Multi-radio integrated circuit architecture

Abstract

Various arrangements of a multi-radio integrated circuit system are detailed herein. Such a system can include an integrated circuit that includes a wireless local area network (WLAN) radio configured to be connected with an external antenna and a short-range wireless communication radio that is distinct from the WLAN radio. The system also includes a switching module through which the WLAN radio and the short-range wireless communication radio is configured to communicate with the external antenna.

Description

Multi-Radio Integrated Circuit ArchitectureCROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 537,141, filed September 7, 2023, entitled “Configurable Radio Architecture”, which is hereby incorporated by reference, as if set forth in full in this document, for all purposes.BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, coexistence architecture between wireless local area network (WLAN) hardware, such as WiFi™, Bluetooth™ (BT) and IEEE 802.15.4 (“15.4”), based protocols (such as Thread™ and Zigbee™), involves using at least two distinct integrated circuits (ICs) and an arbiter, which can be separate or integrated as part of one of the multiple ICs. Such an arrangement is not ideal in at least some situations. Using multiple radio ICs can involve a significant amount of dedicated printed circuit board (PCB) space, significant power consumption, or both.SUMMARY

[0003] Various embodiments are described related to a multi-radio integrated circuit system. In some embodiments, a multi-radio integrated circuit system is described. The system may comprise a single integrated circuit. The single integrated circuit may comprise a wireless local area network (WLAN) radio configured to be connected with a plurality of external antennas including a first external antenna. The single integrated circuit may comprise a short-range wireless communication radio that may be distinct from the WLAN radio. The single integrated circuit may comprise a switching module through which the WLAN radio and the short-range wireless communication radio may be configured to communicate with the first external antenna.

[0004] Embodiments of such a system may include one or more of the following features: a low- rate wireless personal area network (LR-WPAN) radio distinct from the WLAN radio and the short-range wireless communication radio. The system may further comprise a second switching module through which the LR-WPAN radio may be configured to communicate with a second external antenna. The LR-WPAN radio may further comprise a second short-range wireless communication radio. The short-range wireless communication radio may perform Bluetooth communications and the WLAN radio may perform WiFi communications. The WLAN radio may be configured to communicate with a third external antenna used exclusively by the WLAN radio for 2.4 GHz band and 5 GHz band communications. The system may further comprise a diplexer connected with the third external antenna and the single integrated circuit. The system may further comprise the first external antenna, the second external antenna, and the third external antenna. The single integrated circuit may comprise a plurality of amplifiers connected between theswitching module, the short-range wireless communication radio, and the WLAN radio. The system may further comprise, as part of the single integrated circuit, an arbiter that may resolve conflicts between the WLAN radio and the short-range wireless communication radio.

[0005] In some embodiments, a multi-radio integrated circuit is described. The circuit may comprise a wireless local area network (WLAN) radio. The circuit may comprise a short-range wireless communication radio that may be distinct from the WLAN radio. The circuit may comprise a switching module through which the WLAN radio and the short-range wireless communication radio may be configured to communicate with a first external antenna.

[0006] Embodiments of such a circuit may include one or more of the following features: the multi-radio integrated circuit may further comprise a low-rate wireless personal area network (LR- WPAN) radio distinct from the WLAN radio and the short-range wireless communication radio. The circuit may further comprise a second switching module through which the LR-WPAN radio may be configured to communicate with a second external antenna. The LR-WPAN radio may further comprise a second short-range wireless communication radio. The short-range wireless communication radio may perform Bluetooth communications and the WLAN radio may perform WiFi communications. The WLAN radio may be configured to communicate with a third external antenna used exclusively by the WLAN radio for 2.4 GHz band and 5 GHz band communications. The single integrated circuit may comprise a plurality of amplifiers connected between the switching module, the short-range wireless communication radio, and the WLAN radio. The circuit may further comprise an arbiter that resolves conflicts between the WLAN radio and the short-range wireless communication radio.

[0007] In some embodiments, a method for using a multi-radio integrated circuit system is described. The method may comprise providing an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit may comprise a wireless local area network (WLAN) radio configured to be connected with a plurality of external antennas including a first external antenna and a second external antenna. The integrated circuit may comprise a short-range wireless communication radio that may be distinct from the WLAN radio. The integrated circuit may comprise a switching module through which the WLAN radio and the short-range wireless communication radio may be configured to communicate with the second external antenna. The method may comprise performing WLAN communications using the first external antenna. The method may comprise performing WLAN communications and short-range device-to-device communications using the second external antenna.

