Patent Description:
Repeaters can be used to increase the quality of wireless communication between a wireless device and a wireless communication access point, such as a cell tower. Repeaters can enhance the quality of the wireless communication by amplifying, filtering, and/or applying other processing techniques to uplink and downlink signals communicated between the wireless device and the wireless communication access point.

As an example, the repeater can receive, via an antenna, downlink signals from the wireless communication access point. The repeater can amplify the downlink signal and then provide an amplified downlink signal to the wireless device. In other words, the repeater 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 repeater. The repeater can amplify the uplink signals before communicating, via the antenna, the uplink signals to the wireless communication access point. The following prior art is acknowledged: <CIT> which disclosed <NUM> a channelization device for a wideband repeater.

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.

The terms "wireless repeater" and "signal booster" and "cellular signal amplifier" are used interchangeably herein.

The terms "server antenna" and "coupling antenna" are used interchangeably herein. The server antenna can be disposed in a cradle and can form an RF signal coupler to wirelessly couple one or more RF communication signals to a wireless user device carried by the cradle. In addition, the server antenna can be an inside antenna.

The terms "donor antenna" and "node antenna" are used interchangeably herein. The donor antenna can be an outside antenna. The donor antenna can wirelessly couple one or more RF communication signals to a base station or cell phone tower.

The terms "one or more RF communication signals" and "downlink signal" or "uplink signal" are used interchangeably herein. The wireless repeater or signal booster can receive, via an antenna, downlink signals from the wireless communication access point. The wireless repeater or signal booster can amplify the downlink signal and then provide an amplified downlink signal to the wireless user device. Similarly, uplink signals from the wireless user device (e.g., telephone calls and other data) can be directed to the wireless repeater or signal booster. The wireless repeater or signal booster can amplify the uplink signals before communicating, via an antenna, the uplink signals to the wireless communication access point.

The term "signal splitter" is used broadly herein to refer to a device that divides a radio frequency (RF) communication signal, and can include a tap and a directional coupler. The division of the RF communication signal can be equal or even as in the case of a signal splitter, or can be uneven as in the case of the tap or the directional coupler. The signal tap can be an uneven splitter that couples some signal off of the signal path. A coupled port gets less of the signal depending upon a coupling factor. An in-line attenuator can be coupled to the coupled port to obtain a desired about of gain.

In an example, as illustrated in <FIG>, a bi-directional repeater system can comprise a repeater <NUM> connected to an outside antenna <NUM> or donor antenna <NUM> and an inside antenna <NUM> or server antenna <NUM>. The repeater <NUM> can include a donor antenna port that can be internally coupled to a second duplexer (or diplexer or multiplexer or circulator or splitter) <NUM>. The repeater <NUM> can include a server antenna port that can also be coupled to a first duplexer (or diplexer or multiplexer or circulator or splitter) <NUM>. Between the two duplexers, <NUM> and <NUM>, can be two paths: a first path and a second path. The first path can comprise a low noise amplifier (LNA) with an input coupled to the first duplexer <NUM>, a variable attenuator coupled to an output of the LNA, a filter coupled to the variable attenuator, and a power amplifier (PA) coupled between the filter and the second duplexer <NUM>. The filter can use any suitable analog 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. The power amplifier can be a variable power amplifier, or a power amplifier with a fixed amplitude. The LNA can amplify a lower power signal without degrading the signal to noise ratio. The PA can adjust and amplify the power level by a desired amount. A second path can comprise an LNA with an input coupled to the second duplexer <NUM>, a variable attenuator coupled to an output of the LNA, a filter coupled to the variable attenuator, and a PA coupled between the filter and the first duplexer <NUM>. The first path can be a downlink amplification path or an uplink amplification path. The second path can be a downlink amplification path or an uplink amplification path. The repeater <NUM> can also comprise a controller <NUM>. In one example, the controller <NUM> can include one or more processors and memory.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary repeater <NUM> in communication with a wireless device <NUM> and a base station <NUM>. The repeater <NUM> (also referred to as a cellular signal amplifier) can enhance 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 repeater <NUM> can amplify or boost uplink signals and/or downlink signals bi-directionally. In one example, the repeater <NUM> can be at a fixed location, such as in a home or office. Alternatively, the repeater <NUM> can be attached to a mobile object, such as a vehicle or a wireless device <NUM>. The repeater can be a signal booster, such as a cellular signal booster.

