Patent ID: 12199646

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure is directed to, in part, systems and techniques that combine filters in a ganged configuration and/or a switch-combined configuration to implement one or more satellite-navigation-band filters. For example, a system can include a first filter that is configured to support a satellite-navigation-band for receive operations and a second filter that is configured to support another band for receive operations. The system can include a common antenna, multiplexer, or other components. The first filter and the second filter can be combined in a ganged configuration and/or a switch-combined configuration, so that a signal from the antenna or multiplexer can be routed to both the first filter and the second filter (e.g., in a simultaneous manner). By combining a filter associated with a satellite-navigation-band and a filter associated with another band, and implementing such filters with a common antenna, multiplexer, and/or other components, the system can support a satellite-navigation-band in efficient manner. For example, the systems and techniques discussed herein can implement satellite-navigation-band filters on a radio-frequency module or another component that conserves area on the radio-frequency module or other component.

In some embodiments, systems and techniques are discussed herein in the context of satellite-navigation-bands and other bands that are associated with mid-range or mid-to-low-range frequencies. However, it should be understood that the systems and techniques can be applied to a wide variety of frequencies and/or frequency ranges.

FIG.1illustrates an example radio-frequency device100having various features relevant to certain aspects of the present disclosure. The radio-frequency device100includes an RF module110, a transceiver(s)130, a controller(s)120, a low noise amplifier(s) (LNA(s))140, and an antenna(s)150. The transceiver130can be configured to convert between analog signals and digital signals. The transceiver130can include a digital-to-analog converter, an analog-to-digital converter, a local oscillator for modulating or demodulating a baseband signal to or from a carrier frequency, a baseband processor that converts between digital samples and data bits (e.g., voice or other types of data), and/or other components. The RF module110can perform processing on a signal received from the antenna(s)150or received from the transceiver134. In some embodiments, the RF module110can be referred to as a front-end module (FEM), which can be physically close to the antenna150(e.g., to reduce attenuation to cable loss). The controller120can communicate with the transceiver130and/or the RF module110to facilitate various functionality discussed herein. Although the controller120is illustrated as a separate component, in some embodiments the controller120is part of the RF module110.

The RF module110can include a multiplexer(s)112, switching circuitry114, and/or a transmit/receive filter(s)116(Tx/Rx filter116). In some embodiments, the RF module110includes the LNA(s)140, while in other embodiments the LNA(s)140are implemented as a separate component outside the RF module110, such as within another RF module or within another component. The multiplexer112, the switching circuitry114, the filter(s)116, the LNA(s)140, and/or other components discussed herein can be coupled to each other in a variety of manners, such as through a conductive path(s) that can include a cable, a trace, a wire, or any other conductive path/material. Although not illustrated inFIG.1, the RF module110can also include other components, such as attenuators, matching circuits, duplexers, and so on.

The multiplexer112(also referred to as “the N-plexer112”) can be configured to implement multiplexing. The multiplexer112can include a diplexer, triplexer, quadplexer, or any N-plexer. In some examples of performing transmit operations, the multiplexer112can be configured to combine/merge a plurality of signals onto a common path or port (which can be connected to the antenna150). Further, in some examples of performing receive operations, the multiplexer112can be configured to split/sort a signal from a common path or port (which can be connected to the antenna150) into a plurality of signals. In some embodiments, each path or channel can be associated with a frequency band. The multiplexer112can include one or more filters, one or more switches, and/or other components. In one example implementation, the multiplexer112can include a low pass filter that passes frequencies associated with low-range frequency bands, a bandpass filter that passes frequencies associated with mid-range frequency bands, and a high pass filter that passes frequencies associated with high-range frequency bands. In another example implementation, the multiplexer112can be implemented as a diplexer that provides the functionality of a high pass filter and a low pass filter.

The filter(s)116can be configured to filter one or more signals. The filter(s)116can include multiple filters that are configured to support different frequency ranges (e.g., filter signals associated with different frequency bands). For example, the filter116can include one or more Tx filters that are configured to support one or more transmit frequency bands and/or one or more Rx filters that are configured to support one or more receive frequency bands. In some examples of performing transmit operations, the filter(s)116can receive a signal from a power amplifier (PA) or other component, filter the signal, and output the filtered signal to the multiplexer112. Further, in some examples of performing receive operations, the filter(s)116can receive a signal from the multiplexer112, filter the signal, and output the filtered signal to the LNA(s)140. In some embodiments, the filter(s)116includes one or more filters configured to support one more low-range bands (LB), one or more mid-to-low-range bands (MLB), one or more mid-to-high-range bands (MHB), one or more high-range bands (HB), one or ultra-high-range bands (UHB), and so on. Further, in some embodiments, the filter(s)116includes one or more filters configured to support one or more satellite-navigation bands, such as one or more Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) cellular bands. In some embodiments, multiple filters116can be implemented in a ganged configuration and/or a switch combined configuration, as discussed in further detail below.

The switching circuitry114can include one or more switches or other circuitry configured to selectively route one or more signals between components of the RF module110. A switch can include a transistor(s), a mechanical switch(s), or any other switch, and/or can include any number of throws/poles. In some embodiments, the switching circuitry114can include a switch (e.g., a band select switch) that is configured to receive a signal from the multiplexer112and selectively route the signal to a particular one of filters116that is associated with a particular frequency band. In some embodiments, the switching circuitry114includes a multi-arm-controlled switch that is configured to enable/disable multiple paths simultaneously, as discussed in further detail below. Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, the switching circuitry114can include one or more switches that are configured to receive one or more signals from the filters116and selectively route a signal to one or more of LNAs140.

The controller120can be configured to generate and/or send control signals to components of the radio-frequency device100. For example, the controller120can send a control signal to the multiplexer112to control sorting or combining of signals, send a control signal to the switching circuitry114to route a signal (e.g., turn on or off a switch), send a control signal to the filter(s)116to enable/disable a filter, and so on. In some embodiments, the radio-frequency device100is configured to implement a plurality of gain modes for different amounts of amplification, and the controller120is configured to send a control signal to the RF module110, the LNA(s)140, and/or a PA to control a gain mode. Each gain mode can be associated with a different amount of amplification. For example, the controller120can provide a control signal indicative of a desired or targeted gain. In some embodiments, the controller120can include control circuitry configured to implement one or more of the operations discussed herein.