[0008] Embodiments of such a method may include one or more of the following features: the integrated circuit may further comprise a low-rate wireless personal area network (LR-WPAN) radio distinct from the WLAN radio and the short-range wireless communication radio. The integrated circuit may further comprise a second switching module through which the LR-WPAN radio may be configured to communicate with a third external antenna. The method may further comprise performing, by the integrated circuit, LR-WPAN communications and short-range device-to-device communications using the third external antenna. The method may further comprise performing arbitration on board the integrated circuit between the short-range wireless communication radio and the WLAN radio.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of various embodiments may be realized by reference to the following figures. In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a two IC system for performing wireless local area network (WLAN), short-range wireless, and low-rate wireless personal area network (LR-WPAN) communications.

[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of a two IC system for performing WLAN, short- range wireless, and LR-WPAN communications.

[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a block diagram of a system that includes a single IC for performing multi -protocol communications.

[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates the first configuration of a multi-radio integrated circuit system for performing WLAN, short-range wireless, and LR-WPAN communications.

[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates a second configuration of the multi-radio integrated circuit system of FIG. 4 for performing WLAN, short-range wireless, and LR-WPAN communications.

[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a multi-radio integrated circuit system for performing WLAN, short-range wireless, and LR-WPAN communications.

[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a method for using a multi-radio integrated circuit system.

[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a method for manufacturing a multi-radio integrated circuit system.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Arrangements detailed herein allow for multiple communication standards or protocols to be used for communication using a single IC. Such multiple communication standards can use the same or overlapping frequency bands, such as the 2.4 GHz band. Arbitration can be performed onboard the single IC to more efficiently determine which communication protocol is given priority.

[0019] Such an arrangement can have multiple benefits. First, by using a single IC, the amount of space required on a PCB can be minimized or at least decreased. The space can be decreased by the overall area of the single IC (compared to multiple ICs), by being able to share external hardware, such as antennas, amplifiers, or some combination thereof. Second, by using a single IC, arbitration between communications using different protocols can be more effectively managed and scheduled. Additional benefits can also be possible, such as simplified design, simplified manufacturing, and reduced cost.

[0020] Throughout this document, reference is made to WLAN communication, short-range wireless communications, and LR-WPAN communications. A common form of WLAN communications is WiFi™, which is performed under the IEEE 802.11 family of standards. A common form of short-range wireless communications, which can be performed device-to-device, is Bluetooth™ (BT). BT communications can involve any of the Bluetooth family of standards, such as Bluetooth basic rate or extended data rate (BR / EDR), or Bluetooth Low Energy™ (LE). LR-WPAN communications can include various mesh networking protocols which can be used for communication in accordance with the IEEE 802.15.4 family of standards. Common types of LR- WPAN communications can include Thread™, Matter™, Zigbee™, and Z-Wave™. While embodiments detailed herein can be used for WiFi™, Bluetooth™, and Thread™, other embodiments can be used for various other wireless communication standards and protocols.

[0021] Embodiments of such a single IC and systems incorporating such an IC may be particularly useful in handheld electronics. For example, smartphones, tablet computers, gaming devices, smart home devices, and laptop computers can represent relatively small electronic devices which may need to communicate via multiple protocols. For example, a smart home device may use WiFi™ to communicate with a wireless network, Bluetooth™ for initial setup, and Thread™ to communicate with other smart home devices. Using a single IC for all of these communications may allow for more efficient use of PCB space available within the device and higher throughput collectively across the multiple communication protocols.

[0022] Further detail regarding these embodiments and additional embodiments is provided in relation to the figures. FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a two IC based system 100 for performing WLAN communications, short-range wireless device-to-device communications (abbreviated as “BT”, for simplicity), and LR-WPAN communications. IC 101 can perform transmit and receive functions related to BT and WLAN using multiple antennas, switches, and amplifiers (e.g., low noise amplifiers or “LNAs”). For example, antenna 118, switch 114, and amplifiers 112 and 113 can be used for WLAN communications on the 5 GHz and / or 6 GHz frequency bands. (Throughout this document, for WLAN communications, 6 GHz can be used instead of or in addition to 5 GHz. For example WiFi 6E and IEEE 802.1 lax can be used for communication using the 6 GHz band.) Other portions of IC 101 can transmit and receive at other frequencies; for example, subcircuit 120 can be used for 2.4 GHz band WLAN communications; subcircuit 122 for 5 GHz and / or 6 GHz band WLAN communications; subcircuit 124 for 2.4 GHz band WLAN communications; and subcircuit 126 for 2.4 GHz band BT communications. IC 101 can be referred to as a 2 x 2 MIMO (Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output) WLAN chip because it can perform spatial multiplexing by sending and receiving more than one data signal simultaneously over the same radio channel. Separately, IC 102, having LR-WPAN radio 130, can perform 802.15.4 communications, which can also be performed on the 2.4 GHz band.