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

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

In one embodiment, the server antenna <NUM> and the donor antenna <NUM> can be integrated as part of the repeater <NUM>. Alternatively, the repeater <NUM> can be configured to be connected to a separate server antenna <NUM> or donor antenna <NUM>. The server antenna and the donor antenna may be provided by a different provider than the repeater <NUM>.

In one example, the repeater <NUM> can send uplink signals to a node and/or receive downlink signals from the node. While <FIG> shows the node as a base station <NUM>, this is not intended to be limiting. The node can comprise a wireless wide area network (WWAN) access point (AP), a base station (BS), an evolved Node B (eNB), a next generation Node B (gNB), a New Radio base station (NR BS), 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 repeater <NUM> used to amplify the uplink and/or a downlink signal can be a handheld booster. The handheld booster can be implemented in a sleeve of the wireless device <NUM>. The wireless device sleeve may be attached to the wireless device <NUM>, but may be removed as needed. In this configuration, the repeater <NUM> can automatically power down or cease amplification when the wireless device <NUM> approaches a particular base station. In other words, the repeater <NUM> may 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 repeater <NUM> can include a battery to provide power to various components, such as the signal amplifier <NUM>, the device antenna <NUM>, and the node antenna <NUM>. The battery can also power the wireless device <NUM> (e.g., phone or tablet). Alternatively, the repeater <NUM> can receive power from the wireless device <NUM>.

In one configuration, the repeater <NUM> can be a Federal Communications Commission (FCC)-compatible consumer repeater. As a non-limiting example, the repeater <NUM> can be compatible with FCC Part <NUM> or <NUM> Code of Federal Regulations (C. ) Part <NUM> (March <NUM>, <NUM>). In addition, the handheld booster can operate on the frequencies used for the provision of subscriber-based services under parts <NUM> (Cellular), <NUM> (Broadband PCS), <NUM> (AWS-<NUM>, <NUM> megahertz (MHz) Lower A-E Blocks, and <NUM> Upper C Block), and <NUM> (Specialized Mobile Radio) of <NUM> C. The repeater <NUM> can be configured to automatically self-monitor its operation to ensure compliance with applicable noise and gain limits. The repeater <NUM> can either self-correct or shut down automatically if the repeater's operations violate the regulations defined in <NUM> CFR Part <NUM>. While a repeater that is compatible with FCC regulations is provided as an example, it is not intended to be limiting. The repeater can be configured to be compatible with other governmental regulations based on the location where the repeater is configured to operate.

In one configuration, the repeater <NUM> can enhance 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) by amplifying desired signals relative to a noise floor. The repeater <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 repeater <NUM> can boost signals from the 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) <NUM> (Release <NUM> July <NUM>) bands or LTE frequency bands. For example, the repeater <NUM> can boost signals from the LTE frequency bands: <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. 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 <NUM>-<NUM> or other bands, as disclosed in 3GPP TS <NUM> V16. <NUM> (January <NUM>), and depicted in Table <NUM>:.

In another configuration, the repeater <NUM> can boost signals from the 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) <NUM> (Release <NUM> July <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 in frequency range <NUM> (FR1), n257 - n261 in frequency range <NUM> (FR2), or other bands, as disclosed in 3GPP TS <NUM> V16. <NUM> (July <NUM>), and depicted in Table <NUM> and Table <NUM>:.

The number of LTE or <NUM> frequency bands and the level of signal enhancement 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 repeater <NUM> can be configured to operate with selected frequency bands based on the location of use. In another example, the repeater <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.

<FIG> illustrates a fixed antenna port triplexer. The fixed antenna port can comprise a first-band port, a second-band port and a third-band port. In one embodiment, a first band amplification and filtering path can be coupled to the first-band port via a first path of a first multiplexer, wherein the multiplexer is one or more of a diplexer (e.g., a low band/high band (L/H) diplexer), a triplexer, a quadplexer, a quintplexer, a hexplexer, or another desired type of multiplexer. A second-band amplification and filtering path can be coupled to the second-band port via a first path of a second multiplexer and coupled to the first multiplexer via a second path of the first multiplexer. A third-band amplification and filtering path can be coupled to a second path of the second multiplexer, and a second path of the first multiplexer. The output of the first multiplexer can be communicatively coupled to one or more antennas. In one example, the first-band port or high-band port can be configured for a frequency range of a minimum of <NUM> Megahertz (MHz) and a maximum of <NUM>. The second-band port can be configured for an of <NUM> frequency band. And the third band-port can be configured for a <NUM> frequency band. The actual frequencies and bands output from the three ports of the triplexer are dependent on the selection of the two multiplexers. In another example, the multiplexers can be configured for one or more of 3GPP LTE bands B26, B12, and B13.

