Device communication via TV white space

Abstract

The disclosure described herein configures a multi-narrowband transceiver for communicating within a television white space (TVWS) spectrum using a logarithmic periodic filter, wherein the logarithmic periodic filter includes a plurality of filter elements, each filter element having a filter frequency that increases periodically with the same frequency increase factor (K). Each filter in the plurality of filter elements is configured to filter out second harmonics within a defined frequency range. The present disclosure determines a TVWS channel for communication and switches to a filter element in the plurality of filter elements that corresponds to the determined TVWS channel. Data is transmitted and / or received using the filter element through the TVWS channel, thereby allowing narrowband communication through the TVWS channel.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Television (TV) white space (TVWS) is the unused or inactive portion of the TV spectrum. TVWS covers a wide spectrum in the ultrahigh frequency (UHF) and very high frequency (VHF) bands. Specifically, TVWS corresponds to the unused TV channels between the active channels in the UHF and VHF spectrum.

[0002] The availability of TV channels can vary across space and time. Therefore, transceivers communicating using the TVWS spectrum may have to hop between different frequencies. Furthermore, the TVWS spectrum is not contiguous, and the capacity of a single TVWS channel may not be sufficient for satisfactory communication between certain types of devices, such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Furthermore, TVWS is sensitive to interference when signal levels are low, leading to its current use primarily for broadband communications. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This summary introduces some concepts in a simplified form that are further described in the detailed description below. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0004] A computerized method for television white space (TVWS) communications includes configuring a multi-narrowband transceiver for communication within a TVWS spectrum using a log-periodic filter, wherein the log-periodic filter includes a plurality of filter elements, each filter element having a filter frequency that periodically increases by the same frequency increase factor (K). Each filter element in the plurality of filter elements is configured to filter out second harmonics within a defined frequency range. The computerized method also includes determining a TVWS channel for communication and switching to a filter element in the plurality of filter elements that corresponds to the determined TVW channel. The computerized method also includes performing at least one of transmission and reception via the TVWS channel using the filter element.

[0005] Many of the accompanying features may be better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The present disclosure will be better understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0007] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating communication between a base station and a client according to an example;

[0008] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a multiple narrowband transceiver according to an example;

[0009] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Block diagram of a log-periodic filter for a multiple narrowband transceiver;

[0010] Figure 4 is a block diagram of a base station according to an example;

[0011] Figure 5 is a block diagram of a signal generator according to an example;

[0012] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating operation of a computing device communicating on a television white space (TVWS) network according to an example;

[0013] Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of a computing device communicating on a TVWS network according to another example; and

[0014] Figure 8 A computing device according to an example is illustrated as a functional block diagram.

[0015] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings, the system is illustrated in schematic form. The drawings may not be drawn to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The computing devices and methods described herein are configured to communicate using the Television (TV) White Space (TVWS) spectrum. In various examples of the present disclosure, communications between end devices (e.g., clients) and corresponding base stations used in edge Internet of Things (IoT) environments utilize the TVWS spectrum without the limitations typically introduced when using TVWS for communication.

[0017] Terminal equipment includes remote Multiple narrowband radios configured within a protocol or network that is a low power wide area network (LPWAN) protocol using spread spectrum modulation technology. Various aspects of the present invention have been described, but the present invention can be applied to other forms of long-range protocols or networks. For example, different long-range protocols can be used that allow for long-range communications (e.g., 10 kilometers or longer). According to the present invention, a log-periodic filter is configured for communications within the TVWS spectrum to enable narrowband, long-range transmissions with lower power consumption. Thus, devices that cannot be satisfactorily used in such environments (e.g., IoT devices) are configured to utilize the TVWS spectrum for longer-range, higher-capacity, lower-power communications (e.g., communications to remote locations).

[0018] For example, in the present invention, IoT devices can operate at lower frequencies in TVWS (within the UHF and VHF bands) and be used for long-range communications (e.g., tens of miles) while providing a large amount of bandwidth. In some configurations, the bandwidth of each TV channel can be 6 megahertz (MHz). Therefore, when configured according to the present disclosure, a single TVWS base station can support long-range large-scale IoT.

[0019] Figure 1 A system 100 is illustrated according to one example. The system 100 allows multiple clients 102 (e.g., IoT devices) to communicate with a cloud-based device 104 via a gateway 106. For example, the clients 102 may be co-located (at least part of the time) and configured to communicate locally on one or more local networks using TVWS, and may ultimately communicate with external devices (e.g., cloud-based devices 104) via one or more external networks via the gateway 106. In the illustrated example, the system 100 is configured as a TVWS network, which allows, for example, communication between IoT devices.

[0020] In the illustrated example, the gateway 106 includes a base station 108 and an edge device 110. The base station 108 is configured such that a plurality of multi-narrowband transceivers 200 ( Figure 2 ) is configured to communicate via TVWS and use the long range communication protocols described in more detail herein (e.g. Protocol). For example, the base station is configured to operate in the 150 MHz to 960 MHz frequency range, covering most VHF and UHF TV channels, the 433 MHz, 800 / 900 MHz ISM bands (i.e., industrial, scientific, and medical bands), and / or other licensed frequency bands. It should be noted that transceivers are used in the base station 108 and the client 102 to enable TVWS network communications. In one example, the communication and control ports include one or more of: a universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter (UART), a universal synchronous / asynchronous receiver / transmitter (USART), a universal serial bus (USB), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), and / or a plurality of general-purpose input / outputs (GPIOs).

[0021] In some examples, if a single multi-narrowband transceiver 200 is used, one or more multi-narrowband transceivers 200 are configured to operate using time division multiple access (TDMA) for each frequency. If multiple multi-narrowband transceivers 200 are used, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) is used. The edge device 110 is configured to allow a computer to control and transmit data from each transceiver to the cloud-based device 104. It should be noted that a combination of TDMA and FDMA is used in some examples. In one example, the hardware provides spectrum / interference sensing functionality described in more detail herein. In some examples, one or more multi-narrowband transceivers 200 are configured as one or more submodules.

[0022] In an IoT environment, edge devices 110 perform processing at the "edge" of the network (e.g., within gateway 106). Thus, in one example, the processing for performing transmissions is performed by gateway 106. However, in some examples, edge devices 110 or the computations for performing TVWS communications described herein are performed (or partially performed) anywhere near gateway 106, not necessarily within gateway 106 (e.g., a local computing device connected to gateway 106). Thus, in these examples, processing or portions of processing for TVWS transmissions are allowed to be performed outside of gateway 106.

[0023] Base station 108 includes a global positioning system (GPS) device that provides location information. As described in more detail herein, the location information is used when configuring communications between devices. Base station 108 is powered by one or more power sources, such as, in some examples, Power over Ethernet (PoE) or other suitable power sources.

[0024] Similarly, each client 102 includes one or more multi-narrowband transceivers 200. In some examples, client 102 also includes an interface expansion board and connects to various sensors (e.g., IoT-type sensors). It should be noted that each client can be powered using solar panels, batteries (e.g., direct current), alternating current (AC), etc. In some examples, the power source is selected based on the application or environment in which client 102 operates.

[0025] Therefore, in some examples, the devices in system 100 are configured to form a TVWS IoT network. Figure 2 As shown and described in more detail below, the multi-narrowband transceiver 200 is configured with telecommunication technology (e.g., The system may communicate over the TVWS spectrum, with Global Positioning System (GPS) functionality on one or more multi-narrowband radio transceivers 200, as well as spectrum / interference sensing.

[0026] More specifically, if Figure 2 As shown, the multi-narrowband transceiver 200 is configured to use a long-range communication protocol (eg The multi-narrowband radio 200 is configured to operate in the 150 MHz to 960 MHz frequency band. However, different frequency bands and ranges are contemplated.

[0027] The multi-narrowband transceiver 200 includes a multi-band transmitter 202 and a multi-band receiver 204 that are capable of multi-narrowband communications over the TVWS spectrum described herein. A transmit / receive (T / R) switch 206 is connected to an antenna 208 to enable transmission and reception using the multi-band transmitter 202 and the multi-band receiver 204. That is, the T / R switch 206 is configured to selectively connect to one of the multi-band transmitter 202 or the multi-band receiver 204 to enable transmission or reception by the multi-narrowband transceiver 200. Thus, in operation, the T / R switch 206 switches between transmission or reception, wherein multiple multi-band transmitters 202 can transmit during a transmit time or time slot (transmit-T), and in an example, the multi-band transmitters 202 are configured to operate in different frequency bands. Similarly, in examples where the multi-band receivers 204 are configured to operate in different frequency bands, multiple multi-band receivers 204 may receive during a receive time or time slot (receive-R).

[0028] On the receiving side (receive path), a low-noise amplifier (LNA) 210 is connected between the multi-band receiver 204 and the T / R switch 206. LNA 210 is configured to amplify the signal received by antenna 208, including reducing unwanted noise. For example, LNA 210 is configured to operate according to noise reduction techniques used in radio transmission technology. In one example, LNA 210 is configured to amplify extremely low-power signals from antenna 208 without significantly degrading their signal-to-noise ratio. In other words, LNA 210 increases the power of both the signal and noise while minimizing any additional noise. In operation, LNA 210 is configured to provide signal matching using signal matching techniques used in radio transmission technology. It should be noted that any suitable receiving technology used in radio transmission technology can be used. Therefore, in the receive path, LNA 210 (e.g., a wideband LNA) is used to compensate for matching losses of the narrowband input of multi-band receiver 204. It should be noted that if the receiver input is wideband matched, LNA 210 is not used.

[0029] On the transmit side (transmit path), the logarithmic periodic filter 212 is connected between the multi-band transmitter 202 and the T / R switch 206. For example, the logarithmic periodic filter 212 is configured to suppress the second harmonic (i.e., filter out the second harmonic). In the present invention, different filters are used to suppress harmonics, especially the second harmonic. That is, different filters are used to filter out harmonics of different frequencies. An example of a logarithmic periodic filter 212 having multiple filters 300 is shown in FIG. Figure 3 shown.

[0030] like Figure 3As shown, multiple filters 300 are connected between a first radio frequency (RF) switch 302 and a second RF switch 304. The first RF switch 302 and the second RF switch 304 are configured to route signals through one of the filters 300 based on the signal frequency. In other words, the first RF switch 302 and the second RF switch 304 define transmission paths for signals of different frequencies within the TVWS spectrum, which are filtered through one of the filters 300 to eliminate second harmonics. The first RF switch 302 and the second RF switch 304 are configured to operate using switching technology in RF switching technology.

[0031] In one example, in operation, the multi-band transmitter 202 and the multi-band receiver 204 are configured to communicate using a remote communication protocol device (e.g., SX1262 The multi-band transmitter 202 is a low-power transmitter or other remote low-power transmitter) that communicates in the frequency range of 150 MHz to 960 MHz. Since the multi-band transmitter 202 is low-power, the filter 300 performs filtering to suppress the second harmonic. As described below, the configuration and number of filters 300 of the log-periodic filter 212 are selected to maintain similar filter specifications while reducing the number of filters 300 used, thereby reducing complexity and cost. Since the receiver matching is narrowband and cannot operate in such a wide frequency spectrum without re-matching, filtering is performed in various examples. Therefore, the present invention provides multiple filters for switching, and in one example, the filter frequency is periodically increased by the same frequency increase factor (K).

[0032] In one implementation, the multi-narrowband transceiver 200 is configured with long-range transmit and receive capabilities using the log-periodic filter 212. The filter frequency (defining the filter elements) of the filter 300 is calculated using the following example formula:

[0033]

[0034] Where N is the number of filters, K is the frequency increase factor, f1 is the start frequency of filter 1 (subband 1). For other frequencies, f2 is the end frequency of filter 1 (subband 1) and the start frequency of filter 2 (subband 2), and the end frequency f n+1 is the end frequency of the band.

[0035] In various examples, K is the ratio of the end frequency to the start frequency of the subband (eg, K = f i+1 / f i ), where f i+1 is the end frequency of subband i, and f iis the starting frequency of subband i. The present invention can be used in examples where the spectrum may not be contiguous. For example, if the designer only wants to cover the TV band and not the licensed band, filter 3 can be deleted. In addition, as described in more detail herein, K (ending frequency / starting frequency) is the same for all filters 300.

[0036] The K value in some examples was determined through simulation. For example, K depends on the filter type. In determining K, the following rule is used in one example: in the filter's passband, the filter has minimal attenuation, while in the stopband (located at the second harmonic and higher harmonics), the filter's attenuation is configured to suppress harmonics. It should be noted that there is a trade-off between passband attenuation (lower is better), stopband attenuation (more is better), and cost.

[0037] For example, in one case, a suitable K was determined to be 1.48. In some examples, K is determined as follows: Using Equation 1, N is calculated, which in this example is N = 4.73. The value of N is then set, for example, N = 5 (N must be an integer), and the value of N is plugged into Equation 2 to calculate K, which in this example is 1.45. K is used to calculate the end frequency of each subband. The end frequency is also the start frequency of the next subband in the continuous spectrum. If the spectrum is not continuous, that portion of the spectrum is skipped. The filter and matching circuit are then optimized so that the harmonics meet the requirements of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

[0038] In one example, the log-periodic filter 212 includes only five filters 300 (also referred to as filter elements), which is determined by simulation (e.g., determining N and K) to be the optimal number of filters 300 for the TVWS spectrum. In this configuration, N=5, K=1.45, and the five filters 300 operate within the following frequency ranges:

[0039] Filter 1-150MHz-217MHz;

[0040] Filter 2-217MHz-315MHz;

[0041] Filter 3-315MHz-458MHz;

[0042] Filter 4-458MHz-667MHz; and

[0043] Filter 5-667MHz-960MHz.

[0044] It should be noted that in various examples, K is limited to less than 2. It should be appreciated that for low-pass or band-pass filtering, in order to filter out the second harmonic, both the start and end frequencies are less than one octave band. That is, the wide frequency spectrum is divided into sub-bands defined by the start and end frequencies of each filter. With the selection of sub-bands, in some examples, such as to meet FCC requirements, the filters are optimized to filter harmonics, particularly the second harmonic.

[0045] The filter 300 in one example is a low-pass filter (LPF), such as a Butterworth filter or a Chebyshev filter. However, other types of filters may also be used. For example, in some implementations, the filter 300 is a band-pass filter (BPF). In operation, the firmware software is programmed to control switching to one filter 300 based on the detected signal frequency. That is, a suitable filter 300 is selected based on the signal frequency to suppress the second harmonic using the filter 300 (for example, one of filters 1-5 is selected according to the frequency of the signal). Therefore, the operating frequency range of each filter 300 is optimized to divide the frequency band into each filter 300 (for example, each LPF), wherein all frequency bands have the same K factor and the number of filters is minimized.

[0046] Thus, the present disclosure allows narrowband transmission to operate in the TVWS spectrum, and harmonic suppression techniques allow compliance with communications requirements (e.g., FCC requirements). The filtering techniques described herein allow the use of remote (e.g., ) transceiver (to improve power added efficiency (PAE) and thus reduce power consumption). The present disclosure allows narrowband communication in TVWS while suppressing harmonics, especially the second harmonic, unlike traditional low-pass filters that cannot meet the spectrum suppression requirements of TVWS, including the 800 / 900 ISM bands.

[0047] The multi-narrowband transceiver 200 also includes a microcontroller, shown as a microcontroller unit (MCU) 214. The MCU 214 is configured to control the operation of the multi-narrowband transceiver 200, including communications within the multi-narrowband transceiver 200. The multi-narrowband transceiver 200 also includes a GPS 216 for determining the location of the multi-narrowband transceiver 200. The GPS 216 allows the multi-narrowband transceiver 200 to operate within the TVWS frequency range. In other words, TVWS devices require GPS location information (e.g., FCC requirements for TVWS devices).

[0048] Now, with particular reference to base station 108 (e.g. Figure 1In one example, the base station 108 is a multi-transceiver base station. That is, the base station 108 is configured with multiple multi-narrowband transceivers 200 in one example. However, in some examples, the base station 108 includes a single multi-narrowband transceiver 200.

[0049] Figure 4 A multi-transceiver base station 400, which in some examples is embodied as a base station 108, is shown. The multi-transceiver base station 400 includes a plurality of multi-narrowband transceivers 200 configured in a master-slave configuration. In the illustrated example, a master multi-narrowband transceiver 200a and a plurality of slave multi-narrowband transceivers 200b (also referred to as slave multi-narrowband transceivers) are controlled to allow communication with a plurality of clients 102 within different frequency ranges of the TVWS spectrum.

[0050] In the illustrated example, the multi-narrowband transceiver 200 is connected to a multiplexer 402 to allow for multiplexing of multiple signals from the multi-narrowband transceiver 200. In one example, the multiplexer 402 is configured as an RF power combiner and / or an RF power splitter, depending on whether signal transmission or reception is being performed. That is, the multiplexer 402 is configured to receive an input signal and output multiple output signals having specific output phase and amplitude characteristics. For example, depending on whether the multi-narrowband transceiver 200 is receiving or transmitting signals, a single RF line is split into multiple lines, the power output is split between the lines, and / or multiple feed lines are combined into a single RF line. In one example, the multiplexer 402 is configured as an RF combiner / splitter, where the multiplexer 402 operates as a combiner or splitter depending on whether a transmission operation or a reception operation is being performed. It should be understood that the multiplexer 402 can be any type of RF multiplexer or an analog type RF combiner / splitter, for example.

[0051] A power amplifier (PA) 404 and an LNA 406 are connected to the multiplexer 402. The PA 404 and LNA 406 are configured to compensate for signal loss caused by the multiplexer 402. That is, the PA 404 and LNA 406 are configured to compensate for signal loss caused by RF power splitting or division. As shown, a pair of T / R switches 408 are connected between the PA 404 and LNA 406 and the multiplexer 402 on one end, and between the PA 404 and LNA 406 and the antenna 410 on the other end. That is, the T / R switches 408 enable selection of the PA 404 or LNA 406 based on whether the multi-narrowband transceiver 200 is transmitting or receiving a signal.

[0052] In the illustrated example, a combiner configured as a multi-carrier power amplifier 412 is connected between the PA 404 and the LNA 406, the antenna 410, and the signal generator 414. As will be described in more detail below, the signal generator 414 with the multi-carrier power amplifier 412 allows for simultaneous transmission and reception of multiple signals using the multi-narrowband transceiver 200, which also allows for spectrum / interference sensing. In other words, the multi-carrier power amplifier 412 supports multiple air interfaces simultaneously across the frequency band. In operation, this allows the base station 108 to communicate with multiple clients 102 simultaneously or concurrently.

[0053] In one configuration, one input / output (I / O) pin of each multi-narrowband transceiver 200 is connected together. For example, the general-purpose input / output (GPIO) pins of each multi-narrowband transceiver 200 are connected together to allow communication between them. The interconnection of the multi-narrowband transceivers 200 is configured to allow synchronization of the operation of the multi-narrowband transceivers 200. In one example, the interconnected GPIO pins of the multi-narrowband transceivers 200 are allocated for synchronous operation.

[0054] In the example shown, the multi-narrowband transceiver 200a is designated as a master device and the multi-narrowband transceiver 200b is designated as a slave device (also referred to as a slave device) of the multi-narrowband radio 200a. The multi-narrowband transceiver 200a is configured to send transmit and receive control signals to the multi-narrowband transceiver 200b, i.e., to send control signals to all slave multi-narrowband transceivers 200a, to control the simultaneous operation of the multi-narrowband radio transceivers 200 (e.g., simultaneous transmit operations of the multi-narrowband radio 200). In one example, all multi-narrowband transceivers 200 are configured to transmit or receive (i.e., perform transmit or receive operations) in the same time slot, which eliminates interference between the multi-narrowband transceivers 200. It should be appreciated that in some examples, all transceivers 200a and 200b are controlled by a computer (e.g., Figure 4 In one embodiment, the computer 416 is a slave device controlled by a computer 416 shown in FIG. 4 , which sends transmit and receive control signals to all transceivers 200 a and 200 b. In other examples, the computer 416 monitors the transmit and receive status, and the transceiver 200 a sends transmit and receive control signals to the transceiver 200 b.

[0055] In operation, in one example, each of the multi-narrowband transceivers 200 is configured to use time division multiple access (TDMA) operation to synchronize transmission and reception operations through the interconnection of GPIO pins. In one example, the synchronization operation is performed at the media access control (MAC) level or layer. Therefore, the GPIO of the multi-narrowband transceiver 200a sends a transmission or reception control signal to the multi-narrowband transceiver 200b, so that all multi-narrowband transceivers 200 (master transceiver and slave transceiver) transmit or receive at the same time. In one implementation, the transmit / receive (TX / RX) signal is a digital 0 or 1, indicating a transmit or receive operation. In response, the T / R switch 408 is switched to the corresponding transmit or receive position. Therefore, the multi-narrowband transceiver 200a controls when the multi-narrowband transceiver 200b (and the multi-narrowband transceiver 200a) transmits or receives.

[0056] It should be appreciated that other control schemes for the master-slave relationship can be used. In another example, the TX / RX signals are analog high / low signals, i.e., a high voltage signal (e.g., +5V) and a low voltage signal (e.g., +1V). In this control scheme, the high voltage signal indicates that the multi-narrowband transceiver 200b should switch to a transmit mode, and the multi-narrowband transceiver 200b then performs a transmit operation. The low voltage signal indicates that the multi-narrowband transceiver 200b should switch to a receive mode, and the multi-narrowband transceiver 200b then performs a receive operation (e.g., a listen mode).

[0057] In one example, each of the multiple narrowband transceivers 200 can operate at a different frequency, for example, within one of the five filter frequency ranges described herein. In some examples, TDMA is used to further expand the communication capabilities on a particular channel. That is, for a given channel (frequency), TDMA is used to accommodate more devices.

[0058] In some examples, the control scheme also includes a reset function. For example, the reset pin of the multi-narrowband transceiver 200 is connected to a GPIO pin of the controller or computer 416. In this configuration, the computer 416 is enabled to control the reset of the multi-narrowband transceiver 200. For example, when a reset operation is required for the multi-narrowband transceiver 200 (e.g., resynchronization or fault condition), the computer 416 sends a signal to the reset pin of the multi-narrowband transceiver 200. In one example, the reset signal resets all of the multi-narrowband radio transceivers 200. In other examples, a selective one of the multi-narrowband transceivers 200 can be reset.

[0059] In addition, the base station 108 includes a GPS device 418. As discussed in more detail herein, the GPS device 418 allows for determining location information required for communicating using the TVWS spectrum. In the illustrated example, a USB hub 422 is configured to connect the computer 416 to the multi-narrowband transceiver 200. However, other connections may be used and contemplated by the present disclosure. Power is provided using a PoE power supply 420. However, other power sources may be used and contemplated by the present disclosure.

[0060] In some examples, such as Figure 5 As shown, signal generator 414 is configured to enable spectrum / interference sensing. Signal generator 414 is configured to generate signals that enable cognitive radio (CR) spectrum sensing to prevent interference (e.g., to prevent interference with licensed users). Signal generator 414 supports high-sensitivity spectrum sensing technology that can detect spectrum / interference and assess the interference impact from licensed and / or unlicensed CR users at very low signal levels. It should be appreciated that this technology can also be used to search for the lowest interference channel in the ISM band.

[0061] Signal generator 414 allows detection of the minimum detectable signal (MDS) of a TVWS narrowband transceiver, in one example, down to -149dBm with low power consumption. This detection can be used for communications in long-range, low-data-rate networks where the operating channel can vary with location and time. The spectrum sensing disclosed herein can detect very low spectral energy and assess the impact of interference on communications.

[0062] The signal generator 414 is configured as an internal signal generator, simulating the signal of a remote transmitter, and picking up interference using the antenna 410. In the configuration described herein, under high impedance matching of the interference and the internal signal generator, the sensitivity of interference sensing is the same as the MDS of the transceiver (e.g., the multi-narrowband transceiver 200), and the impact on the antenna matching of the multi-narrowband transceiver 200 is minimized.

[0063] In some examples, channel searching may also be performed, such as in firmware (eg, to identify channels with less or minimal interference).

[0064] Specifically, with special reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The multi-narrowband transceiver 200, antenna 410, multi-carrier power amplifier 412, and signal generator 414 form a spectrum sensing system. It should be appreciated that, in one example, the multi-carrier power amplifier 412 is an RFY connector that connects the antenna 410, the RF port of the multi-narrowband transceiver 200, and the signal generator 414. The signal generator 414 has a high-impedance output terminal that does not affect the antenna matching of the multi-narrowband transceiver 200. During normal use of the multi-transceiver base station 400, the signal generator 414 is inactive (off).

[0065] In one example, the signal generator 414 includes a transmitter 500 connected to a high impedance matching network 504 through an RF attenuator 502. In operation, spectrum / interference sensing is performed as follows:

[0066] A. Control software or firmware (eg, from computer 416) sets one or more of the multi-narrowband transceiver 200 and the signal generator 414 to operate at the same frequency and the same modulation scheme.

[0067] B. Signal generator 414 transmits an RF signal, such as a beacon transmission.

[0068] C. Antenna 410 picks up spectrum / interference, which can come from the primary licensed user or other unlicensed users. In various examples, both are considered interference. The interference is combined with the RF signal from signal generator 414 and fed into one or more ports of multi-narrowband transceivers 200. It should be appreciated that higher interference will reduce the carrier-to-interference ratio (C / I). Consequently, the MDS of one or more multi-narrowband transceivers 200 will increase.

[0069] D. Transceiver receiver (e.g. Figure 2 A multi-frequency receiver 204 (shown in FIG) receives the signal and interference and records a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and / or a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).

[0070] E. The signal generator 414 reduces the strength of the signal and repeats steps BD until the signal cannot be detected by one or more of the multiple narrowband transceivers 200. The lowest RSSI is the MDS under the interference level, which indicates the strength of the interference and the usable MDS.

[0071] F. Change the operation to another frequency and perform operation AF.

[0072] Some of the operations above may be performed in parallel and in a different order than shown. Additionally, it should be noted that in some examples, the transmitter 500 is coupled to the multi-band transmitter 202 (e.g., Figure 2 ) are the same as those shown. However, any suitable transmitter may be used. In addition, the RF attenuation of the RF attenuator 502 may be manually, analogically, or digitally controlled. The high impedance matching network 504 (e.g., a resistor) reduces the effect of the signal generator 414 on the antenna matching.

[0073] Therefore, in operation, the interference picked up by the antenna is combined with the signal from signal generator 414 and fed into multi-narrowband transceiver 200. The signal strength of signal generator 414 is gradually reduced until the interfered MDS is obtained. The interfered MDS indicates the intensity of the interference and its impact on communications. Spectrum sensing, as part of a TVWS IoT network, can improve spectrum utilization and enhance network stability and reliability.

[0074] Thus, the present disclosure allows devices, such as IoT devices, to operate in a TVWS network. For example, the various examples described herein can be used for cloud-supported IoT applications. TVWS IoT implemented as described herein allows for large-scale IoT deployments (e.g., agriculture, oil and gas fields, etc.) and can be supported by both cloud and edge devices.

[0075] Figure 6 is a flow chart of a method 600 illustrating the operation of a computing device (eg, client 102) for communicating over a TVWS network. For example, the method 600 configures a transceiver to allow remote (eg, ) communications. It should be appreciated that computing devices can be implemented in different systems and applications. Thus, while the examples described below may be used in conjunction with IoT applications, computing devices configured in accordance with the present invention may be used in many different applications, including any application that uses narrowband communications over a TVWS network.

[0076] At 602, the multi-narrowband transceiver is configured to communicate within the TVWS spectrum using a log-periodic filter. For example, as described herein, the multi-narrowband transceiver 200 is configured with a log-periodic filter 212 that enables communication within various frequency ranges of the TVWS spectrum. That is, the log-periodic filter 212 includes multiple filter elements, each optimized to communicate within the TVWS spectrum using the same K value. The defined ranges of the filter elements are optimized to suppress the second harmonic during transmission. In one example, the multi-narrowband transceiver 200 is configured to enable long-range communication within the TVWS frequency range using a log-periodic filter.

[0077] At 604, a TVWS channel is determined for communication. For example, as described herein, spectrum / interference sensing can be performed to identify unused channels within the TVWS spectrum. In one example, based on spectrum / interference sensing (or in some examples, location and known channel usage), an available TVWS frequency with minimal interference is selected. That is, the use of the channel will not interfere with the use of other entities.

[0078] At 606, the filter element within the log-periodic filter 212 corresponding to the TVWS channel is switched to be used for communication. That is, the filter element operating within the frequency range covering the available TVWS frequencies determined at 604 is activated to filter the signal communicated by the multi-narrowband transceiver 200. In operation, the filter element filters out the second harmonic during transmission using the TVWS channel. In particular, signal transmission and reception using the TVWS channel are performed at 608, and the signal is filtered by the filter element switched to. Thus, optimized TVWS communication is consistent with long communication protocols (e.g., using For example, the device is thus configured to operate in a TVWS network.

[0079] Figure 7 7 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of a computing device (e.g., base station 108) for communicating with multiple devices (e.g., client 102 or IoT devices) over a TVWS network. For example, method 700 configures a base station to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously or concurrently using multiple frequencies of a TVWS spectrum.

[0080] At 702, a determination is made as to whether the base station or device is ready to transmit. For example, a determination is made as to whether the TVWS spectrum is to be used to perform communications between multiple IoT devices through the base station. If no transmission is to be performed, the base station is configured to perform a listening operation, i.e., is in a receiving mode. In this mode, the master transceiver of the base station (e.g., the multi-narrowband transceiver 200a of the base station 108) sends a receive or listening control signal to multiple slave transceivers (e.g., the multi-narrowband transceiver 200b of the base station 108) at 704. For example, an analog signal (e.g., a high or low voltage) or a digital signal (e.g., a 1 or a 0) is sent to each slave transceiver that is interconnected and interconnected with the master transceiver described herein (e.g., a GPIO pin). In this mode, all transceivers (including the master and slave transceivers) can receive in the same time slot.

[0081] If a transmission is determined, the base station is configured to perform a transmission operation, i.e., to enter a transmit mode. In this mode, the base station's master transceiver (e.g., multi-narrowband transceiver 200a in base station 108) sends a transmit control signal at 706 to a plurality of slave transceivers (e.g., multi-narrowband transceiver 200b in base station 108). For example, an analog signal (e.g., a high or low voltage) or a digital signal (e.g., a 1 or a 0) is sent to each slave transceiver that is interconnected and connected to the master transceiver as described herein (e.g., a GPIO pin). It should be noted that the control signal for the transmit mode is the opposite of the control signal for the listen or receive mode (e.g., a low voltage instead of a high voltage, or a 0 instead of a 1). In this mode, all transceivers (including the master and slave transceivers) can transmit in the same time slot.

[0082] In receive / listen and transmit modes, a multiplexer configured as an RF combiner or splitter is also controlled. Specifically, one or more T / R switches (e.g., T / R switch 408) are controlled to select transmit or receive operation via an antenna (e.g., antenna 410).

[0083] At 708, a determination is made as to whether the transmission is complete. If the transmission is not complete, the transmission is continued at 710. If the transmission is complete, interference sensing is performed at 712. As described herein, a signal generator (e.g., signal generator 414) is configured to perform spectrum / interference sensing by generating an RF signal for determining the lowest RSSI, which is used to identify the interfered MDS. It should be noted that the signal generator is turned off during normal use (e.g., during transmission and reception).

[0084] At 714, one or more available TVWS channels are determined by interference sensing. For example, based on the RSSI (and / or SNR) determined at 712, one or more TVWS channels that can be used for transmission (e.g., below a threshold interference level) are identified. The frequencies of the available channels allow for identification of filter elements in the transceiver for subsequent transmission at 716. For example, filter elements optimized for long-range communications within a defined TVWS frequency range are identified and filter elements with determined available channel frequencies are identified therein. Thus, the multi-transceiver base station is configured to allow communication over different frequencies within the same time slot, thereby eliminating interference between transceivers.

[0085] Typical operating environment

[0086] according to Figure 8 800, the present disclosure may be used with a computing device 802, such as an IoT device. In one example, components of the computing device 802 may be implemented as part of an electronic device according to one or more examples described in the present disclosure. The computing device 802 includes one or more processors 804, which may be microprocessors, controllers, or any other suitable type of processor for processing computer-executable instructions to control the operation of the computing device 802. Platform software including an operating system 806 or any other suitable platform software may be provided on the computing device 802 to enable application software 808 to execute on the computing device 802. According to an example, communication via the multi-narrowband transceiver 810 (e.g., implemented by an IoT client device) may be implemented by software and / or hardware.

[0087] Computer-executable instructions may be provided using any computer-readable medium accessible to computing device 802. Computer-readable media may include, for example, computer storage media, such as memory 812, and communication media. Computer storage media, such as memory 812, include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information (e.g., computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, etc.). Computer storage media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVDs) or other optical disk storage, cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transmission medium that can be used to store information for access by a computing device. In contrast, communication media may embody computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, etc., in a modulated data signal (e.g., a carrier wave) or other transmission mechanism. As defined herein, computer storage media does not include communication media. Therefore, computer storage media itself should not be construed as a propagated signal. A propagated signal itself is not an example of a computer storage medium. Although computer storage media (memory 812) is shown within computing device 802, those skilled in the art will appreciate that storage may be distributed or located remotely and accessed over a network or other communication link (e.g., using a communication module such as communication interface 814).