[0023] Since the 2.4 GHz band is shared among WLAN, BT, and LR-WPAN communications, transmission of each communication protocol cannot be performed simultaneously on the 2.4 GHz band. For example, on IC 101, subcircuit 126 may not transmit when subcircuit 124 is transmitting in order to avoid interference. In system 100, external to IC 101, a separate arrangement is needed to prevent LR-WPAN radio 130 of IC 102 from communicating while IC 101 is active in the 2.4 GHz band.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, packet traffic arbiter (PTA) 111, which can be integrated as part of IC 101, is used to coordinate communication between radio 110 and radio 130 of the separate ICs. PTA 111 may receive a signal from IC 102 indicating that 15.4 radio 130 is requesting to transmit. According to internal scheduling logic, PTA 111 can determine which radio should be given priority. LR-WPAN radio 130 may not transmit until provided permission by PTA 111. The use of PTA 111 can reduce efficiency and overall throughput for the involved communication protocols.

[0025] As shown, the two IC arrangement of FIG. 1 uses four separate antennas (118-1, 118-2, 118-3, and 118-4). Alternatively, a three-antenna implementation may be possible as indicated in FIG. 2. In FIG. 2, subcircuit 210 may be used to perform both BT and WLAN communications on the 2.4 GHz frequency band. Therefore, a shared receiver amplifier circuit 201 may be used forboth WLAN and BT, with separate transmit amplifiers (203, 205) used for each protocol. Antenna 118-2 may be shared, thus decreasing the total antenna count to three, compared to the four of FIG. 1. Arbitration by PTA 111 still needs to be performed due to two ICs, IC 101 and IC 102, being needed to implement WLAN, BT, and LR-WPAN.

[0026] As detailed herein, single IC embodiments are possible that can decrease footprint on a PCB and can improve coexistence, among other advantages, compared to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a system 300 in which a single IC is used for performing multi -protocol communications. System 300 can include: integrated circuit 310 and antenna 370. IC 310 can include: radio 320; radio 330; arbiter 340; amplifier system 350; and switching circuitry 360.

[0027] Radio 320 may be used for a first communication protocol and radio 330 may be used for a second communication protocol, such as WLAN communications and short-range wireless communications. Radio 320 and radio 330 may use the same frequency band for communication, such as the 2.4 GHz communication band. In other embodiments, a third radio can be present. The third radio may use a different antenna that is shared or not shared.

[0028] Radio 320 and radio 330 can be connected with amplifier system 350. Amplifier system 350 can include multiple amplifiers, such as LNAs, that amplify transmit and receive signals. In some embodiments, a single receive amplifier may be used that outputs an amplified receive signal to both radio 320 and radio 330.

[0029] Amplifier system 350 can be connected with switching circuitry 360. Switching circuitry can be used to control which amplifier is connected with antenna 370. In some embodiments, switching circuitry 360 can include a single-pole triple-throw switch. Such a switch can be implemented digitally on-board IC 310. Such switching circuitry can be implemented in alternative ways, such as using two single-pole double-throw switches. All of switching circuitry 360 can be implemented on-board IC 310. Alternatively, some or all of switching circuitry 360 can be implemented external to IC 310. While switching circuitry is illustrated using analog images, switching can be performed digitally on-board IC 310.

[0030] IC 310 can be configured to be connected with an external antenna 370. External antenna 370 can be implemented on a PCB on which IC 310 is installed or can be external to the PCB. Antenna 370 is connected to switching circuitry 360.

[0031] Arbiter 340 serves to arbitrate which of radio 320 and radio 330 has priority to transmit. When permission is granted by arbiter 340, switching circuitry 360 can be used to connect the selected radio from radios 320 and 330 to antenna 370.