<FIG> illustrates a switched triplexer. The triplexer can be configured to provide functionality of a bi-directional frequency division duplex (FDD) to time division duplex (TDD) repeater having a switchable f. The switchable triplexer can allow a repeater system to have a single output, two outputs, or three outputs, in this example. This can allow an installer to use one antenna, two antennas, or three antennas, depending on the installation needs of a system and the location of the system install relative to different base stations. The use of multiple antennas can be helpful in using a directional antenna to provide higher gain to a selected base station, providing greater isolation between certain bands, and helping to reduce the risk of oscillation occurring in the repeater.

In the example of <FIG>, an antenna port, such as a donor antenna port can be communicatively coupled to one or more of a common or high-band port that can transmit and receive signals in a first frequency range, a low band port (or unused port) that can transmit and receive signals in a second frequency range, or a third port (or unused port) that can transmit and receive signals in a third frequency whilst according to the scope of the present invention so as defined in the attached independent claim <NUM> the donor antenna port can only be communicatively coupled to one or more of a common or high-band port that can transmit and receive signals in a first frequency range or a low band port (or unused port) that can transmit and receive signals in a second frequency range.

In one example, the first frequency range can include the second and third frequency ranges. The second frequency range can include the third frequency range. This allows signals in the first second and third frequency ranges to be sent to the first port, signals in the second and third frequency range to be sent to the second port, and a signal in the third frequency range to be sent to the third port.

In one example, the common port can be configured to transmit and receive signals in 3GPP LTE bands <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. Alternatively, signals in bands <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can be switched to the second port, referred to as a low-band port. Alternatively, signals in bands <NUM> and <NUM> can be switched to the third port, with a signal in band <NUM> at the second port, and signals in bands <NUM> and <NUM> at the common port.

There can be a first band amplification and filtering path coupled to the switchable common port via a first path of a first multiplexer. The triplexer can further comprise of a second band amplification and filtering path coupled to the switchable common port via second path of the first multiplexer, a first path of a first radio frequency (RF) switch, and a first path of a second multiplexer. The second band amplification and filtering path can also be configured to be coupled to the switchable second band port via a second path of the second multiplexer and a second path of the first RF switch. A third band amplification and filtering path can be coupled to the switchable common port via a first path of a second RF relay, the second path of the second multiplexer, a first path of the first RF relay and the second path of the first diplexer. In one example, the third band amplification and filtering path can be coupled to the switchable second-band port via the first path of the second RF switch, the second path of the second multiplexer, and the second path of the first RF switch. In one example, the third band amplification and filtering path can be coupled to the switchable third-band port via the second path of the second RF switch, to enable the bi-directional FDD or TDD repeater to operate with a switchable: single port output configuration, a two-port output configuration, or a three-port output configuration for the signals carried by the first-band amplification and filtering path, the second-band amplification and filtering path, and third-band amplification and filtering path.

In one embodiment, the second-band amplification and filtering path can be coupled to one or more of a repeater port, a gain block, a first-band pass filter (BPF), a low noise amplifier (LNA) a variable gain power amplifier, a fixed power amplifier or a variable attenuator.

In one embodiment, the third-band amplification and filtering path can be coupled to one or more of a repeater port, a gain block, a first-band pass filter (BPF), a low noise amplifier (LNA) a variable gain power amplifier, a fixed power amplifier or a variable attenuator.

In one embodiment, the triplexer can be comprised of a controller configured to switch the second-band amplification and filtering path between the switchable common port and the switchable second band port. The controller can switch the third-band amplification and filtering path between the switchable common port, the switchable second band port, and the switchable third band port. The controller can also be configured to enable a single port configuration, a two-port output configuration, or a three-port output configuration for the signals carried by the first band amplification and filtering path, the second band amplification and filtering path and a third band amplification and filtering path.

In one embodiment, the controller can be configured to adjust a signal output power level or a signal gain at the switchable common port, the switchable second-band port, or the switchable third-band port based on a switch position of one or more of the first RF relay and the second RF relay to provide a predetermined power level at each port based on known losses of passive components in the first-band amplification and filtering path, the second-band amplification and filtering path, and third-band amplification and filtering path.