[0088] The computing device 802 in one example includes an input / output controller 816 that is configured to output information to one or more input devices 818 and output devices 820, such as a display or speaker, which can be separate from or integrated with the electronic device. In some examples, the input / output controller 816 is configured to receive and process input from one or more input devices 818 (such as control buttons or a touchpad). In one example, the output device 820 acts as the input device 818. An example of such a device can be a touch-sensitive display. In one example, the input / output controller 816 also outputs data to a device other than the output device 820, such as a locally connected printing device. In some examples, a user provides input to (multiple) input devices 818 and / or receives output from (multiple) output devices 820.

[0089] In one example, computing device 802 detects voice input, user gestures, or other user actions and provides a natural user interface (NUI). This user input is used to write electronic ink, view content, select ink controls, play videos using electronic ink overlays, and other purposes. In some examples, input / output controller 816 outputs data to devices other than a display device, such as a locally connected printing device.

[0090] The functions described herein may be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components. According to one example, when executed by (multiple) processors 804, the computing device 802 is configured by program code to perform examples of the described operations and functions. Alternatively, or in addition, the functions described herein may be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components. For example, but not limited to, example types of hardware logic components that may be used include field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), application specific standard products (ASSPs), systems on chip (SOCs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and graphics processing units (GPUs).

[0091] At least a portion of the functionality of the various elements in the diagram may be performed by other elements in the diagram or entities not shown in the diagram (e.g., processors, web services, servers, applications, computing devices, etc.). In addition, in some aspects, the computing device 802 is a low-power device (e.g., LoRa) with multi-narrowband communication capabilities over the TVWS spectrum.

[0092] Although described in connection with an exemplary computing system environment, examples of the invention are capable of implementation with numerous other general purpose or special purpose computing system environments, configurations, or devices.

[0093] Examples of known computing systems, environments, and / or configurations suitable for use with various aspects of the present invention include, but are not limited to, mobile or portable computing devices (e.g., smartphones), personal computers, server computers, handheld (e.g., tablet computers) or laptop computers, multiprocessor systems, game consoles or controllers, microprocessor-based systems, set-top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, mobile phones, wearable or accessory-based mobile computing and / or communication devices (e.g., watches, glasses, headphones, or earphones), network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computing environments including any of the above systems or devices, and the like. Generally speaking, the present invention can be used with any device having processing capabilities that enable it to execute instructions as described herein. Such systems or devices can accept input from a user in any manner, including receiving input from an input device such as a keyboard or pointer device through gesture input, proximity input (e.g., by hovering), and / or voice input.

[0094] Examples of the present disclosure can be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions (e.g., program modules) that are executed by one or more computers or other devices in software, firmware, hardware, or a combination thereof. Computer-executable instructions can be organized into one or more computer-executable components or modules. Typically, program modules include, but are not limited to, routines, programs, objects, components, and data structures that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. Various aspects of the present disclosure can be implemented by any number and organization of such components or modules. For example, various aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific computer-executable instructions or specific components or modules shown in the figures and described herein. Other examples of the present invention may include different computer-executable instructions or components that have more or less functionality than shown and described herein.

[0095] In examples involving a general-purpose computer, aspects of the invention convert the general-purpose computer into a special-purpose computing device when configured to execute the instructions described herein.

[0096] A device for TV White Space (TVWS) communications includes a multi-band transmitter and a multi-band receiver; an antenna, the multi-band transmitter and the multi-band receiver connected to the antenna and configured to transmit and receive at multiple TVWS frequencies; and a log-periodic filter connected between the multi-band transmitter and the antenna, the log-periodic filter including a plurality of filter elements, each having a filter frequency that periodically increases by the same frequency increase factor (K), each filter element configured to filter out second harmonics within a defined frequency range. The defined frequency range may include the TVWS spectrum, or other ranges such as 150-960 MHz (which is larger than the TVWS spectrum and includes the Land Mobile Radio (LMR) band and some ISM bands).

[0097] A base station for TV white space (TVWS) communications includes a master transceiver; a plurality of slave transceivers, wherein the master transceiver and the plurality of slave transceivers are interconnected, and the master transceiver and the plurality of slave transceivers are configured to transmit and receive at a plurality of TVWS frequencies; an antenna connected to the master transceiver and the plurality of slave transceivers; an RF combiner / splitter connected between the antenna and the master transceiver and the plurality of slave transceivers; and a logarithmic periodic filter within the master transceiver and the plurality of slave transceivers, the logarithmic periodic filter including a plurality of filter elements, each filter element having a filter frequency that periodically increases within the same frequency increase factor (K), and each filter in the plurality of filter elements being configured to filter out a second harmonic within a defined frequency range.

[0098] A computerized method for TV white space (TVWS) communications includes: configuring a multi-narrowband transceiver using a log-periodic filter for communication within a TVWS spectrum, the log-periodic filter including a plurality of filter elements, each filter element having a filter frequency that periodically increases with a same frequency increase factor (K), each filter in the plurality of filter elements being configured to filter out second harmonics in a defined frequency range within the TVWS spectrum; determining a TVWS channel for communication; switching to a filter element in the plurality of filter elements that corresponds to the determined TVWS channel; and performing at least one of transmission and reception through the TVWS channel using the filter element.

[0099] A computerized method for interference sensing using a signal generator, the computerized method comprising:

[0100] configuring the one or more multiple narrowband transceivers and the signal generator to operate at the same frequency and the same modulation scheme;

[0101] Transmitting RF signals using a signal generator;

[0102] Use antennas to identify interference;

[0103] combining the interference with the RF signal from the signal generator to generate a combined signal;

[0104] feeding the combined signal into one or more ports of the multi-narrowband transceiver;

[0105] receiving the combined signal using a receiver of one or more multiple narrowband transceivers;

[0106] measuring at least one of an RSSI or an SNR of the received combined signal;

[0107] Record at least one measured RSSI or SNR;

[0108] Reduce the strength of RF signals; and

[0109] The transmitting, determining, combining, feeding, receiving, measuring, recording, and reducing are repeated until one or more of the multiple narrowband transceivers does not detect a combined signal that identifies the MDS to be used.

