Two-way multi-band frequency manager for wireless microphone systems

Abstract

A frequency manager in a multi-band wireless microphone system provides synchronization of fixed RF devices (e.g., transceivers) operating in distal portions of the spectrum (e.g., two or more frequency bands). Each transceiver can be paired with a wireless microphone and provide synchronization with the paired wireless microphone. A multi-band filter is used to separate or combine antenna signals into multiple frequency bands. Band-specific low noise amplifiers and power amplifiers can be used for each frequency band, whereby amplifier performance can be optimized. A second multi-band filter is used to combine or separate multiple frequency bands before distribution by a splitter. The transceivers connected to the frequency manager can then operate independently in one frequency band, different frequency bands, or a combination of frequency bands. Cascading features allow multiple frequency managers to be synchronized, thereby further increasing the simultaneous microphone channel capacity of the system.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application 16 / 743,113, filed January 15, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] One or more aspects of this disclosure generally relate to a wireless microphone system that operates in two or more frequency bands. Background Technology

[0004] Multiple (sometimes many) wireless microphones are typically used to achieve the desired coverage of a performance / entertainment venue. However, for this purpose, one or more frequencies in the available spectrum are usually assigned to each wireless microphone. Frequency assignment can present numerous challenges when configuring and operating a wireless microphone system for a venue.

[0005] Wireless microphones are susceptible to interference, drops, and other radio frequency (RF) problems. For example, RF interference can be caused by other wireless microphones, cordless phone services, facility lighting, etc. These problems can be catastrophic for systems produced and installed in the field. An event is often ruined when a wireless microphone suffers a static or intermediate drop during a field event. Even a failure lasting a fraction of a second can interrupt a demonstration or performance, causing confusion and anxiety among technicians, event coordinators, and audience members. Therefore, any improvements to the frequency assignment of wireless microphones and associated mounting equipment will benefit the wireless microphone system. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, the selection of concepts further described below in the detailed description. The present invention is not intended to identify key or essential features of this disclosure.

[0007] The frequency manager in a wireless microphone system provides multi-band bidirectional operation. The frequency manager supports synchronization of fixed radio frequency (RF) devices (e.g., transceivers) that can operate in the far reaches of the spectrum. Each transceiver can be paired with a wireless microphone and provides synchronization with the paired wireless microphone.

[0008] Multiband filters (e.g., duplexers) can be used instead of traditional broadband RF splitters or RF band selection switches to separate or combine antenna signals into two or more bands. This method can reduce signal loss, improve receiver sensitivity, and reduce transmitter power amplifier (PA) gain requirements. Band-specific low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) and PAs can be used for each band, allowing amplifier performance to be improved beyond that of a single broadband LNA or PA.

[0009] Another multi-band filter is used to combine or separate frequency bands before the RF is distributed by the splitter. The frequency manager allows transmitter and receiver timing to be synchronized in multiple frequency bands simultaneously. The transceivers connected to the frequency manager can then operate independently in one frequency band or portions of multiple frequency bands.

[0010] According to some embodiments, each transceiver can operate in one or another frequency band. The frequency manager can increase the system channel capacity by synchronizing the transmit and receive timing on all connected microphone channels. Cascading features allow multiple frequency managers to be synchronized, further increasing the simultaneous microphone channel capacity of the system.

[0011] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a frequency manager in a wireless microphone system manages the frequency spectrum of a plurality of transceivers paired with a plurality of wireless microphones. A first multi-band filter is bidirectionally connected to a first antenna and is configured to receive a received radio frequency (RF) signal and simultaneously transmit a transmitted RF signal over a plurality of frequency bands (e.g., a first frequency band and a second frequency band centered at 2.4 GHz and 5.5 GHz). The frequency manager receives the received RF signal (including a received component from each supported wireless microphone) from the paired wireless microphones and transmits a transmitted RF signal including a transmitted component to each paired wireless microphone. A separate processing circuit is bidirectionally connected between the first multi-band filter and a second multi-band filter and is configured to process the received and transmitted RF signals for each supported frequency band. An RF splitter / combiner bidirectionally connected to the second multi-band filter combines the transmitted components into the transmitted RF signal, splits the received RF signal into RF portions, and directs the RF portions to the supported transceivers.

[0012] According to another aspect of the disclosure, during a particular duration (e.g., a subframe) of the received and transmitted RF signals, a first transceiver can operate under a first frequency band while a second transceiver operates under a second frequency band. For example, the frequency bands can be centered at 2.4 GHz, 5.5 GHz, 1.8 GHz, and / or 902 MHz.

[0013] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the frequency manager can be connected to two or more antennas to support antenna diversity. This approach provides additional signal robustness over a single antenna.

[0014] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a supported transceiver can be connected to the A and B ports of the frequency manager. When the frequency manager determines that a first transceiver is connected to the A and B ports, the frequency manager can assign a frequency group (including one or more frequencies spanning one or more frequency bands) to the first transceiver. The frequency manager can assign the same frequency group to a second transceiver; however, during a given transmit or receive subframe, the first and second transceivers will operate at different frequencies within the frequency group.

[0015] According to another aspect of the disclosure, the frequency manager can periodically attempt to communicate with a transceiver via the A port. When a response is received via the associated B port, the frequency manager determines that a transceiver is connected.

[0016] According to another aspect of the disclosure, the frequency manager attempts to communicate with a first antenna port. When a response is received through a second antenna port, the frequency manager determines that it is connected to an uplink manager and not to an antenna. Accordingly, the frequency manager can interact with the uplink frequency manager via the antenna port.

[0017] According to another aspect of the disclosure, the frequency manager assigns a frequency group and a frequency hopping sequence to a transceiver, where the frequencies in the group can be both in a first frequency band and in a second frequency band. Accordingly, the transceiver can move from one frequency band to a different frequency band during the frequency hopping sequence.

[0018] According to another aspect of the disclosure, additional transceivers can be supported with a cascaded (downlink) frequency manager.

[0019] According to another aspect of the disclosure, the frequency manager determines the capabilities of the connected transceivers and selects at least one transceiver to use as a frequency scanner. For example, the selected transceiver can be capable of supporting multiple frequency bands. The frequency manager can be able to identify unoccupied frequencies from the scanner information and assign these frequencies to the connected transceivers.

[0020] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a transceiver sends operational data to a paired wireless microphone through a transmitted RF signal. The wireless microphone uses this information when transmitting data to the transceiver. According to some embodiments, the transceiver and the paired wireless microphone can use the same frequency group and frequency hopping sequence. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] A more complete understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present application and the advantages thereof can be acquired by referring to the following description in consideration with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate like features, and wherein:

[0022] Figure 1 A wireless microphone system according to one aspect of an embodiment is shown.

[0023] Figure 2 A frequency manager supporting two frequency bands is shown in accordance with an aspect of an embodiment.

[0024] Figure 3 Frequency assignment of two fixed transceivers in a wireless microphone system is shown in accordance with an aspect of an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 4 Frequency assignment with frequency hopping is shown in accordance with an aspect of an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 5 A wireless microphone system with a master frequency manager and cascaded (downstream) frequency managers is shown in accordance with an aspect of an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 6 Frequency assignment of transceivers connected to a downstream frequency manager is shown in accordance with an aspect of an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 7 A frequency manager controller is shown in accordance with an aspect of an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 8 A flowchart of a frequency manager supporting frequency assignment of fixed transceivers is shown in accordance with an aspect of an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 9 A flowchart of a frequency manager determining whether a transceiver is connected to the A and B ports of the frequency manager is shown in accordance with an aspect of an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 10 A flowchart of a frequency manager determining whether it is connected to an antenna or to an upstream frequency manager is shown in accordance with an aspect of an embodiment.

[0032] Figures 11 to 14 An embodiment of a frequency manager supporting two frequency bands is shown.

[0033] Figure 15 An embodiment of a frequency manager that can support Figure 2 and Figures 11 to 14 An apparatus of the embodiment shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] In the following description of various example embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various embodiments in which can be practiced the present application. It is to be understood that other embodiments can be utilized and structural and functional modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present application.

[0035] Using conventional methods, multi-band operation of wireless microphone systems often uses a wideband radio frequency (RF) splitter or an RF band select switch. These conventional methods can increase signal loss, decrease receiver sensitivity, and increase transmitter power amplifier (PA) gain requirements. In addition, the need to configure the RF band select switch can preclude simultaneous operation in multiple bands.

[0036] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a frequency manager in a wireless microphone system that provides multi-band bidirectional operation. The frequency manager supports synchronization of fixed radio frequency (RF) devices (e.g., transceivers) that can operate in the distal portions of the spectrum. Each transceiver can be paired with a wireless microphone, and provide synchronization with the paired wireless microphone.

[0037] Figure 1 A wireless microphone system 100 is shown in accordance with an aspect of the embodiments. The wireless microphone system 100 includes a frequency manager 199, transceivers 104-106, and wireless microphones 101-103.

[0038] The frequency manager 199 provides multi-band bidirectional operation. The frequency manager 199 supports synchronization of fixed radio frequency (RF) devices (e.g., transceivers 104-106) that can operate in the distal portions of the spectrum. Each transceiver 104-106 can be paired with a wireless microphone 101-103, and provide synchronization with the paired wireless microphone. Embodiments can support other types of devices, including body-worn monitors and wireless remote sensing devices (e.g., temperature probes, pressure gauges, and personal digital assistants).

[0039] The frequency manager 199 manages the spectrum for the transceivers 104-106 paired with the wireless microphones 101-103. A first multi-band filter 107 is bidirectionally connected to an antenna 120, and is configured to receive received radio frequency (RF) signals from the transceivers 104-106, and simultaneously transmit transmitted RF signals to the transceivers 104-106 over multiple frequency bands (e.g., a first frequency band and a second frequency band centered at 2.4 GHz and 5.5 GHz).