The antenna150can include one or more primary antennas and/or one or more diversity antennas. A primary antenna and a diversity antenna can be physically spaced apart such that a signal at the primary antenna and the diversity antenna are received with different characteristics. For example, a primary antenna and a diversity antenna can receive the signal with different attenuation, noise, frequency response, and/or phase shift. The transceiver130can use both of the signals with different characteristics to determine data bits corresponding to the signal. In some implementations, the transceiver130selects between a primary antenna and a diversity antenna based on the characteristics, such as selecting the antenna with the highest signal-to-noise ratio. In some embodiments, the transceiver130combines signals from a primary antenna and a diversity antenna to increase the signal-to-noise ratio of the combined signal. In some embodiments, the transceiver130processes signals to perform multiple-input/multiple-output (MIMO) communication. As noted above, in some embodiments, the diversity antenna can be physically spaced apart from the primary antenna. Here, the diversity antenna can be coupled to the transceiver130by a transmission line, such as a cable, a printed circuit board (PCB) trace, or another component. In examples, the transmission line is lossy and/or attenuates the signal received at the diversity antenna before it reaches the transceiver130.

In some embodiments, the radio-frequency device100can implement a single antenna and/or a single antenna for each RF module. For example, the RF module110can be coupled to a single antenna and be configured to support one or more satellite-navigation bands as well as one or more other bands in a combined manner. Here, the radio-frequency device100can implement a common antenna to support the one or more satellite-navigation bands and the one or more other bands. By implementing a common antenna with a RF module that is configured to implement many frequency bands, including one or more satellite-navigation bands, the radio-frequency device100can utilize resources in an efficient manner, in comparison to other solutions that implement a separate antenna and/or RF module for satellite-navigation bands.

Further, in some embodiments, the radio-frequency device100can implement multiple RF modules and/or multiple antennas. In one example, the radio-frequency device100can include a first RF module that is coupled to a first antenna and that is configured to support one or more first satellite-navigation bands (e.g., Global Positioning System (GPS) band L1) and one or more first other bands (e.g., a first set of mid-range frequency bands). Here, the radio-frequency device100can also include a second RF module that is coupled to a second antenna and that is configured to support one or more second satellite-navigation bands (e.g., GPS-L5) and one or more second other bands (e.g., the first set of mid-range frequency bands or a second set of mid-range frequency bands). In another example, the radio-frequency device100implements multiple RF modules that are the same. For example, the radio-frequency device100can include a first RF module that supports one or more frequency bands and a second RF module that supports the same one or more frequency bands. In some cases, the first RF module can be located at a different location on the radio-frequency device100than the second RF module. Such diversity in location can allow the radio-frequency device100to switch between modules and/or antennas to achieve a desired performance characteristic (sometimes referred to as “antenna swapping”).

FIG.2illustrates an example system200that includes a satellite-navigation-band filter and one or more other band filters implemented in a switch-combined configuration in accordance with one or more embodiments. The example system200is discussed in the context of receiving one or more signals (e.g., the system200is implemented to perform one or more receive operations). However, the system200can be implemented in the context of transmitting one or more signals (e.g., the system200can be implemented to perform one or more transmit operations). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the system200is implemented within a radio-frequency module. Although the system200can be implemented within a variety of components and/or devices.

The system200includes an antenna210coupled to a multiplexer220. The antenna210can include a primary antenna, a diversity antenna, or any other antenna. The antenna210can be configured to receive a signal and/or provide the signal to the multiplexer220. The multiplexer220can be configured to receive the signal from the antenna210and sort the signal into a plurality of signals that are associated with a plurality of frequency ranges, respectively. For example, the multiplexer220can include: (i) a first filter (e.g., a band-pass or high-pass filter) that is configured to provide an output signal associated with one or more first frequency bands222that are within a first frequency range or above a threshold frequency (e.g., a relatively high frequency range or above a threshold); (ii) a second filter (e.g., a band-pass filter) that is configured to provide an output signal associated with one or more second frequency bands224that are within a second frequency range (e.g., a mid-to-high frequency range); (iii) a third filter (e.g., a band-pass filter) that is configured to provide an output signal associated with one or more third frequency bands226that are within a third frequency range (e.g., a mid-to-low frequency range); and/or (iv) a fourth filter (e.g., a low-pass filter or band-pass filter) that is configured to provide an output signal associated with one or more fourth frequency bands228that are within a fourth frequency range (e.g., a low frequency range). Although four filters are illustrated inFIG.2, the multiplexer220can include any number of filters. In some embodiments, the signal paths for the one or more first frequency bands222, the one or more second frequency bands224, and/or the one or more fourth frequency bands228are coupled to other circuitry/systems so that the associated signals can be filtered and/or processed.

The system200also includes a combined-filter circuit230coupled to the multiplexer220. In this example, the combined-filter circuit230includes a switch238coupled to the multiplexer220, one or more Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) filters232coupled to the switch238and a low noise amplifier (LNA)250, one or more third band filters234coupled to the switch238and a switch240, one or more third band filters236coupled to the switch238and the switch240, and the switch240coupled to the one or more third band filters234, the one or more third band filters236, and an LNA252. The combined-filter circuit232can be configured to receive a signal associated with the one or more third bands226from the multiplexer220, such as a mid-range signal of around 1.5 GHz or another signal. The switch238can be controlled to route the signal to the one or more GNSS filters232, the one or more third band filters234, and/or the one or more third band filters236. The switch240can be controlled to route a signal from the one or more third band filters234to the LNA252or to route a signal from the one or more third band filters236to the LNA252. For example, if the switch238routes a signal to the one or more third band filters234, the switch240can select the one or more third band filters234. In contrast, if the switch238routes a signal to the one or more third band filters236, the switch240can select the one or more third band filters236. In some embodiments, the switch238and/or the switch240are configured to be controlled based on a control signal, such as a signal that is sent by a controller.

