HK1231641B - Wireless electronic device with switchable antenna system - Google Patents

Description

Wireless electronic device with switchable antenna system

Cross-application priority statement for related applications

This application claims priority to U.S. non-provisional patent application No. 14/145,675, filed on December 31, 2013, entitled “Wireless Electronic Device With Switchable Antenna System,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to electronic devices and, more particularly, to wireless electronic devices having switchable antenna systems.

Background Art

Electronic devices, such as handheld electronic devices and other portable electronic devices, are becoming increasingly popular. Examples of handheld devices include cellular phones, handheld computers, media players, and hybrid devices that include the functionality of multiple devices of this type. Popular portable electronic devices that are slightly larger than traditional handheld electronic devices include laptops and tablet computers.

Due in part to their mobile nature, portable electronic devices often have wireless communication capabilities. For example, portable electronic devices may use long-range wireless communications to communicate with wireless base stations, and may also use short-range wireless communication links, such as those used to support Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11) and Bluetooth bands.

Antenna design is becoming increasingly challenging as the demand for support for more frequency bands and more radio access technologies continues to grow. Furthermore, when operating a portable electronic device, the position of a user's hand or head can affect received signal strength, wireless transmission, and other aspects. Consequently, there is a need for electronic devices that offer improved wireless communication capabilities.

Summary of the Invention

According to one embodiment, a method for operating a wireless electronic device having one or more antennas is provided. The method includes monitoring at least one parameter of a signal received from a remote transmitter, determining that at least one monitored parameter satisfies a first threshold, and performing a probing operation at the wireless electronic device. The probing operation includes performing an antenna switching operation to switch from a first antenna scheme to a second antenna scheme, wherein the first antenna scheme is different from the second antenna scheme. The probing operation includes generating first signal information for the received signal before the antenna switching operation and generating second signal information for the received signal after the antenna switching operation. The probing operation includes determining whether the antenna switching operation achieves a desired gain based at least in part on the generated first and second signal information. The probing operation includes operating according to the second antenna scheme when the desired gain is achieved, and reversing the antenna switching operation and operating according to the first antenna scheme when the desired gain is not achieved.

In another embodiment, a wireless electronic device is provided. The wireless electronic device includes one or more antennas, a processor coupled to the one or more antennas, and a memory coupled to the processor. The wireless electronic device is configured to monitor at least one parameter of a signal received from a remote transmitter, determine whether the at least one monitored parameter satisfies a first threshold, and perform a probing operation. The probing operation includes performing an antenna switching operation to switch from a first antenna scheme to a second antenna scheme, wherein the first antenna scheme is different from the second antenna scheme. The probing operation includes generating first signal information of the received signal before the antenna switching operation and generating second signal information of the received signal after the antenna switching operation. The probing operation includes determining whether the antenna switching operation achieves a desired gain based at least in part on the generated first and second signal information. The probing operation includes operating according to the second antenna scheme when the desired gain is achieved, and reversing the antenna switching operation and operating according to the first antenna scheme when the desired gain is not achieved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals represent like objects and wherein:

FIG1 shows a diagram of an illustrative electronic device with antenna switching capabilities in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG2 illustrates a diagram of a wireless communication circuit with dual antennas and antenna switching circuitry according to an embodiment;

3 illustrates a diagram of wireless communication circuitry with a switchable antenna and antenna switching circuitry according to an embodiment;

4 illustrates a diagram of wireless communication circuitry having dual antennas including a reference antenna and antenna switching circuitry according to an embodiment;

5 shows a diagram of a wireless communication circuit with dual antennas, without a reference antenna, and a switching circuit according to another embodiment;

6 illustrates a diagram of wireless communication circuitry having dual antennas including switchable antennas, a reference antenna, and antenna switching circuitry according to yet another embodiment;

7 shows a diagram of a wireless communication circuit with a single switchable antenna, without a reference antenna and antenna switching circuitry, according to yet another embodiment; and

8 shows a flow chart illustrating a method of operating a wireless electronic device having a switchable antenna system, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG1 is a diagram of an illustrative electronic device 10 with antenna switching capabilities according to one embodiment. The electronic device 10 can be, for example, a portable wireless electronic device such as a cellular telephone, a media player with wireless communication capabilities, a handheld computer (sometimes also called a personal digital assistant), a remote control, a global positioning system (GPS) device, a tablet computer, a handheld gaming device, or the like. The wireless electronic device 10 can also be a hybrid device that combines the functionality of multiple conventional devices. Examples of hybrid portable electronic devices include: a cellular telephone with media player functionality, a gaming device with wireless communication capabilities, a cellular telephone with gaming and email functionality, and a portable device that receives email, supports mobile phone calls, has music player functionality, and supports web browsing. These are merely illustrative examples.

The wireless electronic device 10 includes processing circuitry 12, an antenna switching module 14, and memory/persistent storage 15. The antenna switching module 14 is used to control the radio frequency signals transmitted and received from the wireless communication circuitry 18 (e.g., a wireless transceiver) and route them to one or more selected antennas (not shown in FIG1 ). The antenna switching module 14 is used to select which antenna to use in real time based on measurements/parameters of the received signal or other data. For example, the antenna switching module 14 may select a specific antenna for wireless communication between the device 10 and the base station 20 based on signal strength, BER, BLER, etc.

Memory/persistent storage 15 can be any type of memory or persistent storage and may include one or more of the following: a hard drive, non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory or other electrically programmable read-only memory used to make up a solid-state drive), volatile memory (e.g., static or dynamic random access memory), and the like.

