CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENT FOR TRANSMITTING RADIO SIGNALS AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENT

Abstract

The invention relates to a circuit arrangement and a method for operating a circuit arrangement for transmitting up-link and downlink signals between a terminal (2) and an antenna (3), wherein: the circuit arrangement (I) comprises at least one first uplink path (SP1, . . . , SP5, SPn) for transmitting a first uplink signal and a first downlink path (EP1) for transmitting a first downlink signal; the circuit arrangement (I) comprises means for providing the uplink signals and the downlink signals and means for detecting at least one uplink signal; the circuit arrangement (I) comprises means for establishing an activated state of the uplink path (SP1, . . . , SP5, SPn) to which the detected uplink signal is assigned; the circuit arrangement (I) comprises at least one further downlink path (EP2, . . . , EP5, EPn) for transmitting a further downlink signal and comprises means for establishing a simultaneously activated state of at least two downlink paths (EP1, . . . , EP5, EPn), wherein this activated state is established or maintained when at least one uplink signal is detected; and/or the circuit arrangement (I) comprises at least one further uplink path (SP1, . . . , SP5, SPn) for transmitting a further uplink signal and comprises means for establishing a simultaneously activated state of at least two uplink paths (SP1, . . . , SP5, SPn), wherein an activated state of at least two uplink paths (SP1, . . . , SP5, SPn) is established or maintained when an uplink signal or when at least two uplink signals is/are detected.

Claims

1. Circuit arrangement for transmitting uplink and downlink signals between at least one terminal and at least one antenna, wherein the circuit arrangement comprises: at least one first uplink path for transmitting a first uplink signal and a first downlink path for transmitting a first downlink signal, wherein the circuit arrangement is configured to provide the uplink signals and the downlink signals and is further configured to detect at least one uplink signal, wherein the circuit arrangement is configure to establish an activated state of the uplink path to which the detected uplink signal is assigned; and at least one further downlink path configured to transmit a further downlink signal, the circuit arrangement configured to establish a simultaneously activated state of at least two downlink paths, wherein the establishing or the maintaining of this activated state takes place when at least one uplink signal is detected and/or that the circuit arrangement comprises at least one further uplink path for transmitting a further uplink signal, wherein the circuit arrangement is further configured to establish a simultaneously activated state of at least two uplink paths, wherein the establishing or the maintaining of an activated state of at least two uplink paths takes place when an uplink signal or when at least two uplink signals is/are detected.

2. The circuit arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the activated uplink path and one of the activated downlink paths serve for FDD-based signal transmission.

3. The circuit arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the circuit arrangement is configured to establish or maintain, in operation, a simultaneously activated state of at least two downlink paths in response to takes place dependent on a previously known assignment between different uplink signals and downlink paths assigned to these different uplink signals.

4. The circuit arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the circuit arrangement is configured to assign to a first downlink frequency range set at least two of the downlink signals, wherein the circuit arrangement is configured to transmit, when establishing or the maintaining of the activated date of the downlink paths during operation, a downlink signal from one of the frequency ranges of the first downlink frequency range set and at least one downlink signal from a downlink frequency range which is not assigned to the first downlink frequency range set.

5. The circuit arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the circuit arrangement is configured so that, in operation, several, but not all, or all downlink signals which are not assigned to the first downlink frequency range set, can be transmitted.

6. The circuit arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the circuit arrangement is configured to use at least one power splitter to provide either the downlink signals or the uplink signals.

7. The circuit arrangement according to claim 6, characterised in that an interface on the antenna side of the circuit arrangement is connected to a signal connection on the antenna side of the circuit arrangement for, wherein this signal connection on the antenna side is formed by a signal connection on the antenna side of circuit arrangement and the circuit arrangement is configured to filter the downlink signals.

8. The circuit arrangement according to claim 7, wherein the circuit arrangement is configured to establish an activated state that comprise at least one activatable amplifier device and/or at least one activatable damping device.

9. The circuit arrangement according to claim 8, wherein the circuit arrangement is configured to establish or maintain the activated state using state comprise at least one switching device.

10. The circuit arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the circuit arrangement is configured to detect several simultaneously transmitted uplink signals or a further uplink signal when an uplink signal has already been detected and/or an uplink path has been activated.