In the example ofFIG.2, the switch238is implemented as a multi-arm-controlled switch that includes two or more arms that are configured to be simultaneously controlled, such as with the same control signal. In some embodiments, the multi-arm-controlled switch238is configured to route a signal to (i) the one or more GNSS filters232and (ii) one of the one or more third band filters234or the one or more third band filters236. However, the multi-arm-controlled switch238can be configured to route a signal to any combination of the one or more GNSS filters232, the one or more third band filters234, and the one or more third band filters236. Further, although the switch240is discussed in the context of selecting either the one or more third band filters234or the one or more third band filters236, in some embodiments the switch240can select both of the one or more third band filters234and the one or more third band filters236. Further, the switch240can be eliminated in some embodiments. Although the switches238and240are illustrated as part of the combined-filter circuit230, in some embodiments the switches238and/or240are part of a different circuit.

The one or more GNSS filters232can each be configured to support a satellite-navigation band. A satellite-navigation band can be associated with a wide variety of satellite-based positioning systems, such as the global positioning system (GPS), the Globalnaya Navigazionnaya Sputnikovaya Sistema (GLONASS) system, the Galileo system, the BeiDou system (also known as the COMPASS system), or any other satellite-based positioning system. A satellite-based positioning system can provide and/or be used to determine a geographic location of a device. In some embodiments, the one or more GNSS filters232are implemented as a single GNSS filter, while in other embodiments the one or more GNSS filters232are implemented as multiple GNSS filters (which can be combined/ganged together). As one example implementation, the one or more GNSS filters232can be configured to filter a GNSS signal of around 1,575 MHz. Non-limiting example satellite-navigation bands and approximate frequency ranges for such bands are shown below in Table 1. Although various satellite-navigation bands are shown, a satellite-navigation band can include other bands not illustrated. Further, other frequency ranges than those shown below can be used for the satellite-navigation bands.

TABLE 1BandFrequency Range (MHz)GPS-L11,559-1,607GPS-L21,215-1,239GPS-L51,164-1,189Galileo E11,559-1,591Galileo E51,164-1,214Galileo E61,260-1,300GLONASS G11,593-1,610GLONASS G21,237-1,254GLONASS G31,189-1,214BeiDou B11,559-1,591BeiDou B21,164-1,214BeiDou B31,260-1,279

The one or more third band filters234and/or the one or more third band filters236can be configured to support a variety of frequency bands. The one or more third band filters234and the one or more third band filters236can generally support different frequency bands. For example, the one or more third band filters234can support a first frequency band, while the one or more third band filters236can support a second frequency band. However, in some embodiments, the one or more third band filters234and the one or more third band filters236can support at least some of the same frequency bands. For example, the one or more third band filters234can support a first frequency band and a second frequency band (which can be implemented in a combined/ganged configuration), while the one or more third band filters236can support the second frequency band and a third frequency band (which can be implemented in a combined/ganged configuration). In some embodiments, the one or more third band filters234and the one or more third band filters236are implemented along separate paths (as illustrated inFIG.2) to support overlapping frequency bands. For example, the one or more third band filters234can support a first set of one or more frequency bands, while the one or more third band filters236can support a second set of one or more frequency bands that at least partly overlap with the first set of one or more frequency bands. Non-limiting example bands and approximate frequency ranges that can be implemented for the one or more third band filters234and/or the one or more third band filters236bands are shown below in Table 2. Although various bands are shown, the one or more third band filters234and/or the one or more third band filters236can include other bands not illustrated. Further, other frequency ranges than those shown below can be used for the one or more third band filters234and/or the one or more third band filters236.

TABLE 2Tx FrequencyRx FrequencyBandModeRange (MHz)Range (MHz)B1FDD1,920-1,9802,110-2,170B2FDD1,850-1,9101,930-1,990B3FDD1,710-1,7851,805-1,880B4FDD1,710-1,7552,110-2,155B5FDD824-849869-894B6FDD830-840875-885B7FDD2,500-2,5702,620-2,690B8FDD880-915925-960B9FDD1,749.9-1,784.91,844.9-1,879.9B10FDD1,710-1,7702,110-2,170B11FDD1,427.9-1,447.91,475.9-1,495.9B12FDD699-716729-746B13FDD777-787746-756B14FDD788-798758-768B15FDD1,900-1,9202,600-2,620B16FDD2,010-2,0252,585-2,600B17FDD704-716734-746B18FDD815-830860-875B19FDD830-845875-890B20FDD832-862791-821B21FDD1,447.9-1,462.91,495.9-1,510.9B22FDD3,410-3,4903,510-3,590B23FDD2,000-2,0202,180-2,200B24FDD1,626.5-1,660.51,525-1,559B25FDD1,850-1,9151,930-1,995B26FDD814-849859-894B27FDD807-824852-869B28FDD703-748758-803B29FDDN/A716-728B30FDD2,305-2,3152,350-2,360B31FDD452.5-457.5462.5-467.5B32SDL1,452-1,496B33TDD1,900-1,9201,900-1,920B34TDD2,010-2,0252,010-2,025B35TDD1,850-1,9101,850-1,910B36TDD1,930-1,9901,930-1,990B37TDD1,910-1,9301,910-1,930B38TDD2,570-2,6202,570-2,620B39TDD1,880-1,9201,880-1,920B40TDD2,300-2,4002,300-2,400B41TDD2,496-2,6902,496-2,690B42TDD3,400-3,6003,400-3,600B43TDD3,600-3,8003,600-3,800B44TDD703-803703-803

In some embodiments, the one or more GNSS filters232, the one or more third band filters234, and/or the one or more third band filters236are associated with a specific frequency range. For example, the one or more GNSS filters232, the one or more third band filters234, and the one or more third band filters236can include band filters that are configured to support mid-to-low-range frequency bands (MLB) (e.g., a frequency range of about 960 MHz to 1710 MHz). However, the one or more GNSS filters232, the one or more third band filters234, and/or the one or more third band filters236can support a variety of frequency ranges, such as mid-to-high-range bands (MHB), low-range bands (LB), high-range bands (HB), mid-range bands (which can include the MLBs and MHBs), or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the one or more GNSS filters232are associated with a frequency range of 1,559-1607 MHz (e.g., the upper L bands). In some embodiments, the one or more GNSS filters232are associated with a frequency band(s) (e.g., a frequency range) that is outside a frequency band associated with the one or more third band filters234and/or the one or more third band filters236.

