Interference reduction for wireless communication devices

Abstract

Systems, methods, and devices reduce interference experienced by a wireless communication device. A method includes receiving a first signal from a first transceiver, the first signal being compatible with a first communication protocol, and configuring a filter based at least in part on the received first signal, the filter being communicatively coupled to a second transceiver collocated in the same wireless communication device as the first transceiver. The method also includes receiving a second signal, the second signal being compatible with a second communication protocol, and filtering the second signal to remove at least some components of the first signal from the second signal, the filtering reducing at least some interference of the first signal to the second signal. The method also includes providing the filtered second signal to the second transceiver.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to wireless communication devices, and more specifically to reducing interference associated with wireless communication devices. Background Technology

[0002] Wireless communication devices can communicate with each other via one or more communication modes, such as WiFi connections. Therefore, such wireless communication can be implemented in a manner consistent with wireless communication protocols. Furthermore, such wireless communication devices can include various hardware components to facilitate this communication. For example, a wireless communication device can include a transmission medium, which may include one or more antennas. Conventional techniques for achieving coexistence between multiple communication modes and associated wireless devices remain limited because they cannot effectively and efficiently reduce interference between the various modes. Attached Figure Description

[0003] Figure 1 A diagram illustrating an example of a system for interference reduction configured according to some embodiments is shown.

[0004] Figure 2 A diagram illustrating an example of another system configured for interference reduction according to some embodiments is shown.

[0005] Figure 3 A diagram illustrates an example of another system configured for interference reduction according to some embodiments.

[0006] Figure 4 A diagram illustrating an example of reduced device interference configured according to some embodiments is shown.

[0007] Figure 5 A diagram illustrating an example of an additional system for interference reduction configured according to some embodiments is shown.

[0008] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating an example of a method for interference reduction implemented according to some embodiments is shown.

[0009] Figure 7 A flowchart is shown as another example of a method for interference reduction implemented according to some embodiments.

[0010] Figure 8 A flowchart is shown as yet another example of a method for interference reduction implemented according to some embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0011] The following description elaborates on numerous specific details to provide a thorough understanding of the proposed concepts. The proposed concepts can be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well-known procedural operations have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the described concepts. Although some concepts are described with specific examples, it should be understood that these examples are not intended to be restrictive.

[0012] Wireless communication devices can be implemented in a variety of contexts and environments. For example, wireless communication devices can be implemented in computing devices, mobile devices, and other computing environments. In one example, a wireless communication device can be implemented in a vehicle to provide communication between vehicle components (e.g., an onboard computer) and other computing devices (e.g., mobile devices, cellular networks, or another communication network). In another example, a wireless communication device can be implemented in various Internet of Things (IoT) devices. A wireless communication device can include a transceiver that handles transmit and receive operations according to a wireless communication protocol. The transceiver can be coupled to antennas that facilitate the transmission and reception of data over a transmission medium. During operation, a transmission from one transceiver can cause interference to signals received by another transceiver, especially when these transceivers are co-located and their operation is asynchronous.

[0013] The embodiments disclosed herein provide methods, apparatus, and systems for reducing interference between transceivers co-located in a wireless communication device. As will be discussed in more detail below, various wireless communication devices may include filters coupled to transceivers and configured to identify and reduce interference generated by other co-located transceivers. In one example, a signal received at the receiving antenna of a co-located transceiver may be used to train a filter, which may be used to remove components of the signal to reduce interference experienced by that transceiver. In another example, a data path between a transmit path and a receive path may be used to configure filters at multiple locations along such a path, and these filters can then be used to reduce different components of interference in these receive paths. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein improve and enhance the operation of such co-located transceivers by reducing interference experienced by transceivers operating in such close proximity.

[0014] Figure 1A diagram illustrating an example of a system configured for interference reduction according to some embodiments is shown. As discussed above, various wireless communication devices can communicate with each other via one or more wireless communication media. For example, wireless communication devices can communicate with each other via WiFi or Bluetooth connections. In various embodiments, the wireless communication devices can establish a connection or communication link before data transmission occurs. As will be discussed in more detail below, the wireless communication devices disclosed herein and the systems implementing such wireless communication devices (e.g., system 100) are configured to reduce interference between co-located wireless devices and associated components (e.g., transceivers). Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein achieve improvements and enhancements to the operation of such co-located transceivers.