[0032] In some embodiments, a system including an IC is presented that can be configured multiple ways. FIGS. 4 and 5 represent alternative configurations of a multiple radio IC. FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment 400 of the first configuration of a single integrated circuit system for performing WLAN, short-range wireless, and LR-WPAN communications.

[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a multi-radio integrated circuit system 400 (“system 400”) that includes a single IC 401, present on a single piece of semiconductor material, that performs WLAN (e.g., WiFi), short-range device-to-device communications (e.g., Bluetooth, which can include Bluetooth Classic, Bluetooth LE), and LR-WPAN (e.g., IEEE 802.15.4) communications. In system 400, IC 401 is operating in a first configuration. IC 401 can include WLAN radio 405, BT / LR-WPAN radio 410; WLAN radio 415; and BT / LR-WPAN radio 420. (More generally, other forms of short-range device-to-device communication protocols can be used instead of a Bluetooth family protocol). The single IC 401 of embodiment 400 can be used in conjunction with antennas 405-1 and 405-2 and diplexers 407-1 and 407-2. IC 401 can be referred to as a 2 x 2 MIMO WLAN chip because it can perform parallel WLAN communications on the same frequency bands using separate subcircuits.

[0034] Subcircuit 430 can be used for 5 GHz band and / or 6 GHz band WLAN communications; subcircuit 432 can be used for 2.4 GHz band WLAN communications, short-range device-to- device wireless communications, and LR-WPAN communications. Subcircuit 434 can be used for 5 GHz band and / or 6 GHz band WLAN communications. Subcircuit 436 can be used for 2.4 GHz band WLAN communications, short range wireless communications, and LR-WPAN communications. Further, the design of IC 401 permits for the simultaneous reception of all 2.4 GHz communications - WLAN, short range wireless , and LR-WPAN communications.

[0035] Subcircuit 432 can use a single-pole, triple-throw switch 433 to control whether a receive is being performed, a BT / LR-WPAN transmission is being performed, or a WLAN (2.4 GHz band) transmission is being performed. Switch 433 can be implemented in alternative forms. For example, multiple single-pole, double-throw switches may be used in series. Such switches may be implemented on-board IC 401, external to IC 401, or some combination thereof. Similarly, it can be possible to have LNAs, power amplifiers, or both implemented external to IC 401 if the corresponding switches are also implemented externally.

[0036] In system 400, subcircuit 438 may be present on IC 401, but disabled. Therefore, switch 446 and receive LNA 444 may be disabled (as indicated by the dotted lines). A communication path from power amplifier 440 to switch 442 can be activated to allow for the transmission of BT (or other short-range device-to-device communications) and LR-WPAN communications via antenna 405-2. As such, PA 440 is illustrated in system 400 as part of subcircuit 438. Receive LNA 435 can be a shared LNA by both WLAN radio 415 to receive WLAN communications and by BT / LR-WPAN radio 420 to receive BT and / or LR-WPAN communications via antenna 405- 2.

[0037] Despite only two antennas being used in combination with IC 301 in the illustrated configuration of system 400, if BT and LR-WPAN communications are to be performed simultaneously, this can be accommodated since separate antennas can be used for BT and LR- WPAN.

[0038] To improve performance, an arbitration component, referred to as arbiter 450, can determine priority for receive and transmit conflicts involving BT, LR-WPAN, and 2.4 GHz WLAN communications on-board IC 301. (In the illustrated embodiment of system 400, no conflicts may be present for 5 GHz and 6 GHz band WLAN communications since it uses a different frequency band from BT and LR-WPAN. However, in other implementations where an additional protocol uses at least one of these bands, arbitration may be performed to resolve conflicts.) By virtue of having the entire arbitration performed on-board IC 301, a more complex scheduling arrangement that manages the relative importance of data can be implemented and allow for faster switching between protocols. By having arbiter 450 on-board the IC along with the radios will allow for improved scheduling because arbiter 450 will have visibility, know the radio conditions, and priorities of all radios on-board. The priorities between each radio can be set and modified dynamically based on different use cases by higher layer stacks or applications.

[0039] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of multi-radio integrated circuit system 500 (“system 500”). IC 401, which is also present in system 400, is used in a configuration in which three antennas are used. In system 500, connection 470 is disabled. By using a third antenna, more communications can be performed simultaneously compared to the configuration of system 400 of FIG. 4. In the configuration of system 500, a communication path from transmit power amplifier 440 to switch 446 may be enabled and receive LNA 444 and switch 446 are enabled. Antenna 405- 3 can be connected, thus providing a separate antenna to be used for BT and LR-WPAN communications in combination with radio 420.