The processing circuit 12 is used to control the operation of the electronic device 10. The processing circuit 12 may be based on and include one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, application-specific integrated circuits, etc. (not shown in Figure 1). The processing circuit 12 may include all necessary functions for executing software/firmware, such as Internet browsing applications, voice-over-internet-protocol (VOIP) phone call applications, email applications, media playback applications, operating system functions, functions related to radio frequency transmission and reception, such as selection of communication frequencies, etc. In order to support interaction with external devices, the processing circuit 12 may be used when implementing communication protocols or standards. The communication protocols that can be implemented by the processing circuit 12 include Internet Protocol, wireless local area network protocol, protocols for other short-range wireless communication contacts, etc. Wireless communication operations, such as communication frequency selection operations, can be controlled by software stored and executed in the electronic device 10.

The electronic device 10 may also include input/output devices 16. For example, buttons (such as a menu button) and a touch-enabled display are examples of input/output devices that may be incorporated into the electronic device 10. A user of the electronic device 10 may provide input commands through user input interface devices such as buttons and a display. Examples of input interfaces include buttons (e.g., an alphanumeric keypad, a power switch, other dedicated buttons, etc.), a touchpad, a pointing stick or other cursor control device, a microphone for providing voice commands, or any other suitable interface for controlling the electronic device 10.

The input/output devices 16 may include one or more communication connections, such as ports (e.g., a power port, a data port, an audio-visual port for driving headphones, a monitor, or other external audio and video equipment, a subscriber identity module (SIM) card port for enabling cellular telephone service, a memory card slot, etc.) or connectors that allow the electronic device 10 to communicate with other computers/applications.

The electronic device 10 includes wireless communication circuitry 18 for wirelessly communicating with external equipment or devices. Therefore, the electronic device 10 may sometimes be referred to as a wireless device or wireless electronic device. The wireless communication circuitry 18 typically includes radio-frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry, which is composed of one or more integrated circuits, baseband circuitry, power amplifier circuitry, low-noise input amplifiers, passive RF components, one or more antennas, transmission lines, and other circuitry such as front-end circuitry (not specifically shown) for processing RF wireless signals. Wireless signals can also be sent via light (e.g., via infrared transmission).

Wireless communication circuitry 18 may also include radio frequency transceiver circuitry for operating within various radio frequency communication bands. For example, wireless communication circuitry 18 may include transceiver circuitry for operating within a communication band for Wi-Fi communication and/or for operating within a communication band for Bluetooth communication. Wireless communication circuitry 18 may include cellular telephone transceiver circuitry for wireless communication in cellular telephone bands, LTE bands, and other bands (as examples). Wireless communication circuitry 18 may include functionality for voice data, non-voice data, and may even include global positioning system (GPS) receiver equipment for receiving GPS signals or for processing other satellite positioning data.

During operation, the electronic device 10 monitors at least one parameter of a wireless signal received from a remote transmitter and, based on such monitoring, determines whether a sounding operation or procedure should be performed. Such a determination may be based on one or more parameters satisfying predetermined thresholds and may involve, as illustrative examples, received signal strength, signal quality, pilot signal strength, and/or a difference between a measured received signal strength of a primary receiver and a measured received signal strength of a reference receiver or a diversity receiver.

During the probing operation, an antenna switching operation is performed to "switch" from one antenna scheme to a second (different) antenna scheme. Before and after the antenna switching operation, signal information about the received signal is measured/monitored at the wireless device 10 and/or received from a remote transmitter. The wireless device 10 uses this measured/monitored signal information and/or received signal information to determine whether the antenna switching operation (from one antenna scheme to another) has achieved the desired gain or benefit. If so, the wireless device operates according to the second antenna scheme. If not, the antenna switching operation is reversed back to the first original antenna scheme, and the wireless device 10 operates according to the original antenna scheme. As will be appreciated, different antenna schemes can then be tried.

FIG2 shows a diagram of wireless communication circuitry 18 including a first antenna 22, a second antenna 24, and antenna switching circuitry 26, according to one embodiment. The wireless communication circuitry 18 includes front-end circuitry 28 that controls the radio frequency signals transmitted and received by the wireless communication circuitry 18. The front-end circuitry 28 may include filtering circuitry and other components. The antenna switching circuitry 26 is shown as being interposed between the front-end circuitry 28 and the first and second antennas 22, 24. Alternatively, the front-end circuitry 28 may include the antenna switching circuitry 26.

The antenna switching circuitry 26 is configured to selectively route transmission signals to the first antenna 22, the second antenna 24, or both the first and second antennas 22, 24 via a control path 34. Control signals may be provided to the antenna switching circuitry 26 from the processing circuitry 12 of FIG. 1 , the baseband circuitry 32, or any desired control circuitry via the control path 34. Similarly, the antenna switching circuitry 26 is configured to selectively route RF signals received from a selected one of the first antenna 22 and the second antenna 24 via the control path 34 (as described in further detail below with reference to FIG. 5 ) or, alternatively, selectively route RF signals received from the first and second antennas 22, 24 substantially simultaneously (e.g., by implementing antenna receive diversity), as described in further detail below with reference to FIG. 4 .

The wireless communication circuitry 18 includes a radio-frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 30 comprised of one or more integrated circuits. For example, the transceiver circuitry 30 can be used to operate within various RF communication bands, such as bands used for Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11) communication, bands used for Bluetooth communication, cellular phone bands, LTE bands, other bands, or any combination thereof. The transceiver circuitry 30 may include one or more transmitters and one or more receivers. The transmitters and receivers may be implemented by one or more integrated circuits (e.g., cellular phone communication circuitry, wireless local area network communication circuitry, circuitry for Bluetooth communication, etc.). The transceiver circuitry 30 may be comprised of associated power amplifier circuitry for increasing the power of transmitted signals, low-noise amplifier circuitry for increasing the signal power in received signals, other suitable wireless communication circuitry, and combinations of these circuits. The transceiver circuitry 30 is used to modulate data or signals transmitted via one or more antennas 22, 24 and demodulate data or signals received via one or more antennas 22, 24.

