUM> can demodulate the combined downlink signal for output to a fiber optic port.

In one example, the pre-amplifier <NUM> can be inserted on the second signal path <NUM> (e.g., the downlink-only signal path) to be closer to the second donor antenna <NUM> (e.g., the diversity donor antenna), which can improve a receive sensitivity on the second modem port <NUM> (e.g., the downlink-only modem port) and thereby improve the receive sensitivity and performance of the modem <NUM>. For example, inserting the pre-amplifier <NUM> on the second signal path <NUM> can increase the receiver sensitivity by about 3dB, thereby allowing a higher data throughput via the Ethernet port <NUM> of the modem <NUM>. In addition, the insertion of the pre-amplifier <NUM> on the second signal path <NUM> can improve a system noise figure (e.g., reduce the system noise figure), thereby improving a performance of the modem <NUM>. Thus, the system noise figure can be improved by amplifying a downlink signal received from the second donor antenna <NUM> before the downlink signal is received at the modem <NUM>.

In one example, the incorporation of the pre-amplification system <NUM> in the repeater <NUM> may not affect a regulatory certification of the modem <NUM>. In other words, the incorporation of the pre-amplification system <NUM> in the repeater <NUM> may not require a regulatory recertification of the modem <NUM>. For example, since the pre-amplification system <NUM> only amplifies downlink signals that are directly routed to the modem <NUM> and does not amplify uplink signals, which could adversely affect the network, the pre-amplification system <NUM> does not change the certification of the modem <NUM>. In one example, the modem <NUM> can be a pre-certified modem, and incorporating the pre-amplification system <NUM> to the repeater <NUM> may not affect a certification status of the modem <NUM>. The pre-amplification system can be limited to a selected gain or power level that will not affect the certification status. For example, the pre-amplification system may be limited to a gain of 3dB or 6dB. Therefore, the pre-amplification system <NUM> can serve to increase the receiver sensitivity and reduce the system noise figure, without affecting the certification of the modem <NUM>. Further, the incorporation of the pre-amplification system <NUM> in the repeater <NUM> may not affect a network protection for the repeater <NUM>.

In one example, the pre-amplification system <NUM> for the modem <NUM> can be unrelated to a repeater. For example, the pre-amplification system <NUM> for the modem <NUM> can be incorporated into any type of hardware device having a modem or an integrated modem. The pre-amplification system <NUM> can serve to amplify (e.g., pre-amplify) signals before the signals are received at the modem <NUM>. As a result, the modem <NUM> can receive signals that are already amplified, and the modem <NUM> can perform further processing on amplified signals.

<FIG> illustrates another example diagram of a repeater <NUM> that includes a pre-amplification system <NUM> for a modem <NUM> (or modem module). The modem <NUM> can include a first modem port <NUM> (e.g., an uplink-downlink modem port), a second modem port <NUM> (a downlink-only modem port) and an Ethernet port <NUM> communicatively coupled to a destination via a coaxial cable <NUM>. Further, the repeater <NUM> can include a first donor antenna port <NUM> communicatively coupled to a first donor antenna <NUM> (e.g., a main donor antenna), and the repeater <NUM> can include a second donor antenna port <NUM> communicatively coupled to a second donor antenna <NUM> (e.g., a diversity donor antenna). Further, the repeater <NUM> can include a first signal path <NUM> communicatively coupled between the first modem port <NUM> and the first donor antenna port <NUM>, and the repeater <NUM> can include a second signal path <NUM> communicatively coupled between the second modem port <NUM> and the second donor antenna port <NUM>. The first signal path <NUM> can be an uplink-downlink signal path, and the second signal path <NUM> can be a downlink-only signal path. In other words, the first signal path <NUM> can be capable of carrying uplink signals and downlink signals, whereas the second signal path <NUM> can be capable of carrying only downlink signals.

The pre-amplification system <NUM> can correspond to the pre-amplification system <NUM>, as described earlier. Further, the second signal path <NUM> can correspond to the second signal path <NUM>, as described earlier.

In one configuration, the pre-amplification system <NUM> can be communicatively coupled to the second signal path <NUM>, and the pre-amplification system <NUM> can be between the second modem port <NUM> and the second donor antenna port <NUM>. For example, the pre-amplification system <NUM> can include a first signal modification device <NUM> and a second signal modification device <NUM>, where the first signal modification device <NUM> and the second signal modification device <NUM> can be communicatively coupled to the second signal path <NUM>. The first signal modification device <NUM> and the second signal modification device <NUM> can be diplexers, triplexers, splitters, circulators, etc. Further, the pre-amplification system <NUM> can include a first amplifier <NUM> and a second amplifier <NUM>, where the first amplifier <NUM> and the second amplifier <NUM> can be communicatively coupled between the first signal modification device <NUM> and the second signal modification device <NUM>. The first amplifier <NUM> and the second amplifier <NUM> can be LNAs or another type of amplifier. Further, the first amplifier <NUM> and the second amplifier <NUM> can be in parallel with respect to each other.