The LNA250and/or the LNA252can be configured to amplify a signal and provide the amplified signal to another component, such as a transceiver (not illustrated). In the example ofFIG.2, the LNA252is coupled to and configured to receive a signal from the switch240, while the LNA250is coupled to and configured to receive a signal from the one or more GNSS filters232. However, the LNAs can be arranged in a variety of other configurations. Further, although two LNAs are illustrated, any number of LNAs can be implemented. For example, the system200can include an LNA for each of the three branches (e.g., three LNAs for the three filters232,234, and236), a single LNA for all three of the branches, and so on.

FIG.3illustrates an example system300that includes a satellite-navigation-band filter and multiple mid-range filters implemented in a switch-combined configuration in accordance with one or more embodiments. In some embodiments, the system300illustrates an example of the system200ofFIG.2with the one or more GNSS filters232implemented as a global positioning system (GPS) L1 band filter332, the one or more third band filters234implemented as a B32 band filter334, the one or more third band filters236implemented as B11 and B21 band filters336, the one or more first bands222implemented as one or more high-range bands322(or ultra-high-range bands), the one or more second bands224implemented as one or more mid-to-high-range bands324, the one or more third bands226implemented as one or more mid-to-low-range bands326, and the one or more fourth bands228implemented as one or more low-range bands328. However, the system300can be implemented in a variety of other contexts.

The system300includes an antenna310coupled to a multiplexer320. The multiplexer320can be configured to sort a signal into a plurality of signals that are associated with a plurality of frequency ranges, respectively. For example, the multiplexer320can include: (i) a first filter (e.g., a band-pass or high-pass filter) that is configured to provide an output signal associated with the one or more high-range bands (HB)322; (ii) a second filter (e.g., a band-pass filter) that is configured to provide an output signal associated with the one or more mid-to-high-range bands (MHB)324; (iii) a third filter (e.g., a band-pass filter) that is configured to provide an output signal associated with the one or more mid-to-low-range bands (MLB)326; and/or (iv) a fourth filter (e.g., a low-pass filter) that is configured to provide an output signal associated with the one or more low-range bands (LB)328. Although four filters are illustrated inFIG.3, the multiplexer320can include any number of filters. Some non-limiting examples that can be implemented for the one or more HBs322, the one or more MHBs324, the one or more MLBs326, and the one or more LB328are shown below in Table 3. However, it should be understood that the frequency bands can be implemented with different frequency ranges (e.g., Table 3 below provides but some of many example frequency ranges for the various frequency bands).

TABLE 3BandFrequency Range (MHz)Low-Range Bands (LBs)617-960Mid-to-Low-Range Bands (MLBs)960-1,710Mid-to-High-Range Bands (MHBs)1,710-2,200; 1,710-2,690High-Range Bands (HBs)2,200-above; 2,690-above

The system300also includes a combined-filter circuit330coupled to the multiplexer320. In this example, the combined-filter circuit330includes a switch338coupled to the multiplexer320, the GPS-L1 band filter332coupled to the switch338and a low noise amplifier (LNA)350, the B32 band filter334coupled to the switch338, the B11 and B21 band filters336coupled to the switch338, and a switch340coupled to the B32 band filter334, the B11 and B21 band filters336, and an LNA352. The combined-filter circuit332can be configured to receive a signal from the multiplexer320. The switch338can be controlled to route the signal to the GPS-L1 band filter332, the B32 band filter334, and/or the B11 and B21 band filters336. The switch340can be controlled to route a signal from the B32 band filter334to the LNA352or to route a signal from the B11 and B21 band filters336to the LNA352. The GPS-L1 band filter332can be configured to support a GPS-L1 band (e.g., configured to filter a signal for the GPS-L1 cellular band), the B32 band filter334can be configured to support a B32 cellular band (e.g., configured to filter a signal for the B32 cellular band), and the B11 and B21 band filters336can be configured to support the B11 and B21 cellular bands (e.g., configured to filter signals for the B11 and B21 cellular bands). The B11 and B21 band filters336can be implemented as a combined filter (e.g., in a ganged configuration), since the B11 and B21 bands do not overlap. In the example ofFIG.3, the switch338is implemented as a multi-arm-controlled switch so that the filters332,334, and/or336are implemented in a switch-combined configuration. However, the switch338can be implemented in other manners. Further, in the example ofFIG.3, the B32 band filter334and the B11 and B21 band filters336are implemented along separated paths (e.g., the switch338selects one of the two paths) to isolate the filters334and336from each other, since the frequency ranges of the filters334and336overlap.

In some embodiments, the techniques and architectures discussed herein combine filters in a flexible way to enable carrier aggregation combinations with certain bands, such as MLBs, and/or to support simultaneous 4×4 down link (DL) MIMO in the MBs and HBs involved in these combinations. Further, in some embodiments, an implementation of a multiplexer (also referred to as an N-plexer) with a shared antenna can provide better isolation and/or lower insertion loss, in comparison to other solutions.

FIG.4illustrates an example multi-arm-controlled switch400in accordance with one or more embodiments. The multi-arm-controlled switch400can be configured to be implemented with multiple filters/components to arrange the filters/components in a switch-combined configuration (also referred to as a “flexibly switch-combined architecture”). The multi-arm-controlled switch400includes an input node402(also referred to as a “pole”) and multiple output nodes404,406, and408(also referred to as “throws”). The multi-arm-controlled switch400includes multiple arms, wherein two or more of the arms are configured to be simultaneously controlled, such as based on a control signal sent from a controller410. For example, the controller410can provide a control signal (e.g., a single control signal) to the multi-arm-controlled switch400to join the output node404and the output node406to the input node402. In response to receiving the control signal, the multi-arm-controlled switch400can engage two arms of the multi-arm-controlled switch400(e.g., turn two arms to an ON state) to connect/conjoin the output node404and the output node406to the input node402, as illustrated in the example ofFIG.4. As such, the multi-arm-controlled switch400is a flexibly configured switch that is able to simultaneously engage two or more arms to connect/join various combinations of components (e.g., filters) that can be connected to the output nodes404,406, and408. In other words, the multi-arm-controlled switch400can simultaneously join components to a common RF path, which can provide different carrier aggregation (CA) pairings.

In some embodiments, the multi-arm-controlled switch400is implemented with one or more transistors. A transistor can be implemented as a single device or multiple devices. A transistor can include a field-effect transistor (FET) (e.g., N-type or P-type device), such as a junction FET (JFET), insulated gate FET (e.g., a metal-oxide-semiconductor FET (MOSFET), a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS), etc.), and so on. Further, a transistor can include a Bipolar junction transistor (BJT) (e.g., an NPN transistor, a PNP transistor, etc.), such as a heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBT), etc. Alternatively, or additionally, in some embodiments, the multi-arm-controlled switch400is implemented with one or more mechanical switches or other types of switches.