In one embodiment, each of the first-band amplification and filtering path, the second-band amplification and filtering path, and third-band amplification and filtering path are operable to carry one or more RF bands.

In one example, the RF switch is one or more of, a solid-state (SS) RF switch, a micro electromechanical system (MEMS) RF switch, or an electromechanical RF switch.

In one embodiment the multiplexer of the repeater can be one or more of a diplexer, a triplexer, a quadplexer, a quintplexer, a hexplexer, or another desired type of multiplexer.

In one embodiment, the repeater can include a switchable antenna port module. The module can comprise of a switchable common port, a switchable second-band port, and a switchable third-band port. The module can include a first-band amplification and filtering path port coupled to the switchable common port via a first path of a first multiplexer. The module can include a second-band amplification and filtering path port. The second-band amplification and filtering path can be coupled to the switchable common port via a second path of the first multiplexer, a first path of a first radio frequency (RF) relay, and a first path of a second multiplexer or the switchable second-band port via a second path of the second multiplexer, and a second path of the first RF relay. The third band amplification and filtering module can be coupled to the switchable common port via a first path of a second RF relay, a second path of the second multiplexer, a first path of the first RF relay, and a second path of the first multiplexer. The third band amplification and filtering module can be coupled to the switchable second-band port via the first path of the second RF relay, the second path of the second multiplexer, and the second path of the first RF relay. The third band amplification and filtering module can be coupled to the switchable third-band port via the second path of the second RF relay.

In one embodiment of the antenna port module, the first-band amplification and filtering path port is configured to be coupled to a first-band amplification and filtering path of the repeater. Additionally, the second-band amplification and filtering path port is configured to be coupled to a second-band amplification and filtering path of the repeater. Further, the third-band amplification and filtering path port is configured to be coupled to a third-band amplification and filtering path of the repeater.

In one embodiment of the antenna port module, the module can further comprise a third RF relay and a fourth RF relay, wherein the third RF relay is coupled to the switchable second band port. The third RF relay can include a first path coupled to a second path of the first RF relay. The third RF relay can comprise a second path coupled to a second path of the fourth RF relay, wherein the fourth RF relay is coupled to the second-band amplification and filtering path port. The fourth RF relay can comprise a first path coupled to the first path of the second multiplexer.

In one embodiment of the antenna port module, the module can further comprise a third RF relay and a switchable fourth-band port, wherein the third RF relay is coupled to the switchable second band port. The third RF relay an comprise of a first path coupled to the first path of the second multiplexer; or a second path coupled to the switchable fourth-band port.

In one embodiment of the antenna port module, the module can further comprise a module identification to enable the repeater to adjust a gain level to provide a signal with a predetermined power level at one of the switchable common port, the switchable second-band port, or the switchable third-band port, to compensate for signal loss in the switchable front-end module based on a configuration of the switchable antenna port module and a switch position of one or more of the first RF relay and the second RF relay to provide a predetermined power level at each port based on known losses of passive components in the first-band amplification and filtering path, the second-band amplification and filtering path, and third-band amplification and filtering path. The predetermined power level can be determined based on a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulation or another governmental compliance and or regulatory body.

<FIG> illustrates a switched triplexer, in a four-port output configuration. The triplexer can be configured to provide functionality of a bi-directional FDD or TDD repeater having a switchable antenna port. The switchable triplexer can allow a repeater system to have a single output, two outputs, or three outputs, in this example. This can allow an installer to use one antenna, two antennas, or three antennas, depending on the installation needs of a system and the location of the system install relative to different base stations. The use of multiple antennas can be helpful in using a directional antenna to provide higher gain to a selected base station, providing greater isolation between certain bands, and helping to reduce the risk of oscillation occurring in the repeater.

The antenna port, such as a donor antenna port, can be communicatively coupled to one or more of a common or high-band port that can transmit and receive signals in a first frequency range, a low band or unused port that can transmit and receive signals in a second frequency range, a third port that can transmit and receive signals in a third frequency range. In one configuration, a single port configuration can include all bands, utilizing the common port or high-band port. In another configuration, a two-port configuration can be configured to comprise of one or more the low-band port and the common or high-band port.