[0015] In various embodiments, system 100 may include a first device 110, which may be a wireless communication device. As discussed above, such a wireless communication device may be compatible with one or more wireless transmission protocols (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, or any other protocol, such as Zigbee). Therefore, the first device 110 may include a transceiver and associated hardware to implement communication protocols compatible with Bluetooth and Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs). In some embodiments, the first device 110 is a Bluetooth Low Energy device compatible with Bluetooth Low Energy specifications and protocols, also known as a Bluetooth Smart device. Furthermore, such a wireless communication device may be a smart device (e.g., those found in wearable devices) or a surveillance device (e.g., those found in smart buildings, environmental monitoring, and energy management). In some embodiments, such a device may be a surveillance device found in a car or other vehicle. Therefore, the wireless communication devices disclosed herein may be any suitable device, such as those found in cars, other vehicles, or even medical implants.

[0016] like Figure 1 As shown, various wireless communication devices can communicate with each other via one or more wireless communication media. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the first device 110 may each include one or more antennas, such as antenna 104, antenna 105, and antenna 107. The first device 110 may also include a first transceiver 106 and a second transceiver 108. As will be discussed in more detail below, the processing device, transceivers, and radio equipment may be configured to establish communication connections with other devices and transmit data in the form of data packets via such communication connections.

[0017] As will be discussed in more detail below, different components of the first device 110 (e.g., transceivers) are configured to reduce interference that may occur between different transceivers juxtaposed in the same wireless communication device. For example, the first transceiver 106 and the second transceiver 108 may be juxtaposed within one of the first devices 110. In some embodiments, the operation of the first transceiver 106 and the second transceiver 108 utilizes the same transmission medium or frequency band and is asynchronous, such that the first transceiver 106 transmits data via antenna 104 while the second transceiver 108 receives data via antenna 107. Therefore, the second transceiver may be subjected to interference due to the transmission of data from antenna 104. As will be discussed in more detail below, one or more components of the second transceiver 108 are configured to reduce signal interference by specifically filtering the received signal to remove one or more components of the signal transmitted from the first transceiver 106 via antenna 104. In this way, signal interference within the first device 110 can be reduced, and the asynchronous operation of multiple transceivers within the first device 110 can be improved.

[0018] In some embodiments, system 100 further includes a second device 120, which may also be a wireless communication device. As discussed similarly above, the second device 120 may be compatible with one or more wireless transmission protocols (e.g., WiFi or Bluetooth). Furthermore, the second device 120 may also be a smart device or other device, such as those found in cars, other vehicles, and medical implants. In various embodiments, the second device 120 may be a device of a different type from the first device 110. As discussed above, each of the second devices 120 may include: one or more antennas, such as antenna 122, antenna 123, and antenna 127; and a third transceiver 126 and a fourth transceiver 124, which may also be configured to establish communication connections with other devices and transmit data in the form of data packets via such communication connections. As discussed above, the second device 120 may also be configured to reduce interference that may occur between different transceivers, thus enhancing communication between the co-located transceivers included in the first device 110 and the second device 120.

[0019] Figure 2 A diagram illustrating an example of another system configured for interference reduction according to some embodiments is shown. In various embodiments, system 200 may include a first device 110 and a second device 120. System 200 also includes various access points, such as access point 208 configured to manage communication between the first device 110 and the second device 120, as well as a communication network (e.g., network 230). Thus, many wireless communication devices can communicate with each other through widely implemented communication networks such as the Internet.

[0020] In various embodiments, system 200 also includes access point 202, third device 204, and fourth device 206. As discussed similarly above, access point 202 can be configured to manage communication between third device 204 and fourth device 206, as well as the communication network (e.g., network 230). Therefore, as... Figure 2 As shown, system 200 may include multiple access points coupled to multiple different groups of devices. In this way, various devices can communicate with each other via network 230, and this communication can be managed and scheduled by access points such as access point 202 and access point 208. Figure 2 As shown, the first device 110, the second device 120, the third device 204 and the fourth device 206 may each have multiple antennas associated with multiple co-located transceivers configured to reduce interference, as described in more detail below.

[0021] Figure 3 A diagram illustrating an example of a system for interference reduction configured according to some embodiments is shown. As discussed above, the wireless communication devices disclosed herein can be configured to reduce interference between two or more co-located transceivers. Figure 3 As shown, a wireless communication device (e.g., wireless communication device 301) may include juxtaposed transceivers, such as transceiver 302 and transceiver 304. Furthermore, such transceivers may be coupled to multiple antennas, such as antenna 320, antenna 322, and antenna 324. As discussed above, transceiver 302 and transceiver 304 may each be configured to implement different communication protocols. For example, transceiver 302 may be configured according to the Bluetooth protocol, and transceiver 304 may be configured according to the WiFi protocol.

[0022] In various embodiments, the wireless communication device 301 includes one or more components configured to reduce interference that may arise from the simultaneous operation of both transceiver 302 and transceiver 304. More specifically, the wireless communication device 301 further includes a filter 310 and a combiner 312. Figure 3 As shown, transceiver 304 is coupled to both antennas 322 and 324 via filter 310 and combiner 312. In various embodiments, filter 310 is an adaptive filter configured to adjust based on the signal received via antenna 322. Therefore, filter 310 has a configurable transfer function that can be derived from one or more other components (e.g., referred to below). Figure 5 (The processing equipment will be discussed in more detail for configuration.)

[0023] In various embodiments, filter 310 is adjusted to eliminate interference generated by transceiver 302 via antenna 320. (See below for reference.) Figure 6and Figure 7 In more detail, when transceiver 302 transmits data, it can generate a signal and transmit it via antenna 320. This signal can be received at antennas 322 and 324. The signal can be provided from antenna 322 to filter 310, and also via antenna 324 to combiner 312. Furthermore, filter 310 can also provide an output to combiner 312. The output of combiner 312 can be provided to a processing device (e.g., processing device 330) for adjusting filter 310 to eliminate interference generated by transceiver 302. More specifically, processing device 330 is configured to adjust filter 310 until the output of combiner 312 is reduced or cleared. Figure 3 As shown, combiner 312 is configured to combine the output of filter 310 and the output of transceiver 302 received via antenna 324. Therefore, when the output of combiner 312 is zero, the output of filter 310 efficiently cancels the signal generated by transceiver 302 and received via antenna 324. Thus, by combining, a comparison between signals can be achieved, and this comparison is used to adjust the filter. In one example, processing device 330 can implement several settings and can identify and select the setting that results in an output of zero or closest to zero. See below for reference. Figure 5 In more detail, the settings associated with the filter can also be stored in a memory device. Once the filter is configured, transceiver 304 can receive a signal via antenna 322, which is filtered by filter 310. In this way, the signal subsequently received by transceiver 304 is filtered to remove components of the signal generated by transceiver 302.

[0024] In various embodiments, the configuration of filter 310 can be performed during quiet periods of operation of transceiver 304. Therefore, transceiver 304 can be silent or in sleep mode, and calibration operations performed by processing device 330 can be performed between active periods of transceiver 304. In this way, filter 310 can be configured and updated periodically and dynamically to maintain the effectiveness of signal filtering and interference reduction provided by filter 310. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that filter 310 can be implemented in any number of ways, for example, within digital baseband, analog baseband, or digital frequency domain baseband.

[0025] Figure 4 A diagram illustrating an example of reduced device interference configured according to some embodiments is shown. Figure 4The transmit and receive paths of a device such as wireless communication device 402 are illustrated. More specifically, the transmit path of the first transceiver can be coupled to the receive path of the second transceiver at several tap-off points, which are used to filter out interference at multiple points along the receive path. As will be discussed in more detail below, the different tap-off points are specific to different domains and basebands, such that the associated filters can be specifically configured to target and eliminate specific components of the transmitted signal. Furthermore, because this configuration of the filters is implemented using internal communication paths and internally shared data, the use of antennas, such as antennas 418 and 420, is not required.

[0026] As noted above, the wireless communication device 402 includes a transmission path used by a first transceiver to transmit data. The transmission path includes a digital-to-analog converter 404, a mixer 414, and a power amplifier 416. The wireless communication device 402 also includes a reception path used by a second transceiver to receive data. The reception path includes a low-noise amplifier 424, a mixer 426, an analog-to-digital converter 432, and a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) processor 436, as well as other components. In some embodiments, the wireless communication device 402 also includes a local oscillator 428 coupled to mixers 414 and 426. For clarity, additional components such as modulators and demodulators are not shown.

[0027] As discussed above, the wireless communication device 402 further includes various filters, such as a first filter 406, a second filter 408, a third filter 410, and a fourth filter 412. These filters are configured to receive sampled input from the transmit path and are also configured to provide outputs to combiners (e.g., combiners 438, 434, 430, and 422) included in the receive path. In various embodiments, the first filter 406 is coupled from the transmit path to combiner 438 in the digital frequency domain. In some embodiments, the second filter 408 is coupled from the transmit path to combiner 434 in the digital time domain. In various embodiments, the third filter 410 is coupled from the transmit path to combiner 430 in the analog baseband. In various embodiments, the fourth filter 412 is coupled from the transmit path to combiner 422 in the radio frequency domain.

[0028] In various embodiments, it can be referenced above. Figure 3Similarly, filters can be configured. For example, a signal can be provided via a transmission path, and a filter (e.g., filter 408) can be configured to clear or reduce the output of an associated combiner (e.g., combiner 438). In this way, each of the first filter 406, the second filter 408, the third filter 410, and the fourth filter 412 is configured to eliminate interference at different stages of the wireless communication device 402.

[0029] In various embodiments, the signal received at the input of antenna 420 while antenna 418 is transmitting can be estimated using Equation 1 shown below:

[0030] y(n)=c1x(n)+c2x′(n) (1)

[0031] In Equation 1, x'(n) is the differential of the signal x(n) transmitted from antenna 418. Signal y(n) needs to be eliminated on the receiving path associated with antenna 420. This elimination is achieved using a first filter, a second filter, a third filter, and a fourth filter, as discussed above. In various embodiments, not all four filters are implemented. For example, a fourth filter 412 can be implemented in the RF domain to eliminate the c1 component, and a second filter 408 can be implemented in the digital domain to eliminate the c2 component. In various embodiments, if complete elimination cannot be achieved in the RF domain, a fourth filter 412 can be used in the RF domain for partial elimination of the c1 component, and a second filter 408 can be used for elimination of the remaining components.

[0032] In one example, where it is possible to completely eliminate the c1 component in the RF domain, the second filter 408 can be used to model the differential term and configured as a jw or finite impulse response (FIR) filter in the digital domain. An example of such an FIR filter could be an FIR filter implemented using taps [-1 0 1], which have a large (up to 10-fold) oversampling in the frequency range of interest. In various embodiments, the oversampling parameters can be determined and configured based on the desired performance characteristics. For example, less oversampling can be utilized if the reduced performance is acceptable.

[0033] In some embodiments, the second filter 408 can be implemented in the frequency domain. Therefore, the first filter 406 can be used to eliminate the c2 component. Furthermore, the third filter 410 can be used to eliminate the c1 component to improve cancellation at the analog input of the ADC 432. In some embodiments, RF / analog cancellation can be implemented to avoid saturation at the analog input of the ADC 432.

[0034] In various embodiments, both c1 and c2 components are eliminated in the analog domain. However, in some embodiments, as discussed above, the elimination of c1 and c2 components is divided between the first filter 406 and the fourth filter 412, which can reduce the complexity of the implementation.