FIG.5illustrates an example system500that includes a satellite-navigation-band filter and one or more other band filters implemented in a ganged configuration in accordance with one or more embodiments. The example system500is discussed in the context of receiving one or more signals (e.g., the system500is implemented to perform one or more receive operations). However, the system500can be implemented in the context of transmitting one or more signals (e.g., the system500can be implemented to perform one or more transmit operations). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the system500is implemented within a radio-frequency module. Although the system500can be implemented within a variety of components and/or devices.

The system500includes an antenna510coupled to a multiplexer520. The antenna510can include a primary antenna, a diversity antenna, or any other antenna. The antenna510can be configured to receive a signal and/or provide the signal to the multiplexer520. The multiplexer520can be configured to receive the signal from the antenna510and sort the signal into a plurality of signals that are associated with a plurality of frequency ranges, respectively. For example, the multiplexer520can include: (i) a first filter (e.g., a band-pass or high-pass filter) that is configured to provide an output signal associated with one or more first frequency bands522that are within a first frequency range or above a threshold frequency (e.g., a relatively high frequency range or above a threshold designated as high); (ii) a second filter (e.g., a band-pass filter) that is configured to provide an output signal associated with one or more second frequency bands524that are within a second frequency range (e.g., a mid-to-high frequency range); (iii) a third filter (e.g., a band-pass filter) that is configured to provide an output signal associated with one or more third frequency bands526that are within a third frequency range (e.g., a mid-to-low frequency range); and/or (iv) a fourth filter (e.g., a low-pass filter or band-pass filter) that is configured to provide an output signal associated with one or more fourth frequency bands528that are within a fourth frequency range (e.g., a low frequency range). Although four filters are illustrated inFIG.5, the multiplexer520can include any number of filters. In some embodiments, the signal paths for the one or more first frequency bands522, the one or more second frequency bands524, and/or the one or more fourth frequency bands528are coupled to other circuitry so that the associated signals can be filtered and/or processed.

The system500also includes a combined-filter circuit530coupled to the multiplexer520. In this example, the combined-filter circuit530includes a switch536coupled to the multiplexer520, ganged filters532coupled to the switch536, ganged filters534coupled to the switch536, a switch538coupled to the ganged filters532, the ganged filters534, and a low noise amplifier (LNA)550, and a switch540coupled to the ganged filters532, the ganged filters534, and an LNA552. The combined-filter circuit532can be configured to receive a signal associated with the one or more third bands526from the multiplexer520. The switch536can be controlled to route the signal to the ganged filters532and/or the ganged filters534. The switch538can be controlled to route a signal from either the ganged filters532or the ganged filters532to the LNA550. Further, the switch540can be controlled to route a signal from either the ganged filters532or the ganged filters534to the LNA552.

As shown, the ganged filters532include a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) filter and one or more third band filters combined in a ganged configuration. Similarly, the ganged filters534include a GNSS filter and one or more third band filters in a ganged configuration. In a ganged configuration, filters can share a common input node, as discussed in further detail below in reference toFIG.7. The GNSS filter of the ganged filters532and/or the GNSS filter of the ganged filters534can be configured to support a satellite-navigation band. In some embodiments, the GNSS filter of the ganged filters532is the same as the GNSS filter of the ganged filters534(e.g., the filters support the same frequency band(s)), while in other embodiments the GNSS filter of the ganged filters532is different than the GNSS filter of the ganged filters534(e.g., the filters support different frequency bands). Further, in some embodiments, the one or more third band filters of the ganged filters532are different than the one or more third band filters of the ganged filters534(e.g., the filters support different frequency bands), while in other embodiments the one or more third band filters of the ganged filters532are the same as the one or more third band filters of the ganged filters534(e.g., the filters support the same frequency band(s)). In some embodiments, the GNSS filter of the ganged filter532is associated with a frequency band(s) that is outside a frequency band associated with the one or more third band filters of the ganged filter532(and/or that is outside a frequency band(s) associated with the one or more third band filters of the ganged filter534). Further, in some embodiments, the GNSS filter of the ganged filter534is associated with a frequency band(s) that is outside a frequency band associated with the one or more third band filters of the ganged filter534(and/or that is outside a frequency band(s) associated with the one or more third band filters of the ganged filter532).

As noted above, the switches536,538, and/or540can be configured to route a signal through the combined-filter circuit532based on a control signal(s) from a controller (not illustrated). For example, if the switch536receives a control signal from a controller to route a signal to the ganged filters532, the switch536can transition to a first state and route the signal to the ganged filters532. Alternatively, if the switch536receives a control signal from a controller to route a signal to the ganged filters534, the switch536can transition to a second state and route the signal to the ganged filters534. Further, if the switch538receives a control signal from a controller to route a filtered signal from the GNSS filter of the ganged filter532(e.g., select the GNSS filter of the ganged filter532since the switch536also selected the ganged filter532), the switch538can transition to a first state and route the filtered signal from the GNSS filter of the ganged filter532to the LNA550. Alternatively, if the switch538receives a control signal from a controller to route a filtered signal from the GNSS filter of the ganged filter534(e.g., select the GNSS filter of the ganged filter534since the switch536also selected the ganged filter534), the switch538can transition to a second state and route the filtered signal from the GNSS filter of the ganged filter534to the LNA550. In a similar manner, if the switch540receives a control signal from a controller to route a filtered signal from the one or more third band filters of the ganged filter532, the switch540can transition to a first state and route the filtered signal from the one or more third band filters of the ganged filter532to the LNA552. Alternatively, if the switch540receives a control signal from a controller to route a filtered signal from the one or more third band filters of the ganged filter534, the switch540can transition to a second state and route the filtered signal from the one or more third band filters of the ganged filter534to the LNA552. Although the switches538and540are illustrated in the example ofFIG.5, in some instances one or more of the switches538and540can be eliminated. For example, an LNA can be implemented for each of the individual filters of the ganged filters532and the ganged filters534.