There can be a first band amplification and filtering path coupled to the switchable common port via a first path of a first multiplexer. The multiplexer can further comprise of a second band amplification and filtering path coupled to a first path of a third RF switch/relay, the switchable common port via second path of the first multiplexer, a first path of a first radio frequency (RF) switch, and a first path of a second multiplexer. The second band amplification and filtering path can also be configured to be coupled to the switchable second band port via a second path of the second multiplexer and a second path of the first RF relay. The second band amplification and filtering path can also be configured to be coupled to a switchable third band port (<NUM> port) via a second path of the third RF relay/switch. A third band amplification and filtering path can be coupled to the switchable common port via first path of a second RF relay, the second path of the second multiplexer, a first path of the first RF relay and the second path of the first diplexer. In one example, the third band amplification and filtering path can be coupled to the switchable common port via a first path of a second RF relay, the second path of the second multiplexer, the first path of the first RF relay, and the second path of the first diplexer. In one example, the third band amplification and filtering path can be coupled to the switchable second-band port via the first path of the second RF switch, the second path of the second multiplexer, and the second path of the first RF switch. In one example, the third band amplification and filtering path can be coupled to the switchable fourth-band port via the second path of the second RF switch, to enable the bi-directional FDD or TDD repeater to operate with a switchable: single port output configuration, a two-port output configuration, or a three-port output configuration for the signals carried by the first-band amplification and filtering path, the second-band amplification and filtering path, and the third-band amplification and filtering path.

In one example, when switching in a TDD band, a bandpass filter (BPF) or front-end filter can be used rather than a multiplexer (e.g., a duplexer). In some cases, two TDD bands can be set up using a switchable front-end, in which case two amplification and filtering paths can be used. Thus, there can be two FDD bands, one FDD band and one TDD band, or two TDD bands.

In one embodiment, the repeater can include a third RF relay and a switchable fourth-band port. Wherein the third RF relay is coupled to the switchable second band port. The third RF relay comprises of a first path coupled to the first path of the second multiplexer, or a second path coupled to the switchable fourth-band port.

<FIG> illustrates a switched antenna port, in a three-port configuration. The antenna port can be communicatively coupled to one or more of a common or high-band port that can transmit and receive signals in a first frequency range, a second band port comprising of a low band or unused port that can transmit and receive signals in a second frequency range, a third port (or unused port) that can transmit and receive signals in a third frequency range.

In one configuration, a single port configuration can include all bands, utilizing the common port or high-band port. In another configuration, a two port configuration can be configured to comprise of one or more the low-band port and the common or high-band port. In one configuration, a three-port configuration can be configured to comprise of one or more of the common or high-band port, the second band port/<NUM> port and the third-band port/<NUM> port. There can be a first band amplification and filtering path coupled to the switchable common port via a first path of a first multiplexer. The multiplexer can further comprise of a second band amplification and filtering path coupled to a first path of a third RF switch/relay, the switchable common port via second path of the first multiplexer, a first path of a first radio frequency (RF) switch, and a first path of a second multiplexer. The second band amplification and filtering path can also be configured to be coupled to the switchable second band port via a second path of the first RF relay and the second path of the fourth RF relay. The multiplexer can also comprise of a second band amplification and filtering path configured to be coupled to the switchable second band port via a first path of the third RF relay, a first path of the second multiplexer, the second path of the first RF relay and the first path of the fourth RF relay. A third band amplification and filtering path can be coupled to the switchable common port via first path of a second RF relay, the second path of the second multiplexer, a first path of the first RF relay and the second path of the first diplexer.

In one example, the third band amplification and filtering path can be coupled to the switchable second-band port via the first path of the second RF switch, the second path of the second multiplexer, the second path of the first RF switch and the first path of the fourth RF switch.

In one example, the third band amplification and filtering path can be coupled to the switchable third-band port via the second path of the second RF switch, to enable the bi-directional FDD or TDD repeater to operate with a switchable: single port output configuration, a two-port output configuration, or a three-port output configuration for the signals carried by the first-band amplification and filtering path, the second-band amplification and filtering path, and third-band amplification and filtering path.

In one embodiment, the repeater can include a third RF relay and a fourth RF relay, wherein the third RF relay is coupled to the switchable second band port. The third relay can comprise of a first path coupled to a second path of the first RF relay or a second path coupled to a second path of the fourth RF relay. Wherein, the fourth RF relay is coupled to the second-band amplification and filtering path and further comprises a first path coupled to the first path of the second multiplexer.

