Antenna switching devices, methods, and systems for simultaneous communication

ES 2 570 366 T3

DESCRIPTION

Antenna switching configuration devices, procedures and systems

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technology discussed below refers generally to wireless communications and, more specifically, to the selection of antennas to optimize transmission and reception power levels.

BACKGROUND

Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content, such as voice and data. Typical wireless communication systems can be multiple access systems, capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (eg, bandwidth, transmission power, ...). Examples of such multiple access systems may include code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, time division multiple access (TDMA) systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) systems, orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems and the like. Additionally, the systems can meet specifications such as Third Generation Collaborative Project (3GPP), 3GPP2, 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE), Advanced LTE (LTE-A), etc.

In general, multiple access wireless communication systems can simultaneously support communication for multiple mobile devices. Each mobile device can communicate with one or more base stations through forward and reverse link transmissions. Forward link (or downlink) refers to the communication link from base stations to mobile devices, and reverse link (or uplink) refers to communication link from mobile devices to base stations.

Mobile devices can also simultaneously support communication using multiple radio access technologies (RAT). Different radio access technologies can be used to expand the scope of services offered by communication, such as expanding the geographic region in which the device can operate, as a mobile device travels through different supporting regions. to different radio access technologies. Furthermore, different radio access technologies can be used to simultaneously allow a user to participate in a wide variety of different forms of wireless communication activities. However, a device may be equipped with multiple antennas, while the radio access technologies it supports may not receive with two or more antennas, or may not receive with two or more antennas all the time. Document US2007066244 A1 discloses a method, a system and an apparatus for the selection of receiving antennas. WO 9819402 A1 discloses a diversity selection process for a wireless terminal having two antennas. Document US 2009258627 A1 provides a receiver circuit, the use and the method for receiving in a radio network. Document EP 1 650 885 A2 discloses an apparatus and a method for supplying information so that the power consumption in a digital broadcast receiver terminal can be reduced and that a user can use a suitable antenna, depending on a situation.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME SAMPLE REALIZATIONS

The following summarizes some aspects of this disclosure to provide a basic understanding of the disclosed technology. This summary is not a comprehensive overview of all contemplated features of the disclosure, and is not intended to either identify key or critical elements of all aspects of the disclosure, nor to delineate the scope of any or all aspects of the disclosure. disclosure. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects of the disclosure in summary form, as a prelude to the more detailed description that follows.

The invention is defined by the appended claims.

The details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and in the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. Note that the relative dimensions of the following figures may not be drawn to scale.

One aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides a wireless communication apparatus. The wireless communications apparatus includes a plurality of antennas including a first antenna and a second antenna. The wireless communications apparatus further includes a plurality of receiving and / or transmitting circuits, including a first receiving or transmitting circuit. The wireless communications apparatus further includes a controller configured to determine one or more performance characteristics associated with the first antenna, to switch the first receiving or transmitting circuit, from receiving or transmitting wireless communications through the first antenna, to

ES 2 570 366 T3 receive or transmit wireless communications via the second antenna, determine one or more performance characteristics associated with the second antenna after switching, compare the performance characteristics associated with the first antenna with the performance characteristics associated with the second antenna, determine if switching from the first receive or transmit circuit to the second antenna is maintained, or if the first reception or transmission circuit is switched back to the first antenna, based on comparing the performance characteristics associated with the first antenna and the second antenna, and determining a time lapse to maintain a connection between the selected antenna and the reception or transmission circuit, based on at least one or more performance characteristics.

Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides an implementation of a wireless communication method. The method includes determining one or more performance characteristics associated with a first antenna. The method further includes switching a first receiving or transmitting circuit from receiving or transmitting wireless communications through the first antenna to receiving or transmitting wireless communications through a second antenna. The method further includes determining one or more performance characteristics associated with the second antenna after switching. The method further includes comparing the performance characteristics associated with the first antenna with the performance characteristics associated with the second antenna. The method further includes determining whether the switching from the first receiving or transmitting circuit to the second antenna is maintained, or whether the first receiving or transmitting circuit is switched back to the first antenna, based on the comparison of the associated performance characteristics. to the first antenna and the second antenna. The method further includes determining a time lapse to maintain a connection between the selected antenna and the receiving or transmitting circuit, based on at least one or more performance characteristics.

Yet another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides a wireless communication apparatus. The wireless communications apparatus includes means for receiving or transmitting wireless communications using at least a first antenna, or a second antenna. The wireless communications apparatus further includes means for determining one or more performance characteristics associated with the first antenna. The wireless communications apparatus further includes means for switching the means for receiving or transmitting wireless communications, from receiving or transmitting wireless communications through the first antenna, to receiving or transmitting wireless communications through the second antenna. The wireless communications apparatus further includes means for determining one or more performance characteristics associated with the second antenna after switching. The wireless communications apparatus further includes means for comparing one or more performance characteristics associated with the first antenna with one or more performance characteristics associated with the second antenna. The wireless communications apparatus further includes means for determining, based, at least in part, on the results obtained from the means for comparing, whether a switching of the means for receiving or transmitting to receiving or transmitting is maintained by means of the second antenna, or if the means for receiving or transmitting are switched back to receiving or transmitting via the first antenna. The wireless communication apparatus further includes means for determining a time lapse to maintain a connection between the selected antenna and the means for receiving or transmitting, based on at least one or more performance characteristics.

Another aspect of the subject matter described in the disclosure provides a computer program product. The computer program product includes a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium includes code to determine one or more performance characteristics associated with a first antenna. The computer-readable storage medium further includes code for switching a receiving or transmitting circuit from receiving wireless communications via the first antenna to receiving or transmitting wireless communications through a second antenna. The computer-readable storage medium further includes code to determine one or more performance characteristics associated with the second antenna. The computer-readable storage medium further includes code for comparing one or more performance characteristics associated with the first antenna with one or more performance characteristics associated with the second antenna. The computer-readable storage medium further includes code for determining, based, at least in part, on the results obtained from the code for comparing, whether a reception or transmission circuit-switching to reception or transmission is maintained by second antenna, or if the receive or transmit circuit is switched back to receive or transmit via the first antenna. The computer-readable storage medium further includes code for determining a time lapse to maintain a connection between the selected antenna and the receiving or transmitting circuitry, based on at least one or more performance characteristics.