[0040] Having IC 401 be functional in multiple configurations can be beneficial. Depending on whether a circuit designer elects to use a two or three antenna design, IC 401 can be used with a small amount of hardware being either enabled or disabled.

[0041] In IC 401 , BT / LR-WPAN radio 410 and BT / LR-WPAN radio 420 can be configured to transmit data based on the traffic loading for each protocol. This arrangement can reduce the time sharing with 2.4 GHz WLAN communications and improve the total coexistence throughput of the overall system. Further, radios 410 and 420 can have the ability to route communications through two different antennas to enable dynamic diversity antenna switching and maximum ratio combining (MRC) (which allow for receiving via multiple antennas to increase sensitivity), along with transmit beamforming for improved over the air performance. Further, dynamic antenna switching in the configuration of embodiment 500 can enable the higher priority protocol between the short-range communication protocol and the LR-WPAN protocol to go through antennas 405-1 and 405-2 when antenna 405-3 is temporarily desensed or otherwise impaired. Such dynamic antenna switching can be performed using baseband controls, software, and switch controls.

[0042] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a multi-radio integrated circuit system 600 (“system 600”) for performing WLAN, short-range wireless, and LR-WPAN communications. In system 600, a single radio may be capable of LR-WPAN communications, two radios can be used for short-range device-to-device communications, and a single WLAN radio may be used.

[0043] In system 600, a single WLAN radio 605 is present. Subcircuit 611 can be used for 5 GHz band and / or 6 GHz band WLAN communications. Subcircuit 612 may be used for 2.4 GHz band WLAN communications. Subcircuit 611 and subcircuit 612 are connected with external antenna 605-1 via diplexer 607-1. Subcircuit 614 may also be used for 5 GHz band and / or 6 GHz band WLAN communications. Subcircuit 614 is connected with antenna 605-2, therefore it may be able to transmit simultaneously with subcircuit 611 via antenna 605-1.

[0044] BT radio 610 is dedicated to performing on short-range wireless communications (e.g., Bluetooth family communications). Subcircuit 616 can allow for short-range wireless communications and WLAN communications to be received via antenna 605-2. Subcircuit 616 further allows for selection of either WLAN radio 605 (e.g., 2.4 GHz band) or BT radio 610 for transmission. Switch 630 can include a single-pole triple-throw switch. Such switching circuitry can be implemented in alternative ways, such as using two single-pole double-throw switches. All of switching circuitry 630 can be implemented on-board IC 601. Alternatively, some or all of switching circuitry 630 can be implemented external to IC 601. Subcircuit 614 and subcircuit 616 are connected with external antenna 605-2 via diplexer 607-2.

[0045] In system 600, a dedicated antenna 605-3 is connected with BT / LR-WPAN radio 615 via subcircuit 618. Therefore, short-range wireless device-to-device communications can be transmitted and received via both BT radio 610 and BT / LR-WPAN radio 615. However, only BT / LR-WPAN radio 615 can be used for LR-WPAN communications in this embodiment. The arrangement of system 600 allows for WLAN MIMO operation via antenna 605-1, along with simultaneous transmission of short-range wireless device-to-device communications via antenna 605-2, and simultaneous transmission of LR-WPAN communications via antenna 605-3.

[0046] Arbiter 350 can be configured to prioritize LR-WPAN communications at BT / LR- WPAN radio 615 since BT radio 610 is dedicated to short-range wireless device-to-device communications. However, for example, if WLAN radio 605 is transmitting high-priority communications via subcircuit 616, BT radio 610 cannot transmit and, thus, BT communications may be transmitted by BT / LR-WPAN radio 615 via subcircuit 618.

[0047] In alternative embodiments, system 600 may be simplified, such as by removing one or more of the radios and, possibly, one of the antennas. For example, BT radio 610 may be removed and system 600 could rely on BT / LR-WPAN radio 615 for BT communications.

[0048] Various methods can be performed using the systems and ICs detailed in relation to FIGS. 3-6. FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a method 700 for using a multi-radio integrated circuit system. Method 700 can be performed using the systems and ICs detailed in relation to FIGS. 3-6. In method 700, the order of blocks 720-750 can be varied. Further, blocks 720-740 can be performed simultaneously using separate antennas.