The baseband circuit 32 is coupled to the transceiver circuit 30 and is used to provide control signals to the antenna switching circuit 26 via a control path 34. The baseband circuit 32 may include a baseband processor, an application processor, or any combination thereof. It will be understood that the baseband circuit 32 and the transceiver 30 may be separate components or may be integrated together.

FIG3 shows a diagram of wireless communication circuitry 18 with a switchable antenna 40. Switchable antenna 40 includes antenna switching circuitry 46. In one embodiment, antenna switching circuitry 46 may be embedded in switchable antenna 40. In another embodiment, antenna switching circuitry 46 may be physically separate from but coupled to switchable antenna 40. Wireless communication circuitry 18 includes front-end circuitry 28 of FIG2 , transceiver circuitry 30 of FIG2 , and baseband circuitry 32 of FIG2 . Control signals may be provided from baseband circuitry 32 to antenna switching circuitry 46 via control path 34.

The switchable antenna 40 may include one or more radiators and one or more switches that enable the switchable antenna 40 to operate in a plurality of different states. The switchable antenna 40 may be reconfigured from one state or stage to another by opening or closing one or more switches. The radiation pattern of the switchable antenna 40 may change as the switchable antenna 40 is reconfigured, making the beam of the switchable antenna 40 steerable.

Antenna switching circuit 46 differs from antenna switching circuit 26 of FIG. 2 in that switchable antenna 40 can be tuned by antenna switching circuit 46 via a tunable matching circuit, wherein the antenna aperture of switchable antenna 40 does not change. Alternatively, switchable antenna 40 can be tuned by antenna switching circuit 46 via an aperture tuning circuit, wherein the antenna aperture changes as switchable antenna 40 is tuned. Antenna switching circuit 46 may include a tuning component, such as a tunable capacitor. The tunable capacitor may include a variable capacitor, such as a PIN diode or a barium strontium titanate (BST) thin film varactor diode. The tunable capacitor may also include a switchable capacitor array, such as a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) capacitor array or a switched complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) array. Alternatively, the tuning component may include a switchable inductor/capacitor, a switch, any combination of the above components, or a module including a switch, a capacitor, and/or an inductor. The switchable antenna 40 herein refers to an aperture tunable antenna.

FIG4 shows a diagram of wireless communication circuitry 18 according to one embodiment, including first antenna 22, second antenna 24, and antenna switching circuitry 26. As an illustrative example, antenna switching circuitry 26 may include a double-pole double-throw (DPDT) semiconductor switch. In the embodiment shown in FIG4 , first antenna 22 and second antenna 24 are coupled to front-end circuitry 28 in an antenna diversity (or MIMO) scheme, such that when a primary transceiver associated with primary path 50 and a reference/diversity/MIMO transceiver associated with reference path 52 are used in signal decoding, diversity/MIMO transmission and reception can be achieved via primary path 50 and reference/diversity/MIMO path 52. Alternatively, as discussed in further detail below, primary path 50 and reference/diversity/MIMO path 52 may be "switched" or "swapped" when the primary antenna (e.g., one of first antenna 22 and second antenna 24) and the reference antenna (e.g., the other of first antenna 22 and second antenna 24) are switched or swapped.

During operation, if the reference receiver associated with the reference antenna is not used in signal decoding (e.g., no diversity reception), the electronic device 10 may continuously monitor at least one parameter of the wireless signal received from the remote transmitter in the background, such as signal strength, block error rate (BLER), bit error rate (BER), or cyclic redundancy check (CRC), as non-limiting examples, compare the value of the monitored parameter with a predetermined value, and switch or swap antennas if the value of the monitored parameter meets the predetermined value. For example, if the first antenna 22 is the main antenna associated with the main path 50 and the second antenna 24 is the reference antenna associated with the reference path or diversity path 50, and if a sudden drop in signal quality of the channel is detected, the antennas 22 and 24 may be switched or swapped so that the second antenna 24 becomes the main antenna associated with the main path 50 and the first antenna 22 becomes the reference antenna associated with the reference path or diversity path 50.

A processor, such as an application processor or a baseband processor in baseband circuitry 32, is configured to compare the value of the monitored parameter with a predetermined value and determine whether the value of the monitored parameter satisfies the predetermined value. The processor is also coupled to antenna switching circuitry 26 via control path 34, and the processor controls antenna switching circuitry 26 based on the determination that the monitored parameter satisfies the first threshold.

When it is determined that the value of the monitored parameter meets a predetermined value, the processor can control the antenna switching circuit 26 to select the antenna with the best signal conditions (e.g., the primary antenna or the reference antenna). The processor can also be implemented by the central processing unit of the electronic device 10. The processor can be a general-purpose, special-purpose, or digital signal processor, and can be multiple processors or a combination of such processors. The processor includes functions for performing signal encoding, data processing, power control, input/output processing, and/or other functions that enable the electronic device 10 to operate.

During background monitoring, the electronic device 10, via the processor, may periodically monitor one or more other parameters of the wireless signal received from the remote transmitter, and based on the periodic monitoring, the electronic device 10 may determine whether a detection operation or process should be performed. This determination may be made based on whether the one or more parameters meet a predetermined threshold.

For example, a processor (e.g., an application processor or a baseband processor in the baseband circuitry 32) is operable to compare a signal strength indication, such as a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), a received signal code power (RSCP), or a received signal strength indication (RSSI) of a received signal from the primary antenna or first antenna 22 received via the primary path 50, to an SNR, RSCP, or RSSI value of a received signal from the reference or second antenna 24 received via the reference or diversity/MIMO path 52. If the signal strength value comparison does not meet another predetermined threshold, no action is taken with respect to the sounding operation. If the signal strength value comparison meets the predetermined threshold, then the sounding operation may be performed for a period of time.