Other aspects, features, and embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the following description of specific and exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying figures. While features may be discussed in relation to certain embodiments and figures below, all embodiments may include one or more of the advantageous features discussed herein. In other words, while one or more embodiments may be set forth as including certain advantageous features, one or more of such features may also be used in accordance with the various embodiments of the invention set forth herein. Similarly, although exemplary embodiments such as

In embodiments of devices, systems or procedures, it should be understood that such exemplary embodiments can be implemented in various devices, systems and procedures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an example of a simplified diagram of a wireless communication system according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a functional block diagram of an exemplary mobile device, operating in a wireless communication network according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a functional block diagram of an exemplary access terminal shown in FIGs. 1 and 2 according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a part of the access terminal shown in FIG. 3 according to some realizations.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an implementation of an exemplary method for comparing performance characteristics associated with different antennas, with one antenna at a time, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6 shows another flow chart of an exemplary procedure implementation implemented by a wireless communication apparatus according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7 shows a graph of possible results of the exemplary procedure shown in FIG. 6 according to some realizations.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of another exemplary wireless communication apparatus that may be employed within the wireless communication system according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a functional block diagram of various components in a communication system according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various aspects of embodiments are described below within the scope of the appended claims. It should be apparent that the aspects described herein can be implemented in a wide variety of ways and that any specific structure and / or function described herein is merely illustrative. Based on the present disclosure, a person, or someone, of ordinary skill in the art should appreciate that an aspect described herein can be implemented independently of any other aspects, and that two or more of these aspects can be combined in various ways. ways. For example, an apparatus can be implemented and / or a procedure can be practiced using any number of the aspects set forth herein. Furthermore, such an apparatus can be implemented and / or such a method can be implemented using other structure and / or functionality, in addition to, or different from, one or more of the aspects set forth herein.

The word "exemplary" is used herein to express "serving as an example, case, or illustration." Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. Details are stated in the following description for explanation purposes. It should be appreciated that one of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the invention can be practiced without the use of these specific details. In other cases, well-known structures and processes are not elucidated so as not to obscure the description of the invention with unnecessary detail. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited by the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. Additionally, the word "or" is used inclusively, not exclusively, herein, and the use of the phrase "and / or" herein does not imply the exclusive use of "or."

The techniques described herein can be used for various wireless communication networks, such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) networks, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) networks, Multiple Access networks. Frequency Division (FDMA), Orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA) networks, Single Carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA) networks, etc. The terms "networks" and "systems" are often used interchangeably. A CDMA network can implement radio technology such as Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), cdma2000, etc. UtRa includes Broadband CDMA (W-CDMA) and Low Chip Rate (LCR). cdma2000 covers the IS-2000, IS-95 and IS-856 standards. A TDMA network can implement radio technology such as the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). A network of

ES 2 570 366 T3

OFDMA can implement a radio technology such as Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.16, IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM, etc. UTRA, E-UTRA and GSM are part of the Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS). Long Term Evolution (LTE) is a version of UMTS that uses E-UTRA. UTRA, E-UTRA, GSM, UMTS and LTE are described in documents of an organization called “3 Collaboration Project^to Generation ”(3GPP). cdma2000 and EV-DO are described in documents from an organization called “3rd Generation Collaborative Project 2” (3GPP2). These various radio technologies and standards are known in the art.

The techniques described herein can also be used with various modalities associated with different radio access technologies, such as simultaneous voice and data modalities, which allow voice and non-voice data to be sent and received simultaneously. For example, Simultaneous 1X Voice and EV-DO Data (SVDO) and Simultaneous 1X and LTE (SVLTE) modes can be employed in various embodiments.

Single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA), which uses single carrier modulation and frequency domain equalization, is a technique used in a wireless communication system. SC-FDMA has similar performance and essentially the same overall complexity as an OFDMA system. The SC-FDMA signal has a lower maximum to mean power ratio (PAPR) due to its inherent single carrier structure. SC-FDMA has received a lot of attention, especially in uplink communications, where a lower PAPR greatly benefits the mobile terminal, in terms of transmit power efficiency. It is currently a working hypothesis for the 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) uplink multiple access scheme, or Evolved UTRA.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary wireless communication network 100 according to some embodiments. Wireless communication network 100 is configured to support communication between a number of users. The wireless communication network 100 can be divided into one or more cells 102, such as, for example, cells 102a to 102g. Communication coverage in cells 102a to 102g can be provided by one or more nodes 104 (e.g. g., base stations), such as, for example, nodes 104a to 104g. Each node 104 can provide communication coverage for a corresponding cell 102. Nodes 104 can interact with a plurality of access terminals (ATs), such as, for example, ATs 106a to 106l. For ease of reference, ATs 106a to 106l may be referred to hereinafter as an access terminal 106.

Each AT 106 can communicate with one or more nodes 104 over a forward link (FL) and / or a reverse link (RL) at any given time. An FL is a communication link from a node to an AT. An RL is a communication link from an AT to a node. The FL can also be referred to as the downlink. Furthermore, the RL can also be referred to as the uplink. The nodes 104 may be interconnected, for example, by suitable interfaces, wired or wireless, and may be capable of communicating with each other. Consequently, each AT 106 can communicate with another AT 106 through one or more nodes 104.

Wireless communication network 100 can provide service over a large geographic region. For example, cells 102a to 102g may span only a few blocks within a neighborhood, or several square miles in a rural setting. In one embodiment, each cell can be further divided into one or more sectors (not shown).

As described above, a node 104 can provide an access terminal (AT) 106 with access, within coverage area, to another communication network, such as, for example, the Internet or another cellular network.

An AT 106 can be a wireless communication device (eg, a mobile phone, a router, a personal computer, a server, etc.) used by a user to send and receive voice or data over a communication network. An access terminal (AT) 106 may also be referred to herein as a user equipment (UE), as a mobile station (MS) or as a terminal device. As shown, ATs 106a, 106h, and 106j comprise routers. The ATs 106b to 106g, 106i, 106k and 106l comprise mobile phones. However, each of the ATs 106a to 106l may comprise any suitable communication device.