[0040] Separate processing circuits 108-110 are bidirectionally connected between the first multi-band filter 107 and a second multi-band filter 111, and are configured to electrically process the received and transmitted RF signals for each supported frequency band. An RF splitter / combiner 112 bidirectionally connected to the second multi-band filter 111 combines transmitted components into the transmitted RF signal, splits the received RF signal into RF portions, and directs the RF portions to the supported transceivers 104-106.

[0041] Embodiments can support simultaneous operation in more than two frequency bands, with each frequency band having an associated processing circuit 108-110. For example, a wireless microphone system can support frequency bands at 2.4 GHz, 5.5 GHz, and 1.8 GHz, or 2.4 GHz, 5.5 GHz, 1.8 GHz, and 902 MHz.

[0042] While Figure 1 Only one antenna (e.g., antenna 120) is shown, but embodiments can use two or more antennas to provide antenna diversity, with multiple RF signals from the antennas being combined. This concept will be discussed in more detail in connection with Figure 2 Further discussion.

[0043] While not explicitly shown, audio output from transceivers 104-106 is combined in an audio playback network (e.g., one or more speakers distributed throughout an entertainment venue).

[0044] While Figure 1 A wireless microphone system is shown, but embodiments of the present disclosure can support a communication system for wireless telephones, including base stations that interact with wireless portable devices.

[0045] Embodiments can support wireless microphones with multi-band capability and / or with single-band capability. Moreover, embodiments can support backward compatibility with legacy single-band wireless microphones.

[0046] Figure 2 A frequency manager 299 that supports two frequency bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz and 5.5 GHz) is shown in accordance with an aspect of embodiments.

[0047] By implementing a triplexer or higher order band-splitting filter, embodiments can be extended to more than two operating frequency bands. Also, embodiments can support frequency bands at 2.4 GHz, 5.5 GHz, 1.8 GHz, and / or 902 MHz.

[0048] The frequency manager 299 supports frequency coordination, TX / RX time synchronization, and antenna distribution functions for a two-way wireless microphone system. Signals from both frequency bands are simultaneously distributed from the frequency manager 299 to all RF ports 222-231. A random mix of transceivers operating in each frequency band can be connected and served by the frequency manager 299 without requiring user pre-selection of operating frequency bands.

[0049] While the frequency manager 299 supports antenna diversity through antenna 201 (A-diversity branch) and antenna 202 (B-diversity branch), the portion associated with the A-diversity branch will be discussed in detail. The portion associated with the B-diversity branch operates in a similar manner.

[0050] Each supported transceiver 251-253 receives / transmits RF signals from / to antenna 201 and antenna 202 via the associated A-port and B-port, respectively. For example, transceiver 251 is connected to A-port 222 and B-port 227. Further, as will be discussed in greater detail, frequency manager controller 233 sends and receives data to and from transceivers 251-253 through A-ports 222-226 and B-ports 227-231, respectively, where the data can be formatted into one or more messages. The messages can include a message type, an originating device identification, a destination device identification, and data.

[0051] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, frequency manager 299 can instead send messages (e.g., commands) to RF devices (e.g., transceivers) on the same port (e.g., A-port) for receiving responses using a bidirectional configuration on the port.

[0052] Further, frequency manager controller 233 sends timing data to supported transceivers 251-253 through A-ports 222-226 so that transceivers 251-253 are synchronized together. Thus, transceivers 251-253 will change operating frequencies at the same time.

[0053] According to some embodiments, data transmission to / from transceivers 251-253 can utilize RF signals through A-port 226 and B-ports 227-231 by modulating the RF signals with a DC component or tone.

[0054] Frequency manager controller 233 sends data to transceivers 251-253 via data link 261, multiplexer 234, and A-ports 222-224, respectively, and receives data from transceivers 251-253 via data link 262, multiplexer 235, and B-ports 227-229, respectively. Frequency manager controller 233 selects one of transceivers 251-253 to communicate with through multiplexers 234 and 235.

[0055] Frequency manager controller 233 can periodically attempt to communicate with each A-port 222-226 via link 261 and look for a response from the corresponding B-port 227-231 via link 262, as flowchart 801 Figure 9 ) discussed in further detail. If a response is obtained, then the transceiver is connected to that port. If the response stops, then the transceiver must have been removed from that port.

[0056] A multi-band 203 (duplexer filter) is used instead of a conventional wideband RF splitter or RF band select switch to separate or combine antenna signals to / from an antenna 201 into two frequency bands. The resulting RF signals for each of the two frequency bands are directed through duplexers 204, 205, 212, and 213 and separate processing circuits including power amplifiers (PAs) 206 and 207 and low noise amplifiers (LNAs) 208 and 209.

[0057] The approach generally reduces signal loss, thereby improving receiver sensitivity and reducing the gain requirements of the PAs 206 and 207. Band-specific LNAs 208 and 209 and PAs 206 and 207 are used for the first and second frequency bands, respectively, so that amplifier performance can be optimized better than the performance of a single wideband LNA or PA.

[0058] Embodiments can include attenuators 210-211 and / or 216-221 that support adjustment / calibration of RF gain by a manager 299. For example, the attenuators 210-211 and 216-221 can maintain unity gain in transmit and receive modes by the manager 299. The attenuators 216-221 can remove excess gain from the LNAs 208-209 and can also provide RF loading to reduce reflections from unused RF ports. The attenuators 210-211 can remove excess gain from the PAs 206-207, thereby allowing correction of amplifier tolerances.

[0059] A second duplexer filter 214 is used to combine or separate the frequency bands before distribution by an 8:1 splitter 215. The PCB-based 8:1 splitter 215 can be implemented using seven 2:1 printed Wilkinson splitters that are optimized for port-to-port isolation at 2.4 and 5.7 GHz. Printing the splitters on a PCB saves cost over lumped element splitters. The number of transceiver ports can be increased by adding more splitters, or decreased by removing or terminating unused sections of splitters.

[0060] The frequency manager 299 allows simultaneous transmitter and receiver timing synchronization in both frequency bands. The transceivers 251-253 can operate independently in one frequency band or in portions of both frequency bands. The frequency manager 299 increases system channel capacity by synchronizing transmit and receive timing on all connected microphone channels.

[0061] Cascade features allow multiple frequency managers to be synchronized, thereby further increasing the simultaneous microphone channel capacity of the system. For example, as will be discussed in further detail, a downlink frequency manager can be connected to cascade ports 271-272.

[0062] Cascaded detection / data links 263 and 264 enable the frequency manager 299 to discover whether an antenna input port is connected to an antenna or to a cascaded port 271-272 of an uplink frequency manager (e.g., frequency manager 299) via the frequency manager controller 233, as shown. Figure 5 Figure 5 If the A antenna port 534 is connected to an antenna, there will be no response on the corresponding B antenna port 535 when the frequency manager controller of the cascaded (downlink) frequency manager 599 attempts to communicate on the A antenna port 534. If the A antenna port 534 is connected to a cascaded output of the uplink frequency manager 299, data will be received on the B antenna port 535.

[0063] According to some embodiments, the frequency manager controller 233 can send data (e.g., messages) to the A antenna port via link 263 and receive data from the B antenna port via link 264 by modulating the RF signal as described above.

[0064] According to some embodiments, the frequency manager controller 233 can send data (e.g., messages) to the A antenna port via link 263 and receive data from the A antenna port via link 264 by modulating the RF signal using a bidirectional data communication system.

[0065] Returning to Figure 2 , the frequency manager 299 can communicate through the RF ports 222-231 to determine the capabilities of the transceivers 251-253 (e.g., dual-band transceivers or legacy 2.4 GHz transceivers or receivers). Based on the discovered capabilities, the frequency manager 299 can select one or more transceivers 251-253 to perform a frequency scan. For example, the frequency manager 299 can select transceivers with multi-band capabilities rather than single-band capabilities. However, other criteria can also be used. As another example, the frequency manager 299 can select a first detected device or can select multiple detected devices (e.g., transceivers 251-253) to speed up the scanning process. Further, the frequency manager 299 can select one or more RF devices (e.g., transceivers 554-556, as shown Figure 5 on the downlink frequency manager (e.g., frequency manager 599), as shown, by interacting with the downlink frequency manager via links 263 and 264. Figure 5

[0066] As a result of the frequency scan, the wireless microphone system can be optimally configured for the best operating channel. The optimization can be based on RF spectrum availability such that higher detected RF noise or interference on a given channel results in a lower deployment priority for that channel.

[0067] ​​When pairing the wireless microphones 101-103 with the transceivers 251-253 and 554-556, the frequency manager 299 can determine the capabilities of the wireless microphones 101-103 (as shown in FIG. 3). For example, legacy wireless microphones can operate with multi-band transceivers, but will be limited to the 2.4 GHz band, where the transceivers can still scan over multiple bands, but limit the frequency options once paired with the legacy wireless microphones. Figure 1

[0068] Figure 3 Frequency assignments for two transceivers 251 and 252 in a wireless microphone system are shown in accordance with an aspect of an embodiment. As described above, the transceivers 251 and 252 are synchronized together. Thus, the transceivers 251-252 are time aligned to a receive frame 301 (during which the transceivers 251-252 receive data from paired wireless microphones) and a transmit frame 302 (during which the transceivers 251-252 transmit data to paired wireless microphones).

[0069] The receive frame 301 and the transmit frame 302 can be further divided into receive subframes 303-305 and transmit subframes 306-308, respectively. Because the amount of data received can differ from the amount of data transmitted, the durations of the received subframes 303-305 can differ from the durations of the transmitted subframes 306-308.