In some embodiments, the ganged filters532and/or the ganged filters534are associated with a specific frequency range. For example, the ganged filters532and/or the ganged filters534can include band filters that are configured to support frequencies in mid-to-low-range bands (MLB) (e.g., a frequency range of about 960 MHz to 1710 MHz). However, the ganged filters532and/or the ganged filters534can support a variety of frequency ranges. In some embodiments, the GNSS filter of the ganged filters532and/or the GNSS filter of the ganged filters534are associated with a frequency range of 1,559-1607 MHz (e.g., the upper L bands). In some embodiments, the GNSS filter of the ganged filter532and/or the GNSS filter of the ganged filter534are associated with (e.g., configured to support) one or more of the bands described in Table 1 or described elsewhere within the disclosure. Further, in some embodiments, the one or more third band filters of the ganged filters532and/or the one or more third band filters of the ganged filters534are associated with (e.g., configured to support) one or more of the bands described in Table 2 or described elsewhere within the disclosure.

The LNA550and/or the LNA552can be configured to amplify a signal and provide an amplified signal to another component, such as a transceiver (not illustrated). In the example ofFIG.5, the LNA550is coupled to and configured to receive a signal from the switch538, while the LNA552is coupled to and configured to receive a signal from the switch540. However, the LNAs can be arranged in a variety of other configurations. Further, although two LNAs are illustrated, any number of LNAs can be implemented. For example, the system500can include an LNA for each of the four branches (e.g., the four filters).

FIG.6illustrates an example system600that includes a satellite-navigation-band filter and multiple mid-range band filters implemented in a ganged configuration in accordance with one or more embodiments. In some embodiments, the system600illustrates an example of the system500ofFIG.5with the GNSS filter of the ganged filter532implemented as a global positioning system (GPS) L1 filter for a ganged filter632, the one or more third band filters of the ganged filter532implemented as a B32 band filter for the ganged filter632, the GNSS filter of the ganged filter534implemented as a GPS-L1 filter for ganged filters634, the one or more third band filters of the ganged filter534implemented as B11 and B21 band filters for the ganged filters634. However, the system600can be implemented in a variety of other contexts.

The system300includes an antenna610coupled to a multiplexer620. The multiplexer620can be configured to sort a signal into a plurality of signals that are associated with a plurality of frequency ranges, respectively. For example, the multiplexer620can include: (i) a first filter (e.g., a band-pass or high-pass filter) that is configured to provide an output signal associated with one or more high-range bands (HB)622; (ii) a second filter (e.g., a band-pass filter) that is configured to provide an output signal associated with the one or more mid-to-high-range bands (MHB)624; (iii) a third filter (e.g., a band-pass filter) that is configured to provide an output signal associated with the one or more mid-to-low-range bands (MLB)626; and/or (iv) a fourth filter (e.g., a low-pass filter) that is configured to provide an output signal associated with one or more low-range bands (LB)628. Although four filters are illustrated inFIG.6, the multiplexer620can include any number of filters.

The system600also includes a combined-filter circuit630coupled to the multiplexer620. In this example, the combined-filter circuit630includes a switch636coupled to the multiplexer620, the ganged filters632coupled to the switch636, the ganged filters634coupled to the switch636, a switch638coupled to the ganged filters632(e.g., the GPS-L1 filter), the ganged filters634(e.g., the GPS-L1 filter), and a low noise amplifier (LNA)650, and a switch640coupled to the ganged filters632(e.g., the B32 filter), the ganged filters634(e.g., the B11 and B21 filters), and an LNA652. The combined-filter circuit632can be configured to receive a signal associated with the one or more MLBs626from the multiplexer620. The switch636can be controlled to route the signal to the ganged filters632and/or the ganged filters634. The switch638can be controlled to route a signal from either the ganged filters632or the ganged filters634to an LNA650. Further, the switch640can be controlled to route a signal from either the ganged filters632or the ganged filters634to the LNA652.

As shown, the ganged filters632include a GPS-L1 filter and B32 band filters combined in a ganged configuration. Further, the ganged filters634include a GPS-L1 filter and B11 and B21 band filters in a ganged configuration. In this example, the GPS-L1 filter of the ganged filters632and/or the GPS-L1 filter of the ganged filters634are each configured to support the GPS-L1 band. Further, the B32 band filter of the ganged filters632is configured to support the B32 band. Moreover, the B11 and B21 band filters of the ganged filters634are configured to support the B11 and B21 bands. In some embodiments, the B11 and B21 band filters of the ganged filter634can be implemented as a combined filter (e.g., in a ganged configuration), since the B11 and B21 bands do not overlap.

FIG.7illustrates example ganged filters700in accordance with one or more embodiments. As illustrated, the ganged filters700includes a filter702combined with a filter704and configured to be associated with a same input node706. That is, the filter702and the filter704are each coupled to the input node706, which forms a common node. In such configuration, a signal that is provided to the input node706can be provided to the filter702and the filter704. As also illustrated, the filter702is coupled to an output node708and configured to provide an output signal to the output node708. Meanwhile, the filter704is coupled to the output node710and configured to provide an output signal to the output node710. In some embodiments, a ganged configuration of filters can refer to the filters being permanently combined. Further, in some embodiments, a set of ganged filters can be referred to as a filter array.

FIG.8illustrates an example system800with multiple satellite-based navigation bands in accordance with one or more embodiments. The system300includes an antenna810coupled to a multiplexer820. The multiplexer820can be configured to sort a signal into a plurality of signals that are associated with a plurality of frequency ranges, respectively. For example, the multiplexer820can include: (i) a first filter that is configured to provide an output signal associated with one or more first frequency bands822; (ii) a second filter that is configured to provide an output signal associated with one or more second frequency bands824; (iii) a third filter that is configured to provide an output signal associated with one or more third frequency bands826; and/or (iv) a fourth filter that is configured to provide an output signal associated with one or more fourth frequency bands828.

The system800also includes a combined-filter circuit830coupled to the multiplexer820. In this example, the combined-filter circuit830includes a switch840coupled to the multiplexer820, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) filter832coupled to the switch840and a low noise amplifier (LNA)850, a GNSS filter834coupled to the switch840and the LNA852, one or more third band filters836coupled to the switch840and a switch842, one or more third band filters838coupled to the switch840and the switch842, and the switch842coupled to the one or more third band filters836, the one or more third band filters838, and an LNA854. In the example ofFIG.8, the switch840is implemented as a multi-arm-controlled switch with two or more arms that are configured to be simultaneously controlled, such as based on a control signal from a controller (not illustrated). Although illustrated in a switch-combined configuration, in some embodiments the GNSS filter832and the GNSS filter834can be implemented in a ganged configuration, such as with the GNSS filter832ganged with the one or more third filters836and/or the GNSS filter834ganged with the one or more third band filters838.