An access terminal 106 can be multimodal, capable of operating using various radio access technologies (RAT), such as radio access technologies defined by standards such as cdma2000 1x, 1x-EVDO, LTE, eHRPD, 802.11 and the like. . An access terminal 106 can perform a plurality of tasks between various communication systems using different radio access technologies. Communication can be accomplished using a plurality of co-located transmitters, or it can be communicated using a single transmitter.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a functional block diagram of an exemplary access terminal 106, operating in a wireless communication network 200 according to some embodiments. The wireless communication network 200 comprises the access terminal 106, a second wireless communication device 210, a third wireless communication device 220, a fourth wireless communication device 230, and a cell tower 240. The wireless communication network 200 may be

ES 2 570 366 T3 configured to support communication between a multitude of devices, such as wireless communication devices 106a, 210, 220, 230 and tower 240. Mobile wireless communication devices (p. 106a, 210 and 220) may include, for example, personal computers, PDAs, music players, video players, multimedia players, televisions, electronic game systems, digital cameras, video cameras, watches, remote controls, headphones, etc. Access terminal 106 may be simultaneously in communication with each of devices 210, 220, 230, and 240, via one or more transmitters co-located in access terminal 106.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the access terminal 106 can communicate with other wireless communication devices (eg, 210, 220) over a wide variety of communication channels. Communication channels can comprise Ultra Wide Band (UWB) channels, Bluetooth channels, 802.11 channels (eg, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11n), Infrared (IR) channels, ZigBee channels (802.15) or a wide variety of other channels, as is well known in the art. In one embodiment, the channel may be a UWB channel conforming to the ECMA-368 standard. Other channels would also be immediately recognized as possible.

Wireless communication network 200 may comprise a wireless local area network (WLAN) that spans a physical area, such as a home, an office, or a group of buildings. A WLAN can use standards such as the 802.11 standard (eg, 802.11g) and / or other standards for wireless communications. A WLAN can use peer-to-peer communication, in which wireless communication devices communicate directly with each other. The wireless communication network 200 may also comprise a wireless personal area network (WPAN), spanning, for example, an area of ​​a few meters. A WPAN can use standards such as infrared, Bluetooth, a WiMedia-based UWB standard (eg, ECMA-368) and ZigBee standards, and / or other standards for wireless communications. A WPAN can use peer-to-peer communication, in which wireless communication devices communicate directly with each other. Wireless communication network 200 may also comprise a wireless wide area network (WWAN). The WWAN can use standards such as cdma2000 1x, 1x-EV-DO, LTE, eHRPD, and the like. Access terminal 106 can connect to another network, such as a wireless communications network, or the Internet, through network 200. Messages sent by wireless communications network 200 can comprise information regarding various types of communication (e.g. . g., voice, data, multimedia services, etc.) and can be of varying degrees of importance to the user of the access terminal 106, as described in greater detail below.

Although the following embodiments may refer to FIG. 1 or 2, it will be recognized that they are immediately applicable to other communication standards. For example, one embodiment may be applicable in a UMTS communication system. Some embodiments may be applicable in an OFDMA communication system. Communication system 200 may further comprise any type of communication system, including, but not limited to, a code division multiple access (CDMA) system, a global system for mobile communication (GSM), an access system Wideband Code Division Multiple (WCDMA) and an OFDM system.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a functional block diagram of an exemplary access terminal 106 shown in FIGs. 1 and 2 according to some embodiments. Access terminal 106 may be multimodal, capable of operating using various radio access technologies (RAT), such as any of the radio technologies mentioned above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Access terminal 106 is an example of a device that can be configured to implement the various procedures described herein. Access terminal 106 may implement any of the devices illustrated in FIGs. 1 to 2.

The access terminal 106 may include a central data bus 317 that links several circuits together. The circuitry includes a controller / processor 320, a memory unit 308, and RAT circuitry 304, which may include various radio access technology modules, such as modules 302a, 302b, 302c, and 302d. Processor / controller 320 may comprise, or be a component of, a processing system implemented with one or more processors. Processor / controller 320 may be configured or referred to as an application processor 320 in some embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments described herein can be accomplished with one or more controllers instead of, or in addition to, controller 320, such as controller 306. Said one or more processors can be implemented with any combination of general purpose microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSP), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), programmable logic devices (PLD), controllers, machines state, gate logic, discrete hardware components, dedicated hardware finite state machines or any other suitable entities that can perform calculations or other manipulations of the information.

In addition, the processor / controller 320 can be configured to communicate with, and control the operation of, various modules configured for different radio access technologies (RAT). Each of the modules 302a, 302b, 302c and 302d can implement a specific radio access technology and each can individually include memory modules, communication components and additional functions that are applicable to the type of radio access technology implemented by the module. Each module 302a, 302b, 302c, and 302d may further include a controller 306a, 306b, 306c, and 306d, each of which may also be listed in the

ES 2 570 366 T3 presents memory as a processor modem 306a, 306b, 306c and 306d, which can be used to control the operation of each RAT. For ease of reference, the 306a, 306b, 306c and 306d controllers may be referred to hereinafter as a 306 RAT controller. In addition, the 306a, 306b, 306c and 306d RAT controllers can be provided independently of each module. 302a, 302b, 302c and 302d to control the modules. In some embodiments, the processor 320 may be configured to perform the functions of the RAT controller 306. Additionally, each RAT may include its own transceiver (s), including the antenna (s) (not included). shown). The RAT modules can implement any of the RAT types discussed above with reference to FIGs. 1 to 2, or other immediately recognizable RAT types.

Access terminal 106 further comprises one or more transmission circuits 330a, 330b and 330n. Transmission circuits 330a, 330b, and 330n can also be referred to as transmission chains, with one or more components configured to transmit wireless communications via an antenna 370a. For example, transmission circuit 330a may include a modulator (not shown), a digital-to-analog (D / A) converter (not shown), an amplifier (not shown), as well as other circuitry to modulate and prepare a signal. of wireless communications for its transmission by means of an antenna 370a. In some cases, RAT circuits 304 may include transmit circuits 330a, 330b, and 330n, where each RAT module 302a, 302b, 302c, and 302d may include one of transmit circuits 330a, 330b, and 330n. Thus, the transmission circuits 330a, 330b and 330n can be configured to transmit according to a radio access technology associated with one of the RAT modules 302a, 302b, 302c and 302d. In some cases, the access terminal 106 may have a transmission circuit 330a. In other cases, one or more of the transmission circuits 330a, 330b and 330n can be activated or deactivated. In one aspect, the transmission circuitry 330a may include specific components for one of the RAT modules 302a, 302b, 302c, and 302d. For example, one RAT module 302a can implement wireless communications using OFDM, while a second RAT module 302b can implement wireless communications using CDMA. Thus, a transmission circuit 330a may include components configured for OFDM communications, while a second transmission circuit 330b may include components configured for CDMA communications.