11. The circuit arrangement according to claim 10, wherein the circuit arrangement is configured to establish or maintain the activated state of the uplink paths required for transmitting all detected uplink signals, wherein the circuit arrangement is further configured to establish or maintain an activated state of downlink paths such that an FDD-based signal transmission is facilitated via all activated uplink and downlink paths.

12. The circuit arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the circuit arrangement comprises a signal path configured to transmit signals according to a time-duplex method.

13. The circuit arrangement according to claim 12, wherein the circuit arrange is configured to detect a time-duplex-based signal when an activated state of the uplink path and a deactivated state of the downlink path can be established to which the detected time-duplex-based signal is assigned.

14. Method for operating a circuit arrangement for transmitting uplink and downlink signals between at least one terminal and at least one antenna, comprising verifying whether at least one uplink signal is present, wherein a simultaneously activated state of at least two downlink paths is established or maintained when the uplink signal is detected and/or that a simultaneously activated state of at least two uplink paths is established or maintained when the uplink signal or when at least one further uplink signal is detected.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the establishing of the activated state is carried out by activating an amplifier device and/or by switching a switching device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0135] FIG. 1 a schematic block diagram of a circuit arrangement according to the disclosure,

[0136] FIG. 2 a schematic block diagram of a circuit arrangement according to the disclosure in a further embodiment,

[0137] FIG. 3 a schematic diagram of a circuit arrangement according to the disclosure in a further embodiment,

[0138] FIG. 4 a schematic block diagram of the circuit arrangement shown in FIG. 3 in a further embodiment,

[0139] FIG. 5 a schematic flow diagram of a method according to the disclosure,

[0140] FIG. 6 a schematic flow diagram of a method according to the disclosure in a further embodiment,

[0141] FIG. 7 a schematic flow diagram of a method according to the disclosure in a further embodiment,

[0142] FIG. 8 a schematic representation of a transmission behaviour of the circuit arrangement in the frequency range and

[0143] FIG. 9 a further schematic representation of the transmission behaviour of the circuit arrangement in the frequency range.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0144] Hereinafter, identical reference signs describe elements with identical or similar technical properties.

[0145] FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a circuit arrangement 1 for transmitting uplink and downlink signals between at least one terminal 2 and at least one antenna 3. Here, in FIG. 1, two terminals 2 and two antennas 3 are shown in an exemplary manner, wherein the circuit arrangement is able to transmit uplink and downlink signals between these terminals 2 and the antennas 3.

[0146] The circuit arrangement 1 comprises at least one interface 4 on the terminal side, which facilitates a wireless or cable signal connection between the terminal 2 and the circuit arrangement 1. Furthermore, the circuit arrangement 1 comprises at least one interface 5 on the antenna side to which the at least one antenna 3 is connected using signal technology.

[0147] It is further shown that the circuit arrangement 1 comprises several uplink paths SP1, . . . , SPn, wherein a first uplink path SP1, a second uplink path SP2, a third uplink path SP3 and an nth uplink path SPn are shown. Correspondingly, the circuit arrangement comprises several downlink paths EP1, . . . , EPn, wherein a first downlink path EP1, a second downlink path EP2, a third downlink path EP3 and an nth downlink path EPn are shown.

[0148] The shown uplink paths SP1, . . . , SPn can in particular be frequency range-specific uplink paths. The shown downlink paths EP1, . . . , EPn can in particular be frequency range-non-specific downlink paths. A path can also describe a path section of a path, wherein this path can comprise several path sections.

[0149] For example, via the first uplink path SP1, signals from a frequency range of 832 MHz to 862 MHz (first uplink frequency range, FDD mobile radio band 20) and via the first downlink path EP1, signals from the frequency range 791 MHz to 821 MHz (first downlink frequency range, FDD mobile radio band 20) can be transmitted. For example, via the second uplink path SP2, signals from a frequency range from 880 MHz 915 MHz (second uplink frequency range, FDD mobile radio band 8) and via the second downlink path EP2, signals from the frequency range 925 MHz to 960 MHz (second downlink frequency range, FDD mobile radio band 8) can be transmitted. For example, via the third uplink path SP3, signals from the frequency range 2570 MHz to 2620 MHz (third uplink frequency range, TDD mobile radio band 38), and via the third downlink path EP3, signals from the frequency range 2570 MHz to 2620 MHz (third downlink frequency range, TDD mobile radio band 38) can be transmitted. The further signal paths can be configured correspondingly for transmitting signals from further mobile radio bands (for example band 1, band 3, band 5, band 40 or others).

[0150] In this regard, in the uplink paths SP1, . . . , SPn are arranged activatable uplink amplifier devices 6. In each of the downlink paths EP1, . . . , EPn is arranged respectively one activatable downlink reception amplifier device 7. By means of the uplink amplifier device 6, thus an uplink signal transmitted via the appropriate uplink path SP1, . . . , SPn, which is transmitted from the interface 4 on the terminal side the interface 5 on the antenna side, can be amplified. Correspondingly, by means of the downlink amplifier devices 7, a downlink signal, which is transmitted from the interface 5, on the antenna side, of the circuit arrangement 1 to the interface 4 on the terminal side, can be amplified.

[0151] The amplifier devices 6, 7 serve here for activating and deactivating the shown signal paths SP1, . . . , SP5, EP1, . . . , EP5. It is of course also conceivable for the activating and deactivating to be carried out by other means.

[0152] It is shown that the amplifier devices 6, 7 are arranged respectively in a frequency range-specific section of uplink paths SP1, SP2, . . . , SPn or downlink paths EP1, . . . , EPn, wherein these frequency range-specific sections serve in each case for transmitting uplink or downlink signals from precisely one uplink or downlink frequency range.

[0153] Further shown is a control and evaluating device 8 of the circuit arrangement 1. This can be in the form of a microcontroller. The activatable uplink and downlink amplifier devices 6, 7, in particular their operation, can be controlled by means of the control and evaluating device 8. In particular, an uplink or receiving amplifier device 6, 7 can be able to be deactivated by means of the control and evaluating device.

[0154] In the activated state of an amplifier device 6, 7, the corresponding signal path is activated and a signal transmission via the appropriate uplink or downlink path SP1, . . . , SP5, EP1, . . . , EP5 is possible, in particular with a desired amplification. In particular, an amplification factor of the amplifier devices 6, 7 can be predetermined or adjustable in the activated state.

[0155] It is further shown that the circuit arrangement 1 contains multiplexers 9, 10 for providing uplink and downlink paths 9, 10, wherein a first multiplexer 9 can be described as a multiplexer on the antenna side and a further multiplexer 10 as a multiplexer on the terminal side. The first multiplexer 9 can here serve as a frequency splitter. In particular, the first multiplexer 9 can comprise a plurality of filter devices, in particular low pass filter devices, a plurality of bandpass filter devices and high pass filter devices as well as power splitters, switches, circulators or further elements e.g. elements designed as duplexers, diplexers, triplexers etc., wherein by means of these elements the downlink signals which are to be transmitted by the downlink paths EP1, . . . , EPn can be filtered out of an antenna signal applied to the interface 5 on the antenna side. This antenna signal can e.g. be transmitted from a base station and received by one of the, or the two, antennas 3.

[0156] The first multiplexer 9 can also serve as a signal combiner. Thus, the uplink signals transmitted via the uplink paths SP1, . . . , SPn can be combined to form at least one resulting signal which is then transmitted to the interface(s) 5 on the antenna side. This resulting signal can then be sent by an antenna 3 e.g. to the described base station.

[0157] The further multiplexer 10 can here serve as a frequency splitter. In particular, also the further multiplexer 10 can comprise a plurality of filter devices, in particular low pass filter devices, a plurality of bandpass filter devices and high pass filter devices as well as power splitters, switches, circulators or further elements e.g. elements designed as duplexers, diplexers, triplexers etc., wherein by means of these elements the uplink signals which are to be transmitted by the uplink paths SP1, . . . , SPn can be filtered out of at least one terminal signal applied to the interface 4 on the terminal side. This terminal signal can e.g. be sent from the terminal 2 and transmitted by the interface 4 on the terminal side.

[0158] It is also possible for the further multiplexer 10 serve as a signal combiner. Thus, the downlink signals transmitted via the downlink paths EP1, EPn can be combined to form at least one resulting signal which is then transmitted to the interface 4 on the terminal side. This resulting signal can then be transmitted from the interface 4 on the terminal side to the terminal 2.

[0159] It is further shown that the circuit arrangement comprises a signal decoupling device 11 and a device 12 for uplink signal detection connected with signal technology to the signal decoupling device 11. The device 12 for uplink signal detection is here connected to the control and evaluating device 8. The device 12 for uplink signal detection is coupled with signal technology via the signal decoupling device 11, which can for example be designed as a directional coupler or power splitter, to a connecting signal path 13, wherein the connecting signal path 13 connects the interface 4 on the terminal side to the further multiplexer 10, in particular its output connection. The connecting signal path 13 can here form a section of a downlink signal path or of an uplink signal path, wherein this section can be in the form of a frequency range-non-specific, that is broadband, signal path section. By means of the device 12 for uplink signal detection, it can be detected whether one or several uplink signal(s) is/are applied to the connecting signal path 13 and thereby also to the interface 4 on the terminal side. The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 for detecting/identifying an uplink signal is here only exemplary. Of course, alternative or additional means/devices and circuit arrangements can be used within the proposed circuit arrangement for detection/identification.

[0160] This uplink signal can in particular be a signal generated by the terminal 2 and received by the interface 4 on the terminal side. Furthermore, by means of the device 12 detecting transmission activity, the uplink signal, in particular the uplink frequency range and/or the transmission standard of the uplink signal, can be identified.

[0161] If, for example, an uplink signal from a first uplink frequency range is detected and identified, thus, in particular by means of the control and evaluating device 8, the uplink amplifier device 6 in the first uplink path SP1 is activated or the activation is maintained. Thus, an activated state of the first uplink path SP1 is established or maintained, that is, is not deactivated.

[0162] Furthermore, the downlink amplifier device 7 in the first downlink path EP1 and at least one, several, but not all, or all of the downlink amplifier devices 7 of the further shown downlink paths EP2, EP3, EPn can be activated or remain activated.

[0163] It is possible for the activation or deactivation of the downlink amplifier devices 7 to be carried out, depending on a previously known assignment between different uplink signals and downlink paths EP1, . . . , EPn to be activated which are assigned to these different uplink signals, by means of the control and evaluating device 8, wherein when an uplink signal is detected, the control and evaluating device 8 activates both the corresponding uplink amplifier device 6 as well as the downlink amplifier devices 7 assigned to this uplink signal. The assignment can here be stored e.g. in a not shown storage device of the circuit arrangement 1, in particular of the control and evaluating device 8.

[0164] It is furthermore possible that, when an uplink signal has already been detected, a further uplink amplification device 6 is activated or the corresponding activation is maintained, in particular by means of the control and evaluating device 8.

[0165] Thus, it is for example conceivable for two or more uplink amplifier devices 6 to become or remain activated when precisely one uplink signal is detected by means of the device 12 for uplink signal detection. However, it is further possible for at least one uplink amplifier device to be deactivated in a case of this sort.

[0166] Preferably, however, it can be detected by means of the device 12 for uplink signal detection when, simultaneously with at least one already detected uplink signal, a further uplink signal is applied to the connection signal path 13. When one such further uplink signal is detected and identified, then the uplink amplifier device 6 in the uplink path SP1, . . . , SP5 of the uplink path SP1, . . . , SPn assigned to this further uplink signal can become or remain activated, particularly by means of the control and evaluating device 8.

[0167] Thus, the device 12 for uplink signal detection shown in FIG. 1 can also be in the form of a device for the simultaneous detection of a plurality of uplink signals. Of course, however, the circuit arrangement 1 can also contain one or several further (not shown) device(s) for uplink signal detection.

[0168] FIG. 2 shows a schematic block diagram of a circuit arrangement 1 for transmitting uplink and downlink signals between at least one terminal 2 and at least one antenna 3 in a further embodiment. Here, in FIG. 2, only one terminal and one antenna 3 are shown, wherein the circuit arrangement is able to transmit uplink and downlink signals between this terminal 2 and the antenna 3.

[0169] The circuit arrangement 1 shown in FIG. 2 is in this regard designed substantially like the circuit arrangement 1 shown in FIG. 1. For this reason, reference is made to the corresponding descriptions regarding FIG. 1. In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the antenna 3 is a part of the circuit arrangement 1, i.e. the circuit arrangement 1 includes the antenna 3.

[0170] It is further shown that the circuit arrangement comprises five uplink signal paths SP1, . . . , SP5 and five downlink signal paths EP1, . . . , EP5.

[0171] It is further shown that the signal decoupling device 11 can be arranged at different positions within the circuit arrangement. It is e.g. possible for the signal coupling device 11 to be arranged and/or configured such that a signal is decoupled from a further connecting signal path 13a, wherein this further connecting signal path 13a connects the interface 5 on the antenna side to the first multiplexer 9. Furthermore, it is possible for a plurality of signal coupling devices 11 to be arranged and/or configured such that signals are decoupled from the sections of the uplink signal paths SP1, . . . , SP5 which connect the further multiplexer 10 to the uplink amplifier devices 6.

[0172] It is further shown that the first multiplexer 9 is configured as a filter multiplexer which comprises a plurality of filter devices 14a, whereby for reasons of clarity only one filter device 14a is labelled with a reference sign. A filter device 14a can here be in the form of e.g. a low pass filter device, bandpass filter device or high pass filter device.

[0173] Also the further multiplexer 10 is configured as a filter multiplexer which comprises a plurality of filter devices 14b, whereby for reasons of clarity only one filter device 14b is labelled with the reference sign. A filter device 14b can here be in the form of e.g. a low pass filter device, bandpass filter device or high pass filter device. As previously explained, the multiplexers 9, 10 are configured to provide the uplink and downlink signals which are transmitted via the corresponding paths SP1, . . . , SP5, EP1, . . . , EP5, or to combine these signals.

[0174] FIG. 3 shows a schematic block diagram of a circuit arrangement 1 for transmitting uplink and downlink signals between at least one terminal 2 and at least one antenna 3 in a further embodiment. The circuit arrangement 1 shown in FIG. 3 is here configured substantially like the circuit arrangement 1 shown in FIG. 2. For this reason, reference is made to the corresponding descriptions regarding FIG. 2. In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the antenna 3 is here not part of the circuit arrangement 1. In contrast to FIG. 2, signal connections between the control and evaluating device 8 and the amplifier devices 6, 7 are shown by dotted lines, which serve for transmitting control signals.

[0175] It is further shown that the circuit arrangement comprises a further uplink filter device 14c which is also arranged in the first and second uplink paths SP1, . . . , SP2 and serves to provide the first and the second uplink signals. The further uplink filter device 14c is here part of the further multiplexer which, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, comprises the filter devices 14b and the further uplink filter device 14c. The further uplink filter device 14c can for example comprise bandpass filter devices.

[0176] The uplink amplifier devices 6 of the first and second uplink paths SP1, SP2 are here arranged in a frequency range-specific section of the first and second uplink paths SP1, . . . , SP2, which is arranged between the first multiplexer and the further multiplexer and serves to transmit uplink signals from precisely one uplink frequency range.

[0177] It is further shown that the circuit arrangement comprises a further downlink filter device 14d which is arranged in a combined downlink path EP4_5 and serves to provide the fourth and the fifth downlink signals. The further downlink filter device 14d is here part of the first multiplexer which, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, comprises the filter devices 14a and the further downlink filter device 14d.

[0178] Via the combined downlink path EP4_5, thus both the fourth and the fifth downlink signal can be transmitted. Here, the filter devices 14a can be configured such that they provide a signal which includes the frequency ranges of the fourth and the fifth download frequency range, but also further, in particular a frequency range lying between these frequency range. The further downlink filter device 14d can be arranged and/or configured such that signals from the fourth and fifth download frequency ranges are filtered out of this signal.

[0179] The further downlink filter device 14d is here arranged in a signal path section between the filter devices 14a of the first multiplexer and the filter devices 14b of the further multiplexer, particularly between the filter devices 14a of the first multiplexer and a downlink amplifier 7, which serves to amplify the fourth and fifth downlink signals. Thus, two different downlink signals can be conducted simultaneously via a common signal line, as a result of which a simultaneously activated state of two downlink signal paths is established.

[0180] It is furthermore shown that the circuit arrangement comprises a driver amplifier 6a which is arranged in a frequency range-specific section of the first and second uplink paths SP1, . . . , SP2, wherein this frequency range-specific section serves to transmit uplink signals from a plurality of, specifically two, uplink frequency ranges. The driver amplifier 6a is in this regard arranged in a signal path section between filter devices 14b and the further uplink filter devices 14c of the further multiplexer. However, the driver amplifier 6a is in this regard not necessarily part of the further multiplexer.