During the probing operation, the electronic device 10, through a processor, is configured to perform an antenna switching operation to "switch" from a first antenna scheme to a second (different) antenna scheme, measure/monitor signal information about the received signal before and after the antenna switching operation, and determine whether the switching of the antenna probing operation achieved the desired gain or benefit. If so, the wireless device 10 operates according to the second antenna scheme. If not, the antenna switching operation is reversed back to the first original antenna scheme, and the wireless device 10 operates according to the original antenna scheme.

The signal information may be based on one or more of received signal strength, received signal power, and transmitter feedback/control information (eg, transmitter power control information received from a base station), as non-limiting examples.

The probing operation may include the electronic device 10 switching or swapping from a first antenna scheme to a second antenna scheme (e.g., swapping the main set antenna from the first antenna 22 to the second antenna 24, and swapping the reference/diversity/MIMO antenna from the second antenna 24 to the first antenna 22), measuring/monitoring signal information about received signals (e.g., sampling transmitter feedback/control information shortly before and shortly after switching the main set and reference antennas), and determining whether the antenna switching operation has achieved a desired gain or benefit (e.g., determining whether to reverse the antenna switching based at least in part on a comparison of the sampled transmitter feedback/control information).

For example, the processor (e.g., baseband circuitry 32) is coupled to the antenna switching circuitry 26 and configured to perform antenna switching operations from a first antenna scheme to a second antenna scheme (e.g., swapping the main antenna from the first antenna 22 to the second antenna 24, and swapping the reference/diversity/MIMO antenna from the second antenna 24 to the first antenna 22).

After swapping or switching the main antenna set and the reference/diversity/MIMO antenna, the electronic device 10 uses a processor to determine whether the switching of the antenna sounding operation (from one antenna scheme to another) achieved the desired gain or benefit. For example, the electronic device 10 may sample signal information, such as transmitter power control information received from the base station 20 of FIG. 1 , shortly before and shortly after swapping the main antenna set and the reference antenna. If it is determined that the comparison of the value of the transmitter power control information received shortly after the swap with the value of the transmitter power control information received shortly before the swap exceeds a predetermined amount (e.g., an increase in transmitter power control is associated with a greater path loss), a further determination may be made based on whether the reference receiver is used in signal decoding.

For example, if it is determined that the transmitter power control is increased and if the reference receiver associated with the reference antenna is used in signal decoding, the electronic device 10, through the processor, may reverse the switching of the antenna's sounding operation. Alternatively, if the reference receiver associated with the reference antenna is not used in signal decoding (e.g., no diversity), the switching of the antenna's sounding operation may be based on the transmitter power control information and another parameter.

For example, if the reference receiver associated with the reference antenna is not used in signal decoding, the electronic device 10, through the processor, may compare the signal strength indication of the received signal (e.g., SNR, RSCP, or RSSI) of the primary antenna or the first antenna 22 with the signal strength value of the second antenna 24. When it is determined that the signal strength value comparison meets a threshold and that the transmitter power control is increased, the electronic device 10, through the processor, may reverse the antenna detection operation switching so that the first antenna 22 is once again the primary antenna.

FIG5 shows a diagram of wireless communication circuitry 18 according to another embodiment, including a first antenna 22, a second antenna 24, and antenna switching circuitry 26. As illustrative examples, antenna switching circuitry 26 may include a double-pole double-throw (DPDT) semiconductor switch or a single-pole double-throw (SPDT) semiconductor switch. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG5 , first antenna 22 and second antenna 24 are coupled to front-end circuitry 28 so that both first antenna 22 and second antenna 24 are available for use, but only one of the first antenna 22 and second antenna 24 is used at a time (e.g., without a reference antenna).

During operation, the electronic device 10 may continuously monitor at least one parameter (e.g., BLER, BER, or CRC) of a wireless signal received from a remote transmitter in the background, compare the value of the monitored parameter with a predetermined threshold, and switch or swap antennas if the value of the monitored parameter meets the predetermined threshold. For example, if the first antenna 22 is in use and a sudden decrease in the signal quality of the channel is detected, the antennas 22 and 24 may be switched or swapped so that the second antenna 24 is in use and the first antenna 22 is no longer in use.

A processor, such as an application processor or baseband processor in baseband circuitry 32, is configured to compare the value of the monitored parameter with a predetermined threshold and determine whether the value of the monitored parameter satisfies the predetermined threshold. The processor is also coupled to antenna switching circuitry 26 via control path 34. The processor controls antenna switching circuitry 26 based on the determination that the monitored parameter satisfies the predetermined threshold. When the processor determines that the value of the monitored parameter satisfies the predetermined threshold, the processor may control antenna switching circuitry 26 to select the antenna with the best signal condition (e.g., first antenna 22 or second antenna 24).

During background monitoring, the electronic device 10, via the processor, may periodically monitor one or more other parameters of the wireless signal received from the remote transmitter, and based on the periodic monitoring, the electronic device 10 may determine whether a detection operation or process should be performed. This determination may be made based on whether the one or more parameters meet a predetermined threshold.

For example, assuming that the first antenna 22 is in use, the processor is configured to compare a signal strength value, such as a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), a received signal code power (RSCP), or a received signal strength indication (RSSI), of a received signal from the first antenna 22 with a predetermined threshold. If the signal strength value of the first antenna 22 does not meet the predetermined threshold, no action is taken regarding the detection operation. If the signal strength value of the first antenna 22 meets the predetermined threshold, the detection operation may be performed for a period of time.

During a probing operation, the electronic device 10, via a processor, is configured to perform an antenna switching operation from a first antenna scheme to a second (different) antenna scheme, measure/monitor signal information about received signals before and after the antenna switching operation, and determine whether the probing operation switching of the antennas achieved a desired gain or benefit. If so, the wireless device 10 operates according to the second antenna scheme. If not, the antenna switching operation is reversed back to the first original antenna scheme, and the wireless device 10 operates according to the original antenna scheme. For example, the probing operation may include the electronic device 10 switching or swapping from the first antenna scheme to the second antenna scheme (e.g., switching from using the first antenna 22 to using the second antenna 24), measuring/monitoring signal information about received signals (e.g., sampling transmitter feedback/control information shortly before and shortly after switching from the first antenna to the second antenna), and determining whether the antenna switching operation achieved a desired gain or benefit (e.g., determining to reverse the antenna switching operation based on one or more of the sampled transmitter feedback/control information or other sampled signal information).

For example, the processor (eg, baseband circuitry 32 ) is coupled to antenna switching circuitry 26 and configured to perform antenna switching operations from a first antenna scheme to a second antenna scheme (eg, from using first antenna 22 to using second antenna 24 ).

After swapping the first and second antennas 22, 24, the electronic device 10 uses a processor to determine whether the switching of the antenna detection operation has achieved the desired gain or benefit. For example, the electronic device 10 may sample signal information, such as transmitter feedback/control information (e.g., transmitter power control information received from the base station 20 of FIG. 1 ), shortly before and shortly after switching or swapping the first and second antennas 22, 24 and compare the sampled transmitter feedback/control information. In addition, the electronic device 10 may sample other signal information, such as signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), received signal code power (RSCP), or received signal strength indication (RSSI), shortly before and shortly after switching or swapping the first and second antennas 22, 24 and compare the sampled other signal information.

If it is determined that the comparison value of the transmitter power control information received shortly after the exchange and the transmitter power control value received shortly before the exchange meets a predetermined amount (for example, an increase in transmitter power control is associated with a larger path loss), and/or it is determined that the comparison value of the values of the sampled other signal information received shortly before and shortly after the exchange meets another predetermined amount, then the electronic device 10 switches the detection operation of the processor-switchable antenna so that the first antenna 22 becomes the main antenna again.

FIG6 shows a diagram of wireless communication circuitry 18 according to another embodiment, including a switchable antenna 40, a second antenna 24, and antenna switching circuitry 46. In the embodiment shown in FIG6, the switchable antenna 40 and the second antenna 24 are coupled to the front-end circuitry 28 in an antenna diversity/MIMO scheme, enabling diversity/MIMO transmission and reception via a main path 50 and a reference/diversity/MIMO path 52. In the embodiment shown in FIG6, the second antenna 24 is "fixed" as either the reference antenna or the diversity/MIMO antenna, such that there is no "switch" between the switchable antenna 40 and the second antenna 24. Instead, the second antenna 24 remains as either the reference or the diversity/MIMO antenna, and the switchable antenna 40 is used to switch between antenna states (e.g., the antenna radiation pattern changes as the antenna is reconfigured), as discussed in further detail below.

During operation, the electronic device 10 may continuously monitor at least one parameter (e.g., block error rate (BLER), bit error rate (BER), or cyclic redundancy check (CRC)) measured from a wireless signal received from a remote transmitter in the background, compare the value of the monitored parameter with a predetermined threshold, and if the value of the monitored parameter satisfies the predetermined threshold, antenna switching occurs with a change in the state of the switchable antenna 40. For example, if the switchable antenna 40 is operating in a first state having a first radiation pattern, and if a sudden drop in the signal quality of the channel is detected, the switchable antenna 40 may be configured to switch from the first state to a second state (having a second radiation pattern) such that the switchable antenna 40 operates in the second state.

A processor, such as an application processor or baseband processor within baseband circuitry 32, is configured to compare the value of a monitored parameter with a predetermined threshold and determine whether the value of the monitored parameter satisfies the predetermined threshold. The processor is also coupled to antenna switching circuitry 46 via control path 34. Antenna switching circuitry 46 is controlled by the processor based on the determination that the monitored parameter satisfies the predetermined threshold. Upon determining that the value of the monitored parameter satisfies the predetermined threshold, the processor can control antenna switching circuitry 46 to select another state for switchable antenna 40.

During background monitoring, the electronic device 10, via the processor, may periodically monitor one or more other parameters of the wireless signal received from the remote transmitter, and based on the periodic monitoring, the electronic device 10 may determine whether a detection operation or process should be performed. This determination may be made based on whether the one or more parameters meet a predetermined threshold.

For example, a processor (e.g., an application processor or baseband processor in baseband circuitry 32) is configured to compare a signal strength indication, such as the SNR, RSCP, or RSSI of the received signal of the second antenna 24, to a predetermined threshold. If the value of the signal strength of the second antenna 24 does not meet the predetermined threshold, no action is taken with respect to the probing operation. If the value of the signal strength of the received signal of the second antenna 24 meets the predetermined threshold, one or more other parameters may be monitored to determine whether to perform a probing operation or process.

For example, the electronic device 10 uses a processor to sample and measure signal information in the first and second time intervals, such as the SNR, RSCP, or RSSI of the received signals of the switchable antenna 40 and the second antenna 24. The processor can be used to compare the difference between the sampled signal information of the switchable antenna 40 and the second antenna 24 in the first time interval (for example, the RSSI difference between the main antenna and the reference/diversity/MIMO antenna in the first time interval) with the difference between the sampled signal information of the switchable antenna 40 and the second antenna 24 in the second time interval (for example, the RSSI difference between the main antenna and the reference/main antenna/MIMO antenna in the second time interval). Based on this comparison, it can be determined whether a sounding operation should be performed.