Access terminal 106 further comprises one or more receiving circuits 340a, 340b, and 340n. The receiving circuits 340a, 340b, and 340n can also be referred to as receiving chains, with one or more components configured to receive wireless communications via an antenna 370a. For example, receiving circuit 340a may include an amplifier (not shown), an analog-to-digital converter (not shown), a demodulator (not shown), as well as other circuitry for receiving and demodulating a received wireless communications signal. via an antenna 370a. In some cases, RAT circuits 304 may include receive circuits 340a, 340b, and 340n, where each RAT module 302a, 302b, 302c, and 302d may include one of receive circuits 340a, 340b, and 340n. Thus, each of the receiving circuits 340a, 340b and 340n can be configured to receive according to a radio access technology associated with one of the RAT modules 302a, 302b, 302c and 302d. In some cases, the access terminal 106 may have a receive circuit 340a. In other cases, one or more of the receiving circuits 340a, 340b and 340n can be activated or deactivated.

Transmission circuits 330, 330b and 330n can process and convert baseband signals to high frequency (HF) signals. The receiving circuits 340a, 340b and 340n, in turn, can process and temporarily store the received signals before dispatching to the data bus 317. The transmission circuits 330a, 330b and 330n can process and temporarily store the data from the bus. data 317 before dispatching from access terminal 106.

Each of the transmitting circuits 330a, 330b, and 330n, and the receiving circuits 340a, 340b, and 340n, can be configured, respectively, to transmit and / or receive via one of several antennas 370a, 370b, and 370n. The individual transmission circuits 330a, 330b and 330n, and the reception circuits 340a, 340b and 340n, can transmit and / or receive information associated with a different radio access technology, through a specific antenna 370a, 370b or 370n. For example, for simultaneous voice and data modes, one transmission circuit 330a can be used to transmit voice data via antenna 370a, while another transmission circuit 330b can be used to transmit non-voice data via antenna 370b. . In other words, a first transmission circuit 330a can be used to transmit and / or receive 1x voice data via antenna 370a, while a second transmission circuit 330b can be used for data-only (DO) LTE via antenna 370b. The processor / controller 320 directs the multiple transmission circuits 330a, 330b and 330n and the reception circuits 340a, 340b and 340n for the detection and / or processing of signals from the different frequency bands, through the antennas 370a, 370b and 370n . Antennas 370a, 370b, and 370n can be placed at different physical locations within access terminal 106. For example, antennas 370a, 370b, and 370n can be at opposite ends (eg. g., distal) or corners of access terminal 106, or adjacent to each other. In general, antennas 370a, 370b, and 370n can be located in similar or different locations, as desired, or according to device design.

A switching circuit 360 may be provided to allow a controller 320 to select antennas 370a, 370b, and 370n, to transmit and / or receive from which transmitter circuits 330a, 330b, and 330n are configured, or receiver circuits 340a, 340b. and 340n. The switching circuit 360 may include circuits

ES 2 570 366 T3 configured to switch M inputs, corresponding to the transmitter circuits 330a, 330b and 330n, and the receiver circuits 340a, 340b and 340n, to N outputs, corresponding to the antennas 370a, 370b and 370n. As shown in FIG. 3, there may be more or less than three transmitter circuits 330a, 330b, and 330n, three receiver circuits 340a, 340b, and 340n, and three antennas 370a, 370b, and 370n. As an example, the switch circuit 360 can be configured as a crossbar switch or other suitable switch circuits. Controller 320 can be configured to switch transmitter circuits 330a, 330b, and 330n and / or receiver circuits 340a, 340b, and 340n, respectively, to transmit and receive via any combination of antennas 370a, 370b, and 370n.

In some embodiments, the transmitter circuits 330a, 330b, and 330n and / or the receiver circuits 340a, 340b, and 340n may be implemented as an external circuit coupleable to the access terminal 106.

The processor / controller 320 may perform the data management function of the data bus 317 and the general data processing function, including the execution of the instruction content of the memory unit 308. The memory unit 308 may include a set of modules and / or instructions. The specific instructions for the processing steps of the access terminal 106, as shown and described in the embodiments described below, can be encoded in the various functions included in the contents of the memory unit 308. In one embodiment, the memory unit 308 is a RAM (Random Access Memory) circuit. Some communication device functions, such as handover functions, are software routines, modules, and / or data sets. The memory unit 308 can be linked to another memory circuit (not shown), which can be either of the volatile type or of the non-volatile type. Alternatively, the memory unit 308 may be made of other types of circuitry, such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Electrically Programmable Read Only Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory ), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a magnetic disk, an optical disk, and others well known in the art. In addition, memory unit 308 may be a combination of volatile and / or non-volatile type ASICs and memory circuits.

In this specification and the appended claims, it should be clear that the term "circuits" is interpreted as a structural term and not as a functional term. For example, the circuits can be a conglomeration of circuit components, such as a multiplicity of integrated circuit components, in the form of processing and / or memory cells, modules, units, blocks, and the like, such as those shown and described in FIG. 3.

Although described separately, it is to be appreciated that the functional blocks described with respect to access terminal 106 need not necessarily be distinct structural elements. For example, processor 320, memory unit 308, and RAT modules 302a, 302b, 302c, and 302d can be made on a single chip. Processor 320, additionally, or alternatively, may contain memory, such as processor registers. Similarly, one or more of the functional blocks, or parts of the functionality of various blocks, can be realized on a single chip. Alternatively, the functionality of a specific block can be implemented on two or more chips.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a portion of the access terminal 106 shown in FIG. 3 according to some realizations. With reference to FIG. 4, in some cases, only one transmitter circuit 330 may be active. In other words, the access terminal 106 may be in a mode configured to use a single transmitter circuit 330. In some cases, this mode may correspond to a single module. RAT 302a, 302b, 302c or 302d that is active. As shown in FIG. 4, controller 320 may be configured to switch transmitter circuit 330 to communicate via either a first antenna 370a or a second antenna 370b. Furthermore, a receiver circuit 340a may be associated with the transmitter circuit 330 in that the receiver circuit 340a is configured to communicate via the same antenna 370a or 370b used by the transmitter circuit 330. Thus, controller 320 can be configured to switch transmitter circuit 330 and receiver circuit 340a, respectively, to transmit or receive via first antenna 370 or second antenna 370b. In other words, the first receiver circuit 340a is configured to be switched in conjunction with the transmitter circuit 330. In addition, a second receiver circuit 340b may be configured to communicate, via antenna 370a or 370b that is not being used for transmitter circuit 330 and first receiver circuit 340a. First receiver circuit 340a and second receiver circuit 340b may include measurement circuits 342a and 342b, configured to measure receive power levels, and first transmitter circuit 330 may include measurement circuitry 342c. As an example, measurement circuits 342a and 342b can be configured to collect receive Automatic Gain Control (AGC) measurements.

