Four-by-four downlink (4×4 DL) multiple-input-multiple output (MIMO) with existing antenna structures

摘要

Antenna structures and methods of operating the same of an electronic device are described. One apparatus includes an antenna structure comprising four antenna elements, a RF circuit, and a MIMO RF circuit coupled between the antenna structure and the RF circuit. The MIMO RF circuit may include a pair of diplexers; and a pair of switches. The RF circuit is operable to cause a first antenna element of the four antenna elements to radiate and receive electromagnetic energy in a first frequency range via the MIMO RF circuit and the RF circuit is operable to cause a remaining three antenna elements of the four antenna elements to receive electromagnetic energy in the first frequency range via the MIMO RF circuit to support 4×4 DL MIMO.

主权项

1. An apparatus comprising:
an antenna structure comprising four antenna elements; a radio frequency (RF) circuit; and a multi-input-multiple-output (MIMO) RF circuit coupled between the antenna structure and the RF circuit, wherein the RF circuit is operable to:
cause a first antenna element of the four antenna elements to radiate and receive electromagnetic energy in a first frequency range via the MIMO RF circuit,cause a remaining three antenna elements of the four antenna elements to receive electromagnetic energy in the first frequency range via the MIMO RF circuit to support four-by-four downlink MIMO (4×4 DL MIMO), wherein the first antenna element and the remaining three antenna elements operate concurrently in the first frequency range in the 4×4 DL MIMO, andcause a second antenna element of the four antenna elements to radiate and receive electromagnetic energy in a second frequency range via the MIMO RF circuit, wherein the MIMO RF circuitry further comprises:a first diplexer;a second diplexer;a first switch;a second switch;a first single-pole-multiple-throw (SPnT) switch coupled between the first diplexer and the RF circuit;a second SPnT switch coupled to the first switch;a third SPnT switch coupled between the second diplexer and the RF circuit;a fourth SPnT switch coupled to the second switch;a fifth SPnT switch coupled between a third antenna element and the RF circuit; anda sixth SPnT switch coupled between a fourth antenna element and the RF circuit.