[0049] At block 710, an IC is provided that includes WLAN, short-range device-to-device, and LR-WPAN radios. This single IC may be as detailed in relation to FIG. 6. Alternatively, the IC may be as detailed in relation to FIG. 4 or FIGS. 5 and 6. The IC may be connected with multiple external antennas. For example, in some embodiments, three antennas are connected with the IC, possibly via other external hardware.

[0050] At block 720, WLAN communications can be performed by the WLAN radio(s) of the IC. These WLAN communications can be WiFi communications and can be performed via the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, the 6 GHz band, or some combination thereof. These communications can be performed via a first antenna that is connected with only the WLAN radio, such as illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0051] At block 730, WLAN communications can be performed by the WLAN radio of the IC and short-range device-to-device communications. These WLAN communications can be WiFi™communications and can be performed via the 2.4 GHz band. Also at block 730, short-range device-to-device communications can be performed. Both the short-range and WLAN communications can be performed via a second antenna that is connected to the WLAN radio and the short-range device-to-device communication radio via a switching arrangement. Switching can be performed such that only one of the WLAN and short-range radio transmits at a given time.

[0052] At block 740, LR-WPAN communications can be performed by an LR-WPAN / short- range radio of the IC along with short-range device-to-device communications. These LR-WPAN and short-range device-to-device communications can both be performed via the 2.4 GHz band. Also at block 740, short-range device-to-device communications can be performed. Both the short- range and LR-WPAN communications can be performed via a third antenna that is connected with the LR-WPAN / short-range radio via a switching arrangement. Switching can be performed such that only one of the LR-WPAN and short-range radio transmits at a given time.

[0053] At block 750, to the extent needed, arbitration is performed by an on-board arbiter that determines which radio is given transmit priority for a given antenna. Referring to FIG. 6, multiple layers of priority may be considered. For example, if the WLAN radio is given priority to the second antenna, short-range device-to-device radio may be given priority to the third antenna if short-range communications are being prioritized over LR-WPAN communications.

[0054] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of method 800 for manufacturing a multi-radio integrated circuit system. Method 800 can be used to create system 600 of FIG. 6. Method 800 can be adapted to manufacture the arrangements of FIGS. 3-6.

[0055] At block 810, an IC may be installed that includes WLAN, short-range device-to-device, and LR-WPAN radios. In other embodiments, the IC may contain radios that perform communication using other protocols.

[0056] At block 820, the WLAN radio is connected with a first antenna. This first antenna may be used exclusively by the WLAN radio and can be used for 5 GHz band, 6 GHz band, and 2.4 GHz band communications. One or more other components may be installed between the first antenna and the IC. For example, a diplexer may be present.

[0057] At block 830, the WLAN radio and a short-range device-to-device communication radio is connected with a second external antenna. This second antenna may be used by the short-range device-to-device communication radio (e.g., a BT radio) and by the WLAN radio for 2.4 GHz band communications. One or more other components may be installed between the first antenna and the IC. For example, a diplexer may be present. In some embodiments, a switchingarrangement may be present external to the IC for switching transmit between the short-range radio and the WLAN radio.

[0058] At block 840, the LR-WPAN and short-range device-to-device radio is connected to a third external antenna. This third external antenna may be used exclusively by the short-range / LR-WPAN radio, such as illustrated in FIG. 6. Communications by these two radios may both be on the 2.4 GHz band.

[0059] Following block 840, manufacturing of the system including the multi-radio IC may be complete. Method 700 may then be performed.

[0060] It should be noted that the methods, systems, and devices discussed above are intended merely to be examples. It must be stressed that various embodiments may omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. For instance, it should be appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, the methods may be performed in an order different from that described, and that various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Also, features described with respect to certain embodiments may be combined in various other embodiments. Different aspects and elements of the embodiments may be combined in a similar manner. Also, it should be emphasized that technology evolves and, thus, many of the elements are examples and should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention.

[0061] Specific details are given in the description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, well-known processes, structures, and techniques have been shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments. This description provides example embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the preceding description of the embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing embodiments of the invention. Various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0062] Also, it is noted that the embodiments may be described as a process which is depicted as a flow diagram or block diagram. Although each may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be rearranged. A process may have additional steps not included in the figure.

[0063] Having described several embodiments, it will be recognized by those of skill in the art that various modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents may be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the above elements may merely be a component of a larger system, wherein other rules may take precedence over or otherwise modify the application of the invention. Also, a number of steps may be undertaken before, during, or after the above elements are considered. Accordingly, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A multi-radio integrated circuit system, comprising: a single integrated circuit, comprising: a wireless local area network (WLAN) radio configured to be connected with a plurality of external antennas including a first external antenna; a short-range wireless communication radio that is distinct from the WLAN radio; and a switching module through which the WLAN radio and the short-range wireless communication radio is configured to communicate with the first external antenna.

2. The multi -radio integrated circuit system of claim 1, further comprising: a low-rate wireless personal area network (LR-WPAN) radio distinct from the WLAN radio and the short-range wireless communication radio; and a second switching module through which the LR-WPAN radio is configured to communicate with a second external antenna.

3. The multi -radio integrated circuit system of claim 2, wherein the LR-WPAN radio further comprises a second short-range wireless communication radio.

4. The multi-radio integrated circuit system of claim 2, wherein the short-range wireless communication radio performs Bluetooth communications and the WLAN radio performs WiFi communications.

5. The multi -radio integrated circuit system of claim 4, wherein the WLAN radio is configured to communicate with a third external antenna used exclusively by the WLAN radio for 2.4 GHz band and 5 GHz band communications.

6. The multi-radio integrated circuit system of claim 5, further comprising a diplexer connected with the third external antenna and the single integrated circuit.

7. The multi-radio integrated circuit system of claim 5, further comprising the first external antenna, the second external antenna, and the third external antenna.

8. The multi -radio integrated circuit system of claim 7, wherein the single integrated circuit comprises a plurality of amplifiers connected between the switching module, the short-range wireless communication radio, and the WLAN radio.

9. The multi -radio integrated circuit system of claim 1, further comprising, as part of the single integrated circuit, an arbiter that resolves conflicts between the WLAN radio and the short-range wireless communication radio.

10. A multi-radio integrated circuit, comprising: a wireless local area network (WLAN) radio; a short-range wireless communication radio that is distinct from the WLAN radio; and a switching module through which the WLAN radio and the short-range wireless communication radio is configured to communicate with a first external antenna.

11. The multi -radio integrated circuit of claim 10, wherein the multi-radio integrated circuit further comprises: a low-rate wireless personal area network (LR-WPAN) radio distinct from the WLAN radio and the short-range wireless communication radio; and a second switching module through which the LR-WPAN radio is configured to communicate with a second external antenna.

12. The multi-radio integrated circuit of claim 11, wherein the LR-WPAN radio further comprises a second short-range wireless communication radio.

13. The multi -radio integrated circuit of claim 12, wherein the short-range wireless communication radio performs Bluetooth communications and the WLAN radio performs WiFi communications.

14. The multi-radio integrated circuit of claim 13, wherein the WLAN radio is configured to communicate with a third external antenna used exclusively by the WLAN radio for 2.4 GHz band and 5 GHz band communications.

15. The multi -radio integrated circuit of claim 7, wherein the single integrated circuit comprises a plurality of amplifiers connected between the switching module, the short- range wireless communication radio, and the WLAN radio.

16. The multi -radio integrated circuit of claim 10, further comprising an arbiter that resolves conflicts between the WLAN radio and the short-range wireless communication radio.

17. A method for using a multi-radio integrated circuit system, the method comprising: providing an integrated circuit, comprising: a wireless local area network (WLAN) radio configured to be connected with a plurality of external antennas including a first external antenna and a second external antenna; a short-range wireless communication radio that is distinct from the WLAN radio; and a switching module through which the WLAN radio and the short-range wireless communication radio is configured to communicate with the second external antenna; performing WLAN communications using the first external antenna; and performing WLAN communications and short-range device-to-device communications using the second external antenna.

18. The method for using the multi -radio integrated circuit system of claim 17, wherein the integrated circuit further comprises: a low-rate wireless personal area network (LR-WPAN) radio distinct from the WLAN radio and the short-range wireless communication radio; and a second switching module through which the LR-WPAN radio is configured to communicate with a third external antenna.

19. The method for using the multi -radio integrated circuit system of claim 18, further comprising: performing, by the integrated circuit, LR-WPAN communications and short-range device-to-device communications using the third external antenna.

20. The method for using the multi -radio integrated circuit system of claim 19, further comprising: performing arbitration on board the integrated circuit between the short-range wireless communication radio and the WLAN radio.

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