As described above, multiple transmitter circuits 330a, 330b, and 330c can transmit simultaneously using multiple antennas 370a, 370b, and 370n. However, the performance of an antenna 370b may be better than that of another antenna 370b, based on any one of a number of factors that may be related to, but not limited to, the antenna arrangements at the terminal. access 106, the proximity of external objects to antennas 370a, 370b, and 370c or inherent antenna characteristics. In addition, during operation, certain transmitter circuits 330a, 330b, and 330c may have different data transmission priorities, or transmission power preferences. Certain aspects of various

ES 2 570 366 T3 embodiments described in the present specification are directed to switch the transmitter circuits 330a, 330b and 330c to transmit through different antennas 370a, 370b and 370n, to improve the performance of an access terminal 106. For example, it can be It is desirable for the transmitter circuit 330a that transmits the highest priority data to transmit via the antenna 370a having the best performance. In addition, other transmitter circuit power requirements can result in improved performance if a transmitter circuit 330a is coupled with the higher performance antenna 330b. Since operation of access terminal 106 can affect antenna performance, it may be desirable to have dynamic systems and procedures for coupling transmitter circuits 330a, 330b, and 330c with antennas 370a, 370b, and 370n, as provided by the embodiments described in the present report.

With reference to FIGs. 3 and 4, certain operating conditions may result in one or more of the antennas 370a, 370b, and 370n being undetected, or otherwise resulting in reduced performance. For example, a user's hand may be circling the access terminal 106, effectively blocking one or more of the antennas 370a, 370b, and 370n. Or the access terminal 106 may be positioned so that the antennas 370a, 370b, and 370n can operate under less than ideal transmit or receive conditions. These scenarios can reduce the power levels of the received signals, thus making it difficult to receive and demodulate the signals. Blocking one or more of antennas 370a, 370b, and 370n can also reduce total signal power, so transmitter circuits 330a, 330b, and 330n may need to increase power levels. However, with respect to increased transmit power levels, an access terminal 106 may be subject to radio frequency (RF) security regulatory requirements. Access terminal 106 may be required to operate within specific guidelines prior to entering the market. For example, devices that operate close to the human body are evaluated to determine the Specific Absorption Rate ("SAR") that their electromagnetic waves produce. SAR is the chronological rate of absorption of electromagnetic energy per unit mass in a medium subject to losses, and can be expressed as:

5UMr) = 222! £ · (, ·) L, p (r) (Equation 1)

Where E (r) is the exogenous electric field at point r, while n (r) and p (r) are, respectively, the corresponding electrical conductivity and mass density. In one aspect, these security guidelines can limit the magnitude of transmit power levels.

In general, SAR tests evaluate the amount of energy absorbed by the body from such devices, with a single transmitter, or multiple transmitters. According to a requirement, devices operating at distances beyond 20 cm can be evaluated by a calculation or measurement of the maximum permissible exposure (“MPE”). Thus, when one or more antennas 370a, 370b, and 370n are blocked by a human hand or other part of the body, the maximum allowable transmit power level to avoid exceeding the SAR limits can be significantly reduced.

Other operating conditions, depending on the position of the access terminal 106 with respect to a user or other objects, can further reduce performance, due to antenna blockage. Additionally, certain operational modalities (eg, using an access terminal 106 as a hub) may require increased power levels, which may further affect regulatory limits.

To take into account the various operating conditions, in addition to other factors, certain aspects of certain embodiments described herein are aimed at comparing performance characteristics, associated with different antennas, with one antenna at a time, in order to optimize performance. of the access terminal 106 by using radio access technologies that receive or transmit with only one antenna, at least part of the time. In one embodiment, this may mitigate hand / body blockage and support antenna selection in such a way as to meet regulatory limits at minimum performance cost and / or to enable good reception conditions. Furthermore, in an advantageous aspect, the diversity of receiving antennas is not required.

Accordingly, various procedures are described herein to compare performance characteristics, associated with different antennas, with one antenna at a time. In some embodiments, the performance characteristics include downlink performance metrics, such as the transmit or receive power level. In some aspects, the controller / processor 320 may be configured to determine the performance characteristics associated with the antennas 370a, 370b, and 370n, based on the receive power levels of the antennas, as detected by the receiver circuits 340a, 340b and 340n. In one aspect, receive power levels can be obtained using receive automatic gain control (AGC) measurements from receiver circuits 340a, 340b, and 340n. Various performance metrics that the controller can determine include, but are not limited to, Eclo, RSSI, RSCP, RSRP, BLER, BER, throughput, page lost indicator, transmit power level (Tx), and power level slack from

ES 2 570 366 T3

Tx. These performance metrics are not necessarily based on the transmit or receive power levels of an antenna. One skilled in the art will understand that other performance characteristics and techniques may be used herein to determine performance characteristics. Based on the measured performance characteristics, the controller can cause the switching circuit 360 to switch the receiver circuits 340a, 340b and 340c, and / or the transmitter circuits 330a, 330b and 330c, to receive and / or transmit, to different antennas 370a, 370b and 370n, to improve the performance of the access terminal 106. For example, it may be desirable, for the receiver circuit 340a and / or the transmitter circuit 330a, which receives and transmits the highest priority data, to transmit via the antenna 370b having the best performance. In addition, other transmitter circuit power requirements can result in improved performance if a receiver circuit 340a and / or a transmitter circuit 330a is coupled with the better performance antenna 370b.

In some embodiments, controller 320 may cause switching circuit 360 to connect a receiver circuit 340a and / or a transmitter circuit 330a with a first antenna 370a, then subsequently disconnect circuit 340a and / or circuit 330a from the first antenna 370a. and connect the receiver circuit 340a and / or the transmitter circuit 330a with the second antenna 370b. Processor / controller 320 may monitor performance characteristics associated with first antenna 370a and second antenna 370b when each is respectively connected to receiver circuit 340a and / or transmitter circuit 330a. The processor / controller 320 can then compare the performance characteristics associated with the first antenna 370a and the second antenna 370b. Based on the performance characteristics comparison, the controller can make the switching circuit 360 maintain the antenna switching configuration that connects the second antenna 370b with the receiver circuit 340a and / or the transmitter circuit 330a, or the controller 320 can make that the switching circuit undoes the antenna switching configuration change and reconnects the first antenna 370a with the receiver circuit 340a and / or the transmitter circuit 330a. Consequently, a comparison of the performance characteristics associated with multiple antennas can be made with one antenna at a time, thereby admitting RATs that cannot receive with two or more antennas, or cannot receive with two or more antennas the entire time, to use an antenna associated with more advantageous performance characteristics than another antenna. Examples of such RATs can include GSM / EDGE, 1x / DO, WcDMA, TDSCDMA, tDd-LtE, and / or FDD-LTE. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the embodiments described herein can be used in conjunction with other RATs, however. Advantageously, these embodiments do not require receiver diversity.

FIG. 5 shows a flow chart of an implementation of an exemplary method 500 for comparing performance characteristics, associated with different antennas, with one antenna at a time, according to some embodiments. The method 500 can be implemented in a wireless communication apparatus implemented as an access terminal 106, for example. Although procedure 500 is described below with respect to elements of access terminal 106, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other components may be used to implement one or more of the blocks described herein.

At block 502, one or more performance characteristics are determined, associated with a first antenna 370a, while a receiver circuit 340a, or a transmitter circuit 330a, is receiving or transmitting wireless communications via the first antenna 370a. At block 504, the receiver circuit 340a, or the transmitter circuit 330a, is switched to receive or transmit wireless communications via a second antenna 370b. In one aspect, a controller 320 can control the switching circuitry 360 to effect the switching. At block 506, one or more performance characteristics are determined, associated with the second antenna 370b, while a receiver circuit 340a, or a transmitter circuit 330a, is receiving or transmitting wireless communications via the second antenna 370b. At block 508, the performance characteristics associated with the first antenna 370a are compared to the performance characteristics associated with the second antenna 370b. In one aspect, a processor / controller 320 can perform the comparison. At block 510, a determination is made as to whether the receiver circuit 340a or the transmitter circuit 330a should remain switched to the second antenna 370b, or whether the receiver circuit 340a or the transmitter circuit 330a should be switched back to the first. antenna 370a. The determination made at block 510 is based on comparing the performance characteristics associated with the first antenna 370a with those of the second antenna 370b.

FIG. 6 shows a flow chart of an implementation of an exemplary procedure 600 for determining a time span in which a connection should be maintained between the antenna selected as a result of procedure 500 and a receiver circuit 340a, or a transmitter circuit 330a, before the procedure 500 starts again. In some embodiments, procedure 600 is performed after procedure 500 reflected in FIG. 5. In other embodiments, some aspects of procedure 500 may occur simultaneously with procedure 600. Procedure 600 may be implemented in a wireless communication apparatus implemented as an access terminal 106, for example. Although procedure 600 is described below with respect to elements of access terminal 106, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other components may be used to implement one or more of the blocks described herein.

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N 690 is the result of procedure 600 and represents the amount of time the connection should be maintained between the antenna with preferable performance characteristics and the receiver circuit 340a, or the transmitter circuit 330a. In some embodiments, once a value is assigned to N 690, the procedure 600 ends. In one embodiment of the invention, N 690 is assigned a time value that is determined based on a difference (PCdelta 620) between a performance characteristic, measured at the first antenna 370a before the method 500 switching takes place. (pCi 640a), and a performance characteristic measured at the second antenna 370b after switching (PC2 640b). In other words, different time values ​​can be assigned to N 690 in response to different values ​​for PCdelta 620. In this embodiment, method 600 advantageously uses dynamic time hysteresis in order to prevent unintentional back and forth switching between the selected antenna and the unselected antenna. Without the use of such dynamic time hysteresis, time switching can occur. unintentional roundtrip when switching decisions are based solely on specific performance characteristics that are beyond one or more thresholds.

N 690 is expressed, in FIGs. 7 to 8, in terms of periods W, X, Y, and Z, with Z> Y> X> W. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that N 690 can be equal to non-periodic units of time when implementing the procedure set forth herein. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the values ​​used for N 690 in FIGs. 6 through 7 are only examples intended to show the relative relationships between possible results of procedure 600. Thus, other values ​​for N may be used when implementing procedure 600.

Procedure 600 uses progressive determinations 610a to 610h to determine a value for N 690. Determinations 610a to 610h compare PCdelta 620 with various thresholds 610a to 610c, in order to determine what value should be assigned to N 690. Those of moderate skill in the Technicians will appreciate that additional thresholds may be used in conjunction with, or instead of, thresholds 610a through 610c. Those of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate that the relationships between thresholds 610a to 610c described herein can be changed without departing from the scope of the described procedure. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the number of determinations can be increased or reduced without departing from the scope of the procedure described herein.

With reference to FIG. 6, the procedure 600 begins in the determination step 610a. In some embodiments, step 610a is carried out during a first decision period. Step 610a involves comparing PCdelta 620 with a threshold, T1 630a, to determine whether or not PC1 640a is significantly more advantageous than PC2 640b. A value for threshold T1 630a is selected before procedure 600 begins. A value for T1 630a is selected to ensure that a 'yes' determination from step 610a indicates that PC1 640a is significantly more advantageous than PC2 640b.

If step 610a indicates that PC1 640a is significantly more advantageous than PC2 640b, step 610b is carried out. Step 610b involves comparing PCdelta 620 with a threshold, T2 630b, to determine whether or not PC1 640a is even more advantageous than PC2 640b, as indicated in step 610a. A value is selected for the threshold T2 630b before the procedure 600 begins. A value for T2 630b is selected to ensure that a 'yes' determination from step 610b indicates that PC1 640a is even more advantageous than PC2 640b, as indicated in step 610a. In some embodiments, a value for T2 630b is selected that has a magnitude greater than the value for T1 630a. For example, T2 630b may have a value equal to twice that of T1 630a. If step 610b indicates that PC1 640a is even more advantageous than PC2 640b, as indicated in step 610a, N 690 is assigned a value of Z periods. If step 610b indicates that PC1 640a is no more advantageous than PC2 640b, as indicated in step 610a, N 690 is assigned a value of X periods. In some embodiments, Z> X. For example, Z can be twice as large as X.

If step 610a does not indicate that PC1 640a is significantly more advantageous than PC2 640b, no decision is made on the value of N during the first decision period. Instead, procedure 600 waits until a second decision period begins; then carry out step 610c. PCdelta 620 may have a different value, in the first decision period, than it has during the second decision period, due to a change in the performance characteristics measured in the second antenna 370b and / or due to a combination of the characteristics of benefits measured both during the first decision period and during the second decision period. In some embodiments, the PCdelta 620 value during the second decision period is treated as having a higher level of confidence.