<FIG> illustrates a repeater (signal booster) comprising a splitter accessory and a multiplexer accessory. While the splitter accessory shows two ports, and the multiplexer accessory shows three ports, this is not intended to be limiting. Both accessories can include up to n ports. In one example, a repeater can detect and account for signal loss in passive accessories such as multiplexers and diplexers, connectors, resistors, or even splitters and/or combiners. The repeater can adjust, via an increase or decrease in the gain of a selected amplification and filtering path, and provide power to meet maximum limits at the output port that accounts for losses in the accessory due to passive components.

In one example detection methods can be implemented within a booster or repeater system to allow losses due to passive components in an accessory, such as the splitter accessory or the switchable multiplexer accessory, to be accounted for. In one example, the accessory can include shunt resistors. The repeater can apply a signal having a voltage onto the connectors of the accessory and measures the voltage. In some embodiments, different resistor values on one or more ports could be used to identify the accessory. The configuration of such examples and embodiments provides the repeater with the ability to compensate for known losses in an accessory that are caused by passive components. Alternatively, each accessory may be identified using another digital or analog means, and the information can be communicated to the repeater when the accessory is connected or powered up. For example, calibrated loss information may be stored at the accessory, and communicated to a repeater. Alternatively, the accessory can include an identification. The identification can be communicated to a repeater and used in a look up table to identify calibrated losses for the accessory. This information can be used to identify losses in the accessory caused by passive components to allow the repeater to compensate for the losses and output a maximum signal power allowed by a federal or governing body, such as the US. Federal Communication Commission (FCC).

In one example, the bi-directional repeater can comprise a splitter accessory having a first port operable to be connected to a server port of the bi-directional repeater, the splitter accessory having a second port, a third port, and an nth port configured to carry n split signals from the server port or to combine n signals to the server port. A controller can be configured to adjust a signal output power level or a signal gain at one or more of the n ports to provide a predetermined power level at one or more of the n ports based on known losses of passive components in the splitter accessory. The controller can adjust the signal output power level or the signal gain at one or more of the n ports or the splitter accessory based on one or more of: measured losses in passive components of the splitter accessory; or predetermined losses in the passive components of the splitter accessory.

In one embodiment, there can be a variation configured to include the accessory function incorporated into the booster. For example, the switchable triplexer illustrated in the examples of <FIG> can be incorporated in a repeater. In one embodiment, the booster can switch the accessory function in or out depending on whether one cable is attached to the donor port or multiple cables are attached to the switchable donor ports. In some embodiments, one or more donor ports can be separated to be communicatively coupled to one or more antennas. In another embodiment, one or more server ports can be combined in order to be communicatively coupled to one or more antennas.

While various embodiments described herein, and illustrated in <FIG>, have been described with respect to a cellular signal amplifier with an outside antenna and an inside antenna, this is not intended to be limiting. A repeater with multiplexed radio frequency (RF) paths can also be accomplished using a handheld booster, as illustrated in <FIG>. The handheld booster can include an integrated device antenna and an integrated node antenna that are typically used in place of the indoor antenna and outdoor antenna, respectively.

<FIG> provides an example illustration of the wireless device, such as a user equipment (UE), a mobile station (MS), a mobile wireless device, a mobile communication device, a tablet, a handset, or other type of wireless device. The wireless device can include one or more antennas configured to communicate with a node, macro node, low power node (LPN), or, transmission station, such as a base station (BS), an evolved Node B (eNB), a baseband processing unit (BBU), a remote radio head (RRH), a remote radio equipment (RRE), a relay station (RS), a radio equipment (RE), or other type of wireless wide area network (WWAN) access point. The wireless device can be configured to communicate using at least one wireless communication standard such as, but not limited to, 3GPP LTE, WiMAX, High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. 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. The wireless device can also comprise a wireless modem. The wireless modem can comprise, for example, a wireless radio transceiver and baseband circuitry (e.g., a baseband processor). The wireless modem can, in one example, modulate signals that the wireless device transmits via the one or more antennas and demodulate signals that the wireless device receives via the one or more antennas.

Claim 1:
A bi-directional repeater having a switchable antenna port, comprising:
a switchable common port;
a switchable second-band port;
a first-band amplification and filtering path coupled to the switchable common port via a first path of a first multiplexer; characterized by said repeater further comprising
a second-band amplification and filtering path coupled to one of:
the switchable common port via a second path of the first multiplexer, a first path of a first radio frequency (RF) switch, and a first path of a second multiplexer; or
the switchable second-band port via the first path of the second multiplexer, and a second path of the first RF switch.