[0110] Alternatively, in addition to other examples described herein, examples include any combination of the following:

[0111] - wherein the plurality of filter elements comprises only five filter elements;

[0112] -where the frequency increase factor (K) is 1.45;

[0113] wherein the plurality of filter elements are configured to filter out second harmonics within a frequency range of 150 MHz to 960 MHz;

[0114] - wherein the multi-band transmitter and the multi-band receiver are configured to operate using a long-range communication protocol;

[0115] - Also includes a low noise amplifier (LNA) connected between the multi-band receiver and the antenna;

[0116] -wherein the multi-band transmitter and the multi-band receiver are configured to perform Internet of Things (IoT) communications;

[0117] - wherein the master transceiver is configured to generate control commands to synchronize transmission or reception of multiple slave transceivers in the same time slot;

[0118] - wherein the control command comprises one of the following: an analog high signal and an analog low signal, or a digital high signal and a digital low signal;

[0119] - Also included is a signal generator connected to the RF combiner / splitter and configured to generate a signal and reduce the signal strength of the signal until a minimum detectable signal (MDS) under interference is obtained to identify an available TVWS channel;

[0120] -also includes a power amplifier and a low noise amplifier selectively connected between the RF combiner / splitter and the antenna;

[0121] - wherein the master transceiver and the plurality of slave transceivers are configured to communicate with a plurality of Internet of Things (IoT) devices; and

[0122] - wherein the master transceiver and the plurality of slave transceivers are configured to operate using a long-range communication protocol.

[0123] It will be apparent to the skilled person that any range or device value given herein may be expanded or altered without losing the effect sought.

[0124] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

[0125] It is understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one example or to several examples. These examples are not limited to examples that solve any or all of the problems described, nor are they limited to examples that have any or all of the benefits and advantages described. It is further understood that "one" item refers to one or more of the items.

[0126] The examples shown and described herein, as well as examples not specifically described herein but within the scope of aspects of the claims, constitute exemplary means for device communication using TVWS spectrum.

[0127] In this specification, the term "comprising" means including the following features or actions, but does not exclude the existence of one or more additional features or actions.

[0128] In some examples, the operations illustrated in the figures may be implemented as software instructions encoded on a computer-readable medium, or as hardware programmed or designed to perform the operations, or both. For example, various aspects of the present invention may be implemented as a system-on-a-chip or other circuit comprising a plurality of interconnected conductive elements.

[0129] Unless otherwise specified, the order in which the operations are performed or executed in the disclosed examples shown and described herein is not significant. That is, unless otherwise specified, the operations may be performed in any order, and examples of the present invention may include more or fewer operations than those disclosed herein. For example, it is contemplated that a particular operation may be performed or executed before, simultaneously with, or after another operation and is within the scope of various aspects of the present invention.

[0130] When introducing elements of aspects of the present disclosure or examples thereof, the terms “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements in addition to the listed elements. The term “exemplary” means “an example of.” The phrase “one or more of A, B, and C” means “at least one of A and / or at least one of B and / or at least one of C.”

[0131] Having described the various aspects of the disclosure in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the various aspects of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims. As various changes may be made in the above-described structures, products, and methods without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A device for television white space (TVWS) communication, the device comprising: Multi-band transmitters and multi-band receivers; an antenna, the multi-band transmitter and the multi-band receiver being connected to the antenna and configured to transmit and receive at a plurality of TVWS frequencies; as well as a logarithmic periodic filter connected between the multi-band transmitter and the antenna, the logarithmic periodic filter comprising a plurality of filter elements, each filter element having a filter frequency that periodically increases by the same frequency increase factor, each filter of the plurality of filter elements being configured to filter out a second harmonic within a defined frequency range within a frequency spectrum including TVWS. 2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of filter elements are configured to filter out second harmonics within a frequency range of 150 MHz to 960 MHz. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of filter elements comprises only five filter elements. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the frequency increase factor is 1.

45.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the multi-band transmitter and the multi-band receiver are configured to operate using a long-range communication protocol.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a low noise amplifier (LNA) connected between the multi-band receiver and the antenna.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the multi-band transmitter and the multi-band receiver are configured to perform Internet of Things (IoT) communications.

8. A computerized method for television white space (TVWS) communications, the computerized method comprising: configuring a multi-narrowband transceiver for communications within a TVWS spectrum using a log-periodic filter, the log-periodic filter comprising a plurality of filter elements, each filter element having a filter frequency that increases periodically by the same frequency increase factor, each filter in the plurality of filter elements being configured to filter out second harmonics within a defined frequency range within a spectrum that includes TVWS; determining a TVWS channel for the communication; Switching to a filter element corresponding to the determined TVWS channel among the plurality of filter elements; as well as At least one of transmitting and receiving through the TVWS channel is performed using the filter element.

9. The computerized method of claim 8, wherein the plurality of filter elements comprises only five filter elements.

10. The computerized method of claim 9, wherein the frequency increase factor is 1.

45.

11. The computerized method of claim 8, wherein the plurality of filter elements are configured to filter out second harmonics within a frequency range of 150 MHz to 960 MHz.

12. The computerized method of claim 8, wherein the multiple narrowband transceiver is configured to operate using a long range communication protocol.

13. The computerized method of claim 8, wherein the multi-narrowband transceiver is configured to perform Internet of Things (IoT) communications.

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