阅读说明：本技术 中继器 (Repeater ) 是由 克里斯托弗·肯·阿什沃斯 戴尔·罗伯特·安德森 伊莱什·V·帕特尔 于 2019-09-09 设计创作，主要内容包括：所描述的是一种中继器,用于在强信号近节点附近增大来自弱信号远节点的信号增强器增益。第一分路器可以耦合到第一接口端口。第一信道化可切换第一方向并行路径可以耦合到第一分路器,且包括针对选定第一方向频带中的第一子集的第一信道化第一方向带通滤波器。与第一分路器耦合的第一可切换第一方向并行路径可以包括：可切换第一方向路径,其包含用于让选定第一方向频带通过的第一带通滤波器；以及第二信道化可切换第一方向并行路径,其包含针对选定第一方向频带中的第二子集的第二信道化第一方向带通滤波器。(Described is a repeater for increasing signal booster gain from a weak signal far node in the vicinity of a strong signal near node. The first splitter may be coupled to the first interface port. The first channelized switchable first direction parallel path may be coupled to the first splitter and include a first channelized first direction bandpass filter for a first subset of the selected first direction frequency bands. The first switchable first direction parallel path coupled with the first splitter may include: a switchable first direction path including a first band pass filter for passing a selected first direction frequency band; and a second channelized switchable first direction parallel path including a second channelized first direction band pass filter for a second subset of the selected first direction frequency bands.)

1. A repeater for increasing signal booster gain from a weak signal far node in the vicinity of a strong signal near node, the repeater comprising:

a first interface port;

a second interface port;

a first splitter coupled to the first interface port;

a first channelized switchable first-direction parallel path coupled to the first splitter, including a first channelized first-direction bandpass filter for a first subset of selected first-direction frequency bands; and

a first switchable first direction parallel path coupled with the first splitter, comprising:

a switchable first direction path comprising a first band pass filter for passing the selected first direction frequency band; and

a second channelized switchable first direction parallel path including a second channelized first direction band pass filter for a second subset of the selected first direction frequency bands.

2. The repeater according to claim 1, the repeater further comprising:

a second splitter coupled between the second interface port and the first bandpass filter, the second channelized first direction bandpass filter, and the first channelized first direction bandpass filter.

3. The repeater according to claim 2, the repeater further comprising:

a first switch for the first switchable first direction parallel path,

wherein the first switch is coupled between:

the second splitter; and

the first bandpass filter and the second channelized first direction bandpass filter; and

a second switch switchable a first direction parallel path for the first channelization, wherein the second switch is coupled between:

the second splitter; and

the first channelized first direction bandpass filter.

4. The repeater of claim 3, further comprising:

a third switch coupled between:

the first splitter; and

the first bandpass filter and the second channelized first direction bandpass filter; a fourth switch coupled between:

the first bandpass filter and the second channelized first direction bandpass filter; and

the first switch.

5. The repeater according to claim 1, the repeater further comprising:

a first second directional splitter coupled to the second interface port;

a first channelized switchable second direction parallel path coupled to the first second direction splitter, including a first channelized second direction band pass filter for selecting a first subset of second direction bands; and

a first switchable second direction parallel path coupled to the first second direction splitter, comprising:

a switchable second directional path comprising a second band pass filter for passing the selected second directional frequency band; and

a second channelized switchable second direction parallel path including a second channelized second direction band pass filter for a second subset of the selected second direction frequency bands.

6. The repeater of claim 5, further comprising:

a second directional splitter coupled between the first interface port and the first channelized second directional bandpass filter, the second bandpass filter, and the second channelized second directional bandpass filter.

7. The repeater of claim 6, further comprising:

a first one of the second direction switches for the first switchable second direction parallel path, wherein the first one of the second direction switches is coupled between:

said second directional splitter; and

the second bandpass filter and the second channelized second direction bandpass filter; and

a second direction switch for the first channelized switchable second direction parallel path, wherein the second direction switch is coupled between:

said second directional splitter; and

the first channelized second direction band pass filter.

8. The repeater according to claim 7, the repeater further comprising:

a third second direction switch coupled between:

the first second direction splitter; and

the second bandpass filter and the second channelized second direction bandpass filter; a fourth second direction switch coupled between:

the second bandpass filter and the second channelized second direction bandpass filter; and

the first second direction switch.

9. The repeater according to claim 1, the repeater further comprising:

a first diplexer configured to couple to the first interface port;

a second diplexer configured to couple to the second interface port; and

a first directional bandpass filter coupled to the first duplexer, including a first directional filter configured to filter the selected first directional frequency band.

10. The repeater according to claim 1, wherein the selected first directional band is a third generation partnership project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) frequency division duplex band 5 uplink.

11. The repeater according to claim 5, wherein the selected second directional band is a third generation partnership project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) frequency division duplex band 5 downlink.

12. A repeater for increasing signal booster gain from a weak signal far node in the vicinity of a strong signal near node, the repeater comprising:

a first interface port;

a second interface port;

a first directional dual band pass filter coupled to the first interface port, including a first directional filter configured to perform filtering on a selected dual band of first directional signals;

a first splitter coupled to the first directional dual bandpass filter;

a first band-specific switchable first-direction parallel path coupled to the first splitter, including a first-direction band-pass filter for a first band of the selected dual bands; and

a first switchable first direction parallel path coupled to the first splitter, comprising:

a dual-band switchable first-direction path including a second first-direction bandpass filter for the selected dual band; and

a second band-specific switchable first-direction parallel path including a third first-direction bandpass filter for a second band of the selected dual bands.

13. The repeater according to claim 12, the repeater further comprising:

a second splitter coupled between the second interface port and the first, second, and third first-direction bandpass filters.

14. The repeater according to claim 13, the repeater further comprising:

a first switch for the first switchable first direction parallel path, wherein the first switch is coupled between:

the second splitter; and

the second first direction band pass filter and the third first direction band pass filter; and

a second switch for the first band-specific switchable first-direction parallel path, wherein the second switch is coupled between:

the second splitter; and

the first direction band pass filter.

15. The repeater according to claim 14, the repeater further comprising:

a third switch coupled between the following,

the first splitter; and

said second first direction bandpass filter and said third first direction bandpass filter; and

a fourth switch coupled between:

said second first direction bandpass filter and said third first direction bandpass filter;

and

the first switch.

16. The repeater according to claim 12, the repeater further comprising:

a first second directional bandpass filter coupled to the second interface port, including a second directional filter configured to perform filtering on a first selected frequency band of a second directional signal;

a first second direction switch coupled to the first second direction bandpass filter;

a first channelized switchable second direction parallel path coupled to the first second direction switch, including a first second direction channelized band pass filter for channels in the first selected frequency band; and

a first switchable second direction parallel path coupled to the first second direction switch includes a first second direction path including a second direction bandpass filter for the first selected frequency band.

17. The repeater according to claim 16, the repeater further comprising:

a third second directional bandpass filter coupled to the second interface port, including a second directional filter configured to perform filtering on a second selected frequency band of second directional signals;

a second directional switch coupled to the third second directional bandpass filter;

a second channelized switchable second direction parallel path coupled to the second direction switch, including a second direction channelized band pass filter for channels in the second selected frequency band; and

a second switchable second direction parallel path coupled to the second direction switch, including a second direction path including a fourth second direction bandpass filter for the second selected frequency band.

18. The repeater according to claim 12, the repeater further comprising:

a first multiplexer configured to be coupled to the first interface port; and

a second multiplexer configured to be coupled to the second interface port; and

wherein the selected dual bands are third generation partnership project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) frequency division duplex bands 12 and 13, the first direction is a downlink direction, and the second direction is an uplink direction.

19. A repeater for increasing signal booster gain from a weak signal far node in the vicinity of a strong signal near node, the repeater comprising:

a first interface port;

a second interface port;

a first splitter coupled to the first interface port;

a first channelized switchable first direction parallel path coupled to the first splitter, including a first channelized first direction bandpass filter for a first subset of a first selected first direction frequency band; and

a first switchable first direction parallel path coupled to the first splitter, comprising:

a second channelized switchable first direction parallel path including a second channelized first direction band pass filter for a second subset of the first selected first direction frequency band; and

a first switchable first direction path comprising a first filter for passing the second subset of the first selected first direction frequency bands and a first subset of second selected first direction frequency bands.

20. The repeater according to claim 19, the repeater further comprising:

a first combiner coupled between the second interface port and the first filter, the second channelized first direction band pass filter, and the first channelized first direction band pass filter.

21. The repeater according to claim 20, the repeater further comprising:

a first switch coupled between:

the first splitter; and

the first filter and the second channelized first direction bandpass filter; and

a second switch coupled between:

the first filter and the second channelized first direction bandpass filter; and

the first combiner.

22. The repeater according to claim 21, the repeater further comprising:

a third switch coupled to the first interface port;

a fourth switch coupled to the second interface port;

a fifth switch coupled between the third switch and the first and second bandpass filters;

a sixth switch coupled between the fourth switch and the first and second bandpass filters; and

a second switchable first-direction parallel path coupled between the fifth switch and the sixth switch, comprising:

a second switchable first direction path comprising the first band pass filter for passing the second selected first direction frequency band; and

a third switchable first direction path comprising the second band pass filter for passing the first selected first direction frequency band.

23. The repeater according to claim 22, the repeater further comprising:

a third switchable first direction parallel path coupled between the first interface port and the third switch, comprising:

a fourth switchable first direction path comprising a third band pass filter for passing the second selected first direction frequency band; and

a fifth switchable first direction path comprising a fourth bandpass filter for passing the first selected first direction frequency band.

24. The repeater according to claim 23, the repeater further comprising:

a fifth bandpass filter coupled between the fourth switch and the second interface port, wherein the fifth bandpass filter is configured to pass the second selected first direction frequency band.

25. The repeater according to claim 19, the repeater further comprising:

a second splitter coupled to the second interface port;

a first channelized switchable second direction parallel path coupled to the second splitter, comprising a first channelized second direction band pass filter for a first subset of the first selected second direction frequency band; and

a first switchable second direction parallel path coupled to the second splitter, comprising:

a second channelized switchable second direction parallel path comprising a second channelized second direction band pass filter for a second subset of the first selected second direction frequency band; and

a first switchable second directional path comprising a second filter for passing the second subset of the first selected second directional frequency band and a first subset of the second selected second directional frequency band.

26. The repeater of claim 25, the repeater further comprising: a second combiner coupled between the first interface port and the second filter, the second channelized second direction band pass filter, and the first channelized second direction band pass filter.

27. The repeater according to claim 26, the repeater further comprising:

a seventh switch coupled between:

the second splitter; and

the second filter and the second channelized second direction band pass filter; and

an eighth switch coupled between:

the second filter and the second channelized second direction band pass filter; and

the second combiner.

28. The repeater according to claim 27, the repeater further comprising:

a ninth switch coupled to the second interface port;

a tenth switch coupled to the first interface port;

an eleventh switch coupled between the ninth switch and the sixth and seventh bandpass filters;

a twelfth switch coupled between the tenth switch and the sixth and seventh bandpass filters; and

a second switchable second direction parallel path coupled between the eleventh switch and the twelfth switch, comprising:

a second switchable second directional path comprising the sixth band-pass filter for passing the second selected second directional frequency band; and

a third switchable second directional path comprising the seventh band pass filter for passing the first selected second directional frequency band.

29. The repeater according to claim 28, the repeater further comprising:

a third switchable second direction parallel path coupled between the second interface port and the ninth switch, comprising:

a fourth switchable second directional path comprising an eighth band pass filter for passing the second selected second directional frequency band; and

a fifth switchable second directional path comprising a ninth bandpass filter for passing the first selected second directional frequency band.

30. The repeater of claim 29, the repeater further comprising:

a tenth bandpass filter coupled between the tenth switch and the first interface port, wherein the tenth bandpass filter is configured to pass the second selected second directional frequency band.

31. The repeater according to claim 19, wherein:

the first selected first directional band is a third generation partnership project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) frequency division duplex band 5 uplink; or

The second selected first directional band is a third generation partnership project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) frequency division duplex band 26 uplink.

32. The repeater according to claim 25, wherein:

the first direction is an uplink direction and the second direction is a downlink direction;

the first selected second directional band is a third generation partnership project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) frequency division duplex band 5 downlink; or

The second selected second directional frequency band is a third generation partnership project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) frequency division duplex band 26 downlink.

Background

The signal booster may be used to improve the quality of wireless communication between a wireless device and a wireless communication access point (e.g., a cellular tower). The signal booster may perform amplification, filtering, and/or other processing techniques on the uplink and downlink communicated between the wireless device and the wireless communication access point, thereby improving the quality of the wireless communication.

For example, the signal booster may receive a downlink signal from a wireless communication access point via an antenna. The signal booster may amplify the downlink signal and may then provide the amplified downlink signal to the wireless device. In other words, the signal booster may act as a relay between the wireless device and the wireless communication access point. Thus, the wireless device may receive a stronger signal from the wireless communication access point. Likewise, uplink signals (e.g., telephone calls and other data) from the wireless device may be directed to the signal booster. The signal booster may amplify the uplink signal prior to passing the uplink signal to the wireless communication access point via the antenna.

Drawings

The features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, the features of the disclosure; and wherein:

fig. 1 illustrates a signal booster in communication with a wireless device and a base station according to one example;

FIG. 2 illustrates a signal booster communicating with a relatively close base station and a relatively far base station, according to an example;

FIG. 3 illustrates a channelized cabinet (box) according to several examples;

FIG. 4 illustrates a repeater for increasing signal booster gain from a weak signal far node near a strong signal near node, according to an example;

FIG. 5 illustrates a repeater for increasing signal booster gain from a weak signal far node near a strong signal near node, according to an example;

FIG. 6 illustrates a repeater for increasing signal booster gain from a weak signal far node near a strong signal near node, according to an example;

FIG. 7 illustrates a handheld booster in communication with a wireless device according to one example;

FIG. 8 depicts a repeater for increasing signal booster gain from a weak signal far node near a strong signal near node, according to an example;

FIG. 9 depicts a repeater for increasing signal booster gain from a weak signal far node near a strong signal near node, according to an example; and

fig. 10 depicts a repeater for increasing signal booster gain from a weak signal far node near a strong signal near node, according to an example.

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended.

Detailed Description

Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various equivalents that may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. The numerals provided in the flowcharts and processes are provided for clarity of illustration of steps and operations and do not necessarily indicate a particular order or sequence.

Illustrative embodiments

An initial overview of technical embodiments will be provided below, and then specific technical embodiments will be described in more detail. The initial summary is intended to facilitate the reader's understanding of the technology more quickly, and is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the technology, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Fig. 1 shows an exemplary signal booster 120 in communication with a wireless device 110 and a base station 130. The signal booster 120 (also referred to as a cellular signal amplifier) may perform amplification, filtering, and/or other processing techniques on the uplink signals communicated from the wireless device 110 to the base station 130 and/or the downlink signals communicated from the base station 130 to the wireless device 110 via the signal amplifier 122, thereby improving wireless communication quality. In other words, the signal booster 120 may amplify or boost the uplink signal and/or the downlink signal bi-directionally. In one example, the signal booster 120 may be located at a fixed location, such as a home or office. Alternatively, the signal booster 120 may be attached to a moving object, such as a vehicle or the wireless device 110.

In one configuration, the signal booster 120 may include an integrated device antenna 124 (e.g., an internal antenna or coupled antenna) and an integrated node antenna 126 (e.g., an external antenna). The integrated node antenna 126 may receive downlink signals from the base station 130. The downlink signal may be provided to the signal amplifier 122 via a second coaxial cable 127 or other type of radio frequency connection operable to communicate radio frequency signals. The signal amplifier 122 may include one or more cellular signal amplifiers for amplification and filtering. The amplified and filtered downlink signal may be provided to the integrated device antenna 124 via a first coaxial cable 125 or other type of radio frequency connection operable to communicate radio frequency signals. The integrated device antenna 124 may wirelessly communicate the amplified and filtered downlink signal to the wireless device 110.

Likewise, integrated device antenna 124 may receive uplink signals from wireless device 110. The uplink signal may be provided to the signal amplifier 122 via the first coaxial cable 125 or other type of radio frequency connection over which a radio frequency signal may be transmitted. The signal amplifier 122 may include one or more cellular signal amplifiers for amplification and filtering. The amplified and filtered uplink signal may be provided to the integrated node antenna 126 via a second coaxial cable 127 or other type of radio frequency connection operable to transmit radio frequency signals. The integrated node antenna 126 may pass the amplified and filtered uplink signal to a node, such as the base station 130.

In one example, signal booster 120 may transmit uplink signals to a node and/or receive downlink signals from a node. Although fig. 1 shows the node as a base station 120, this is not meant to be limiting. The node may include a Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) Access Point (AP), a Base Station (BS), an evolved node b (enb), a baseband unit (BBU), a Remote Radio Head (RRH), a Remote Radio Equipment (RRE), a Relay Station (RS), a Radio Equipment (RE), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a Central Processing Module (CPM), or another type of WWAN access point.

In one configuration, the signal booster 120 for amplifying the uplink and/or downlink signals is a handheld booster. The handheld booster may be implemented in a sleeve (sleeve) of the wireless device 110. The wireless device sleeve may be attached to the wireless device 110, but may also be removed as needed. In this configuration, the signal booster 120 may automatically power down or stop amplifying when the wireless device 110 is near a particular base station. In other words, signal booster 120 may determine to cease performing signal amplification when the uplink and/or downlink signal quality is above a defined threshold based on the location of wireless device 110 relative to base station 130.

In one example, the signal booster 120 may include a battery for powering the different components (e.g., the signal amplifier 122, the integrated device antenna 124, and the integrated node antenna 126). The battery may also power the wireless device 110 (e.g., a phone or tablet). Alternatively, the signal booster 120 may receive power from the wireless device 110.

In one configuration, signal booster 120 may be a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) compliant consumer signal booster. As one non-limiting example, signal enhancer 120 may be compliant with FCC Part 20 or 47 federal regulations (c.f.r.) Part 20.21 (3 months and 21 days 2013). In addition, the signal booster 120 may operate on frequencies for providing subscriber-based services in accordance with Part 22(Cellular), 24(Broadband PCS), 27(AWS-1, 700MHz Lower A-E Blocks and 700MHz upper C Block), and 90(Specialized Mobile Radio) of 47C.F.R. The signal booster 120 may be configured to automatically monitor its operation itself to ensure compliance with applicable noise and gain limits. The signal booster 120 may perform an automatic correction or an automatic shutdown if its operation violates the regulations defined in FCC Part 20.21.

In one configuration, signal booster 120 may improve the wireless connection between wireless device 110 and base station 130 (e.g., a cell tower) or other type of Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) Access Point (AP). The signal booster 120 may boost signals for cellular standards such as third generation partnership project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) release 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13 standards or Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.16. In one configuration, the signal booster 120 may boost signals for 3GPP LTE release 13.0.0(2016 month 3) or other desired versions. The signal enhancer 120 may enhance signals from the LTE band or the band of the 3GPP technical specification 36.101 (published on 12/6/2015). For example, the signal booster 120 may boost signals from the following LTE bands: 2. 4, 5, 12, 13, 17 and 25. Further, the signal booster 120 may boost the selected frequency band based on the country or region in which the signal booster is used, including any of the frequency bands 1-70 or other frequency bands as disclosed in ETSITS 136104 V13.5.0 (2016-10).

The number of LTE bands and signal boost levels may vary based on the particular wireless device, cellular node, or location. Additional national and international frequencies may also be included to provide enhanced functionality. The model of the selected signal booster 120 may be configured to operate at the selected frequency band based on the location of use. In another example, the signal booster 120 may automatically sense from the wireless device 110 or the base station 130 (or GPS, etc.) which frequencies are used, which may be beneficial to international travelers.

Fig. 2 shows a wireless device 210 in communication with a signal booster 220. The signal booster may receive signals from multiple base stations, such as a relatively close base station 230 and a relatively far base station 240.

The signal booster 220 is generally used to enable one or more users of the wireless device 210 to communicate with a relatively distant base station 240. The distant base station may be used by the cellular signal provider of the user. However, another base station 230 provided by a different cellular signal provider and operating in the same frequency band may be located relatively close to the signal booster 220. At the signal booster 220, the Downlink (DL) signal from the relatively close base station 230 this time will have a much higher RSSI (lower BSCL) than the DL signal from the relatively far base station 240. RSSI or BSCL measurements made on the combined DL signal from the relatively close base station 230 and the relatively far base station 240 will significantly reduce the Uplink (UL) gain and/or noise power settings transmitted from the signal booster 220 for the user of the relatively far base station 240. If the RSSI of the DL signal from the neighboring base station 230 is high enough, it may result in setting the gain and/or noise power of the transmitted UL signal low enough to not accurately receive the UL signal at the relatively distant base station 240.

A signal booster, such as signal booster 220, typically provides UL signal amplification processing over a wide frequency spectrum associated with the UE or MS. For example, the signal booster may provide UL signal amplification processing over the entire 3GPP LTE frequency band. The broadband amplification process for a frequency band, rather than just a single signal, also results in amplification of all noise in that band. The amplification of the noise actually raises the noise floor of the receiver (e.g., base station). To mitigate the effects of increased noise floor, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a command in FCC Report and Order 13-21 to set threshold levels for uplink gain and noise level.

In FCC Report and Order 13-21, the noise power in dBm/MHz propagated by a consumer enhancer on its uplink and downlink ports must not exceed-103 dBm/MHz-RSSI. Where RSSI (received signal strength indication) is the downlink composite received signal power in dBm received on the booster donor port (donor port) for all base stations in the operating band. RSSI is expressed in negative dB units as opposed to 1 mW. (2) The maximum noise power in dBm/MHz that a consumer enhancer propagates on its uplink and downlink ports must not exceed the following limits: (i) the fixed booster maximum noise power must not exceed-102.5 dBm/MHz +20Log10 (frequency), which is the uplink mid-band frequency of the supported spectral band in MHz. (ii) The maximum noise power of the mobile booster must not exceed-59 dBm/MHz.

Also, FCC Report and Order 13-21 limits the uplink gain in dB for a consumer booster with reference to its input and output ports to not exceed-34 dB-RSSI + MSCL, where RSSI is the downlink composite received signal power in dBm at the booster donor port for all base stations in the operating band. RSSI is expressed in negative dB units as opposed to 1 mW. MSCL (mobile station coupling loss) is the minimum coupling loss in dB between the wireless device and the input port of the consumer enhancer. The MSCL is calculated or measured for each operating band and provided in a compliance test report.

According to one embodiment, a signal booster may be configured to perform channelization processing on a DL signal received at the signal booster in a selected frequency band. Channelization, as used herein, may include filtering a selected frequency band to pass portions of the frequency band or to block portions of the frequency band, thereby reducing the RSSI (or increasing the BSCL) of one or more DL signals that may result in undesirably reducing the UL gain and/or noise power of an uplink signal for a user of the signal booster. An unintended reduction of the UL gain and/or noise power is a reduction of the UL gain and/or noise power of the UL signal transmitted by the signal booster for the user, wherein such reduction of the UL gain and/or noise power can be used to protect the network (i.e. the base station) when no additional protection is actually needed. As an example, DL signals received from neighboring BSs may result in a relatively high RSSI. However, the booster may boost the UL signal so as to transmit it to a BS at a distant distance as opposed to a neighbor BS. If the signals from the neighbor BSs are removed or significantly attenuated, this may result in an unintended reduction in UL gain, while the long-range BSs are not actually protected since transmissions to the long-range BSs may be performed using higher power UL gain while complying with FCC parameters.

Although the FCC requirement is used as an example, it is not intended to be limiting. Other government or industry standards may also specify limits or recommendations for the UL signal gain of the signal booster. By more accurately measuring the DL signal, the UL signal gain can be maximized with respect to government or industry restrictions or recommendations.

In one configuration, the repeater 220 may improve the wireless connection between the wireless device 210 and a base station 230 (e.g., a cell tower) or other type of Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) Access Point (AP) by amplifying the desired signal versus a noise floor. The repeater 220 may enhance signals for cellular standards such as third generation partnership project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) release 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, or 16 standards or Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.16. In one configuration, the repeater 220 may enhance signals for release 16.2.0 of 3GPP LTE (7 months 2019) or other desired versions.

Repeater 220 may enhance signals from 3GPP Technical Specification (TS)36.101 (release 16, 6 months 2019) band or LTE band. For example, repeater 220 may enhance signals from the following LTE bands: 2. 4, 5, 12, 13, 17, 25 and 26. Further, the repeater 220 may enhance the selected frequency band based on the country or region in which the repeater is used, including any of the frequency bands 1-85 or other frequency bands as disclosed in 3GPP TS 36.104 V16.2.0 (7 months 2019) and described in table 1:

table 1:

in another configuration, repeater 220 may enhance signals from 3GPP Technical Specification (TS)38.104 (release 16, 7 months 2017) band or 5G band. Further, the repeater 220 may enhance the selected frequency band based on the country or region in which the repeater is used, including any of the following bands as disclosed in 3GPP TS 38.104 V16.0.0 (7 months 2019) and described in tables 2 and 3: frequency bands n1-n86 in frequency range 1(FR1), n257-n261 in frequency range 2(FR2), or other frequency bands.

Table 2:

table 3:

by channelizing the DL and UL signals in a selected frequency band at the signal booster, interference from other DL signals originating from the same base station or a different base station can be reduced, thereby enabling the UL signal transmitted from the signal booster for a selected user to have increased gain and increasing the communicable range of the selected user. Furthermore, by channelizing the UL signal, it may allow filtering processes to be performed that reduce the noise power delivered to the base station, and may allow the signal booster to meet specification requirements. The filtering process of the UL signal may generally occur at equivalent locations as the filtering process in the DL signal. For example, in an FDD frequency band (e.g., 3GPP LTE band 5), if signals in these frequencies are attenuated by performing filtering on the bottom 15MHz in the DL spectrum for 3GPP LTE band 5, then filtering can also be performed in a similar manner on the bottom 15MHz in the UL spectrum for 3GPP LTE band 5. By filtering the UL signal, the noise floor can be effectively reduced, thereby enabling a base station (e.g., a 3GPP LTE eNodeB) to receive the UL signal with a lower noise floor.

Fig. 3 provides one example of a channelizing apparatus 300 for increasing the gain of a signal booster on a signal booster. The channelizing apparatus 300 includes: a first diplexer 302 configured to couple to a first interface port and a second diplexer 304 configured to couple to a second interface port. In one embodiment, the first interface port may be an external antenna and the second interface port may be an internal antenna. The channelizing device 300 may include a radio frequency connection that enables the channelizing device 300 to be connected to first and/or second interface ports or other components (e.g., signal boosters).

The channelizing device 300 may further include a controller 303. The channelizing device 300 may further include a channelizing filter 306. In the example shown in fig. 3, the channelizing filter 306 includes a first channelizing duplexer 308 and a second channelizing duplexer 310. Switches 312, 314 may be used to create a bypass path that bypasses the channelization filter 306, thereby allowing either uplink signals or downlink signals to bypass the channelization filter 306.

Fig. 4 shows an example of a repeater 400 for increasing the signal booster gain from a weak signal far node near a strong signal near node. The internal antenna 402 may be coupled to a first interface port 404. The first interface port 404 may be coupled to a first duplexer 406. An external antenna 408 may be coupled to the second interface port 410. The second interface port 410 may be coupled to a second duplexer 412.

The first duplexer 406 may transmit signals in a first direction. The first direction may be an uplink direction or a downlink direction. The first direction may include a first Low Noise Amplifier (LNA)414 that may be coupled to the first duplexer 406. The first LNA 414 may be coupled to a variable attenuator 416. The variable attenuator 416 may be coupled to a band pass filter 418 that passes a selected band of frequencies in a first direction. The band pass filter 418 may be a third generation partnership project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) band 5 uplink band pass filter (B5 UL BPF). The band pass filter 418 may be coupled to an amplifier 420.

The amplifier 420 may be coupled to a splitter 422. The splitter 422 may be a directional coupler or combiner or may be a multi-port splitter (e.g., 3-way or 4-way). The splitter may also be a hybrid coupler, such as a 90-degree hybrid coupler or a 180-degree hybrid coupler. Other types of hybrid couplers may also be used. Splitter 422 may split the first direction into two paths: a first channelized switchable first direction parallel path 424 and a first switchable first direction parallel path 426. The first channelized switchable first direction parallel path 424 may include a first channelized first direction band pass filter 428 for a first subset of the selected frequency bands. The selected band may be 3GPP LTE FDD band 5 (uplink). The first subset of the selected frequency band may be channel B in band 5 (uplink) 3GPP LTE FDD. The selected frequency band may also be one or more of 3GPP LTE bands 1 to 76 (uplink) and 85 (uplink).

The first channelized switchable first direction parallel path 424 may further include a variable attenuator 430. The variable attenuator 430 may be coupled between the splitter 422 and the first channelized first direction bandpass filter 428.

The first switchable first direction parallel path 426 may include: a switchable first direction path 432 and a second channelized switchable first direction parallel path 434. The switchable first direction path 432 may include a first band pass filter 436 for passing a selected frequency band. The selected band may be 3GPP LTE FDD band 5 (uplink). The second channelized switchable first direction parallel path 434 may include a second channelized first direction band pass filter 438 for a second subset of the selected frequency bands. The second subset of the selected frequency band may be channel a in 3GPP LTE FDD band 5 (uplink).

The second channelized switchable first direction parallel path 426 may further include a variable attenuator 440. The variable attenuator 440 may be coupled between the splitter 422 and the second channelized first direction bandpass filter 438 and the first bandpass filter 436.

The second splitter 442 may be coupled between the second interface port 410 and the first bandpass filter 436, the second channelized first direction bandpass filter 438, and the first channelized first direction bandpass filter 428. The second splitter 442 may be coupled to an additional bandpass filter 444 configured to pass a first direction of the selected frequency band. The selected band may be 3GPP LTE FDD band 5 (uplink). The additional band pass filter 444 may be coupled to a Radio Frequency (RF) detector 446 coupled to a Power Amplifier (PA) 448. The power amplifier 448 may be coupled to a second duplexer 412, and the second duplexer 412 may be coupled to a second interface port 410.

The repeater 400 may further comprise a first switch 450 for the first switchable first direction parallel path 426. The first switch 450 may be coupled between the second splitter 442 and the first bandpass filter 436 and the second channelized first direction bandpass filter 438. The repeater 400 may further include a second switch 452 that may switch the first direction parallel path 424 for the first channelization. The second switch 452 may be coupled between the second splitter 442 and the first channelized first direction bandpass filter 428.

The repeater 400 may further include a third switch 454. The third switch 454 may be coupled between the first splitter 422 and the first and second channelized first direction bandpass filters 436, 438. The repeater 400 may further include a fourth switch 456. The fourth switch 456 may be coupled between the first bandpass filter 436 and the second channelized first direction bandpass filter 438 and the first switch 450.

The second duplexer 412 may transmit signals in a second direction. The second direction may be an uplink direction or a downlink direction. The second direction may include a low noise amplifier 458 coupled to a band pass filter 460. The band pass filter 460 may pass a second direction of the selected frequency band. The selected band may be 3GPP LTE band 5 (downlink). The selected frequency band may also be one or more of 3GPP LTE bands 1 to 76 (downlink) and 85 (downlink). The band pass filter 460 may be coupled to an amplifier 462, and the amplifier 462 may be coupled to a variable attenuator 464 and an additional band pass filter 466. The additional band pass filter 466 may pass a second direction of the selected frequency band and may be coupled to a first second direction splitter 468.

The first second directional splitter 468 can be a directional coupler or combiner and can be a multi-port splitter (e.g., 3-way or 4-way). The splitter 468 can split the second direction into two paths: a first channelized switchable second direction parallel path 470 and a first switchable second direction parallel path 472. The first channelized switchable second direction parallel path 470 may be coupled to a first one of the second direction splitters 468 and the first channelized switchable second direction parallel path 470 may include a first channelized second direction filter 474 for a first subset of the selected frequency bands. The selected frequency band may be 3GPP LTE FDD band 5 (downlink). The first subset of the selected frequency band may be channel B in 3GPP LTEFDD band 5 (downlink).

The first channelized switchable second direction parallel path 470 may further include a variable attenuator 476. The variable attenuator 476 may be coupled between the first second directional splitter 468 and the first channelized second directional bandpass filter 474.

The first switchable second direction parallel path 472 may include: a switchable second direction path 478 and a second channelized switchable second direction parallel path 480. The switchable second direction path 478 may include a second band pass filter 482 for passing a selected frequency band. The selected frequency band may be 3GPP LTE FDD band 5 (downlink). The second channelized switchable second direction parallel path 480 may include a second channelized second direction bandpass filter 484 for a second subset of the selected frequency bands. The second subset of the selected frequency band may be channel a in 3GPP LTE FDD band 5 (downlink).

The first switchable second direction parallel path 472 may further include a variable attenuator 477. The variable attenuator 477 may be coupled to the first and second directional splitters 468, the second bandpass filter 482, and

and between the second channelized second direction bandpass filters 484.

A second directional splitter 486 may be coupled between the first interface port 404 and the first channelized second directional bandpass filter 474, the second bandpass filter 482 and the second channelized second directional bandpass filter 484. The second direction splitter 486 can be coupled to an additional bandpass filter 488 configured to pass the second direction of the selected frequency band. The selected frequency band may be 3GPP LTE FDD band 5 (downlink). The additional band pass filter 488 may be coupled to an RF detector 490, which RF detector 490 may be coupled to a power amplifier 492. The power amplifier 492 may be coupled to a first duplexer 406, and the first duplexer 406 may be coupled to the first interface port 404.

The repeater 400 may further include a first second direction switch 494 for the first switchable second direction parallel path 472. The first second direction switch 494 can be coupled between the second direction splitter 486 and the second bandpass filter 482 and the second channelized second direction bandpass filter 484. The repeater 400 may further include a second direction switch 496 for switching the second direction parallel path 470 for the first channelization. The second direction switch 496 may be coupled between a second direction splitter 486 and the first channelized second direction bandpass filter 474.

The repeater 400 may further include a third second direction switch 498. A third second direction switch 498 may be coupled between the first second direction splitter 468 and the second bandpass filter 482 and the second channelized second direction bandpass filter 484. The repeater 400 may further include a fourth second direction switch 499. The fourth second direction switch 499 may be coupled between the second bandpass filter 482 and the second channelized second direction bandpass filter 484 and the first second direction switch 494.

Repeater 400 may operate in a wideband mode or a parallel channelization mode. The broadband mode may be used by disabling the channel B path (i.e., the path with B5 UL ChB BPF and B5DL ChB BPF) and switching to the broadband BPF (i.e., B5 UL BPF and B5DL BPF). The Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) of channel a and channel B can be separately identified by disabling the unwanted channels during signal detection. Alternatively, a separate detector may be used on each signal path. If any of enablers 1 to 4 is disabled, the switch in repeater 400 may be a method for maintaining impedance matching with the splitter.

Fig. 5 shows an example of a repeater 500 for increasing the signal booster gain from a weak signal far node near a strong signal near node. The internal antenna 502 may be coupled to a first interface port 504. The first interface port 504 may be coupled to a first duplexer 506. An external antenna 508 may be coupled to the second interface port 510. The second interface port 510 may be coupled to a second duplexer 512.

The first duplexer 506 may transmit a signal in a first direction. The first direction may be an uplink direction or a downlink direction. The first direction may include a first Low Noise Amplifier (LNA)514a that may be coupled to the first duplexer 506. The first LNA 514a may be coupled to the variable attenuator 516 a. The variable attenuator 516a may be coupled to a switch 518 a. The switch 518a may direct signals to switchable first direction parallel paths including a switchable first direction path 520a and a switchable first direction path 522 a. The switchable first direction path 520a may include a band pass filter 524a for passing a first selected first direction frequency band. The bandpass filter 524a may be a third generation partnership project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) band 5 uplink bandpass filter (B5 UL). The switchable first direction path 522a may include a band pass filter 526a for passing a second selected first direction frequency band. The bandpass filter 526a may be a 3GPP LTE FDD band 26 uplink bandpass filter (B26 UL). Bandpass filter 524a and bandpass filter 526a may be coupled to switch 528 a. The switch 528a may be coupled to an amplifier 530 a. The amplifier 530a may be coupled to a variable attenuator 532 a.

The variable attenuator 532a may be coupled to a switch 534 a. Switch 534a may be coupled to another switch 536a and to a shunt 538 a. The switch 536a may direct signals to switchable first direction parallel paths including a switchable first direction path 540a and a switchable first direction path 542 a. The switchable first direction path 540a may comprise a band pass filter 544a for passing a first selected first direction frequency band. The band pass filter 544a may be a 3GPP LTE FDD band 5 uplink band pass filter (B5 UL). The switchable first direction path 542a may include a band pass filter 546a for passing a second selected first direction frequency band. The bandpass filter 546a may be a 3GPP LTEFDD band 26 uplink bandpass filter (B26 UL). Bandpass filter 544a and bandpass filter 546a may be coupled to switch 548 a. The switch 548a may be coupled to another switch 550 a.

Splitter 538a may be a directional coupler or combiner and may be a multi-port splitter (e.g., 3-way or 4-way). The splitter 538a may split the first direction into two paths: channelized switchable first direction parallel path 552a and switchable first direction parallel path 554 a. The channelized switchable first direction parallel path 552a may include a channelized first direction bandpass filter 556a for a first subset of the first selected first direction frequency bands. The band pass filter 556a may be the uplink band pass filter for channel B in band 5 of 3GPP LTE FDD (5B UL). The selected first direction band may be 3GPP LTE FDD band 5 (uplink). The first subset in the selected first directional band may be channel B in band 5 (uplink) 3GPPLTE FDD. The band pass filter 556a may be coupled to a power detector 558a, and the power detector 558a may be coupled to a variable attenuator 560 a. The variable attenuator 560a may be coupled to a combiner 562 a. The combiner 562a may be coupled to a switch 550 a.

The switchable first direction parallel path 554a may include a switch 555a, and may further include a channelized switchable first direction parallel path 564a and a switchable first direction path 566 a. The channelized switchable first direction parallel path 564a may include a channelized first direction band pass filter 568a for a second subset of the first selected first direction frequency band. The bandpass filter 568a may be the uplink bandpass filter for channel a in band 5 of 3GPP LTE FDD (5A UL). The first selected first direction band may be 3GPP LTE FDD band 5 (uplink). The second subset of the first selected first direction band may be channel a in 3GPP LTE FDD band 5 (uplink). The switchable first direction path 566a may include a filter 570a for passing a second subset of the first selected first direction frequency band and a first subset of the second selected first direction frequency band. The filter 570a may be a 3GPP LTE FDD band 5A +26 uplink bandpass filter (5A +26 UL). The first selected first direction band may be 3GPP LTE FDD band 5 (uplink). The second subset of the first selected first direction band may be channel a in 3GPP LTE FDD band 5 (uplink). The second selected first direction frequency band may be the 3GPP LTE FDD frequency band 26 (uplink). The first subset of the second selected first direction bands may be channel deltas (channels deltas) in the 3GPP LTE FDD band 26 (uplink). 3GPP LTE FDD band 5 (uplink) may include frequencies 824 megahertz (MHz) to 849 MHz. Channel a (uplink) in band 5 of 3GPP LTE FDD may include frequencies of 824MHz to 835 MHz. Channel B (uplink) in band 5 of 3GPPLTE FDD may include frequencies from 835MHz to 845 MHz. 3GPP LTE FDD band 26 (uplink) may include frequencies from 814MHz to 849 MHz. The channel increment for band 26 (uplink) of 3GPP LTE FDD may include frequencies of 814MHz to 824 MHz.

Bandpass filter 568a and filter 570a may be coupled to switch 572 a. Switch 572a may be coupled to a power detector 574a, which may in turn be coupled to a variable attenuator 576 a. The variable attenuator 576a may be coupled to a combiner 562 a. The combiner 562a may be coupled to a switch 550 a.

The switch 550a may be coupled to an amplifier 578a, which amplifier 578a may be coupled to a variable attenuator 580 a. The variable attenuator 580a may be coupled to a first directional bandpass filter 582 a. The first direction bandpass filter 582a may be a 3GPP LTE FDD band 26 uplink bandpass filter (B26 UL). The first direction bandpass filter 582a may be coupled to a power detector 584 a. The power detector 584a may be coupled to a power amplifier 586 a. The power amplifier 586a may be coupled to the second duplexer 512.

The second duplexer 512 may transmit signals in a second direction. The second direction may be an uplink direction or a downlink direction. The second direction may include a Low Noise Amplifier (LNA)514b that may be coupled with the second duplexer 512. The LNA 514b may be coupled to a variable attenuator 516 b. The variable attenuator 516b may be coupled to a switch 518 b. The switch 518b may direct signals to switchable second direction parallel paths including a switchable second direction path 520b and a switchable second direction path 522 b. The switchable second directional path 520b may include a band pass filter 524b for passing the first selected second directional frequency band. The bandpass filter 524B may be a downlink bandpass filter (B5DL) for third generation partnership project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) band 5. The switchable second direction path 522b may comprise a band pass filter 526b for passing a second selected second direction frequency band. The bandpass filter 526B may be a 3GPP LTE FDD band 26 downlink bandpass filter (B26 DL). Bandpass filter 524b and bandpass filter 526b may be coupled to switch 528 b. Switch 528b may be coupled to amplifier 530 b. The amplifier 530b may then be coupled to a variable attenuator 532 b.

Variable attenuator 532b may be coupled to switch 534 b. Switch 534b can be coupled to another switch 536b and to a shunt 538 b. The switch 536b may direct the signal to a switchable second direction parallel path including a switchable second direction path 540b and a switchable second direction path 542 b. The switchable second direction path 540b may comprise a band pass filter 544b for passing the first selected second direction frequency band. The band pass filter 544B may be a 3GPP LTE FDD band 5 downlink band pass filter (B5 DL). The switchable second direction path 542b may comprise a band pass filter 546b for passing a second selected second direction frequency band. The bandpass filter 546B may be a 3GPPLTE FDD band 26 downlink bandpass filter (B26 DL). Bandpass filter 544b and bandpass filter 546b may be coupled to switch 548 b. The switch 548b may be coupled to another switch 550 b.

Splitter 538b may be a directional coupler or combiner and may be a multi-port splitter (e.g., 3-way or 4-way). The splitter 538b may split the second direction into two paths: channelized switchable second direction parallel path 552b and switchable second direction parallel path 554 b. The channelized switchable second direction parallel path 552b may include a channelized second direction band pass filter 556b for a first subset of the first selected second direction frequency band. The bandpass filter 556B may be the downlink bandpass filter for channel B (5B DL) in band 5 of 3GPP LTE FDD. The selected second directional band may be 3GPP LTE FDD band 5 (downlink). The first subset in the selected second directional band may be channel B in 3GPP LTE FDD band 5 (downlink). The band pass filter 556b may be coupled to a power detector 558b, and the power detector 558b may be coupled to a variable attenuator 560 b. Variable attenuator 560b may be coupled to combiner 562 b. Combiner 562b can be coupled to switch 550 b.

The switchable second direction parallel path 554b may include a switch 555b, and may further include a channelized switchable second direction parallel path 564b and a switchable second direction path 566 b. The channelized switchable second direction parallel path 564b may include a channelized second direction band-pass filter 568b for a second subset of the first selected second direction frequency band. The bandpass filter 568b may be the downlink bandpass filter for channel a in band 5 of 3GPP LTE FDD (5A DL). The first selected second directional band may be 3GPP LTE FDD band 5 (downlink). The second subset of the first selected second directional frequency band may be channel a of 3GPP LTE FDD band 5 (downlink). The switchable second directional path 566b may include a filter 570b for passing a second subset of the first selected second directional frequency band and a first subset of the second selected second directional frequency band. The filter 570b may be a 3GPP LTE FDD band 5A +26 downlink bandpass filter (5A +26 DL). The first selected second directional frequency band may be 3GPP LTE FDD band 5 (downlink). The second subset of the first selected second directional band may be channel a in 3GPP LTE FDD band 5 (downlink). The second selected second directional frequency band may be the 3GPP LTE FDD frequency band 26 (downlink). The first subset of the second selected second directional frequency band may be the channel increment of the 3GPP LTE FDD frequency band 26 (downlink). 3GPP LTE FDD band 5 (downlink) may include frequencies of 869MHz to 894 MHz. 3GPP LTE FDD band 5 channel a (downlink) may include frequencies of 869MHz to 880 MHz. Channel B (downlink) in band 5 of 3GPP LTE FDD may include frequencies of 880MHz to 890 MHz. The 3GPP LTE FDD band 26 (downlink) may include frequencies of 859MHz to 894 MHz. The channel increment for the 3GPPLTE FDD band 26 (downlink) may include frequencies of 859MHz to 869 MHz.

Bandpass filter 568b and filter 570b can be coupled to switch 572 b. Switch 572b may be coupled to a power detector 574b, which may in turn be coupled to a variable attenuator 576 b. The variable attenuator 576b may be coupled to the combiner 562 b. The combiner 562b may be coupled to a switch 550 b.

Switch 550b may be coupled to amplifier 578b, and amplifier 578b may be coupled to variable attenuator 580 b. The variable attenuator 580b may be coupled to a second directional bandpass filter 582 b. The second directional bandpass filter 582B may be a 3GPPLTE FDD band 26 downlink bandpass filter (B26 DL). Second direction bandpass filter 582b may be coupled to power detector 584 b. Power detector 584b may be coupled to power amplifier 586 b. Power amplifier 586b may be coupled to first duplexer 506.

Repeater 500 may be configured for B26 and either a full B5 mode (in which UL filter banks a and B may operate, as an example) or a parallel channelization mode (in which UL filter bank C may operate, as an example). The RSSI of channel a of band 5 and channel B of band 5 can be identified with separate detectors. The RSSI of band 26 and band 5 can be separately identified by switching filter banks a and B to the desired filter.

Fig. 6 shows an example of a repeater 600 for increasing the signal booster gain from a weak signal far node near a strong signal near node. An external antenna 602 may be coupled to the first interface port 604. The first interface port 604 may be coupled to a first multiplexer 606. The internal antenna 608 may be coupled to a second interface port 610. The second interface port 610 may be coupled to a second multiplexer 612.

The first multiplexer 606 may pass signals in a first direction. The first direction may be a downlink direction or an uplink direction. The first direction may include a first low noise amplifier 614 that may be coupled to the first multiplexer 606. The first low noise amplifier 614 may be coupled to a dual bandpass filter 616, and the dual bandpass filter 616 may pass a selected dual band in a first direction. The dual bandpass filter 616 may be coupled to an amplifier 618. The amplifier 618 may be coupled to a variable attenuator 620. Variable attenuator 620 may be coupled to an additional dual bandpass filter 622.

An additional dual bandpass filter 622 may be coupled to a splitter 624. The splitter 624 may be a directional coupler or combiner, and may be a multi-port splitter (e.g., 3-way or 4-way). The splitter 624 may split the first direction into two paths: a first band-specific switchable first direction parallel path 626 and a first switchable first direction parallel path 628. The first band-specific switchable first direction parallel path 626 may include: a first directional bandpass filter 630 for selecting a first one of the dual bands. The selected dual bands may be third generation partnership project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) bands 12 and 13 (downlink). The first of the dual bands may be the 3GPP LTE FDD band 12 (downlink) or 13 (downlink).

The first band-specific switchable first direction parallel path 626 may further comprise a variable attenuator 632. The variable attenuator 632 may be coupled between the splitter 624 and the first direction bandpass filter 630.

The first switchable first direction parallel path 628 may include: a dual band switchable first direction path 634 and a second band-specific switchable first direction parallel path 636. The dual band switchable first direction path 634 may include a second first direction bandpass filter 638 for passing the selected dual band. The selected dual bands may be 3GPPLTE FDD bands 12 (downlink) and 13 (downlink). The second band-specific switchable first-direction parallel path 636 may include a third first-direction band-pass filter 640 for a second band of the selected dual bands. The second frequency band of the selected dual band may be either 3GPP LTE FDD band 12 (downlink) or 13 (downlink).

The first switchable first direction parallel path 628 may further include a variable attenuator 642. The variable attenuator 642 may be coupled between the splitter 624 and the second first direction bandpass filter 638 and the third first direction bandpass filter 640.

A second splitter 644 may be coupled between the second interface port 610 and the first direction bandpass filter 630, the second first direction bandpass filter 638, and the third first direction bandpass filter 640. The second splitter 644 may be coupled to an additional dual bandpass filter 646 configured to pass the selected dual band. The selected dual bands may be 3GPP LTE FDD bands 12 and 13 (downlink). The additional dual bandpass filter 646 may be coupled to a Radio Frequency (RF) detector 648, which may be coupled to a power amplifier 650. The power amplifier 650 may be coupled to a second multiplexer 612, and the second multiplexer 612 may be coupled to a second interface port 610.

The repeater 600 may further include a first switch 652 for the first switchable first direction parallel path 628. The first switch 652 may be coupled between the second splitter 644 and the second first direction bandpass filter 638 and the third first direction bandpass filter 640. The repeater 600 may further comprise a second switch 654 for the first band-specific switchable first direction parallel path 626. The second switch 654 may be coupled between the second splitter 644 and the first direction bandpass filter 630.

The repeater 600 may further include a third switch 656. The third switch 656 may be coupled between the first splitter 624 and the second first direction bandpass filter 638 and the third first direction bandpass filter 640. The repeater 600 may further include a fourth switch 656. The fourth switch 658 may be coupled between the second first direction bandpass filter 638 and the third first direction bandpass filter 640 and the first switch 652.

The second multiplexer 612 may pass signals in a second direction. The second direction may be an uplink direction or a downlink direction. The second direction may include a low noise amplifier 660 that may be coupled to a variable attenuator 661. The variable attenuator 661 may be coupled to a first second directional bandpass filter 662. The first second direction bandpass filter 662 may pass a first selected frequency band of the second direction signal. The first selected frequency band may be 3GPP LTEFDD band 12 (uplink) or 13 (uplink). The selected frequency band may also be one or more of 3GPP LTE FDD bands 1 through 76 (uplink) and 85 (uplink). The first second directional bandpass filter 662 may be coupled to an amplifier 663, and the amplifier 663 may be coupled to the variable attenuator 664. The variable attenuator 664 may be coupled to a first second direction switch 665.

The first second direction switch 665 may direct the second direction to two paths: a first channelized switchable second direction parallel path 666 and a first switchable second direction parallel path 667. The first channelized switchable second direction parallel path 666 may be coupled to a first one of the second direction switches 665i, and the first channelized switchable second direction parallel path 666 may include a first channelized second direction filter 668 for a first subset of the selected frequency bands. The selected frequency band may be 3GPP LTE FDD band 12 (uplink) or 13 (uplink). The first switchable second direction parallel path 667 coupled to the first second direction switch 665 may comprise a second direction bandpass filter 669 for the first selected frequency band. The selected frequency band may be 3GPP LTE FDD band 12 (uplink) or 13 (uplink).

The repeater 600 may further include an additional second direction switch 670. The additional second direction switch 670 may be coupled between the first channelized second direction filter 668 and the second direction band pass filter 669 and the additional amplifier 671.

The additional amplifier 671 may be coupled to an additional band pass filter 672 for the first selected frequency band. The first selected frequency band may be 3GPP LTE FDD band 12 (uplink) or 13 (uplink). The additional band pass filter 672 may be coupled to a Radio Frequency (RF) detector 673 that may be coupled to the power amplifier 674. The power amplifier 674 may be coupled to a first multiplexer 606, which may be coupled with the first interface port 604.

The second multiplexer 612 may pass the additional signals in the second direction. The second direction may be an uplink direction or a downlink direction. The second direction may include a low noise amplifier 680 that may be coupled to a variable attenuator 681. The variable attenuator 681 may be coupled to a third second directional bandpass filter 682. The third second directional bandpass filter 682 passes a second selected frequency band of the second directional signal. The second selected frequency band may be 3GPP LTEFDD band 12 (uplink) or 13 (uplink). The selected frequency band may also be one or more of 3GPP LTE FDD bands 1 through 76 (uplink) and 85 (uplink). The third second directional bandpass filter 682 may be coupled to an additional amplifier 683, which may be coupled to a variable attenuator 684. The variable attenuator 684 may be coupled to a second direction switch 685.

The second direction switch 685 may direct the second direction to two paths: a second channelized switchable second direction parallel path 686 and a second switchable second direction parallel path 687. The second channelized switchable second direction parallel path 686 may be coupled with a second direction switch 685, and the second channelized switchable second direction parallel path 686 may include a second channelized second direction filter 688 for a second subset of the second selected frequency band. The second selected frequency band may be 3GPP LTE FDD band 12 (uplink) or 13 (uplink). The second switchable second direction parallel path 687 may be coupled to a second direction switch 685, and the second direction switch 685 may include a fourth second direction bandpass filter 689 for a second selected frequency band. The selected frequency band may be 3GPP LTE FDD band 12 (uplink) or 13 (uplink).

The repeater 600 may further include an additional second direction switch 690. The additional second direction switch 690 may be coupled between the second channelized second direction filter 688 and the fourth second direction band pass filter 689 and the additional amplifier 691.

The additional amplifier 691 may be coupled to an additional band pass filter 692 for the second selected frequency band. The second selected frequency band may be a 3GPP LTE FDD band 12 uplink or a 13 uplink. The additional band pass filter 692 may be coupled to a Radio Frequency (RF) detector 693, which may be coupled to a power amplifier 694. The power amplifier 694 may be coupled to a first multiplexer 606, which may be coupled to the first interface port 604.

Repeater 600 may operate in a wideband mode or a parallel channelization mode (where band 12 and band 13 may be adjusted separately). For wideband mode, the filters may be switched to wideband BPFs for UL and DL (i.e., B12 UL BPF, B13 UL BPF, and B12/13DL BPF), and the downlink channelization filters may be disabled (i.e., B13 DL chan BPF). By disabling unintended channels during signal detection, the RSSI of band 12 and band 13 can be separately identified. Alternatively, a separate detector may be used on each signal path. If any of enablers 1 to 4 is disabled, the switch in repeater 600 may be a method for maintaining impedance matching with the splitter. Another method includes operating B12/13 entirely as the uplink and switching the downlink between B12 or B13 BPF, which keeps the passband full but blocks other bands.

Although the various embodiments described herein and shown in fig. 1-6 are described with respect to a cellular signal amplifier having an external antenna and an internal antenna, this is not meant to be limiting. As shown in fig. 7, a repeater for increasing the signal booster gain from a weak signal far node in the vicinity of a strong signal near node may also be implemented using a handheld booster. The handheld booster may include an integrated device antenna and an integrated node antenna, which are typically used in place of an indoor antenna and an outdoor antenna, respectively.

As shown in the flow chart of fig. 8, another example provides an apparatus 800 of a repeater for increasing a signal booster gain from a weak signal far node near a strong signal near node. As shown in block 810, the apparatus includes a first interface port. As shown in block 820, the apparatus further includes a second interface port. As shown in block 830, the apparatus further includes a first splitter coupled to the first interface port. As shown in block 840, the apparatus further includes a first channelized switchable first direction parallel path coupled with the first splitter, wherein the first channelized switchable first direction parallel path includes a first channelized first direction bandpass filter for a first subset of the selected first direction frequency bands. As shown in block 850, the apparatus further includes a first switchable first direction parallel path coupled to the first splitter, wherein the first switchable first direction parallel path includes: a switchable first direction path including a first band pass filter for passing a selected first direction frequency band; a second channelized switchable first direction parallel path including a second channelized first direction band pass filter for a second subset of the selected first direction frequency bands.

As shown in the flow chart of fig. 9, another example provides an apparatus 900 of a repeater for increasing a signal booster gain from a weak signal far node near a strong signal near node. As shown in block 910, the apparatus includes a first interface port. As shown in block 920, the apparatus further includes a second interface port. The apparatus further includes a first direction dual band pass filter coupled to the first interface port, the first direction dual band pass filter including a first direction filter configured to filter a selected dual band of the first direction signal, as shown in block 930. As shown in block 940, the apparatus further includes a first splitter coupled to the first directional dual bandpass filter. As shown in block 950, the apparatus further includes a first band-specific switchable first-direction parallel path coupled to the first splitter, the first band-specific switchable first-direction parallel path including a first-direction bandpass filter for a first frequency band of the selected dual frequency bands. As shown in block 960, the apparatus further includes a first switchable first direction parallel path coupled to the first splitter, the first switchable first direction parallel path including: a dual-band switchable first-direction path including a second first-direction band-pass filter for the selected dual-band; and a second band-specific switchable first-direction parallel path including a third first-direction band-pass filter for a second band of the selected dual bands.

Another example provides an apparatus 1000 of a repeater for increasing signal booster gain from a weak signal far node near a strong signal near node, as shown in the flow chart of fig. 10. As shown in block 1010, the apparatus includes a first interface port. The apparatus further includes a second interface port, as shown in block 1020. As shown in block 1030, the apparatus further includes a first splitter coupled to the first interface port. As shown in block 1040, the apparatus further includes a first channelized switchable first direction parallel path coupled to the first splitter, the first channelized switchable first direction parallel path including a first channelized first direction bandpass filter for a first subset of the first selected first direction frequency band. As shown in block 1050, the apparatus further includes a first switchable first direction parallel path coupled to the first splitter, the first switchable first direction parallel path including: a second channelized switchable first direction parallel path including a second channelized first direction band pass filter for a second subset of the first selected first direction band, and a first switchable first direction path including a first filter for passing the second subset of the first selected first direction band and a first subset of the second selected first direction band.

Examples of the invention

The following examples relate to specific technology embodiments and indicate specific features, elements or operations that may be used or otherwise combined in implementing the embodiments.

Example 1 includes a repeater to increase a signal booster gain from a weak signal far node in a vicinity of a strong signal near node, the repeater comprising: a first interface port; a second interface port; a first splitter coupled to the first interface port; a first channelized switchable first direction parallel path coupled to the first splitter, the first channelized switchable first direction parallel path including a first channelized first direction bandpass filter for a first subset of the selected first direction frequency bands; and a first switchable first direction parallel path coupled with the first splitter, the first switchable first direction parallel path comprising: a switchable first direction path including a first band pass filter for passing a selected first direction frequency band; and a second channelized switchable first direction parallel path including a second channelized first direction bandpass filter for a second subset of the selected first direction frequency bands.

Example 2 includes the repeater of example 1, further comprising: a second splitter coupled between: the second interface port is coupled to the first bandpass filter, the second channelized first direction bandpass filter, and the first channelized first direction bandpass filter.

Example 3 includes the repeater of example 2, further comprising: a first switch for a first switchable first direction parallel path, wherein the first switch is coupled between: a second splitter; and a first bandpass filter and a second channelized first direction bandpass filter; a second switch switchable a first direction parallel path for a first channelization, wherein the second switch is coupled between: a second splitter; and a first channelized first direction bandpass filter.

Example 4 includes the repeater of example 3, the repeater further comprising: a third switch coupled between the first splitter and the first and second channelized first direction bandpass filters; a fourth switch coupled between the first and second channelized first direction bandpass filters and the first switch.

Example 5 includes the repeater of example 1, further comprising: a first second directional splitter coupled to the second interface port; a first channelized switchable second direction parallel path coupled to a first one of the second direction splitters, including a first channelized second direction band pass filter for selecting a first subset of the second direction bands; and a first switchable second direction parallel path coupled to the first second direction splitter, comprising: a switchable second directional path including a second band pass filter for passing a selected second directional frequency band; a second channelized switchable second direction parallel path including a second channelized second direction band pass filter for a second subset of the selected second direction frequency band.

Example 6 includes the repeater of example 5, the repeater further comprising: a second directional splitter coupled between the first interface port and the first channelized second directional bandpass filter, the second bandpass filter, and the second channelized second directional bandpass filter.

Example 7 includes the repeater of example 6, the repeater further comprising: a first one of the second direction switches for a first switchable second direction parallel path, wherein the first one of the second direction switches is coupled between: a second directional splitter, a second bandpass filter, and a second channelized second directional bandpass filter; and a second direction switch for the first channelized switchable second direction parallel path, wherein the second direction switch is coupled between: a second directional splitter, and a first channelized second directional bandpass filter.

Example 8 includes the repeater of example 7, the repeater further comprising: a third second direction switch coupled between: a first second directional splitter, and a second bandpass filter and a second channelized second directional bandpass filter; a fourth second direction switch coupled between: a second bandpass filter and a second channelized second direction bandpass filter, and a first second direction switch.

Example 9 includes the repeater of example 1, further comprising: a first diplexer configured to couple to a first interface port; and a second diplexer configured to couple to a second interface port.

Example 10 includes the repeater of example 9, further comprising: a first directional bandpass filter coupled to the first duplexer, including a first directional filter configured to filter a selected first directional frequency band.

Example 11 includes the repeater of example 1, wherein the selected first directional band is a third generation partnership project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) frequency division duplex band 5 (uplink).

Example 12 includes the repeater of example 5, wherein the selected second directional frequency band is a third generation partnership project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) frequency division duplex band 5 (downlink).

Example 13 includes the repeater of example 1, wherein the selected first direction frequency band is selected to be one or more of: third generation partnership project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) bands 1 to 76 (uplink) and 85 (uplink).

Example 14 includes the repeater of example 5, wherein the selected second directional frequency band is selected to be one or more of: third generation partnership project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) bands 1 to 76 (downlink) and 85 (downlink).

Example 15 includes the repeater of example 5, wherein the first direction is an uplink direction and the second direction is a downlink direction.

Example 16 includes a repeater to increase a signal booster gain from a weak signal far node in a vicinity of a strong signal near node, the repeater comprising: a first interface port; a second interface port; a first direction dual band pass filter coupled to the first interface port, including a first direction filter configured to perform filtering on a dual band of selected first direction signals; a first splitter coupled to the first directional dual bandpass filter; a first band-specific switchable first-direction parallel path coupled to the first splitter, including a first-direction band-pass filter for a first band of the selected dual bands; and a first switchable first direction parallel path coupled to the first splitter, comprising: a dual-band switchable first-direction path including a second first-direction band-pass filter for the selected dual-band; and a second band-specific switchable first-direction parallel path including a third first-direction band-pass filter for a second band of the selected dual bands.

Example 17 includes the repeater of example 16, the repeater further comprising: a second splitter coupled between the second interface port and the first one of the first direction bandpass filters, the second one of the first direction bandpass filters, and the third one of the first direction bandpass filters.

Example 18 includes the repeater of example 17, the repeater further comprising: a first switch for a first switchable first direction parallel path, wherein the first switch is coupled between: a second splitter; a second first direction band pass filter and a third first direction band pass filter; and a second switch that can switch the first direction parallel path for the first band-specific, wherein the second switch is coupled between: a second splitter; and a first direction band pass filter.

Example 19 includes the repeater of example 18, the repeater further comprising: a third switch, a first splitter, coupled between; and a second first direction band pass filter and a third first direction band pass filter; a fourth switch coupled between: a second first direction band pass filter and a third first direction band pass filter; and a first switch.

Example 20 includes the repeater of example 16, the repeater further comprising: a first second directional bandpass filter coupled to the second interface port, including a second directional filter configured to perform filtering on a first selected frequency band of the second directional signal; a first second direction switch coupled to the first second direction band pass filter; a first channelized switchable second direction parallel path coupled to a first second direction switch, including a first second direction channelized band pass filter for channels in a first selected frequency band; a first switchable second direction parallel path coupled to the first second direction switch, including a first second direction path including a second direction bandpass filter for a first selected frequency band.

Example 21 includes the repeater of example 20, the repeater further comprising: a third second directional bandpass filter coupled to the second interface port, including a second directional filter configured to perform filtering on a second selected frequency band of the second directional signal; a second directional switch coupled to a third second directional bandpass filter; a second channelized switchable second direction parallel path coupled to a second direction switch, which includes a second direction channelized band pass filter for channels in a second selected frequency band; a second switchable second direction parallel path coupled to a second direction switch, including a second direction path including a fourth second direction bandpass filter for a second selected frequency band.

Example 22 includes the repeater of example 16, the repeater further comprising: a first multiplexer configured to be coupled to a first interface port; and a second multiplexer configured to be coupled to the second interface port.

Example 23 includes the repeater of example 16, wherein the selected dual bands are third generation partnership project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) frequency division duplex bands 12 and 13.

Example 24 includes the repeater of example 16, wherein the first direction is a downlink direction and the second direction is an uplink direction.

Example 25 includes a repeater to increase a signal booster gain from a weak signal far node in a vicinity of a strong signal near node, the repeater comprising: a first interface port; a second interface port; a first splitter coupled to the first interface port; a first channelized switchable first-direction parallel path coupled to the first splitter, including a first channelized first-direction bandpass filter for a first subset of the first selected first-direction frequency bands; and a first switchable first direction parallel path coupled to the first splitter, comprising: a second channelized switchable first direction parallel path including a second channelized first direction bandpass filter for a second subset of the first selected first direction band; and a first switchable first direction path comprising a first filter for passing a second subset of the first selected first direction frequency bands and a first subset of the second selected first direction frequency bands.

Example 26 includes the repeater of example 25, the repeater further comprising: a first combiner coupled between the second interface port and the first filter, the second channelized first direction bandpass filter, and the first channelized first direction bandpass filter.

Example 27 includes the repeater of example 26, the repeater further comprising: a first switch coupled between: a first splitter; and a first filter and a second channelized first direction bandpass filter; a second switch coupled between: a first filter and a second channelized first direction bandpass filter; and a first combiner.

Example 28 includes the repeater of example 27, the repeater further comprising: a third switch coupled to the first interface port; a fourth switch coupled to the second interface port; a fifth switch coupled between the third switch and the first and second bandpass filters; a sixth switch coupled between the fourth switch and the first and second bandpass filters; and a second switchable first-direction parallel path coupled between the fifth switch and the sixth switch, comprising: a second switchable first direction path including a first band pass filter for passing a second selected first direction frequency band; and a third switchable first direction path comprising a second band pass filter for passing the first selected first direction frequency band.

Example 29 includes the repeater of example 28, the repeater further comprising: a third switchable first direction parallel path coupled between the first interface port and a third switch, comprising: a fourth switchable first direction path comprising a third band pass filter for passing a second selected first direction frequency band; a fifth switchable first direction path comprising a fourth bandpass filter for passing the first selected first direction frequency band.

Example 30 includes the repeater of example 29, further comprising: a fifth bandpass filter coupled between the fourth switch and the second interface port, wherein the fifth bandpass filter is configured to pass a second selected first direction frequency band.

Example 31 includes the repeater of example 25, the repeater further comprising: a second splitter coupled to the second interface port; a first channelized switchable second direction parallel path coupled to the second splitter, which includes a first channelized second direction bandpass filter for a first subset of the first selected second direction frequency band; and a first switchable second direction parallel path coupled to the second splitter, comprising: second channelized switchable second direction parallel paths including second channelized second direction band pass filters for a second subset of the first selected second direction frequency band; and a first switchable second directional path comprising a second filter for passing a second subset of the first selected second directional frequency band and a first subset of the second selected second directional frequency band.

Example 32 includes the repeater of example 31, the repeater further comprising: a second combiner coupled between the first interface port and the second filter, the second channelized second direction bandpass filter, and the first channelized second direction bandpass filter.

Example 33 includes the repeater of example 32, the repeater further comprising: a seventh switch coupled between: a second splitter; and a second filter and a second channelized second direction bandpass filter; an eighth switch coupled between: a second filter and a second channelized second direction bandpass filter; and a second combiner.

Example 34 includes the repeater of example 33, the repeater further comprising: a ninth switch coupled to the second interface port; a tenth switch coupled to the first interface port; an eleventh switch coupled between the ninth switch and the sixth and seventh bandpass filters; a twelfth switch coupled between the tenth switch and the sixth and seventh bandpass filters; and a second switchable second direction parallel path coupled between the eleventh switch and the twelfth switch, comprising: a second switchable second directional path including a sixth band-pass filter for passing a second selected second directional frequency band; and a third switchable second directional path comprising a seventh band-pass filter for passing the first selected second directional band.

Example 35 includes the repeater of example 34, further comprising: a third switchable second direction parallel path coupled between the second interface port and a ninth switch, comprising: a fourth switchable second directional path including an eighth band-pass filter for passing a second selected second directional frequency band; and a fifth switchable second directional path comprising a ninth band-pass filter for passing the first selected second directional frequency band.

Example 36 includes the repeater of example 35, the repeater further comprising: a tenth bandpass filter coupled between the tenth switch and the first interface port, wherein the tenth bandpass filter is configured to pass a second selected second directional frequency band.

Example 37 includes the repeater of example 25, the repeater further comprising: a first diplexer configured to couple to a first interface port; and a second diplexer configured to couple to a second interface port.

Example 38 includes the repeater of example 25, wherein the first selected first directional band is a third generation partnership project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) frequency division duplex band 5 (uplink).

Example 39 includes the repeater of example 25, wherein the second selected first directional band is a third generation partnership project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) frequency division duplex band 26 (uplink).

Example 40 includes the repeater of example 25, wherein the first selected first direction frequency band or the second selected first direction frequency band is selected to be one or more of: third generation partnership project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) bands 1 to 76 (uplink) and 85 (uplink).

Example 41 includes the repeater of example 31, wherein the first direction is an uplink direction and the second direction is a downlink direction.

Example 42 includes the repeater of example 31, wherein the first selected second directional frequency band is a third generation partnership project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) frequency division duplex band 5 (downlink).

Example 43 includes the repeater of example 31, wherein the second selected second directional frequency band is a third generation partnership project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) frequency division duplex frequency band 26 (downlink).

The various techniques, or certain aspects or portions thereof, may take the form of program code (i.e., instructions) embodied in tangible media, such as floppy diskettes, compact disc read only memories (CD-ROMs), hard drives, non-transitory computer-readable storage media, or any other machine-readable storage medium, wherein, when the program code is loaded into and executed by a machine, such as a computer, the machine becomes an apparatus for practicing the various techniques. The circuitry may include hardware, firmware, program code, executable code, computer instructions, and/or software. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium may be a computer readable storage medium that does not contain a signal. If the program code is executed on a programmable computer, the computing device may include a processor, a storage medium readable by the processor (including volatile and non-volatile memory and/or storage elements), at least one input device, and at least one output device. The volatile and non-volatile memory and/or storage components may be Random Access Memory (RAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash drives, optical drives, magnetic hard drives, solid state drives, or other media for storing electronic data. The low energy fixed location node, wireless device and location server may also include a transceiver module (i.e., transceiver), a counter module (i.e., counter), a processing module (i.e., processor) and/or a clock module (i.e., clock) or timer module (i.e., timer). One or more programs that may implement or use the various techniques described herein may use an Application Programming Interface (API), reusable controls, and the like. Such programs may be implemented in a high level programming language or an object oriented programming language for communicating with a computer system. However, the program or programs may be implemented in assembly or machine language, if desired. In any case, the language may be a compiled or interpreted language, and combined with hardware implementations.

The term processor as used herein may include a general purpose processor, a special purpose processor (e.g., a VLSI, FPGA, or other type of special purpose processor), and a baseband processor for transmitting, receiving, and processing wireless communications in a transceiver.

It should be appreciated that many of the functional units described in this specification have been labeled as modules, in order to more particularly emphasize their implementation independence. For example, a module may be implemented as a hardware circuit comprising custom Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. A module may also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices or the like.

In one example, the functional units described in this specification can be implemented with multiple hardware circuits or multiple processors. For example, a first hardware circuit or a first processor may be used to perform processing operations, and a second hardware circuit or a second processor (e.g., a transceiver or baseband processor) may be used to communicate with other entities. The first hardware circuit and the second hardware circuit may be combined into a single hardware circuit, or alternatively, the first hardware circuit and the second hardware circuit may be separate hardware circuits.

Modules may also be implemented in software for execution by various types of processors. An identified module of executable code may, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions which may, for instance, be organized as an object, procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the executables of an identified module need not be physically located together, but may comprise disparate instructions stored in different locations which, when joined logically together, comprise the module and achieve the stated purpose for the module.

Indeed, a module of executable code may be a single instruction, or many instructions, and may even be distributed over several different code segments, among different programs, and across several memory devices. Likewise, operational data may be identified and illustrated herein within modules, and may be embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure. The operational data may be collected as a single data set, or may be distributed over different locations including over different storage devices, and may exist, at least partially, merely as electronic signals on a system or network. The modules may be passive or active, including agents operable to perform desired functions.

Reference in the specification to "an example" or "an illustration" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrase "in an example" or the word "exemplary" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

For convenience, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for use herein. However, these lists should be construed in a manner that individually identifies each member of the list as a separate and displaced member. Thus, no single member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of other members of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. Moreover, reference may be made to different embodiments and examples of the invention and alternatives to the different components thereof. It should be understood that these embodiments, examples, and alternatives are not to be construed as actual equivalents of each other, but are to be construed as separate and autonomous representations of the present invention.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided (e.g., examples relating to layout, distances, networks, etc.) in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, arrangements, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, and operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

While the foregoing examples illustrate the principles of the invention in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and implementation details are possible without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the claims set forth below.