During a probing operation, the electronic device 10, via a processor, is configured to perform an antenna switching operation from a first antenna scheme to a second (different) antenna scheme, measure/monitor signal information about received signals before and after the antenna switching operation, and determine whether the antenna switching operation achieved a desired gain or benefit. If so, the wireless device 10 operates according to the second antenna scheme. If not, the antenna switching operation is reversed back to the first original antenna scheme, and the wireless device 10 operates according to the original antenna scheme. For example, the probing operation may include the electronic device 10 switching from the first antenna scheme to the second antenna scheme (e.g., switching the state of the switchable antenna 40 from a first state to a second state), measuring/monitoring signal information about received signals, such as sampling transmitter feedback/control information shortly before the switch (e.g., during the first state) and shortly after the switch (e.g., during the second state), and sampling the SNR, RSCP, or RSSI of the received signals shortly before the switch (e.g., during the first state) and shortly after the switch (e.g., during the second state), and determining whether the antenna switching operation achieved a desired gain or benefit (e.g., determining whether to switch the antenna switch based on the measured/monitored signal information).

For example, the processor (eg, baseband circuit 32) is coupled to antenna switching circuit 46 and configured to perform antenna switching operations from a first antenna scheme to a second antenna scheme (eg, from a first state of switchable antenna 40 to a second state of switchable antenna 40).

After switching the state of the switchable antenna 40 from the first state to the second state, the electronic device 10 uses the processor to determine whether the switching of the antenna state has achieved the desired gain or benefit. For example, the electronic device 10 may sample signal information, such as transmitter feedback/control information (e.g., transmitter power control information received from the base station 20 of FIG. 1 ), shortly before switching the antenna state (e.g., during the first state) and shortly after switching (e.g., during the second state), and compare the sampled transmitter feedback/control information. In addition, the electronic device 10 may sample other signal information, such as the SNR, RSCP, or RSSI of the received signal of the switchable antenna 40, shortly before switching (e.g., during the first state) and shortly after switching (e.g., during the second state), and compare the sampled other signal information.

If it is determined that the comparison value of the transmitter power control information received shortly after the exchange and the transmitter power control value received shortly before the exchange meets a threshold (for example, an increase in transmitter power control is associated with a larger path loss), and/or it is determined that the comparison value of the values of other sampled signal information received shortly before and shortly after the exchange meets another predetermined threshold, then the electronic device 10 switches the detection operation of the switchable antenna state through the processor, so that the switchable antenna 40 switches from the second state back to the first state.

Figure 7 shows a diagram of wireless communication circuitry 18 according to another embodiment, including switchable antenna 40 and antenna switching circuitry 46. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, switchable antenna 40 is coupled to front-end circuitry 28 without a reference/diversity/MIMO antenna.

During operation, the electronic device 10 may continuously monitor at least one parameter (e.g., BLER, BER, or CRC) of a wireless signal received from a remote transmitter in the background, compare the value of the monitored parameter with a predetermined threshold, and switch the state of the switchable antenna from a first state to a second state if the value of the monitored parameter meets the predetermined threshold. For example, if the switchable antenna 40 is operating in the first state and a sudden drop in the signal quality of the channel is detected, the switchable antenna 40 may be configured to switch from the first state to the second state so that the switchable antenna 40 operates in the second state.

The processor (e.g., baseband circuitry 32) is coupled to antenna switching circuitry 46 and configured to perform an antenna switching operation from a first antenna scheme to a second antenna scheme (e.g., switching from a first state of switchable antenna 40 to a second state of switchable antenna 40). The processor is also coupled to antenna switching circuitry 46 via control path 34. Antenna switching circuitry 46 is controlled by the processor based on a determination that a monitored parameter has satisfied a predetermined threshold. When the processor determines that the value of the monitored parameter has satisfied the predetermined threshold, the processor can control antenna switching circuitry 46 to select another state of switchable antenna 40.

During background monitoring, the electronic device 10, via the processor, may periodically monitor one or more other parameters of the wireless signal received from the remote transmitter, and based on the periodic monitoring, the electronic device 10 may determine whether a detection operation or process should be performed. This determination may be made based on whether the one or more parameters meet a predetermined threshold.

For example, assuming that the switchable antenna 40 is operating in the first state, the processor is configured to compare a signal strength value, such as the SNR, RSCP, or RSSI of the received signal of the switchable antenna 40 in the first state, with another predetermined threshold. If the signal strength value of the switchable antenna 40 in the first state does not meet the predetermined threshold, no action is taken regarding the detection operation. If the signal strength value of the switchable antenna 40 in the first state meets the predetermined threshold, the detection operation may be performed for a period of time.

During a probing operation, the electronic device 10, via a processor, is configured to perform an antenna switching operation from a first antenna scheme to a second (different) antenna scheme, measure/monitor signal information about received signals before and after the antenna switching operation, and determine whether the probing operation switching of the antennas achieved a desired gain or benefit. If so, the wireless device 10 operates according to the second antenna scheme. If not, the antenna switching operation is reversed back to the first original antenna scheme, and the wireless device 10 operates according to the original antenna scheme. For example, the probing operation may include the electronic device 10 switching or swapping from the first antenna scheme to the second antenna scheme (e.g., switching the state of the switchable antenna 40 from a first state to a second state), measuring/monitoring signal information about received signals (e.g., sampling transmitter feedback/control information shortly before switching states (e.g., when in the first state) and shortly after switching states (e.g., when in the second state), and determining whether the antenna switching operation achieved a desired gain or benefit (e.g., determining whether to reverse the antenna state switching based on one or more sampled reflector feedback/control information or other sampled signal information).

For example, the processor (eg, baseband circuit 32) is coupled to antenna switching circuit 46 and configured to perform antenna switching operations from a first antenna scheme to a second antenna scheme (eg, from a first state of switchable antenna 40 to a second state of switchable antenna 40).

After switching the state of the switchable antenna 40 from the first state to the second state, the electronic device 10 determines, via the processor, whether the switching of the antenna's probing operation achieved the desired gain or benefit. For example, the electronic device 10 may sample signal information, such as transmitter feedback/control information (e.g., transmitter power control information received from the base station 20 of FIG. 1 ), shortly before switching the antenna state (e.g., during the first state) and shortly after switching (e.g., during the second state), and compare the sampled transmitter feedback/control information. In addition, the electronic device 10 may sample other signal information, such as the SNR, RSCP, or RSSI of the received signal of the switchable antenna 40, shortly before switching (e.g., during the first state) and shortly after switching (e.g., during the second state), and compare the sampled other signal information.

