Methods and systems for dual-using a reception channel

摘要

Various embodiments of wireless communication systems and methods in which the system seamlessly dual-uses a receiver chain for incoming transmissions and for other signal sensing purposes. The system is configured such that there are multiple receiver chains, and at least one receiver chain alternates between receiving a communication signal with information payload and receiving other signals solely for the purposes of monitoring and/or improving some aspects of the system. In various embodiments, the alternating receiver chain receives alternatively signals with information payloads and signals which have passes through a power amplifier with amplifier distortion characteristics. In various embodiments, the alternating receiver chain receives alternatively signals with information payloads and signals which may be associated with background noise, or other radio transmissions.

主权项

1. A wireless communication system operative to seamlessly dual-use a receiver chain for receiving incoming transmissions and for other signal sensing purposes, comprising:
a receiver; and a first and a second receiver chains associated respectively with a first antenna and a second antenna; wherein said receiver is operative to process a first signal received via said first receiver chain and said first antenna, together with a second signal received via said second receiver chain and said second antenna, and thereby to enhance reception of at least one incoming wireless transmission associated with said first and second signals; said wireless communication system is operative to utilise said second receiver chain, during at least one period of said incoming wireless transmission, for reception of a third signal not associated with said incoming wireless transmission, and to thereby make dual-use of said second receiver chain, and consequently make said second signal unavailable in said receiver for said enhancement during said at least one period; and said wireless communication system is further operative, during said at least one period, to substitute to said receiver said second signal with a duplication of said first signal, in compensation for said unavailability of said second signal in said receiver, and without any knowledge of said receiver regarding said utilisation requiring said substitution.