[0035] Please refer to the following: Figure 8 In more detail, filters can be coupled and decoupled individually, allowing the configuration of each filter to be implemented independently. For example, first filter 406, second filter 408, third filter 410, and fourth filter 412 can be sequentially decoupled and coupled to calibrate and configure the entire filter bank. More specifically, in the example where component c1 is eliminated by fourth filter 412 and third filter 410, and component c2 is eliminated by second filter 408 and first filter 406, the calibration and configuration of the filters can be achieved by first setting antenna 418 to transmit mode and antenna 420 to receive mode before calibration. Once antenna 420 has been set to transmit mode, fourth filter 412 (implemented in the RF domain) is calibrated to minimize interference at its output. Next, third filter 410 (implemented in the RF domain) is calibrated to eliminate the remaining c1 component. Then, second filter 408 (implemented in the digital domain) is configured to eliminate the c2 component. Finally, first filter 406 can then be configured to eliminate the remaining c2 component.

[0036] Figure 5 A diagram illustrating an example of an additional system for interference reduction configured according to some embodiments is shown. More specifically, Figure 5 An example of a system (e.g., system 500) that may include a wireless communication device 501 is shown. In various embodiments, the wireless communication device 501 includes a first transceiver 106 and a second transceiver 108, as discussed similarly above. In one example, the first transceiver 106 is configured to transmit and receive signals using a communication medium that may include an antenna 521. Furthermore, the second transceiver 108 is configured to transmit and receive signals using a communication medium that may include an antenna 532.

[0037] As noted above, transceiver 106 may be included in a Bluetooth wireless device and may be compatible with the Bluetooth communication protocol. More specifically, transceiver 106 may be compatible with the Bluetooth Low Energy protocol. Therefore, transceiver 106 may include components configured to generate signals and receive signals via an antenna (e.g., antenna 521), such as modulators and demodulators, and one or more buffers and filters. Furthermore, transceiver 108 may be included in a WiFi wireless device and may be compatible with the WiFi communication protocol. More specifically, transceiver 108 may be compatible with the 802.11ax protocol. Therefore, transceiver 108 may include components configured to generate signals according to the WiFi protocol and receive signals via an antenna (e.g., antenna 532), such as modulators and demodulators, and one or more buffers and filters.

[0038] In various embodiments, system 500 further includes processing device 524, which may include one or more processor cores. In various embodiments, processing device 524 includes one or more processing devices configured to configure filters according to the interference reduction techniques disclosed herein. In various embodiments, processing device 524 includes one or more components configured to implement a media access control (MAC) layer configured to control hardware associated with a wireless transmission medium, such as hardware associated with Bluetooth and / or WiFi transmission media. In one example, processing device 524 may include an Advanced Reduced Instruction Set Computing Machine (ARM) core block 510, which may be configured to implement a driver, such as a Bluetooth or WiFi driver. Processing device 524 may also include a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) core block 512, which may be configured to include microcode.

[0039] System 500 also includes radio frequency (RF) circuitry 502 coupled to antennas 521, 530, and 532. In various embodiments, RF circuitry 502 may include various components, such as RF switches, duplexers, and filters. Therefore, RF circuitry 502 is configured to manage communication between the antennas and the transceiver. In this way, RF circuitry 502 can be configured to select the antenna for transmitting / receiving and can be configured to provide coupling between the selected antenna (e.g., antenna 521) and other components of system 500 via a bus.

[0040] System 500 includes a memory system 508 configured to store one or more data values ​​associated with the configuration of the filters discussed in more detail below. Therefore, memory system 508 includes a storage device, which may be non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM) configured to store such data values, and may also include a cache configured to provide a local cache. In various embodiments, system 500 also includes a host processor 513 configured to implement the processing operations implemented by system 500.

[0041] It will be appreciated that one or more of the components described above may be implemented on a single chip or on different chips. For example, the transceiver (e.g., transceiver 106) and processing device 524 may be implemented on the same integrated circuit chip (e.g., integrated circuit chip 520). In another example, the transceiver and processing device 524 may each be implemented on their own chips and thus may be configured separately as a multi-chip module or may be separately mounted on a common substrate such as a printed circuit board (PCB). It will also be appreciated that the components of system 500 may be implemented in the context of a vehicle, such as an automobile. Thus, some components (e.g., integrated chip 520) may be implemented in a first location of the vehicle, while other components (e.g., antenna 521) may be implemented in a second location of the vehicle, and coupling between the two may be achieved via a cable (e.g., RF coupler 522).