If it is determined that a comparison value of the transmitter power control information received shortly after the switch and a comparison value of the transmitter power control received shortly before the switch meet a predetermined threshold (for example, an increase in transmitter power control is associated with a larger path loss), and/or it is determined that a comparison value of the values of other sampled signal information received shortly before and shortly after the switch meet another predetermined threshold, then the electronic device 10 switches the detection operation of the reversible antenna state through the processor, so that the switchable antenna 40 switches from the second state back to the first state.

FIG8 is a flow chart of a method 100 of operating a wireless electronic device having one or more antennas, which may be performed by a wireless electronic device such as the wireless electronic device 10 of FIG1 , in accordance with a disclosed embodiment.

At step 102, a first timer is started, and at step 104, at least one first parameter of a signal received from a remote transmitter is monitored at the wireless electronic device. For example, the electronic device 10 uses a processor (e.g., an application processor or a baseband processor in the baseband circuit 32 of FIG. 1 ) to monitor parameters such as block error rate (BLER), bit error rate (BER), cyclic redundancy check (CRC), received signal strength, signal quality, pilot signal strength, and/or a difference between a measured received signal strength of a primary receiver and a measured received signal strength of a reference or diversity receiver.

At step 106, a determination is made as to whether at least one monitored first parameter satisfies a first threshold. For example, a determination is made as to whether a sudden decrease in signal quality of a channel is detected. If the monitored first parameter satisfies the first threshold, then at step 108, an antenna switching operation is performed, and at step 110, a first timer is reset. For example, the electronic device 10 is configured to perform an antenna switching operation to switch from a first antenna scheme to a second (different) antenna scheme. For example, the antenna switching operation may include switching the main antenna from the first antenna 22 to the second antenna 24 and switching the reference/diversity/MIMO antenna from the second antenna 24 to the first antenna 22. Alternatively, the antenna switching operation may include switching from using the first antenna 22 to using the second antenna 24. Alternatively, the antenna switching operation may include switching the state of the switchable antenna 40 from a first state to a second state.

If the monitored first parameter does not meet the first threshold, then at least one second parameter of the signal received from the remote transmitter is periodically monitored at the wireless electronic device at step 112. For example, the electronic device 10, via the processor, may periodically monitor one or more other parameters of the wireless signal received from the remote transmitter, and based on the periodic monitoring, the electronic device 10 may determine whether a detection operation or process should be performed.

At step 114, a determination is made as to whether the first timer has expired. If the first timer has not expired, the method returns to step 104. If the first timer has expired, then at step 116, a determination is made that at least one monitored second parameter satisfies a second threshold. For example, a processor (e.g., an application processor or a baseband processor in baseband circuitry 32) is operable to compare a signal strength indicator, such as a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), a received signal code power (RSCP), or a received signal strength indication (RSSI) of a received signal from the primary antenna or first antenna 22 received via the primary path 50, to an SNR, RSCP, or RSSI value of a received signal from the reference or second antenna 24 received via the reference or diversity/MIMO path 52.

If the monitored second parameter does not satisfy the second threshold, then the method returns to step 110. If the monitored second parameter does satisfy the second threshold, then at step 118, a probing operation may be performed for a period of time.

The probing operation includes performing an antenna switching operation at step 120. For example, as described above, the electronic device 10 is operable to perform an antenna switching operation of "switching" from a first antenna scheme to a second (different) antenna scheme.

The sounding operation includes generating first signal information of the received signal before the antenna switching operation at step 122. For example, generating the first signal information may include receiving signal feedback information from a remote transmitter, such as transmitter power control information, or measuring one or more parameters of the received signal, such as a signal strength value (e.g., SNR, RSCP, or RSSI) of the received signal.

The probing operation includes generating second signal information of the received signal after the antenna switching operation at step 124. For example, generating the second signal information may include receiving signal feedback information from a remote transmitter, such as transmitter power control information, or measuring one or more parameters of the received signal, such as a signal strength value (e.g., SNR, RSCP, or RSSI) of the received signal.

The probing operation includes determining, at step 126, whether the antenna switching operation achieves the desired gain based at least in part on the generated first and second signal information. For example, the electronic device 10 may utilize the measured/monitored signal information and/or the received signal information to determine whether the antenna switching operation from the first antenna scheme to the second (different) antenna scheme achieves the desired gain or benefit. If so, then, at step 128, the electronic device operates according to the second antenna scheme and, at step 110, resets the first timer. For example, the electronic device may determine whether a comparison of the value of the transmitter power control information received shortly after the switch with the value of the transmitter power control information received shortly before the switch meets a predetermined threshold, and/or whether a comparison of the values of other sampled signal information (e.g., RSSI) received shortly before and shortly after the switch meets another predetermined threshold. If so, the electronic device 10 operates according to the second antenna scheme and resets the first timer.

The probing operation includes, at step 130, switching the antenna switching operation when the desired gain is not achieved. For example, at step 130, if the electronic device 10 determines that the desired gain is not achieved, the electronic device 10 may switch the probing operation to the antenna switching operation and, at step 110, reset the first timer. For example, the antenna switching operation switches back to the first antenna scheme, the electronic device operates according to the first antenna scheme, and the first timer is reset.

In certain embodiments, some or all of the functions or processes of one or more of the devices are implemented or supported by a computer program consisting of computer-readable program code and embedded in a computer-readable medium. The term "computer-readable program code" includes any type of computer code, including source code, object code, and executable code. The term "computer-readable medium" includes any type of non-volatile medium that can be accessed by a computer, such as a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a hard drive, a compact disc (CD), a digital video disc (DVD), or any other type of memory.