[0070] After transmitting data (typically mostly audio data) from the paired wireless microphones (typically portable units) to the transceivers 251-252, the paired wireless microphones enter a receive frame, where the transceivers 251-252 (often rack mounted) transmit data back to the wireless microphones during the transmit frame 302 using the same frequency hopping and frequency hopping sequence. The data from the transceivers 251-252 can include parameters such as frequency hopping, frequency hopping sequence, and frequency hopping timing information.

[0071] During each receive subframe 303-305, the transceivers 251-252 receive at the assigned frequencies F r (1, i) and F r (2, i), respectively, where i denotes the ith receive subframe, and where the parameter n can or can not be equal to the parameter m. Similarly, during each transmit subframe 306-308, the transceivers 251-252 transmit at the assigned frequencies F t (1, i) and F t (2, i), respectively, where i denotes the ith transmit subframe.

[0072] The transceivers 251 and 252 can or can not transmit or receive simultaneously on the same frequency band. For example, F r (1, 1) and F​r (2, 1) can be in the first frequency band. As another example, F r (1, 1) and F r (2, 1) can be in the first and second frequency bands, respectively.

[0073] Also, the transceivers 251 and 252 can or can not transition from one frequency band to another. For example, F r (1, 1) and F r (1, 2) can be in the first frequency band. As another example, F r (1, 1) and F r (1, 2) can be in the first and second frequency bands, respectively.

[0074] According to some embodiments, the transceivers can transmit using the same frequency as they receive. For example, F r (1, 1) and F t (1, 1) can be the same or different.

[0075] Figure 4 A specific frequency assignment for a frequency hopping based Figure 3 TDMA system according to an aspect of the embodiments is shown. During the receive frame 401, the transceivers 251-253 receive at Fl, F2, and F3, F2, F3, and Fl, and F3, Fl, F2, respectively during the receive subframes 403-405. Because the transceivers 251-253 share the same set of frequencies, the capacity is approximately three times that when the transceivers 251-253 are assigned three different sets of frequencies. Extending this approach, another set of three frequencies F4, F5, F6 can be shared by three other transceivers (e.g., transceivers 554-556 as shown in FIG. 5). Figure 5

[0076] Frequency hopping often provides greater robustness to signal interference. For example, if Fl is exposed to an interfering RF signal, F2 and F3 can not be.

[0077] Fl, F2, and F3 can be in the same frequency band or different frequency bands. In the latter case, Fl, F2, and F3 can be in a first frequency band (e.g., 2.4 GHz), a second frequency band (e.g., 5.5 GHz), and a third frequency band (e.g., 1.8 GHz), respectively.

[0078] After the receive frame 401, the transceivers 251-253 transmit at Fl, F2, and F3, F2, F3, and Fl, and F3, Fl, F2, respectively during the transmit subframes 406-408.

[0079] While Figure 4 ​A single frequency hopping sequence that occurs during receive frame 401 or transmit frame 402 is described, but multiple frequency hopping sequences may occur (e.g., F1, F2, F3, F1, F2, F3).

[0080] Figure 5 A wireless microphone system with a master frequency manager 299 and a cascaded (downlink) frequency manager 599 is shown according to one aspect of an embodiment. The cascaded frequency manager is a method for increasing the capacity of a wireless microphone system. (About...) Figure 2 Transceivers 554 to 556 are added to the wireless microphone system by connecting transceivers 554 to 556 to ports A 542 to 544 and ports B 547 to 549 of the cascaded frequency manager 599, respectively.

[0081] By connecting antenna ports 534 to 535 to cascade ports 271 to 272 respectively, cascade frequency manager 599 is cascaded with master frequency manager 299. As described above, when cascade frequency manager 599 receives a response via antenna port 535 in response to transmitting data (e.g., a query message) via antenna port 534, cascade frequency manager 599 determines that uplink frequency manager is connected to cascade frequency manager 599.

[0082] Although not in Figure 5 As explicitly stated, however, each frequency manager can support a separate frequency manager controller (e.g., such as...). Figure 2 (Frequency Manager Controller 233 shown). When frequency managers 299 and 599 are cascaded, the associated frequency manager controllers can interact to share information (e.g., scanner information) and coordinate frequency assignments. According to some embodiments, frequency manager controller 233 can act as a master controller by instructing frequency manager 599 to assign specific frequency groups and frequency hopping sequences to transceivers 554 to 556.

[0083] The wireless microphone system can utilize more than one transceiver (e.g., transceiver 251 and transceiver 554) as a scanning device across frequency managers 299 and 599.

[0084] Figure 6 Transceivers 554 to 556 (e.g., in a wireless microphone system according to one aspect of an embodiment) are shown. Figure 5 Frequency assignment (as shown). According to some embodiments, frequency manager 599 interacts with frequency manager 299 to ensure that the frequency assignments of transceivers 554 to 556 do not conflict with the frequency assignments of transceivers 251 to 253.

[0085] During the receive frame 601, the transceivers 554-556 receive at F4, F5 and F6, at F5, F6 and F4, and at F6, F4 and F5, respectively, during the receive subframes 603-605, respectively.

[0086] F4, F5 and F6 can be in the same frequency band or in different frequency bands. In the latter case, F4, F5 and F6 can be in a first frequency band (e.g., 2.4 GHz), a second frequency band (e.g., 5.5 GHz) and a third frequency band (e.g., 1.8 GHz), respectively.

[0087] During the transmit frame 602, the transceivers 554-556 transmit at F4, F5 and F6, at F5, F6 and F4, and at F6, F4, F5, respectively, during the transmit subframes 606-608, respectively.

[0088] Embodiments can support frequency assignments in which the transceivers 251 and 252 (and the paired wireless microphones) operate in different frequency bands. For example, all of the frequency hops assigned to the transceiver 251 are in a first frequency band, while all of the frequency hops assigned to the transceiver 252 are in a second frequency band.

[0089] Embodiments can support frequency assignments in which the master frequency manager 229 shares frequencies with transceivers connected to the downlink frequency manager 599 using different frequency hop sequences.

[0090] Figure 7 A frequency manager controller 233 is shown in accordance with an aspect of an embodiment. The frequency manager controller 233 includes a processor 701, a memory device 702 and data interfaces 703-706.

[0091] The processor 701 can execute computer-executable instructions from a computer- readable medium, such as the memory device 702, in order to perform the processes 800, 801 and 1000, respectively, corresponding to Figures 8 to 10

[0092] ​The frequency manager controller 233 can include one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other integrated circuits. Computer storage media can include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by the processor 701. Executable instructions can perform any or all of the method steps described herein. According to some embodiments, the frequency manager controller 233 (e.g., a laptop computer) can be external to the RF components of the frequency manager 299.

[0093] The processor 701 exchanges data with the A ports 222-226, the B ports 227-231, the A antenna port 237, and the B antenna port 236 via the data interfaces 703-706, respectively. For example, when the processor 701 wishes to send data (e.g., a data message containing an assigned frequency group and frequency hopping sequence) to the transceiver 252 (as shown), the processor 701 provides the data on the data link 261 and configures the multiplexer 234 to direct the data to the A port 223. Figure 2

[0094] Figures 8 to 10 Flowcharts 800, 801, and 1000 are presented, respectively, when the processor 701 executes computer readable instructions stored in the memory device 702.

[0095] Figure 8 A flowchart 800 of the frequency manager 299 or 599 that supports frequency assignment of the transceivers 251-253 and 554-556 is shown, according to an aspect of an embodiment.

[0096] At block 801, the frequency manager controller 233 sends a query message to each A port 222-226. If a response message is received from a corresponding B port 227-231, the frequency manager controller 233 determines that an RF device (e.g., a transceiver 251) is connected to the corresponding A and B ports.

[0097] ​Then, at block 802, the frequency manager controller 233 can obtain information about the capabilities of the RF devices. At block 803, based on the obtained capability information, the frequency manager controller 233 selects one or more transceivers to serve the frequency scanner. The frequency manager controller 233 can make the selection based on one or more criteria such as multi-band capability, etc.

[0098] At block 804, the frequency manager controller 233 obtains scanner information about unoccupied frequencies and, at block 805, assigns these frequencies to the connected transceivers. In addition, the frequency manager controller 233 can provide the hopping sequence and hopping timing information to each connected transceiver. The connected transceivers can then provide configuration information to the paired wireless microphones based on the configuration information provided as described above.

[0099] With embodiments of the disclosure, the frequency manager controller 233 can periodically obtain updated scanner information and possibly provide frequency reassignment to the connected transceivers. In addition, the frequency manager controller 233 can obtain updated scanner information when equipment is added to or removed from the wireless microphone system. For example, a transceiver that introduces a new frequency band to the wireless microphone system can be added.

[0100] Figure 9 A flowchart 801 is shown that illustrates the frequency manager 299 or 599 determining whether the fixed transceivers 251-253 or 554-556 are connected to the A-ports 222-224 or 542-544 and B-ports 227-229 or 547-549 of the frequency manager 299 or 599 according to an aspect of the embodiments.

[0101] At block 901, the frequency manager controller 233 periodically determines whether to query the A-ports and B-ports to determine whether RF devices are connected. When a timer expires (e.g., every 132 milliseconds), at block 902, the frequency manager controller 233 sends a query message to each A-port.

[0102] At block 903, the frequency manager controller 233 determines whether a response is received at the corresponding B-port. For example, when the frequency manager controller 233 sends a query message on the A-port 223 (as shown), the frequency manager controller 233 determines whether a response is received on the B-port 228. Figure 2

[0103] If the frequency manager controller 233 receives a response, at block 904, the frequency manager controller 233 determines that an RF device is connected to the corresponding A-port and B-port. Otherwise, after a few missed responses, at block 905, the frequency manager controller 233 determines that no RF device is connected.​

[0104] Because the process 801 is executed periodically, the frequency manager controller 233 is able to determine when the RF device is connected to or disconnected from a wireless microphone system.