[0042] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating an example of an interference reduction method implemented according to some embodiments is shown. As discussed above, various wireless communication devices can communicate with each other via one or more transceivers. Such transceivers may be co-located within the same wireless communication device, and interference may occur between such transceivers, for example, during asynchronous operation. As will be discussed in more detail below, such wireless communication devices are configured to implement interference reduction methods (e.g., method 600) that configure filters to reduce interference between the co-located wireless devices and their associated components. In this way, the methods disclosed herein implement and enhance the operation of such co-located transceivers.

[0043] Method 600 may begin with operation 602, during which a first signal may be received. In various embodiments, the first signal is transmitted from a first transceiver using a first communication protocol. As discussed above, the first communication protocol may be the Bluetooth protocol. The first signal may be transmitted via a transmission path of the first transceiver and via a first antenna coupled to that transmission path.

[0044] Method 600 can proceed to operation 604, during which at least one filter can be configured at least partially based on the received first signal. As discussed above, the filter can be configured to cancel the transmitted first signal. This filter configuration can be implemented during a calibration operation, and the calibration operation can be implemented during a silent period of the second transceiver.

[0045] Method 600 can proceed to operation 606, during which a second signal can be received. In various embodiments, the second signal is transmitted using a second communication protocol. As discussed above, the second communication protocol may be a WiFi protocol. In various embodiments, the second signal may have already been transmitted by another wireless communication device and may be intended for use with a second transceiver.

[0046] Method 600 can proceed to operation 608, during which the second signal is filtered to remove at least some components of the first signal, such that the filtering reduces at least some interference from the first signal. Therefore, during operation 608, the received signal can be provided to a filter that removes components of the signal determined based on the configuration occurring during operation 606, and the filtered output can be provided to the second transceiver. In this way, interference generated by the first transceiver can be removed at least partially from the signal received by the second transceiver.

[0047] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating another example of a method for interference reduction implemented according to some embodiments is shown. As discussed above, various wireless communication devices are configured to implement interference reduction methods (e.g., method 700) that configure filters to reduce interference between juxtaposed wireless devices and their associated components. As will be discussed in more detail below, when multiple receiving antennas are available, these receiving antennas can be used to configure filters to reduce interference.

[0048] Method 700 may begin with operation 702, during which operation of the first wireless device and the first transceiver may commence. As discussed above, the first wireless device may include the first transceiver and may be configured according to a first communication protocol such as Bluetooth. Therefore, during operation 702, the first wireless device may begin transmitting data packets to other downstream wireless communication devices.

[0049] Method 700 may proceed to operation 704, during which it may be determined that a calibration operation should be performed. In some embodiments, a component such as a processing device may determine that a calibration operation should be performed for a second wireless device and a second transceiver included in the second wireless device. In some embodiments, this determination may be based on the indication that the first transceiver is transmitting and the second transceiver is in a silent or sleep period and is not transmitting or receiving.

[0050] Method 700 can proceed to operation 706, during which a first signal can be received from the first wireless device, the first signal being transmitted using the first communication protocol. As discussed similarly above, the first signal can be transmitted by the first transceiver via a first antenna and can be received at one or more receiving antennas coupled to a second transceiver placed in the same wireless communication device as the first transceiver. Therefore, during operation 706, the first signal can be received at the receiving path of the second transceiver placed in the same wireless communication device as the first transceiver.

[0051] Method 700 can proceed to operation 708, during which the filter can be trained at least in part based on the first signal. In various embodiments, the first signal is received at a second antenna coupled to the filter, which is coupled to the combiner, and a third antenna coupled to the combiner. The output of the combiner is provided to a processing device that configures and adjusts the filter until the output of the combiner is reduced and / or cleared to zero. Once this has occurred, it can be determined that the filter has been trained and is ready for operational use.

[0052] Method 700 can proceed to operation 710, during which a second signal is received from another wireless communication device, the second signal being transmitted using a second communication protocol. Therefore, the other wireless communication device can transmit the signal received by the second transceiver. As discussed above, the second signal can be transmitted according to the WiFi communication protocol.

[0053] Method 700 can proceed to operation 712, during which the second signal can be filtered to remove at least some components of the first signal. In various embodiments, filtering reduces at least some interference from the first signal. Therefore, the second signal can be received at the second antenna, and the second signal can be provided to the filter, and the output of the filter can be provided to the second transceiver. In this way, the filter is configured to filter the received signal based on the training and configuration that occurs during operation 708, and the filter removes interference caused by the first transceiver.

[0054] Figure 8A flowchart illustrating yet another example of a method for interference reduction implemented according to some embodiments is shown. As discussed above, various wireless communication devices are configured to implement interference reduction methods (e.g., method 800) that configure filters to reduce interference between juxtaposed wireless devices and their associated components. As will be discussed in more detail below, data can be passed between the transmit path of a first transceiver and the receive path of a second transceiver to facilitate filter configuration and achieve interference reduction.

[0055] Method 800 may begin with operation 802, during which operation of the first wireless device and the first transceiver may commence. As discussed above, the first wireless device may include the first transceiver and may be configured according to a first communication protocol such as Bluetooth. Therefore, during operation 802, the first wireless device may begin transmitting data packets to other downstream wireless communication devices.

[0056] Method 800 may proceed to operation 804, during which it may be determined whether a calibration operation should be performed. This determination may be based on the current state of the second transceiver. For example, if the second transceiver is in a silent or sleep state or mode, the calibration operation may be performed, and method 800 may proceed to operation 806. If the second transceiver is not in a silent or sleep state, the calibration operation may be skipped, and method 800 may proceed to operation 814. In some embodiments, a component such as a processing device may determine whether a calibration operation should be performed.

[0057] If it is determined that a calibration operation should be performed, method 800 can proceed to operation 806, during which one or more other components of the wireless communication device can be disconnected. As discussed similarly above, the filter to be calibrated can be identified based on a data table or state machine maintained by the processing and memory devices, as referenced above. Figure 5 As discussed. Therefore, during operation 806, the filter to be calibrated can be selected, and other downstream filters can be disconnected and decoupled from the transmit and receive paths.

[0058] Method 800 can proceed to operation 808, during which a first signal, transmitted using a first communication protocol, can be received from the first transceiver. Therefore, the first signal can be provided to the transmission path. (See above reference.) Figure 4 The trained filter discussed here has an input coupled to the transmit path at a specific location (also referred to as the tap point in this paper).

[0059] Method 800 can proceed to operation 810, during which the filter can be trained at least partially based on the first signal. Therefore, the processing device can adjust and modify the parameters of the filter so that the filter eliminates or clears the first signal.

[0060] Method 800 can proceed to operation 812, during which it can be determined whether another filter should be calibrated. This determination can be made based on the previously described data table or state machine. For example, the processing device can maintain a list of filters and can proceed step-by-step through each filter until the list ends. If it is determined that another filter should be calibrated, method 800 can return to operation 806. If it is determined that no other filter should be calibrated, method 800 can proceed to operation 814.

[0061] Method 800 can proceed to operation 814, during which the second signal can be filtered to remove at least some components of the first signal. In various embodiments, the second signal is received from an additional wireless communication device and at the receive path of the second transceiver. Each of the filters can provide an input (also referred to herein as a cancellation signal) to the receive path via one or more combiners at each of several locations corresponding to tap positions. Each input reduces or cancels interference generated by the first signal in the corresponding domain of each filter. In this way, the second signal can be received at the second antenna, and the outputs of the filters can be provided to different locations on the receive path of the second transceiver to remove different components of interference caused by the transmit path of the first transceiver.