[0181] It is possible for the control and evaluating device 8 shown in FIG. 3 to be formed as a CPLD. Alternatively, also FPGAs, ASICs or further control units could be used. It is shown schematically that an operation of the uplink and downlink amplifier devices 6, 7 can be controlled by means of the control and evaluating device 8.

[0182] FIG. 4 shows a schematic block diagram of a circuit arrangement 1 for transmitting uplink and downlink signals between at least one terminal 2 and at least one antenna 3 in a further embodiment. The circuit arrangement 1 shown in FIG. 4 is here designed partially like the circuit arrangement 1 shown in FIG. 2. For this reason, reference is made to the corresponding descriptions regarding FIG. 2. In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the antenna 3 is here not part of the circuit arrangement 1.

[0183] Furthermore, it is shown that the first multiplexer comprises a first (antenna-sided) filter means 28a, a first (antenna-sided) switching device 15 as well as antenna-sided duplexers 21, downlink filter devices 14d and an uplink/downlink filter device 14e as well as a first switching element 22. In this regard, a signal connection on the antenna side of the first filter means 28a is connected to the interface 5 on the antenna side. Furthermore, signal connections on the terminal side of the first filter means 28a are connected to signal connections on the antenna side of the first switching arrangement 15. Furthermore, signal connections on the antenna side of the duplexer 21, of the downlink filter devices 14d, of the first switching element 22 and of the uplink/downlink filter device 14e are connected to signal connections of the terminal side of the first switching device 15. Frequency-specific sections of uplink signal paths SP1, . . . , SP4 and downlink paths EP1, . . . , EP4, EP5 as well as a bypass signal path BP, which serve to transmit signals from precisely one uplink or downlink frequency range or signals from a plurality of uplink or downlink frequency ranges, are connected to output connections on the terminal side of the duplexer 21, the downlink filter devices 14d, the first switching element 22 and the uplink/downlink filter device 14e.

[0184] It is furthermore shown that the further multiplexer comprises a further (terminal-sided) filter means 28b, a further (terminal-sided) switching device 27 as well as terminal-sided duplexers 26, further downlink filter devices 14d and a further uplink/downlink filter device 14e as well as a further switching element 23 and a power splitter 18.

[0185] In this regard, a signal connection on the terminal side of the further filter means 28b is connected to the interface 4 on the terminal side. Furthermore, signal connections on the antenna side of the further filter means 28b are connected to signal connections on the terminal side of the further switching device 27. Furthermore, signal connections on the terminal side of the duplexers 26, the power splitter 18, the further switching element 23 and the further downlink filter devices 14d as well as the further uplink/downlink filter device 14e are connected to signal connections on the antenna side of the further switching device 27. The frequency-specific sections of the uplink signal path SP1, . . . , SP4 and downlink paths EP1, . . . , EP4, EP5 and the bypass signal path BP are connected to the output connections on the antenna side of the duplexers 26, the power splitter 18, the further switching element 23, the further downlink filter devices 14d and the further uplink/downlink filter device 14e.

[0186] The first filter means 28a and the further filter means 28b can here comprise low pass filter devices, bandpass filter devices and/or high pass filter devices. The downlink and uplink/downlink filter devices 14d, 14e as well as the duplexers 21, 26 can in particular comprise bandpass filter devices which serve in particular for providing a signal with a frequency from at least precisely one uplink or downlink frequency range. These filter devices 14d, 14e can here in particular be designed corresponding to the downlink filter device 14d shown in FIG. 3.

[0187] By means of the switching devices 15, 27, one or several signal connections on the antenna side can be connected respectively to a signal connection on the terminal side of the switching device 15, 27. Switching states can in this regard be adjusted particularly by the control and evaluating device 8.

[0188] In this regard, frequency-specific uplink signal path sections SP1, . . . , SP2, SP3, SP4 connect a connection, on the antenna side, of the further switching device 27 to a connection, on the terminal side, of the first switching device 15, wherein respectively one uplink amplifier device 6 and duplexer 21 are arranged in the signal path sections. Furthermore, frequency-specific downlink signal path sections EP1, EP2, EP3, EP4 connect a connection on the terminal side of the first switching device 15 to a connection on the antenna side of the further switching device 27, wherein in each case one downlink amplifier device 7 and duplexer 21 are arranged in these signal path sections.