[0105] Figure 10 A flowchart 1000 is shown that illustrates the frequency manager 299 or 599 determining whether it is connected to an antenna or to an uplink frequency manager, according to an aspect of the embodiments.

[0106] At block 1001, the frequency manager controller 233 attempts to communicate on the A antenna port. At block 1002, the frequency manager controller 233 determines whether a response is received on the B antenna port. If so (if the frequency manager controller 233 is located at the frequency manager 599 as shown), then at block 1003, the frequency manager controller 233 exchanges information (e.g., configuration information) with an uplink frequency manager (e.g., the frequency manager 299). Figure 5

[0107] Figures 11 to 14 Additional embodiments of a frequency manager that supports two frequency bands are shown, with similar features and functionality as the examples described with respect to Figure 2 FIGS. 10-13.

[0108] Referring to Figure 11 , the frequency manager 1100 includes RF processing circuitry 1101 that supports a one-way connection from a multi-band filter 1102 to a multi-band 1105. Thus, the frequency manager 1100 supports a wireless microphone that includes only a receiver that receives RF signals from one or more wireless microphones.

[0109] LNAs 1103 and 1104 process received RF signals in the first and second frequency bands, respectively.

[0110] Referring to Figure 12 , the frequency manager 1200 includes RF processing circuitry 1201 that supports a two-way connection with a wide-band PA 1202 and a wide-band LNA 1203. Thus, a multi-band filter is not incorporated into the RF processing circuitry 1201.

[0111] Received RF signals processed by the LNA 1203 can include supported RF components generated by microphones supported in the first and second frequency bands as well as unsupported RF components generated by other unsupported sources between the first and second frequency bands. The LNA 1203 can remove the unsupported RF components so that only the supported RF components are presented to the connected transceiver. ​

[0112] Referring to Figure 13 , frequency manager 1300 supports one-way connectivity such that only receivers are supported. Thus, RF processing circuit 1301 includes LNA 1302 but not a corresponding PA.

[0113] Referring to Figure 14 , frequency manager 1400 supports two-way connectivity with frequency manager 299 as shown in Figure 2 . However, RF processing circuit 1401 circumvents the need for a multi-band filter with RF splitters 1402 and 1403 and PAs 1403 and 1405 and LNAs 1404 and 1406 with appropriate filtering.

[0114] Figure 15 Device 1500 is shown that can support embodiments as shown in Figure 2 and Figures 11 to 14 .

[0115] Wireless microphone 1501 communicates with device 1500 via antennas 1502 and 1503 through antenna interface circuit 1504. Device 1500 supports two antennas to provide antenna diversity, where signals received through antennas 1502 and 1503 can be combined by antenna interface circuit 1504. However, embodiments can support one, two, or more than two antennas for reception and / or transmission.

[0116] Device 1500 can support two-way or one-way communication between wireless microphone 1501 and device 1500.

[0117] Both transmitted and received RF signals are processed by RF processing circuit 1505 as discussed previously in connection with embodiments as shown in Figure 2 and Figures 11 to 14 . Received processed signals are distributed from signal distribution circuit 1506 to radios 1507-1508, while signals transmitted from radios 1507-1508 are processed. For example, signal distribution circuit 1506 corresponds to Wilkinson combiner 215 as shown in Figure 2 .

[0118] The frequency manager controller 1509 sends and receives data from different elements of the apparatus 1500 via a data bus 1511. While the diagram 1500 shows the data bus 1511 as a dedicated path, the data bus 1511 can utilize one or more shared paths, e.g., RF paths to / from the radio devices 1507-1508 via the RF port, as previously described. The frequency manager controller 1509 can also obtain antenna configuration state information from the antenna interface circuit 1504 via the data bus 1511. For example, as previously described, the frequency manager controller 1509 can determine whether an uplink frequency manager is connected via an antenna port.

[0119] Aspects described herein can be embodied as a method, an apparatus, or computer- executable instructions stored on one or more non-transitory and / or tangible computer- readable media. For example, with reference to Figure 15 The frequency manager controller 1509 can obtain computer-executable instructions from the memory device 1510. Any and / or all of the method steps described herein can be embodied in computer-executable instructions stored on a computer-readable medium such as a non-transitory and / or tangible computer-readable medium and / or computer-readable storage medium. Additionally, or alternatively, any and / or all of the method steps described herein can be embodied in computer-readable instructions stored in the memory and / or other non-transitory and / or tangible storage media of an apparatus comprising one or more processors, such that when the one or more processors execute the computer-readable instructions, the apparatus is caused to perform such method steps. Moreover, various signals representing data or events as described herein can be transferred between a source and a destination in the form of light waves or electromagnetic waves, e.g., using a signal-conducting medium such as metal wires, fiber optics, and / or a wireless transmission medium (e.g., air and / or space).

[0120] Aspects of the disclosure have been described in terms of illustrative embodiments thereof. Numerous other embodiments, modifications, and variations within the scope and spirit of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description, which is to be considered an illustrative only. For example, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the steps illustrated in the illustrative figures can be performed in other than the recited order, and that one or more steps illustrated can be optional in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

[0121] Exemplary Clauses

[0122] 1. An apparatus for managing a spectrum of a plurality of transceivers paired with a plurality of wireless microphones, wherein the plurality of wireless microphones comprises a first microphone and a second microphone, the apparatus comprising:

[0123] a first multi-band filter bidirectionally connected to a first antenna and configured to receive a received radio frequency (RF) signal and simultaneously transmit a transmitted RF signal over a plurality of frequency bands, wherein the plurality of frequency bands includes at least a first frequency band and a second frequency band, wherein the first frequency band and the second frequency band are different, wherein the received RF signal includes a first received component and a second received component respectively received from a first wireless microphone and a second wireless microphone, and wherein the transmitted RF signal includes a first transmitted component and a second transmitted component respectively transmitted to the first wireless microphone and the second wireless microphone;

[0124] a second multi-band filter;

[0125] a first processing circuit bidirectionally electrically connected between the first multi-band filter and the second multi-band filter and configured to electrically process the received RF signal and the transmitted RF signal only for the first frequency band;

[0126] a second processing circuit bidirectionally electrically connected between the first multi-band filter and the second multi-band filter and configured to electrically process the received RF signal and the transmitted RF signal only for the second frequency band; and

[0127] an RF splitter / combiner bidirectionally connected to the second multi-band filter, the RF splitter / combiner configured to combine the first transmitted component and the second transmitted component from a first transceiver and a second transceiver respectively into the transmitted RF signal, split the received RF signal into a first received RF portion and a second received RF portion respectively, and direct the first received RF portion and the second received RF portion to the first transceiver and the second transceiver respectively, wherein the first transceiver operates under the first frequency band and the second transceiver operates under the second frequency band during a time duration of the received RF signal and the transmitted RF signal, and wherein the first transceiver and the second transceiver extract the first received component and the second received component from the first received RF portion and the second received RF portion respectively.

[0128] 2. The apparatus of clause 1, comprising:

[0129] a first A-port and a second A-port configured to be connected to the first transceiver and the second transceiver respectively and associated with the first antenna;

[0130] a first B-port and a second B-port, the first B-port and the second B-port configured to connect to the first transceiver and the second transceiver, respectively, and associated with a second antenna;

[0131] a frequency manager controller, the frequency manager controller further comprising:

[0132] a processor; and

[0133] a memory device storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the frequency manager controller to:

[0134] assign the first transceiver to process the received RF signals at the first frequency band during a first receive subframe when the first transceiver is bi-directionally connected to the first A-port and the first B-port; and

[0135] assign the second transceiver to process the received RF signals at the second frequency band during the first receive subframe when the second transceiver is bi-directionally connected the second A-port and the second B-port.

[0136] 3. The apparatus of clause 2, wherein the memory device stores computer- executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the frequency manager controller to:

[0137] assign the first transceiver to process the received RF signals at a third frequency band during a second receive subframe when the first transceiver is bi- directionally connected to the first A-port and the first B-port, wherein the first frequency band and the third frequency band are different.

[0138] 4. The apparatus of clause 2, wherein the memory device stores computer- executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the frequency manager controller to:

[0139] periodically attempt to communicate with the first transceiver via the first A-port; and

[0140] determine that the first transceiver is connected to the first A-port and the first B-port when a response is received via the first B-port.

[0141] 5. The apparatus of clause 4, wherein the memory device stores computer- executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the frequency manager controller to:

[0142] determining that the first transceiver is disconnected from the first A-port and the first B-port when no response is received via the first B-port.

[0143] 6. The apparatus of clause 2, wherein the memory device stores computer- executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the frequency manager controller to:

[0144] attempt to communicate with a first antenna port, the first antenna port being associated with the first antenna;

[0145] interact with an uplink frequency manager when a response is received through a second antenna port associated with the second antenna.

[0146] 7. The apparatus of clause 2, wherein the memory device stores computer- executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the frequency manager controller to:

[0147] assign a first frequency group to the first transceiver, wherein the first frequency group comprises a first frequency in the first frequency band, a second frequency in the second frequency band, and a third frequency; and

[0148] assign a first frequency hopping sequence to the first transceiver, wherein the first transceiver orders from the first frequency to the second frequency.

[0149] 8. The apparatus of clause 7, wherein the memory device stores computer- executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the frequency manager controller to:

[0150] assign the first frequency group to the second transceiver; and

[0151] assign a second frequency hopping sequence to the second transceiver, wherein the second transceiver orders the same frequencies as the first frequency group, but the frequency sequence does not overlap with any of the frequencies in the first frequency hopping sequence.