[0062] Although the foregoing concepts have been described in detail for the purpose of clarity, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the appended claims. It should be noted that many alternative methods of implementation, systems, and devices exist. Therefore, this example should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims

1. A method for wireless communication, comprising: Receive a first signal from a first transceiver, the first signal being compatible with a first communication protocol; The processor configures a plurality of filters based at least in part on a received first signal, the plurality of filters being communicatively coupled to a second transceiver, the second transceiver being co-located with the first transceiver in the same wireless communication device, wherein the configuration includes sampling a transmission path signal of the first transceiver at each of a plurality of locations along a transmission path of the first transceiver, and generating a plurality of cancellation signals as outputs of the plurality of filters based on the sampling, each of the plurality of cancellation signals being for one of the plurality of locations; Receive a second signal, which is compatible with a second communication protocol; The second signal is filtered using the plurality of filters to remove at least some components of the first signal from the second signal, the filtering reducing at least some interference of the first signal on the second signal, wherein the filtering includes combining a corresponding cancellation signal of the plurality of cancellation signals with a receive path signal of the second transceiver at each of the plurality of locations; and The filtered second signal is provided to the second transceiver.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The first transceiver is a Bluetooth transceiver, and the first communication protocol is compatible with the Bluetooth protocol. The second transceiver is a wireless local area network (WLAN) transceiver, and the second communication protocol is compatible with the WiFi protocol. The first transceiver and the second transceiver are co-located in the same wireless communication device.

3. A system for wireless communication, comprising: A first transceiver is configured to generate a first signal compatible with a first communication protocol; A second transceiver is configured to receive a second signal compatible with a second communication protocol, wherein the first transceiver and the second transceiver are co-located in the same wireless communication device; A first antenna is configured to transmit the first signal generated by the first transceiver; A second antenna is configured to receive the first signal from the first transceiver; A third antenna is configured to receive the first signal from the first transceiver, wherein the first antenna, the second antenna, and the third antenna are juxtaposed in the same wireless communication device; A filter, coupled between the second antenna and the second transceiver, wherein the filter is an adaptive filter configured to filter the input received via the second antenna; and A processing device configured to modify the filter at least in part based on the output of the filter corresponding to the first signal received via the second antenna and the first signal received via the third antenna, wherein the modification of the filter is based on a determination of when the output of the filter reduces interference caused by the first signal received via the third antenna.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein, The first transceiver is a Bluetooth transceiver, and the first communication protocol is compatible with the Bluetooth protocol.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein, The second transceiver is a WLAN transceiver, and the second communication protocol is compatible with the WiFi protocol.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein, The first transceiver and the second transceiver are implemented on the same integrated circuit.

7. The system according to claim 3, wherein, The filter is included in the digital baseband of the second transceiver.

8. The system according to claim 3, wherein, The filter is a time-domain filter.

9. A device for wireless communication, comprising: A first transceiver is configured to generate a first signal compatible with a first communication protocol; A second transceiver is configured to receive a second signal compatible with a second communication protocol, wherein the first transceiver and the second transceiver are co-located in the same wireless communication device; A plurality of filters coupled between the transmit path of the first transceiver and the receive path of the second transceiver, wherein each of the plurality of filters is configured to receive a sampled input from the transmit path signal and generate an output provided to the receive path signal; and A processing device configured to modify each of the plurality of filters, the modification being at least in part based on the sampled input from the transmit path signal and the output of the filter, wherein the modification includes sampling the transmit path signal of the first transceiver at each of a plurality of locations along the transmit path of the first transceiver, and generating a plurality of cancellation signals as outputs of the plurality of filters based on the sampling, each of the plurality of cancellation signals targeting one of the plurality of locations. The second signal will be filtered in such a way that at each of the plurality of locations, a corresponding cancellation signal from the plurality of cancellation signals is combined with the receive path signal of the second transceiver.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein, The first transceiver is a Bluetooth transceiver, and the first communication protocol is compatible with the Bluetooth protocol. The second transceiver is a WLAN transceiver, and the second communication protocol is compatible with the WiFi protocol.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein, The first transceiver and the second transceiver are implemented on the same integrated circuit.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein, One or more of the plurality of filters are included in the digital baseband of the wireless communication device.

13. The device according to claim 11, wherein, One or more of the plurality of filters are included in the analog baseband of the wireless communication device.

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