The switch840can be controlled to route a signal to the GNSS filter832, the GNSS filter834, the one or more third band filters836, the one or more third band filters838, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the GNSS filter832is associated with a different frequency band(s) than the GNSS filter834. For example, the GNSS filter832can be configured to support the GPS-L1 band, while the GNSS filter834can be configured to support the GPS-L5 band. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the GNSS filter832is associated with the same frequency band(s) as the GNSS filter834. In some embodiments, the switch840can route a signal to both the GNSS filter832and the GNSS filter834. However, the switch840can route a signal to any combination of the filters832,834,836, and/or838.

The switch842can be controlled to route a signal from the one or more third band filters836to the LNA854or to route a signal from the one or more third band filters838to the LNA854. In some embodiments, the one or more third band filters836are associated with a different frequency band(s) than the one or more third band filters838. For example, the one or more third band filters836can be configured to support the B32 band, while the one or more third band filters838can be configured to support the B11 and/or B21 bands. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the one or more third band filters836are associated with the same frequency band(s) as the one or more third band filters838. In some embodiments, the switch840can route a signal from both the one or more third band filters836and the one or more third band filters838.

FIG.9illustrates an example flow diagram of a process900to filter a signal(s) with one or more satellite-navigation-band filters and/or one or more other filters in accordance with one or more embodiments. The process900can be implemented by any of the components discussed herein, such as a controller, an RF module, or any component of a radio-frequency device.

At902, a signal can be sorted into multiple signals associated with multiple frequency ranges, respectively. For example, a multiplexer can receive a signal from an antenna and sort the signal into multiple signals associated with different frequency ranges, such as a signal associated with a high-frequency band(s), a signal associated with a mid-frequency band(s), a signal associated with a low-frequency band(s), and so on. The multiplexer can provide any number of signals as an output signal(s).

At904, one or more switches can be controlled to route a signal through a combined-filter circuit. For example, a controller can send one or more control signals to one or more switches of a combined-filter circuit to route a signal received from a multiplexer to one or more filters of the combined-filter circuit. The combined-filter circuit can include one or more satellite-navigation-band filters and/or one or more other band filters arranged in a switch-combined configuration and/or a ganged configuration.

At906, one or more signals can be filtered using one or more satellite-navigation-band filters. For example, one or more satellite-navigation-band filters of a combined-filter circuit can filter a signal received from a multiplexer/switch and provide a filtered signal that is associated with a satellite-navigation band as an output signal. In some embodiments, the filtered signal is provided to a low noise amplifier (LNA).

At906, one or more signals can be filtered using one or more other band filters. For example, one or more mid-to-low-range filters of a combined-filter circuit can filter a signal received from a multiplexer/switch and provide a filtered signal that is associated with a mid-to-low-range filter as an output signal. In some embodiments, the filtered signal is provided to a low noise amplifier (LNA).

FIG.10illustrates an example radio-frequency module1000in accordance with one or more embodiments. The radio-frequency module1000includes a packaging substrate1002, a semiconductor die1004mounted on the packaging substrate1002, a multiplexer1006implemented on the semiconductor die1004, a combined-filter circuit1008implemented on the semiconductor die1004, and a controller1010implemented on the semiconductor die1004. The multiplexer1006can include any of the multiplexers discussed herein, the combined-filter circuit1008can include any of the combined-filter circuits discussed herein, and/or the controller1010can include any of the controllers discussed herein. Although the controller1010is illustrated as being implemented on the semiconductor die1004and the packaging substrate1002, the controller1010can be implemented on a separate semiconductor die and/or packaging substrate. Similarly, the multiplexer1006and the combined-filter circuit1008can be implemented on separate semiconductor dies and/or packaging substrates. In some embodiments, the radio-frequency module1100can be a front-end module (FEM), which can include a diversity module (e.g., a diversity-receive module) in some examples.

FIG.11illustrates an example radio-frequency device1100in accordance with one or more embodiments. As shown, the radio-frequency device1100can include a baseband sub-system1102, a transceiver1104, a power amplifier (PA) module1106, one or more front-end (FE) modules1108, one or more antennas1110, one or more low noise amplifiers (LNAs)1112, a power management system1114, a battery1116, a memory1118, and a user interface1120. The baseband sub-system1102, the transceiver1104, the PA module1106, the one or more FE modules1108, the one or more antennas1110, the one or more LNAs1112, the power management system1114, the battery1116, the memory1118, and/or the user interface1120can be in communication with each other.

The baseband sub-system1102can be connected to the user interface1120to facilitate various input and/or output of voice and/or data provided to and/or received from a user. The baseband sub-system1102can also be connected to the memory1118that is configured to store data and/or instructions to facilitate operation of the radio-frequency device1100and/or to provide storage of information for a user.

The transceiver1104can generate radio-frequency (RF) signals for transmission and/or process incoming RF signals received from the one or more LNAs1112, the one or more antennas1110, and/or the one or more FE modules1108. The transceiver1104can interact with the baseband sub-system1102that is configured to provide conversion between data and/or voice signals suitable for a user and/or RF signals suitable for the transceiver1104. The transceiver1104can also be connected to the power management system1114.

The PA module1106can include a plurality of PAs that can provide an amplified RF signal to the one or more antennas1110, such as via one or more components of the one or more FE modules1108. Although four paths are shown as inputs and outputs to the PA module1106, and any number of input and/output paths can be implemented.