[0152] 9. The apparatus of clause 8, wherein the third frequency is in a third frequency band.

[0153] 10. The apparatus of clause 7, further comprising a downlink frequency manager bidirectionally connected to a third transceiver and a fourth transceiver, wherein the memory device stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the frequency manager controller in conjunction with the downlink frequency manager to:

[0154] assigning a second set of frequencies to the third transceiver and the fourth transceiver, wherein the second set of frequencies includes fourth, fifth, and sixth frequencies that are different from the first, second, and third frequencies;

[0155] assigning a third frequency hopping sequence to the third transceiver, wherein the third transceiver orders from the fourth frequency to the fifth frequency; and

[0156] assigning a fourth frequency hopping sequence to the fourth transceiver, wherein the fourth transceiver orders the same frequencies as the second set of frequencies, but the frequency sequence does not overlap with any of the frequencies in the third frequency hopping sequence.

[0157] 11. The apparatus of clause 2, wherein the memory device stores computer- executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the frequency manager controller to:

[0158] determine capabilities of connected transceivers; and

[0159] based on the determined capabilities, select one of the connected transceivers to use as a frequency scanner.

[0160] 12. The apparatus of clause 11, wherein the memory device stores computer- executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the frequency manager controller to:

[0161] determine a set of unoccupied frequencies spanning the first and second frequency bands; and

[0162] assign a subset of the set of unoccupied frequencies to the first transceiver.

[0163] 13. The apparatus of clause 11, wherein the frequency scanner is connected to a downlink frequency manager.

[0164] 14. The apparatus of clause 2, wherein the memory device stores computer- executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the frequency manager controller to:

[0165] when the first transceiver is bidirectionally connected to the first A port and the first B port, assign the first transceiver to process the received RF signals under the first frequency band during a second receive subframe; and

[0166] when the second transceiver is bidirectionally connected the second A port and the second B port, assign the second transceiver to process the received RF signals under the second frequency band during the second receive subframe.

[0167] 15. The apparatus of clause 2, wherein the memory device stores computer- executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the frequency manager controller to:

[0168] assign the fifth transceiver to process the received RF signals under a third frequency band during the first receive subframe when the fifth transceiver is bi-directionally connected to the apparatus.

[0169] 16. The apparatus of clause 6, wherein the memory device stores computer- executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the frequency manager controller to:

[0170] determine that the first port and the second port are directly connected to the first antenna and the second antenna, respectively, when no response is received through the second antenna port associated with the second antenna.

[0171] 17. The apparatus of clause 7, further comprising a downlink frequency manager bi- directionally connected to a sixth transceiver, wherein the memory device stores computer- executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the frequency manager controller in conjunction with the downlink frequency manager to:

[0172] assign the first frequency group to the sixth transceiver; and

[0173] assign another frequency hopping sequence to the sixth transceiver, wherein the sixth transceiver orders the same frequencies as the first frequency group, but the frequency sequence does not overlap with any of the frequencies in the first frequency hopping sequence.

[0174] 18. The apparatus of clause 1, wherein the first frequency band is centered at one of 2.4 GHz, 5.5 GHz, 1.8 GHz, and 902 MHz.

[0175] 19. A method for supporting communication with a plurality of wireless microphones, the plurality of wireless microphones including a first wireless microphone and a second wireless microphone, the method comprising:

[0176] pairing the first wireless microphone and the second wireless microphone with a first transceiver and a second transceiver;

[0177] receiving, from a first antenna, received radio frequency (RF) signals from the first wireless microphone and the second wireless microphone through a multi-band filter, wherein the received RF signals include first and second received components from the first and second wireless microphones, respectively, and wherein during a time duration, the first received component is transmitted on a first frequency band and the second received component is transmitted on a second frequency band;

[0178] splitting the received RF signals into first and second received portions and directing the first and second received portions to the first and second transceivers, respectively;

[0179] combining first and second transmitted components from the first and second transceivers, respectively, into transmitted RF signals for the first and second wireless microphones, respectively; and

[0180] simultaneously transmitting the transmitted RF signals from the multi-band filter to the first antenna on the first and second frequency bands to the first and second wireless microphones.

[0181] 20. The method of clause 19, comprising:

[0182] assigning a first set of frequencies to the first and second transceivers, wherein the first set of frequencies includes a first frequency in the first frequency band, a second frequency in the second frequency band, and a third frequency;

[0183] assigning a first frequency hopping sequence to the first transceiver, wherein the first transceiver orders from the first frequency during a first receive subframe to the second frequency during a second receive subframe; and

[0184] assigning a second frequency hopping sequence to the second transceiver, wherein the second transceiver orders the same frequencies as the first set of frequencies, but the frequency sequence does not overlap with any of the frequencies in the first frequency hopping sequence.

[0185] 21. The method of clause 19, comprising:

[0186] sending operational data from the first transceiver to the first wireless microphone, wherein the first wireless microphone transmits RF signals to the first transceiver according to the operational data.

[0187] 22. A wireless microphone system, comprising:

[0188] at least one frequency manager, the at least one frequency manager comprising a master frequency manager;

[0189] the master frequency manager comprising:

[0190] a multi-band filter bidirectionally connected to a first antenna and configured to receive a received radio frequency (RF) signal and simultaneously transmit a transmitted RF signal over a plurality of frequency bands, wherein the plurality of frequency bands comprises a first frequency band and a second frequency band, wherein the first frequency band and the second frequency band are different, wherein the received RF signal comprises a first received component and a second received component respectively received from a first wireless microphone and a second wireless microphone, and wherein the transmitted RF signal comprises a first transmitted component and a second transmitted component transmitted to the first wireless microphone and the second wireless microphone;

[0191] a plurality of transceivers comprising a first transceiver and a second transceiver, the first transceiver and the second transceiver respectively paired with the first wireless microphone and the second wireless microphone;

[0192] an RF splitter / combiner configured to combine the first transmitted component and the second transmitted component respectively from a first transceiver and a second transceiver into the transmitted RF signal, split the received RF signal into a first received RF portion and a second received RF portion respectively, and direct the first received RF portion and the second received RF portion to the first transceiver and the second transceiver respectively; and

[0193] a frequency manager controller in communication with the first transceiver and the second transceiver via a data interface to provide information about a first frequency group, wherein the first frequency group comprises a first frequency in the first frequency band and a second frequency in the second frequency band; and

[0194] the first transceiver and the second transceiver extract the first received component and the second received component from a first RF portion and a second RF portion.

[0195] 23. The wireless microphone system of clause 22, comprising:

[0196] a plurality of wireless microphones comprising the first wireless microphone and the second wireless microphone;

[0197] the first transceiver sends first data about a first group of frequencies and a first frequency hopping sequence to the first wireless microphone;

[0198] the second transceiver to transmit second data regarding the first set of frequencies and a second frequency hopping sequence to the second wireless microphone;

[0199] the first wireless microphone to transmit the first received component to the master frequency manager according to the first data; and

[0200] the second wireless microphone to transmit the second received component to the master frequency manager according to the second data, wherein the first wireless microphone and the second wireless microphone operate under different frequency bands for a duration of time.

[0201] 24. The wireless microphone system of clause 23, comprising:

[0202] the first wireless microphone to change from the first frequency to the second frequency, wherein the first frequency is in the first frequency band and the second frequency is in the second frequency band.

[0203] 25. The wireless microphone system of clause 22, comprising:

[0204] a downlink frequency manager;

[0205] a third transceiver and a fourth transceiver;

[0206] a third wireless microphone and a fourth wireless microphone, wherein the third wireless microphone and the fourth wireless microphone are paired with the third transceiver and the fourth transceiver, respectively;

[0207] the downlink frequency manager to provide third data and fourth data to the third transceiver and the fourth transceiver via the data interface, wherein the third data and the fourth data include a second set of frequencies and include a third frequency hopping sequence and a fourth frequency hopping sequence, respectively;

[0208] the third transceiver and the fourth transceiver to transmit the third data and the fourth data to the third wireless microphone and the fourth wireless microphone, respectively;

[0209] the third wireless microphone and the fourth wireless microphone to transmit third received components and fourth received components to the downlink frequency manager through the master frequency manager according to the third data and the fourth data; and

[0210] the third transceiver and the fourth transceiver to extract the third received components and the fourth received components from the received RF signals.

[0211] 26. The wireless microphone system of clause 22, comprising:

[0212] a downlink frequency manager;

[0213] a fifth transceiver; and

[0214] the downlink frequency manager provides fifth data to the fifth transceiver via the data interface, wherein the fifth data includes the first frequency group and a non-overlapping frequency hopping sequence.

[0215] 27. A method for supporting communication with a plurality of wireless microphones by a frequency manager, the plurality of wireless microphones including a first wireless microphone and a second wireless microphone, the method comprising:

[0216] pairing, by the frequency manager, the first wireless microphone and the second wireless microphone with a first radio and a second radio, respectively, wherein the first radio and the second radio include a first receiver and a second receiver, respectively;

[0217] receiving, by a first antenna, a received radio frequency (RF) signal from the first wireless microphone and the second wireless microphone, wherein the received RF signal includes a first received component and a second received component from the first wireless microphone and the second wireless microphone, respectively, and wherein during a same time duration, the first received component is transmitted on a first frequency band and the second received component is transmitted on a second frequency band; and

[0218] directing the received RF signal to the first receiver and the second receiver.

[0219] 28. The method of clause 27, comprising:

[0220] extracting, by the first receiver and the second receiver, the first received component and the second received component, respectively, from the received RF signal.

[0221] 29. The method of clause 27, wherein the first radio and the second radio include a first transmitter and a second transmitter, respectively, the method comprising:

[0222] combining a first transmitted component and a second transmitted component from the first transmitter and the second transmitter, respectively, into a transmitted RF signal for the first wireless microphone and the second wireless microphone, respectively, wherein the first transmitted component and the second transmitted component are transmitted in the first frequency band and the second frequency band, respectively; and

[0223] transmitting, by the first transmitter, operational data to the first wireless microphone, wherein the first wireless microphone transmits RF signals to the first receiver in accordance with the operational data.

[0224] 30. The method of clause 29, comprising:

[0225] transmitting, by the first transmitter, operational data to the first wireless microphone, wherein the first wireless microphone transmits RF signals to the first receiver in accordance with the operational data.

[0226] 31. The method of clause 27, comprising:

[0227] assigning, by the frequency manager, a first frequency group to the first wireless radio, wherein the first frequency group comprises a first frequency in the first frequency band and a third frequency; and

[0228] ordering, by the first wireless radio, from the first frequency during a first subframe to the third frequency during a second receiving subframe.

[0229] 32. The method of clause 31, wherein the third frequency is in the second frequency band.

[0230] 33. The method of clause 31, comprising:

[0231] assigning, by the frequency manager, a first frequency hopping sequence to the first wireless radio,

[0232] wherein the ordering is in accordance with the first frequency hopping sequence.

[0233] 34. The method of clause 33, comprising:

[0234] assigning a second frequency hopping sequence to the second wireless radio, wherein the second wireless radio orders the same frequencies as the first frequency group, and wherein the second frequency hopping sequence does not overlap with any of the frequencies in the first frequency hopping sequence.

[0235] 35. The method of clause 34, wherein the first wireless radio comprises a first transmitter, the method comprising:

[0236] transmitting, by first transmitter, first data to the first wireless microphone, wherein the first data indicates a first group of frequencies and the first frequency hopping sequence; and

[0237] receiving, at the first wireless radio, the first received component in accordance with the first data.

[0238] 36. The method of clause 27, further comprising:

[0239] connecting the first radio to the first and second antennas via the first and second ports, respectively.

[0240] 37. The method of clause 36, further comprising:

[0241] periodically attempting, by the frequency manager, to communicate with the first radio via the first port; and

[0242] determining, by the frequency manager, that the first radio is connected to the first and second ports when a response is received via the second port.

[0243] 38. The method of clause 27, comprising:

[0244] determining, by the frequency manager, capabilities of a plurality of connected radios, wherein the plurality of connected radios includes the first radio and the second radio; and

[0245] selecting, based on the determined capabilities, one of the connected radios to use as a frequency scanner.

[0246] 39. The method of clause 38, comprising:

[0247] determining a set of unoccupied frequencies spanning the first and second frequency bands; and

[0248] assigning, by the frequency manager, a subset of the set of unoccupied frequencies to the first radio.

[0249] 40. An apparatus for managing spectrum with a plurality of wireless microphones, wherein the plurality of wireless microphones includes a first wireless microphone and a second wireless microphone, the apparatus comprising:

[0250] an antenna interface circuit electrically coupled to at least one antenna and configured to receive a received multi-band radio frequency (RF) signal from the plurality of wireless microphones, wherein the received multi-band RF signal includes a first component generated by the first wireless microphone and a second component generated by the second wireless microphone, and wherein during a same time duration, the first wireless microphone transmits on a first frequency band and the second wireless microphone transmits on a second frequency band;

[0251] an RF processing circuit electrically connected to the antenna interface circuit and configured to process the received multi-band RF signal;

[0252] an RF distribution circuit electrically connected to the RF processing circuit and configured to distribute the received multi-band RF signal to a first radio and a second radio, wherein the first radio and the second radio respectively comprise a first receiver and a second receiver, and wherein the first radio and the second radio are respectively paired with the first wireless microphone and the second wireless microphone.

[0253] 41. The apparatus of clause 40, further comprising:

[0254] a frequency manager controller, the frequency manager controller further comprising:

[0255] a processor; and

[0256] a memory device storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the frequency manager controller to:

[0257] assign a first frequency group to the first radio, wherein the first frequency group comprises a first frequency and a third frequency in the first frequency band; and

[0258] assign a first frequency hopping sequence to the first radio, wherein the first radio orders frequencies of the first frequency group according to the first frequency hopping sequence.

[0259] 42. The apparatus of clause 41, further comprising:

[0260] a data bus; and

[0261] the memory device storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the frequency manager controller to:

[0262] send first data to the first radio via the data bus, wherein the first data conveys the first frequency group and the first frequency hopping sequence.

[0263] 43. The apparatus of clause 41, wherein the memory device stores computer- executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the frequency manager controller to:

[0264] assign a second frequency hopping sequence to the second radio, wherein the second radio orders the same frequencies as the first frequency group, and wherein the second frequency hopping sequence does not overlap with any of the frequencies in the first frequency hopping sequence.

[0265] 44. The apparatus of clause 42, further comprising:

[0266] the memory device storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the frequency manager controller to:

[0267] determine capabilities of a plurality of connected radios, wherein the plurality of connected radios includes the first radio and the second radio;

[0268] select, based on the determined capabilities, at least one of the connected radios to function as a frequency scanner;

[0269] determine, based on second data obtained from the at least one of the connected radios via the data bus, a set of unoccupied frequencies spanning the first frequency band and the second frequency band; and

[0270] assign a subset of the set of unoccupied frequencies to the first radio.

[0271] 45. The apparatus of clause 43, comprising:

[0272] the first radio, wherein the first radio includes a first transmitter configured to:

[0273] transmit third data to the first wireless microphone, wherein the third data indicates a first set of frequencies and the first frequency hopping sequence; and

[0274] receive a first received component in accordance with the third data.

[0275] 46. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon that, when read by a computing device, cause the computing device to:

[0276] determine capabilities of a plurality of connected radios, wherein the plurality of connected radios includes a first radio and a second radio;

[0277] select, based on the determined capabilities, at least one of the connected radios from the plurality of connected radios to function as a frequency scanner;

[0278] determine, based on data obtained from the at least one of the connected radios, a set of unoccupied frequencies spanning a first frequency band and a second frequency band, wherein the set includes a first frequency in the first frequency band and a second frequency in the second frequency band; and

[0279] assigning a first subset and a second subset of the set of unoccupied frequencies to the first radio and the second radio, respectively, wherein the first radio and the second radio are paired with a first wireless microphone and a second wireless microphone, respectively, wherein the first subset includes the first frequencies in the first frequency band and the second subset includes the second frequencies in the second frequency band, and wherein the first radio and the second radio operate at the first frequencies and the second frequencies during a same time duration.

[0280] 47. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of clause 46, having stored thereon instructions that, as a result of being read by the computing device, cause the computing device to:

[0281] assign a first frequency hopping sequence to the first radio, wherein the first subset spans the first frequency hopping sequence; and

[0282] assign a second frequency hopping sequence to the second radio, wherein the second subset spans the second frequency hopping sequence, wherein the second radio orders the same frequencies as the first radio, and wherein the second frequency hopping sequence does not overlap any of the frequencies in the first frequency hopping sequence.

[0283] 48. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of clause 46, wherein the first frequency hopping sequence and the second frequency hopping sequence include the second frequencies in the second frequency band and the first frequencies in the first frequency band, respectively.

[0284] 49. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of clause 46, having stored thereon instructions that, as a result of being read by the computing device, cause the computing device to:

[0285] periodically attempt to communicate with the first radio via a first RF port; and

[0286] determine that the first radio is connected to the first RF port and a second RF port when a response is received via the second RF port.

[0287] 50. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of clause 46, having stored thereon instructions that, as a result of being read by the computing device, cause the computing device to:

[0288] attempt to communicate with a first antenna port, the first antenna port being associated with a first antenna;

[0289] when a response is received through a second antenna port associated with a second antenna, interacting with an uplink frequency manager; and

[0290] when a response is not received through the second antenna port associated with the second antenna, determining that the first antenna port and the second antenna port are directly connected to the first antenna and the second antenna, respectively.

Claims

1. An apparatus for managing a spectrum of a plurality of transceivers paired with a plurality of wireless microphones, wherein the plurality of wireless microphones comprises a first microphone and a second microphone, the apparatus comprising: a first multi-band filter bidirectionally connected to a first antenna and configured to receive a received radio frequency (RF) signal and simultaneously transmit a transmitted RF signal over a plurality of frequency bands, wherein the plurality of frequency bands comprises at least a first frequency band and a second frequency band, wherein the first frequency band and the second frequency band are different, wherein the received RF signal comprises a first received component and a second received component received from a first wireless microphone and a second wireless microphone, respectively, and wherein the transmitted RF signal comprises a first transmitted component and a second transmitted component transmitted to the first wireless microphone and the second wireless microphone, respectively; a second multi-band filter; a first processing circuit electrically connected between the first multi-band filter and the second multi-band filter in both directions and configured to electrically process the received RF signal and the transmitted RF signal only for the first frequency band; a second processing circuit electrically connected between the first multi-band filter and the second multi-band filter in both directions and configured to electrically process the received RF signal and the transmitted RF signal only for the second frequency band; and an RF splitter / combiner bidirectionally connected to the second multi-band filter, the RF splitter / combiner configured to combine the first transmitted component and the second transmitted component from a first transceiver and a second transceiver, respectively, into the transmitted RF signal, split the received RF signal into a first received RF portion and a second received RF portion, respectively, and direct the first received RF portion and the second received RF portion to the first transceiver and the second transceiver, respectively, wherein the first transceiver operates under the first frequency band and the second transceiver operates under the second frequency band during a time duration of the received RF signal and the transmitted RF signal, and wherein the first transceiver and the second transceiver extract the first received component and the second received component from the first received RF portion and the second received RF portion, respectively, wherein the apparatus further comprises: a first A-port and a second A-port configured to be connected to the first transceiver and the second transceiver, respectively, and associated with the first antenna; a first B-port and a second B-port configured to be connected to the first transceiver and the second transceiver, respectively, and associated with a second antenna; a frequency manager controller further comprising: a processor; and a memory. a memory device storing computer-executable instructions, wherein, when the computer-executable instructions are executed by the processor, the frequency manager controller is caused to: assign the first transceiver to process the received RF signals under a first frequency band during a first receive subframe when the first transceiver is bi-directionally connected to the first A port and the first B port; and assign the second transceiver to process the received RF signals under a second frequency band during the first receive subframe when the second transceiver is bi-directionally connected to the second A port and the second B port.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, when the computer-executable instructions are executed by the processor, the frequency manager controller is caused to: assign the first transceiver to process the received RF signals under a third frequency band during a second receive subframe when the first transceiver is bi-directionally connected to the first A port and the first B port, wherein the first frequency band and the third frequency band are different.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, when the computer-executable instructions are executed by the processor, the frequency manager controller is caused to: periodically attempt to communicate with the first transceiver via the first A port; and determine that the first transceiver is connected to the first A port and the first B port when a response is received via the first B port.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, when the computer-executable instructions are executed by the processor, the frequency manager controller is caused to: determine that the first transceiver is disconnected from the first A port and the first B port when a response is not received via the first B port.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, when the computer-executable instructions are executed by the processor, the frequency manager controller is caused to: attempt to communicate with a first antenna port, the first antenna port being associated with the first antenna; interact with an uplink frequency manager when a response is received through a second antenna port associated with the second antenna.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, when the computer-executable instructions are executed by the processor, the frequency manager controller is caused to: assign a first frequency set to the first transceiver, wherein the first frequency set includes a first frequency in the first frequency band, a second frequency in the second frequency band, and a third frequency; and assign a first frequency hopping sequence to the first transceiver, wherein the first transceiver orders from the first frequency to the second frequency.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein, when the computer-executable instructions are executed by the processor, the frequency manager controller is caused to: assign the first frequency set to the second transceiver; and assign a second frequency hopping sequence to the second transceiver, wherein the second transceiver orders the same frequencies as the first frequency set, but the frequency sequence does not overlap with any of the frequencies in the first frequency hopping sequence.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the third frequency is in a third frequency band.

9. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a downlink frequency manager bidirectionally connected to the third transceiver and the fourth transceiver, wherein the frequency manager controller, when the computer-executable instructions are executed by the processor, causes the frequency manager controller in conjunction with the downlink frequency manager to: assign a second set of frequencies to the third transceiver and the fourth transceiver, wherein the second set of frequencies includes fourth, fifth, and sixth frequencies different from the first frequency, the second frequency, the third frequency; assign a third frequency hopping sequence to the third transceiver, wherein the third transceiver orders from the fourth frequency to the fifth frequency; and assign a fourth frequency hopping sequence to the fourth transceiver, wherein the fourth transceiver orders the same frequencies as the second set of frequencies, but the frequency sequence does not overlap with any of the frequencies in the third frequency hopping sequence.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frequency manager controller, when the computer-executable instructions are executed by the processor, causes the frequency manager controller to: determine capabilities of the connected transceivers; and select one of the connected transceivers to use as a frequency scanner based on the determined capabilities.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the frequency manager controller, when the computer-executable instructions are executed by the processor, causes the frequency manager controller to: determine a set of unoccupied frequencies spanning the first frequency band and the second frequency band; and assign a subset of the set of unoccupied frequencies to the first transceiver.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the frequency scanner is connected to a downlink frequency manager.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frequency manager controller, when the computer-executable instructions are executed by the processor, causes the frequency manager controller to: assign the first transceiver to process the received RF signals under the first frequency band during a second receive subframe when the first transceiver is bidirectionally connected to the first A port and the first B port; and assign the second transceiver to process the received RF signals under the second frequency band during the second receive subframe when the second transceiver is bidirectionally connected to the second A port and the second B port.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frequency manager controller, when the computer-executable instructions are executed by the processor, causes the frequency manager controller to: assign a fifth transceiver to process the received RF signals under a third frequency band during the first receive subframe when the fifth transceiver is bidirectionally connected to the apparatus.

15. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the frequency manager controller, when the computer-executable instructions are executed by the processor, causes the frequency manager controller to: determine that a first port and a second port are directly connected to the first antenna and the second antenna, respectively, when no response is received through the second antenna port associated with the second antenna. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 16. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a downlink frequency manager bidirectionally connected to a sixth transceiver, wherein the frequency manager controller, when the computer-executable instructions are executed by the processor, causes the frequency manager controller to, in conjunction with the downlink frequency manager: assign the first frequency group to the sixth transceiver; and assign another frequency hopping sequence to the sixth transceiver, wherein the sixth transceiver orders the same frequencies as the first frequency group, but the frequency sequence does not overlap with any of the frequencies in the first frequency hopping sequence.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first frequency band is centered at one of 2.4 GHz, 5.5 GHz, 1.8 GHz, and 902 MHz.

18. A method for supporting communication with a plurality of wireless microphones, the plurality of wireless microphones including a first wireless microphone and a second wireless microphone, the method comprising: pairing the first wireless microphone and the second wireless microphone with a first transceiver and a second transceiver; receiving, from a first antenna, received radio frequency (RF) signals from the first wireless microphone and the second wireless microphone through a multi-band filter, wherein the received RF signals include first and second received components from the first and second wireless microphones, respectively, and wherein during a time duration, the first received component is transmitted on a first frequency band and the second received component is transmitted on a second frequency band; splitting the received RF signals into first and second received portions and directing the first and second received portions to the first and second transceivers, respectively; combining first and second transmitted components from the first and second transceivers, respectively, into transmitted RF signals for the first and second wireless microphones, respectively; and simultaneously transmitting the transmitted RF signals to the first and second wireless microphones from the multi-band filter to the first antenna on the first and second frequency bands, wherein the method further comprises: assigning a first frequency group to the first and second transceivers, wherein the first frequency group includes a first frequency in the first frequency band, a second frequency in the second frequency band, and a third frequency; assigning a first frequency hopping sequence to the first transceiver, wherein the first transceiver orders from the first frequency during a first receive subframe to the second frequency during a second receive subframe; and assigning a second frequency hopping sequence to the second transceiver, wherein the second transceiver orders the same frequencies as the first frequency group, but the frequency sequence does not overlap with any of the frequencies in the first frequency hopping sequence.

19. The method of claim 18, comprising: transmitting operational data from the first transceiver to the first wireless microphone, wherein the first wireless microphone transmits the transmitted RF signal to the first transceiver according to the operational data.

20. A wireless microphone system comprising: at least one frequency manager, the at least one frequency manager comprising a master frequency manager; the master frequency manager comprising: a multi-band filter bidirectionally connected to a first antenna and configured to receive a received radio frequency (RF) signal and simultaneously transmit a transmitted RF signal over a plurality of frequency bands, wherein the plurality of frequency bands comprises a first frequency band and a second frequency band, wherein the first frequency band and the second frequency band are different, wherein the received RF signal comprises a first received component and a second received component respectively received from a first wireless microphone and a second wireless microphone, and wherein the transmitted RF signal comprises a first transmitted component and a second transmitted component transmitted to the first wireless microphone and the second wireless microphone; a plurality of transceivers comprising a first transceiver and a second transceiver, the first transceiver and the second transceiver respectively paired with the first wireless microphone and the second wireless microphone; an RF splitter / combiner configured to combine the first transmitted component and the second transmitted component from the first transceiver and the second transceiver respectively into the transmitted RF signal, split the received RF signal into a first received RF portion and a second received RF portion respectively, and direct the first received RF portion and the second received RF portion to the first transceiver and the second transceiver respectively; and a frequency manager controller in communication with the first transceiver and the second transceiver via a data interface to provide information regarding a first frequency group, wherein the first frequency group comprises a first frequency in the first frequency band and a second frequency in the second frequency band; and the first transceiver and the second transceiver extract the first received component and the second received component from the first RF portion and the second RF portion, wherein the wireless microphone system further comprises: a downlink frequency manager; a third transceiver and a fourth transceiver; a third wireless microphone and a fourth wireless microphone, wherein the third wireless microphone and the fourth wireless microphone are respectively paired with the third transceiver and the fourth transceiver; the downlink frequency manager provides third data and fourth data to the third transceiver and the fourth transceiver via the data interface, wherein the third data and the fourth data comprise a second frequency group and respectively comprise a third frequency hopping sequence and a fourth frequency hopping sequence; the third transceiver and the fourth transceiver transmit the third data and the fourth data to the third wireless microphone and the fourth wireless microphone respectively; the third wireless microphone and the fourth wireless microphone transmit third and fourth received components to the downlink frequency manager via the master frequency manager from the third and fourth data; and the third and fourth transceivers extract the third and fourth received components from the received RF signal.

21. The wireless microphone system of claim 20, comprising: a plurality of wireless microphones, the plurality of wireless microphones including the first and second wireless microphones; the first transceiver transmits first data regarding a first set of frequencies and a first frequency hopping sequence to the first wireless microphone; the second transceiver transmits second data regarding the first set of frequencies and a second frequency hopping sequence to the second wireless microphone; the first wireless microphone transmits the first received component to the master frequency manager according to the first data; and the second wireless microphone transmits the second received component to the master frequency manager according to the second data, wherein the first and second wireless microphones operate under different frequency bands for a duration of time.

22. The wireless microphone system of claim 21, comprising: the first wireless microphone changes from the first frequency to the second frequency, wherein the first frequency is in the first frequency band and the second frequency is in the second frequency band.

23. The wireless microphone system of claim 20, comprising: a downlink frequency manager; a fifth transceiver; and the downlink frequency manager provides fifth data to the fifth transceiver via the data interface, wherein the fifth data includes the first set of frequencies and a non-overlapping frequency hopping sequence.

24. A method for supporting communication with a plurality of wireless microphones by a frequency manager, the plurality of wireless microphones including a first wireless microphone and a second wireless microphone, the method comprising: pairing, by the frequency manager, the first and second wireless microphones with a first and second wireless radio, respectively, wherein the first and second wireless radios include first and second receivers, respectively; receiving, by a first antenna, a received radio frequency (RF) signal from the first and second wireless microphones, wherein the received RF signal includes first and second received components from the first and second wireless microphones, respectively, and wherein during a same duration of time, the first received component is communicated on a first frequency band and the second received component is communicated on a second frequency band; directing the received RF signal to the first and second receivers; determining, by the frequency manager, capabilities of a plurality of connected wireless radios, wherein the plurality of connected wireless radios includes the first and second wireless radios; and based on the determined capabilities, selecting one of the connected wireless radios to function as a frequency scanner. ​ 25. The method of claim 24, comprising: extracting, by the first receiver and the second receiver, the first received component and the second received component, respectively, from the received RF signal.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein the first radio and the second radio comprise first and second transmitters, respectively, the method comprising: combining a first transmitted component and a second transmitted component, respectively, from the first transmitter and the second transmitter into a transmitted RF signal for the first wireless microphone and the second wireless microphone, respectively, wherein the first transmitted component and the second transmitted component are communicated in the first frequency band and the second frequency band, respectively; and simultaneously transmitting the transmitted RF signal to the first wireless microphone and the second wireless microphone over the first antenna in the first frequency band and the second frequency band.

27. The method of claim 26, comprising: sending, by the first transmitter, operational data to the first wireless microphone, wherein the first wireless microphone transmits RF signals to the first receiver according to the operational data.

28. The method of claim 24, comprising: assigning, by the frequency manager, a first frequency set to the first radio, wherein the first frequency set comprises a first frequency in the first frequency band and a third frequency; and ordering, by the first radio, from the first frequency during a first subframe to the third frequency during a second receiving subframe.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the third frequency is in the second frequency band.

30. The method of claim 28, comprising: assigning, by the frequency manager, a first frequency hopping sequence to the first radio, wherein the ordering is according to the first frequency hopping sequence.

31. The method of claim 30, comprising: assigning a second frequency hopping sequence to the second radio, wherein the second radio orders the same frequencies as the first frequency set, and wherein the second frequency hopping sequence does not overlap with any of the frequencies in the first frequency hopping sequence.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the first radio comprises a first transmitter, the method comprising: sending, by the first transmitter, first data to the first wireless microphone, wherein the first data indicates a first set of frequencies and the first frequency hopping sequence; and receiving the first received component at the first radio according to the first data.

33. The method of claim 24, further comprising: connecting the first radio to the first antenna and a second antenna via a first port and a second port, respectively.

34. The method of claim 33, further comprising: periodically attempting, by the frequency manager, to communicate with the first radio via the first port; and determining, by the frequency manager, that the first wireless radio is connected to the first port and the second port when a response is received via the second port.

35. The method of claim 24, comprising: determining a set of unoccupied frequencies spanning the first frequency band and the second frequency band; and assigning, by the frequency manager, a subset of the set of unoccupied frequencies to the first wireless radio.

36. An apparatus for managing spectrum with a plurality of wireless microphones, wherein the plurality of wireless microphones comprises a first wireless microphone and a second wireless microphone, the apparatus comprising: an antenna interface circuit electrically coupled to at least one antenna and configured to receive a multi-band radio frequency (RF) signal from the plurality of wireless microphones, wherein the multi-band RF signal comprises a first component generated by the first wireless microphone and a second component generated by the second wireless microphone, and wherein during a same time duration, the first wireless microphone transmits on a first frequency band and the second wireless microphone transmits on a second frequency band; an RF processing circuit electrically connected to the antenna interface circuit and configured to process the multi-band RF signal; an RF distribution circuit electrically connected to the RF processing circuit and configured to distribute the multi-band RF signal to a first wireless radio and a second wireless radio, wherein the first wireless radio and the second wireless radio respectively comprise a first receiver and a second receiver, and wherein the first wireless radio and the second wireless radio are respectively paired with the first wireless microphone and the second wireless microphone; and a frequency manager controller comprising: a processor; and a memory device storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the frequency manager controller to: determine capabilities of a plurality of connected wireless radios, wherein the plurality of connected wireless radios comprises the first wireless radio and the second wireless radio; and based on the determined capabilities, select at least one of the connected wireless radios to function as a frequency scanner.

37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein, the memory device stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the frequency manager controller to: assign a first frequency group to the first wireless radio, wherein the first frequency group comprises a first frequency in the first frequency band and a third frequency; and assign a first frequency hopping sequence to the first wireless radio, wherein the first wireless radio orders through frequencies of the first frequency group according to the first frequency hopping sequence.

38. The apparatus of claim 37, further comprising: a data bus; wherein the computer-executable instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the frequency manager controller to: send first data to the first wireless radio via the data bus, wherein the first data conveys the first frequency group and the first frequency hopping sequence.

39. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the computer-executable instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the frequency manager controller to: assign a second frequency hopping sequence to the second radio, wherein the second radio orders the same frequencies as the first frequency group, and wherein the second frequency hopping sequence does not overlap any of the frequencies in the first frequency hopping sequence.

40. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein, the computer-executable instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the frequency manager controller to: determine, based on second data obtained from the at least one of the connected radios via the data bus, a set of unoccupied frequencies spanning the first frequency band and the second frequency band; and assign a subset of the set of unoccupied frequencies to the first radio.

41. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the first radio comprises a first transmitter and is configured to: transmit third data to the first wireless microphone, wherein the third data indicates a first frequency group and the first frequency hopping sequence; and receive a first received component in accordance with the third data.

42. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to: determine capabilities of a plurality of connected radios, wherein the plurality of connected radios comprises a first radio and a second radio; select, based on the determined capabilities, at least one of the connected radios from the plurality of connected radios to function as a frequency scanner; determine, based on data obtained from the at least one of the connected radios, a set of unoccupied frequencies spanning a first frequency band and a second frequency band, wherein the set comprises a first frequency in the first frequency band and a second frequency in the second frequency band; and assign a first subset and a second subset of the set of unoccupied frequencies to the first radio and the second radio, respectively, wherein the first radio and the second radio are paired with a first wireless microphone and a second wireless microphone, respectively, wherein the first subset comprises the first frequency in the first frequency band and the second subset comprises the second frequency in the second frequency band, and wherein the first radio and the second radio operate at the first frequency and the second frequency during a same time duration; assign a first frequency hopping sequence to the first radio, wherein the first subset spans the first frequency hopping sequence; and assign a second frequency hopping sequence to the second radio, wherein the second subset spans the second frequency hopping sequence, wherein the second radio orders the same frequencies as the first radio, and wherein the second frequency hopping sequence does not overlap any of the frequencies in the first frequency hopping sequence.

43. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 42, wherein the first frequency hopping sequence and the second frequency hopping sequence include the second frequency in the second frequency band and the first frequency in the first frequency band, respectively.

44. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon instructions that, when read by a computing device, cause the computing device to: determine capabilities of a plurality of connected radios, wherein the plurality of connected radios includes a first radio and a second radio; select, based on the determined capabilities, at least one of the connected radios from the plurality of connected radios to function as a frequency scanner; determine, based on data obtained from the at least one of the connected radios, a set of unoccupied frequencies spanning a first frequency band and a second frequency band, wherein the set includes a first frequency in the first frequency band and a second frequency in the second frequency band; and assign a first subset and a second subset of the set of unoccupied frequencies to the first radio and the second radio, respectively, wherein the first radio and the second radio are paired with a first wireless microphone and a second wireless microphone, respectively, wherein the first subset includes the first frequency in the first frequency band and the second subset includes the second frequency in the second frequency band, and wherein the first radio and the second radio operate at the first frequency and the second frequency during a same time duration; periodically attempt to communicate with the first radio via a first RF port; and determine, when a response is received via a second RF port, that the first radio is connected to the first RF port and the second RF port.

45. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon instructions that, when read by a computing device, cause the computing device to: determine capabilities of a plurality of connected radios, wherein the plurality of connected radios includes a first radio and a second radio; select, based on the determined capabilities, at least one of the connected radios from the plurality of connected radios to function as a frequency scanner; determine, based on data obtained from the at least one of the connected radios, a set of unoccupied frequencies spanning a first frequency band and a second frequency band, wherein the set includes a first frequency in the first frequency band and a second frequency in the second frequency band; and assigning a first subset and a second subset of the set of unoccupied frequencies to the first radio and the second radio, respectively, wherein the first radio and the second radio are paired with a first wireless microphone and a second wireless microphone, respectively, wherein the first subset includes the first frequency in the first frequency band and the second subset includes the second frequency in the second frequency band, and wherein the first radio and the second radio operate at the first frequency and the second frequency during a same time duration; attempting to communicate with a first antenna port, the first antenna port associated with a first antenna; interacting with an uplink frequency manager when a response is received through a second antenna port associated with a second antenna; and determining that the first antenna port and the second antenna port are directly connected to the first antenna and the second antenna, respectively, when a response is not received through the second antenna port associated with the second antenna.

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