[0189] Furthermore, it is shown that the circuit arrangement 1, particularly the further multiplexer 10, comprises a power splitter 18 which is arranged both in a section of the first uplink signal path SP1 and in a section of the downlink signal path EP1. In the sections of the further uplink and downlink signal paths SP2, EP2, . . . , SP4, EP4 are arranged in each case duplexers 26.

[0190] It is further shown that the circuit arrangement comprises a TDD signal path section SPTDD1 for transmitting TDD signals. An uplink amplifier device 6 is arranged in this signal path section. Further, an uplink filter device 14e is arranged in this TDD signal path section. This TDD signal path section connects a connection on the antenna side of the further switching device 27 to a connection on the terminal side of the first switching device 15.

[0191] It is further shown that the circuit arrangement 1 comprises a disconnecting switching element 19, wherein this disconnecting switching element 19 is arranged in a frequency-specific section of the third uplink signal path SP3. A switching state of this disconnecting switching element 19 can be adjusted by the control and evaluating device 8. By changing the switching state, the third uplink signal path SP3 can be activated or deactivated.

[0192] It is further shown that the circuit arrangement 1 comprises a damping device 20, wherein this damping device 20 is arranged in a frequency-specific section of the fourth uplink signal path SP4. By means of adjusting the damping factor, an activated or a deactivated state of the fourth uplink signal path can be established.

[0193] Furthermore, it is shown that the circuit arrangement 1 comprises a first switching element 22. A first signal connection, on the antenna side, of the switching element 22 is connected to a signal connection, on the terminal side, of a duplexer 21 which is arranged in the fourth uplink signal path SP4 and fourth downlink signal path EP4. A second signal connection, on the antenna side, of the switching element 22 is connected to a signal connection, on the terminal side, of the first switching device 15. The single signal connection, on the terminal side, of the switching element 22 is connected to a connection, on the antenna side, of a downlink filter device 14d which is arranged in the fourth downlink signal path EP4. It is further shown that the circuit arrangement 1 comprises a further switching element 23. A first signal connection, on the terminal side, of the further switching element 23 is connected to a signal connection, on the antenna side, of a duplexer 26, which is arranged in the fourth uplink signal path SP4 and fourth downlink signal path EP4. A second signal connection, on the terminal side, of the further switching element 22 is connected to a signal connection, on the antenna side, of the further switching device 27. The single signal connection, on the antenna side, of the further switching element 23 is connected to a connection, on the terminal side, of a downlink filter device 14d which is arranged in the fourth downlink signal path EP4.

[0194] Thus, it is also possible for downlink signals, which are not filtered by the duplexers 21, 26, to be transmitted via a signal line, which can be a part of the fourth downlink signal path EP4. If the signal connection, on the antenna side, of the first switching element 22 is connected to the signal connection, on the terminal side, of the first switching device 15 and if the signal connection, on the antenna side, of the further switching element 23 is connected to the signal connection, on the antenna side, of the further switching device 27, thus it is facilitated that two different downlink signals from two different downlink frequency ranges are conducted simultaneously via a common signal line and in particular via a common downlink amplifier 7. In this case, thus a simultaneously activated state of two downlink paths is established.

[0195] Uplink and/or downlink signals can be transmitted via the bypass signal path BP without being amplified via an amplifier device. The bypass signal path BP can be activated or deactivated by means of the control of the switching devices 15 and/or 27.

[0196] FIG. 5 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method according to the disclosure. In a first step S1 it is verified whether at least one uplink signal is present. If this is not the case, the method returns to the first step S1. If an uplink signal is detected and identified, thus in a second step S2 an activated state of the uplink path SP1, . . . , SP5 (see FIG. 1) assigned to the identified uplink signal and a simultaneously activated state of at least two downlink paths EP1, . . . , EP5 (see e.g. FIG. 1) is established.

[0197] FIG. 6 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method according to the disclosure in a further embodiment. In this regard, the first step S1 corresponds to the first step S1 shown in the embodiment according to FIG. 5. In a second step S2 of the method shown in FIG. 6, in contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, in addition also a simultaneously activated state of at least two uplink paths SP1, . . . , SP5 is established when the uplink signal is detected.