The one or more FE modules1108can include one or more filters1122, an antenna switch1124, a multiplexer1126, and/or a duplexer1128. The one or more filters1122can include receive (Rx) filters and/or transmit (Tx) filters. In some embodiments, one or more of the one or more filters1122are implemented as part of a combined-filter circuit, such as any of the combined-filter circuits discussed herein, which can include one or more switches for routing signals in some examples. The antenna switch1124can route a signal to and/or from the one or more antennas1110, such as to and/or from other components of the one or more FE modules1108. The antenna switch1124can include any number of poles and/or throws. In some embodiments, the antenna switch1124is implemented as part of a module. The multiplexer1126can be configured to implement multiplexing. The duplexer1128can allow transmit and/or receive operations to be performed simultaneously using a common antenna. In some embodiments, the one or more FE modules1108can route one or more received signals to the one or more LNAs1112, which can be configured to amplify the one or more received signals. In some embodiments, the packaged module1108is implemented as a front-end module. Although the one or more LNAs1112and the PA module1106are illustrated as separate components from the one or more FE modules1108, in some embodiments the one or more LNAs1112and/or the PA module1106are part of the one or more FE modules1108.

The one or more antennas1110can include antennas for transmitting and/or receiving signals associated with a wide variety of frequencies and communications standards. In examples, the one or more antennas1110support Multiple-Input Multiple-output (MIMO) communications and/or switched diversity communications. For example, MIMO communications use multiple antennas for communicating multiple data streams over a single radio frequency channel. MIMO communications benefit from higher signal to noise ratio, improved coding, and/or reduced signal interference due to spatial multiplexing differences of the radio environment. Switched diversity can refer to communications in which a particular antenna is selected for operation at a particular time. For example, a switch can be used to select a particular antenna from a group of antennas based on a variety of factors, such as an observed bit error rate and/or a signal strength indicator. In examples, the one or more antennas1110can include a diversity antenna.

The power management system1114can be configured to manage power for operation of the radio-frequency device1100. The power management system1114can provide power to any number of components of the radio-frequency device1100. The power management system1114can receive a battery voltage from the battery1116. The battery1116can be any suitable battery for use in the radio-frequency device1100, including, for example, a lithium-ion battery.

The radio-frequency device1100can communicate using a wide variety of communications technologies, including, but not limited to, 2G, 3 G, 4 G (including Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced, and LTE-Advanced Pro), 5 G, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) (for instance, Wi-Fi), Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) (for instance, Bluetooth and ZigBee), Wireless Metropolitan Area Network (WMAN) (for instance, WiMax), and/or satellite-based radio navigation systems (for instance, Global Positioning System (GPS) technologies).

The radio-frequency device1100can operate with beamforming in certain implementations. For example, the radio-frequency device1100can include phase shifters having variable phase controlled by the transceiver1104. Additionally, the phase shifters can be controlled to provide beam formation and directivity for transmission and/or reception of signals using the one or more antennas1110. For example, in the context of signal transmission, the phases of the transmit signals provided to the one or more antennas1110are controlled such that radiated signals from the one or more antennas1110combine using constructive and destructive interference to generate an aggregate transmit signal exhibiting beam-like qualities with more signal strength propagating in a given direction. In the context of signal reception, the phases are controlled such that more signal energy is received when the signal is arriving to the one or more antennas1110from a particular direction. In some embodiments, the one or more antennas1110include one or more arrays of antenna elements to enhance beamforming.

In some embodiments, the radio-frequency device1100supports carrier aggregation, thereby providing flexibility to increase peak data rates. Carrier aggregation can be used for both Frequency Division Duplexing (FDD) and Time Division Duplexing (TDD) and can be used to aggregate a plurality of carriers or channels. Carrier aggregation includes contiguous aggregation, in which contiguous carriers within the same operating frequency band are aggregated. Carrier aggregation can also be non-contiguous and can include carriers separated in frequency within a common band or in different bands.

The radio-frequency device1100can include a wide variety of devices that are configured to communicate wirelessly. For example, the radio-frequency device1100can include a cellular phone, a smart-phone, a hand-held wireless device with or without phone functionality, a wireless tablet, a smart appliance, a smart vehicle, a television, a computer monitor, a computer, a hand-held computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a microwave, a refrigerator, an automobile, a stereo system, a cassette recorder or player, a DVD player, a CD player, a VCR, an MP3 player, a radio, a camcorder, a camera, a digital camera, a portable memory chip, a washer, a dryer, a washer/dryer, a copier, a facsimile machine, a scanner, a multi-functional peripheral device, a wearable device (e.g., a watch), a clock, etc.

The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” The word “coupled” can refer to two or more elements that may be either directly connected or connected by way of one or more intermediate elements. Components discussed herein can be coupled in a variety of manners, such as through a conductive material. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this disclosure, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above Description using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively.

The above description of embodiments of the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments, and examples, are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while processes or blocks can be presented in a given order, alternative embodiments can perform routines having steps, or employ systems having blocks, in a different order, and some processes or blocks can be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified. Each of these processes or blocks can be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as being performed in series, these processes or blocks can instead be performed in parallel or can be performed at different times.

The features described herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments.

In some embodiments, the methods and/or systems discussed herein can be implemented at least in part by control circuitry and/or memory. For example, memory can store executable instructions that, when executed by control circuitry, cause the control circuitry to perform operations discussed herein. To illustrate, in some embodiments of the process ofFIG.9, a device can include memory and control circuitry, wherein the memory can store executable instructions that, when executed by the control circuitry, cause the control circuitry to perform, at least in part, any of the operations of the process ofFIG.9. Additionally, or alternatively, other methods and/or systems discussed herein can be implemented at least in part with control circuitry and memory storing executable instructions.

Control circuitry can include one or more processors, such as one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more microprocessors, one or more graphics processing units (GPUs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), and/or other processing circuitry. Alternatively, or additionally, control circuitry can include one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more program-specific standard products (ASSPs), one or more complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and/or the like. Control circuitry can be configured to execute one or more instructions stored in memory to thereby perform one or more operations to implement various functionality discussed herein.

Memory can include any suitable or desirable type of computer-readable media. For example, computer-readable media can include one or more volatile data storage devices, non-volatile data storage devices, removable data storage devices, and/or nonremovable data storage devices implemented using any technology, layout, and/or data structure(s)/protocol, including any suitable or desirable computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other types of data. Computer-readable media that may be implemented in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure includes, but is not limited to, phase change memory, static random-access memory (SRAM), dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), other types of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transitory medium that can be used to store information for access by a computing device. As used in certain contexts herein, computer-readable media may not generally include communication media, such as modulated data signals and carrier waves. As such, computer-readable media should generally be understood to refer to non-transitory media.

While some embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the methods and systems described herein can be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein can be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. Claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure.