Methods and systems for dual-using a reception channel
View Patent ↗Various embodiments of wireless communication systems and methods in which the system seamlessly dual-uses a receiver chain for incoming transmissions and for other signal sensing purposes. The system is configured such that there are multiple receiver chains, and at least one receiver chain alternates between receiving a communication signal with information payload and receiving other signals solely for the purposes of monitoring and/or improving some aspects of the system. In various embodiments, the alternating receiver chain receives alternatively signals with information payloads and signals which have passes through a power amplifier with amplifier distortion characteristics. In various embodiments, the alternating receiver chain receives alternatively signals with information payloads and signals which may be associated with background noise, or other radio transmissions.
1. A wireless communication system comprising:
a receiver coupled to a receiver interface, said receiver interface receiving a first signal from a first receiver chain and a second signal from a second receiver chain, said first receiver chain coupled to a first antenna, said second receiver chain coupled to a second antenna, said first antenna and said second antenna receiving a wireless transmission, said receiver interface operative to route said first signal and said second signal to said receiver;
said receiver interface also operative to utilize said second receiver chain for reception of a third signal not associated with said incoming wireless transmission during a period, said second signal becoming unavailable to said receiver interface during said period; and
said receiver interface operative, during said period, to substitute to said receiver said second signal with a duplication of said first signal.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein said receiver interface is digital and comprising an analog-to-digital converter operative to convert said first signal into a digital form, and wherein said receiver is digital as well, thereby enabling said duplication to be made at the digital level.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein said substitution to said receiver of said second signal with said duplication of said first signal is done without knowledge of said receiver.
4. The system of claim 2 , wherein said receiver and receiver interface are implemented in a digital-signal-processor.