[0198] FIG. 7 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method according to the disclosure in a further embodiment. In this regard, the first two steps S1, S2 correspond to the steps S1, S2 shown in FIG. 5. In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, in a third step S3 it is verified whether a further uplink signal is present. If this is not the case, the method returns to the third step S3. If, however, a further uplink signal is detected and identified, thus in a fourth step S4 an activated state of the further uplink path SP1, . . . , SP5 assigned to this identified further uplink signal is established.

[0199] FIG. 8 shows a schematic representation of a transmission behaviour of a circuit arrangement 1 according to the disclosure the frequency range. Shown are a frequency f on the abscissa and the magnitude of the transmission function for the transmission direction TX from the terminal 2 to the antenna 3, or for the reception direction RX from the antenna 3 to the terminal 2 on the ordinate. Furthermore, five receiving bands RX1, RX2, RX3, RX4, RX5 are shown, wherein the downlink signals with frequencies from these receiving bands RX1, RX2, RX3, RX4, RX5 transmitted respectively via downlink signal paths EP1, . . . , EP5 which are different from one another and simultaneously activated (see e.g. FIG. 1).

[0200] In this example, furthermore, a transmitting band TX1 is shown, wherein the simultaneously activated state of the downlink signal paths EP1, . . . , EP5 is established or maintained when an uplink signal with a frequency from this transmitting band TX1 is detected. In the method according to the prior art, at the detection of this uplink signal, all downlink signal paths EP2, . . . , EP5 apart from the first downlink signal path EP1 was deactivated.

[0201] In this regard, the transmitting band TX1 and a first reception band RX1 can form a standard-specific FDD frequency range pair.

[0202] FIG. 9 shows a further schematic representation of a transmission behaviour of the circuit arrangement in the frequency range.

[0203] A frequency f is shown on the abscissa and the magnitude of the transmission function for the transmission direction TX from the terminal 2 to the antenna 3 or for the receiving direction RX from the antenna 3 to the terminal 2 is shown on the ordinate. Furthermore, four receiving bands RX2, RX3, RX4, RX5 are shown, wherein the downlink signals with frequencies from these receiving bands RX2, RX3, RX4, RX5 are transmitted in each case via downlink signal paths EP2, . . . , EP5 which are different from one another and simultaneously activated (see e.g. FIG. 1).

[0204] Furthermore, two transmitting bands TX2, TX4, specifically a second transmitting band TX2 and a fourth transmitting band TX4 are shown.

[0205] In this regard, it is shown that not all downlink signal paths EP1, . . . , EP5 are in an activated state. On the contrary, several, but not all downlink signal paths EP2, . . . , EP5 are activated, specifically a second, a third, a fourth and a fifth downlink signal path EP2, . . . , EP5, wherein the circuit arrangement also comprises a first downlink signal path EP1 which is, however, not in an activated state.

[0206] Furthermore, it is shown that not all uplink signal paths SP1, . . . , SP5 are in an activated state. On the contrary, several, but not all uplink signal paths SP2, SP4 are activated, specifically the second and the fourth uplink signal paths SP2, SP4, wherein, however, the circuit arrangement comprises also a first, a third and a fifth uplink signal path SP1, SP3, SP5, which are, however, not in an activated state.

[0207] The shown state is set when uplink signal with a frequency from the first transmitting band TX1 is detected or when uplink signal with a frequency from the second transmitting band TX2 is detected or when simultaneously an uplink signal with a frequency from the first transmitting band TX1 and an uplink signal with a frequency from the second transmitting band TX2 are detected. In the method according to the prior art, when one of these uplink signals is detected, all downlink signal paths EP1, . . . , EP5 apart from the downlink signal path EP2 or EP4 deactivated, via which the downlink signal corresponding to the detected uplink signal is transmitted, in order to form a FDD frequency range. In this regard, the second transmitting band TX2 and a second receiving band RX2 or a fourth transmitting band TX4 and a fourth receiving band RX4 could in each case form a standard-specific FDD frequency range pair. Furthermore, it was not possible according to the prior art to activate both transmitting bands TX2 and TX4.

[0208] It is possible for the shown state to be set when a terminal 2 transmits an uplink signal with a frequency from the second transmitting band TX2 and an uplink signal with a frequency from the fourth transmitting band TX4. Admittedly, the state can also be set when a terminal 2 transmits uplink signals an uplink signal with a frequency from the second transmitting band TX2 and a further terminal 2 transmits an uplink signal with a frequency from the fourth transmitting band TX4.