It is helpful to define certain terms and phrases used in this patent document. The terms "include" and "comprising," and their derivatives, mean inclusion without limitation. The term "or" is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrases "associated with," and "associated therewith," and their derivatives, mean to include, be included within, be interconnected with, include, be contained within, be connected to or connected with, be coupled to or coupled with, be communicable with, cooperate with, intertwine, be juxtaposed with, be proximate to, be bound to or bound with, have, have the property of, and the like.

Although the present invention has described certain embodiments and generally related methods, variations and modifications of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description of the exemplary embodiments does not define or restrict the present invention. Other modifications, substitutions, and variations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims (12)

1. A method for operating a wireless electronic device having one or more antennas, characterized in that the method comprises: Monitor at least one parameter of the signal received from the remote transmitter; Determining that at least one monitored parameter satisfies a first threshold and performing a detection operation at the wireless electronic device, wherein the detection operation includes: Perform an antenna switching operation from the first antenna scheme to the second antenna scheme, wherein the first antenna scheme is different from the second antenna scheme. Before the antenna switching operation, first signal information of the received signal is generated, wherein the first signal information for generating the received signal includes signal feedback information received from the remote transmitter. After the antenna switching operation, second signal information of the received signal is generated, wherein the second signal information for generating the received signal includes signal feedback information received from the remote transmitter. Whether the antenna switching operation achieves the desired gain is determined at least in part based on the generated first and second signal information. When the desired gain is obtained, operate according to the second antenna scheme, and If the desired gain is not obtained, the antenna switching operation is reversed and the operation is performed according to the first antenna scheme. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the one or more antennas include a first antenna associated with a main path and a second antenna associated with a reference path, the first antenna and the second antenna being used to receive radio frequency signals substantially simultaneously, and the antenna switching operation includes changing the operational connection of the first antenna from the main path to the reference path and changing the operational connection of the second antenna from the reference path to the main path so that both the first antenna and the second antenna are used substantially simultaneously. 3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises, before performing the detection operation, performing the antenna switching operation when it is determined that another of the at least one monitored parameter satisfies the second threshold. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the one or more antennas include a first antenna associated with a first path and a second antenna associated with a second path, both the first antenna and the second antenna being used to receive radio frequency signals, and the antenna switching operation includes changing the operational connection of the first antenna from an operational state to an inactive state and changing the operational connection of the second antenna from an inactive state to an operational state such that only one of the first antenna and the second antenna is in use at any given time. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the one or more antennas include a first antenna coupled to a main path and a second antenna coupled to a reference path, the first antenna including a switchable antenna having a plurality of operable states and inoperable states, the first antenna and the second antenna being used to receive radio frequency signals substantially simultaneously, and the antenna switching operation including changing the state of the first antenna from a first operable state to a second operable state so that both the first antenna and the second antenna are used substantially simultaneously. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the one or more antennas include a switchable antenna coupled to a main path, the switchable antenna includes multiple operable states and inoperable states, and the antenna switching operation includes changing the state of the first antenna from a first operable state to a second operable state so that only the switchable antenna is in use. 7. A wireless electronic device, characterized in that it comprises: One or more antennas; A processor coupled to one or more of the antennas; Memory coupled to the processor; and The wireless electronic device is used for: Monitor at least one parameter of the signal received from the remote transmitter; Determine that at least one monitored parameter meets a first threshold and perform a detection operation, wherein the detection operation includes: Perform an antenna switching operation from the first antenna scheme to the second antenna scheme, wherein the first antenna scheme is different from the second antenna scheme. Before the antenna switching operation, first signal information of the received signal is generated, wherein the first signal information for generating the received signal includes signal feedback information received from the remote transmitter. After the antenna switching operation, second signal information of the received signal is generated, wherein the second signal information for generating the received signal includes signal feedback information received from the remote transmitter. Whether the antenna switching operation achieves the desired gain is determined at least in part based on the generated first and second signal information. When the desired gain is obtained, operate according to the second antenna scheme, and If the desired gain is not obtained, the antenna switching operation is reversed and the operation is performed according to the first antenna scheme. 8. The wireless electronic device of claim 7, wherein the one or more antennas include a first antenna associated with a main path and a second antenna associated with a reference path, the first antenna and the second antenna being used to receive radio frequency signals substantially simultaneously, and the antenna switching operation includes changing the operational connection of the first antenna from the main path to the reference path and changing the operational connection of the second antenna from the reference path to the main path so that both the first antenna and the second antenna are used substantially simultaneously. 9. The wireless electronic device according to claim 7, further comprising, before performing the detection operation, performing the antenna switching operation when it is determined that another of the at least one monitored parameter satisfies a second threshold. 10. The wireless electronic device of claim 7, wherein the one or more antennas include a first antenna associated with a first path and a second antenna associated with a second path, both the first antenna and the second antenna being used to receive radio frequency signals, and the antenna switching operation includes changing the operational connection of the first antenna from an operational state to an inactive state and changing the operational connection of the second antenna from an inactive state to an operational state such that only one of the first antenna and the second antenna is in use at any given time. 11. The wireless electronic device of claim 7, wherein the one or more antennas include a first antenna coupled to a main path and a second antenna coupled to a reference path, the first antenna including a switchable antenna having a plurality of operable states and inoperable states, the first antenna and the second antenna being used to receive radio frequency signals substantially simultaneously, and the antenna switching operation including changing the state of the first antenna from a first operable state to a second operable state so that both the first antenna and the second antenna are used substantially simultaneously. 12. The wireless electronic device according to claim 7, wherein the one or more antennas include a switchable antenna coupled to a main path, the switchable antenna includes a plurality of operable states and inoperable states, and the antenna switching operation includes changing the state of the first antenna from a first operable state to a second operable state so that only the switchable antenna is in use.