Step 610c involves comparing PCdelta 620 with a threshold, T3 630c, to determine if PC1 640a is reasonably more advantageous than PC2 640b. A value for threshold T3 630c is selected before procedure 600 begins. A value for T3 630c is selected to ensure that a 'yes' determination from step 610c indicates that PC1 640a is at least reasonably more advantageous. than the PC2 640b. In some embodiments, the value of T3 630c will be smaller in magnitude than the value of T1 630a. In these embodiments, step 610c can compare PCdelta 620 with a lower magnitude threshold than that used in step 610a, because the value of PCdelta 620 has a higher confidence level, in the second decision period, than the one it had in the first decision period.

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If step 610c determines that PC1 640a is at least reasonably more advantageous than PC2 640b, step 610d is performed. Step 610d involves comparing PCdelta 620 to a threshold that is selected in order to help determine whether or not PC1 640a is even more advantageous than PC2 640b, as indicated in step 610c. In some embodiments, the threshold may be T1 630a, the same threshold that was used in step 610a. If step 610d determines that PC1 640a is even more advantageous than PC2 640b, as indicated in step 610c, N 690 will be assigned a value of Z periods. If step 610d determines that PC1 640a is not more advantageous than PC2 640b, as indicated in step 610c, N 690 will be assigned a value of X periods, where Z> X.

In some embodiments, if step 610c determines that PC1 640a is not at least reasonably more advantageous than PC2 640b, no switching back to first antenna 370a will occur. In some embodiments, step 610e is then performed. Step 610e involves determining whether or not PCdelta 620 has a value between T3 630c and zero. If so, this indicates that PC1 640a is only nominally more advantageous than PC2 640b, and N 690 is assigned a value of W periods, where W <X <Y <Z. In some embodiments not reflected in FIG. 6, if step 610e indicates that PC1 640a is only nominally more advantageous than PC2 640b, a switch back to first antenna 370a will occur, although N 690 will still be assigned a value of W, where W <X <Y <Z.

If step 610e determines that PCdelta 620 does not have a value between T3 630c and zero, then step 610f is carried out. Step 610f involves determining whether or not PCdelta 620 has a value between - (T3 630c) and zero. If so, this indicates that PC2 640b is only nominally more advantageous than PC1 640a, and N 690 is assigned a value of X periods, where W <X <Y <Z. If step 610f determines that PCdelta 620 does not have a value between - (T3 630c) and zero, then step 610g is carried out.

Step 610g involves determining whether or not PCdelta 620 has a value between - (T1 630a) and - (T3 630c). If so, N 690 is assigned a value of Y periods, with W <X <Y <Z. If step 610g determines that PCdelta 620 does not have a value between - (T1 630a) and - (T3 630c), then step 610h is carried out. Step 610h involves determining whether or not PCdelta 620 has a greater magnitude than T1 630a. If so, this indicates that PC2 640b is significantly more advantageous than PC1 640a, and N 690 is assigned a value of Z periods, where Z> Y> X> W.

In some embodiments, a received signal power code (RSCP) is a performance feature that lends itself to procedure 600. In addition, in some embodiments, the consecutive determinations 610a to 610h must be completed within a predefined period of time after the process 500 switching occurs, as environmental changes may occur that cause the PC1 640a not to reflect the effective value. performance characteristics that can be measured at the first antenna 370a after environmental changes occur. Furthermore, in the examples provided, N 690 is known as a 'quiet period', as it is the period of time before procedure 500 is started again.

In some embodiments, even though a connection is being maintained between the antenna selected by procedure 500 and a receiver circuit 340a, or a transmitter circuit 330a, during time N 690, as determined by procedure 600, additional events may cause a switching from the antenna selected by procedure 500 to the antenna not selected by procedure 500. For example, a switch can be activated if a performance characteristic measured at the selected antenna falls below, or rises above, a threshold. Furthermore, a toggle can be activated if there is a sudden change in a measured performance characteristic. A sudden change in a measured performance characteristic could occur when the selected antenna is blocked. This could occur when a user equipment is held differently, such as when the user rotates the device to view a video in a landscape orientation. Furthermore, a switch can be activated if a comparison of a performance characteristic, measured on the selected antenna, with a performance characteristic, measured on a third antenna 370c, indicates that the difference between the performance characteristic measured on the selected antenna and the performance characteristic measured at the third antenna is outside of a range in which it should normally be. In one embodiment, a normal range can be determined based on an expected difference between a performance characteristic measured at the selected antenna and a performance characteristic measured at the third antenna.

FIG. 7 is a graph of possible results of procedure 600 for different values ​​of PCdelta 620. In one embodiment, the possible values ​​for N 690 include the values ​​W, X, Y, and Z, where Z> Y> X> W. FIG. . 7 shows which of these values ​​are assigned to N 690 for the various thresholds discussed with reference to FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of another exemplary wireless communication apparatus 800 that may be employed within the wireless communication system 100 according to some embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a wireless communication device 800 may have more components, such as any one, or more, of the components shown in FIG. 3. The wireless communication device 800 shown includes only those components useful to describe some prominent features of certain embodiments. The 800 device includes a receiver module 802 and a module

ES 2 570 366 T3 transmitter 804. In some cases, a means for reception may include the receiver module 802. In some cases, a means for transmission may include a transmitter module 804. The device 800 further includes a first antenna 806 and a second antenna 808. Device 800 further includes a switch module 810. In some cases, a means for switching may include switch module 810. The switch module can be a controller 320 and can include switch circuitry 360.

If implemented in software, functions, such as one or more instructions or code, can be stored on, or transmitted by, a computer-readable medium. The steps of a procedure or algorithm disclosed herein may be implemented in a software module, executable by a processor, which may reside on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media, including any medium that can be enabled to transfer a computer program from one place to another. A storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that may be used to store the desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures, and accessible by a computer. Furthermore, any connection can be appropriately termed a computer-readable medium. Discs as used herein include compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disc, and blu-ray disc, where some discs usually play the data in magnetic form, while other discs reproduce the data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. Additionally, the operations of a procedure or algorithm can reside as one, or any, combination or set of codes and instructions on a machine-readable medium and a computer-readable medium, which can be incorporated into a computer program product.

Furthermore, as indicated by the systems and procedures described above, the disclosures herein may be incorporated into a node (eg, a device) employing various components for communication with at least one other node. FIG. 9 illustrates various sample components that can be used to facilitate communication between nodes according to some embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 9 is a simplified block diagram of a first wireless device 910 (eg, an access point) and a second wireless device 950 (eg, an access terminal) of a multiple-input, multiple-output system 900 (MIME). In the first device 910, traffic data is provided for a number of data streams from a data source 912 to a transmission data processor (Tx) 914.

In some aspects, each data stream is transmitted by a respective transmitting antenna. The TX data processor 914 formats, encodes, and interleaves the traffic data for each data stream, based on a specific encoding scheme selected for that data stream, to provide encoded data.

The encoded data for each data stream can be multiplexed with pilot data, using OFDM techniques. The pilot data is usually a known data pattern that is processed in a known way, and that can be used in the receiving system to estimate the channel response. The pilot data and encoded data, multiplexed for each data stream, are then modulated (i.e., symbol-correlated) based on a specific modulation scheme (e.g. g., BPSK, QSPK, M-PSK or M-QAM) selected for that data stream, to provide modulation symbols. The data rate, encoding, and modulation for each data stream can be determined by instructions performed by a processor 930. A data memory 932 can store program code, data, and other information used by the processor 930 or other components of the processor. device 910.

The modulation symbols for all data streams are then provided to a Tx 920 MIMO processor, which can further process the modulation symbols (eg, for OFDM). The Tx MIMO processor 920 then provides Nt modulation symbol streams to Nt transceivers (XCVR) 922A through 922T. In some aspects, the Tx 920 MIMO processor applies beamforming weights to the symbols in the data streams and to the antenna from which the symbol is being transmitted.

Each transceiver 922 receives and processes a respective stream of symbols to provide one or more analog signals, and further conditions (e.g., amplifies, filters, and frequency increases) the analog signals to provide a modulated signal suitable for transmission over the device. MIMO channel. The NT modulated signals from transceivers 922A through 922T are then transmitted, respectively, from NT antennas 924A through 924T.

In the second device 950, the transmitted modulated signals are received by Nr antennas 952A to 952R, and the received signal from each antenna 952 is provided to a respective transceiver (XCVR) 954A to 954R. Each transceiver 954 conditions (eg, filters, amplifies, and downgrades) a respective received signal, digitizes the conditioned signal to provide samples, and further processes the samples to provide a corresponding stream of "received" symbols.

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A receive data processor (RX) 960 then receives and processes the NR symbol streams received from the NR transceivers 954, based on a specific receiver processing technique, to provide NT "detected" symbol streams. The RX 960 data processor then demodulates, de-interleaves, and decodes each detected symbol stream to retrieve the traffic data for the data stream. Processing by the RX 960 data processor is complementary to that performed by the Tx 920 MIMO processor and the Tx 914 data processor in the 910 device.

A processor 970 periodically determines which pre-encoding matrix to use (discussed later). Processor 970 formulates a reverse link message that comprises an array index portion and a range value portion. A data memory 972 can store program code, data, and other information used by processor 970 or other components of second device 950.

The reverse link message may comprise various types of information regarding the communication link and / or the received data flow. The reverse link message is then processed by a Tx data processor 938, which also receives traffic data for a number of data streams from a data source 936, modulated by a modulator 980, conditioned by transceivers 954A to 954R and relayed back to device 910.

In device 910, the modulated signals from the second device 950 are received by antennas 924, conditioned by transceivers 922, demodulated by a demodulator (DEMOD) 940 and processed by an RX data processor 942, to extract the message from reverse link transmitted by second device 950. Processor 930 then determines which precoding matrix to use to determine the beamforming weights, and then processes the extracted message.

FIG. 9 also illustrates that the communication components may include one or more components that perform access control operations, as disclosed herein. For example, an access control component 990 may cooperate with processor 930 and / or other components of device 910 to send / receive signals to / from another device (eg, device 950) as disclosed herein. memory. Similarly, an access control component 992 may cooperate with processor 970 and / or other components of device 950 to send / receive signals to / from another device (eg, device 910). It should be appreciated that, for each device 910 and 950, the functionality of two or more of the described components can be provided by a single component. For example, a single processing component can provide the functionality of the access control component 990 and the processor 930, and a single processing component can provide the functionality of the access control component 992 and the processor 970. In addition, the components of apparatus 900 described with reference to FIG. 3 can be incorporated with / in the components of FIG. 9.

It should be understood that any reference, herein, that uses a designation such as "first", "second", etc., does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. Instead, these designations may be used herein as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more elements or instances of an element. Therefore, a reference to first and second elements does not mean that only two elements can be used there, or that the first element must precede the second element in some way. Also, unless otherwise noted, an item set can include one or more items.

A person, or someone, of moderate skill in the art, will understand that information and signals can be represented using any of a wide variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols and chips that can be mentioned in the full extent of the above description can be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

A person, or someone, of ordinary skill in the art will further appreciate that any of the various illustrative logic blocks, modules, processors, media, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware. (p. e.g., a digital implementation, an analog implementation, or a combination of the two, which can be designed using source coding or some other technique), various forms of program or design code that incorporate instructions (which may be mentioned herein memory, for convenience, such as "software" or a "software module"), or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and stages have been described above, generally, in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each specific application, but such implementation decisions should not be construed as causing a departure from the scope of the present disclosure.

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The various illustrative logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in relation to the aspects disclosed herein, and in relation to FIGs. 1 to 9, can be implemented within, or performed by, an integrated circuit (IC), an access terminal, or an access point. The IC may include a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (aSic), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate, or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, electrical components, optical components, mechanical components or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein, and may execute codes or instructions that reside within the IC, outside the IC, or both. The logic blocks, modules, and circuits can include antennas and / or transceivers to communicate with various components within the network or within the device. A general purpose processor can be a microprocessor but, alternatively, the processor can be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g. eg, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. The functionality of the modules may be implemented in some other way than disclosed herein. The functionality described herein (eg, with respect to one or more of the accompanying figures) may correspond, in some respects, to functionality similarly designated as "means for" in the appended claims.

Any specific order, or hierarchy, of stages in any disclosed process is understood to be an example of a sample approach. Based on design preferences, it is understood that the specific order, or hierarchy, of the stages in the processes may be re-arranged, while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in sample order, and are not intended to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

Various modifications to the embodiments described in this disclosure may be immediately apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the claims, principles, and novel features disclosed herein. The word "exemplary" is used exclusively herein to mean "serving as an example, case, or illustration." Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

Certain features that are described in this specification, in the context of different embodiments, can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Rather, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments, separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Furthermore, although traits may be described above as acting in certain combinations, or even claimed as such, one or more traits derived from a claimed combination may, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be oriented to a sub-combination, or variation of a sub-combination.

Similarly, while the operations are illustrated in the drawings in a specific order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the specific order shown, or in sequential order, or that all the illustrated operations be performed. , to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing can be advantageous. Furthermore, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the program components and systems described can be generally integrated with each other in a single product. software, or packaged in multiple software products. Additionally, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions listed in the claims may be performed in a different order, and still achieve desirable results.