In one example, the first amplifier <NUM> can be a high band amplifier and the second amplifier <NUM> can be a low band amplifier, or vice versa. Thus, a received downlink signal can be directed by the first signal modification device <NUM> to either the first amplifier <NUM> or the second amplifier <NUM> depending on whether the received downlink signal is either a high band signal or a low band signal. In this example, amplifiers can have varying gain across a frequency spectrum, so the first amplifier <NUM> and the second amplifier <NUM> can serve to amplify low bands separately from high bands. The high bands can include, but are not limited to, band <NUM> (B4) or band <NUM> (B25). The low bands can include, but are not limited to, band <NUM> (B5), band <NUM> (B12) or band <NUM> (B13).

<FIG> illustrates an example diagram of a pre-amplification system <NUM> for a modem that includes multiple amplifiers and a band pass filter <NUM>. The pre-amplification system <NUM> can be communicatively coupled to a modem port <NUM> (e.g., a downlink-only modem port) of the modem (or modem module) via a signal path <NUM> (e.g., a downlink-only signal path). The signal path <NUM> can be communicatively coupled to a donor antenna <NUM> (e.g., a diversity donor antenna) via a donor antenna port <NUM> (e.g., a diversity donor antenna port). In this example, the pre-amplification system <NUM> (or the signal path <NUM>) can include an amplifier <NUM> (e.g., an LNA). In addition, the pre-amplification system <NUM> (or the signal path <NUM>) can include a band pass filter <NUM>, a variable attenuator <NUM> and/or an additional amplifier <NUM>. Thus, the amplifier <NUM>, the band pass filter <NUM>, the variable attenuator <NUM> and/or the additional amplifier <NUM> can be communicatively coupled between the modem port <NUM> and the donor antenna port <NUM>. In some cases, the band pass filter <NUM> can be a single-input single-output (SISO) filter, where the SISO filter can filter signals in one or more bands. Further, the band pass filter <NUM> can be a low loss filter to protect wideband interference to the modem.

The pre-amplification system <NUM> can correspond to the pre-amplification system <NUM>, <NUM>, as described earlier. Further, the signal path <NUM> can correspond to the second signal path <NUM>, <NUM>, as described earlier. Further, the modem port <NUM> can correspond to the second modem port <NUM>, <NUM>, as described earlier. Further, the donor antenna <NUM> and the donor antenna port <NUM> can correspond to the second donor antenna <NUM>, <NUM> and the second donor antenna port <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, as described earlier.

<FIG> illustrates an example diagram of a pre-amplification system <NUM> for a modem that includes multiple amplifiers and a switchable band pass filter <NUM>. In this example, the pre-amplification system <NUM> (or the signal path <NUM>) can include a switchable band pass filter <NUM>, as opposed to a non-switchable band pass filter (as shown in <FIG>). In one example, bypassing the switchable band pass filter <NUM> can result in an additional <NUM>-2dB of receiver sensitivity, thereby improving a performance of the modem.

<FIG> illustrates an example diagram of a pre-amplification system <NUM> for a modem that includes multiple amplifiers and multiple band pass filters. In this example, the pre-amplification system <NUM> (or the signal path <NUM>) can include an additional band pass filter <NUM> prior to the amplifier <NUM>. In other words, the additional band pass filter <NUM> can be communicatively coupled between the amplifier <NUM> and the donor antenna port <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a diagram of a pre-amplification system <NUM> for a modem that includes multiple amplifiers and multiple switchable band pass filters. In this example, the pre-amplification system <NUM> (or the signal path <NUM>) can include an additional switchable band pass filter <NUM> prior to the amplifier <NUM>. In other words, the additional switchable band pass filter <NUM> can be communicatively coupled between the amplifier <NUM> and the donor antenna port <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a method for pre-amplifying downlink cellular signals for a modem. The method can be executed as instructions on a machine, where the instructions are included on at least one computer readable medium or one non-transitory machine readable storage medium. The method can include the operation of: receiving a downlink cellular signal on a downlink signal path communicatively coupled between a diversity donor antenna port and a downlink-only modem port of the modem, as in block <NUM>. The method can include the operation of: directing the received downlink cellular signal to a pre-amplifier of the downlink signal path to produce an amplified downlink cellular signal, as in block <NUM>. The method can include the operation of: directing the amplified downlink cellular signal to the downlink-only modem port, as in block <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.

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 system, comprising:
a first donor antenna port (<NUM>);
a second donor antenna port (<NUM>);
a modem (<NUM>) comprising a first modem port (<NUM>) and a second modem port (<NUM>);
a first signal path (<NUM>) communicatively coupled between the first donor antenna port and the first modem port, wherein the first signal path is operable to direct a first received cellular signal; and
a second signal path (<NUM>) communicatively coupled between second donor antenna port and the second modem port, wherein the second signal path includes a pre-amplifier (<NUM>) operable to amplify a second received cellular signal to produce an amplified cellular signal to be directed to the second modem port, wherein:
the first modem port is an uplink-downlink port; and
the second modem port is a downlink-only port.