Antenna Array Beamforming for Bluetooth WLAN Coexistence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dual operation devices that support both Bluetooth and WLAN protocols face significant interference issues when transmitting and receiving data simultaneously, leading to ineffective communication, particularly with Bluetooth headsets when WLAN data is being transmitted.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining the angles of arrival for signals from Bluetooth and WLAN devices and using these angles to calculate beam patterns for an antenna array, which includes primary gains for desired communication paths and suppressed gains for undesired paths to minimize interference, allowing simultaneous dual transmit/receive operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dual operation devices use a three wire collaboration scheme for antenna time sharing between Bluetooth and WLAN, then both protocols can be made aware of each other's activities, but strong collocation interference occurs when both protocols transmit simultaneously, rendering Bluetooth communication ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna system into multiple antennas (at least two antennas) that can be independently controlled. Each antenna can be assigned to different protocols (Bluetooth or WLAN) based on spatial separation, allowing simultaneous operations without interference. This divides the single antenna time-sharing approach into spatially separated antenna assignments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial dimension (angular separation) to resolve the interference problem. By determining angles of arrival for signals from different protocols and using beamforming to direct signals in specific directions, the system creates spatial separation between Bluetooth and WLAN transmissions, moving from temporal sharing to spatial sharing.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the antenna array uses beamforming with primary gain along the first angle and suppressed gain along the second angle, then interference from WLAN to Bluetooth is reduced, but the system complexity increases due to angle determination and coefficient calculation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically determining angles of arrival for signals from different protocols and computing the necessary beamforming coefficients without external intervention. The device monitors its own reception characteristics and adjusts beamforming parameters accordingly, reducing the need for manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors signal reception quality and adjusts beamforming coefficients based on actual performance. Angle of arrival information is fed back to the beamforming controller, which modifies the beam pattern to optimize separation between protocols.
3Reliability
If the system determines angles of arrival for signals from multiple protocols simultaneously, then spatial separation can be achieved, but the processing time and computational resources required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary angle estimation and beamforming coefficient calculation before actual data transmission occurs. By pre-determining the spatial separation parameters and configuring the beamforming weights in advance, the system reduces real-time processing requirements during active communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial beamforming adjustment rather than complete reconfiguration for each protocol switch. By maintaining the beam pattern for the active protocol and making only partial adjustments when switching between protocols, the system reduces computational overhead while maintaining communication reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively reduces interference between Bluetooth and WLAN communication paths, enabling devices to transmit and receive data simultaneously without substantial interference, thereby enhancing communication reliability and performance.
Implementation Method 1
determining first coefficients to control the antenna array according to a first beam pattern for communicating with the second communication device... the first beam pattern includes a primary gain along the first angle and a suppressed gain along the second angle
Data Source
AI summary
A first angle of arrival of a first signal from a second communication device to a first communication device is determined. A second angle of arrival of a second signal from a third communication device to the first communication device is determined. First coefficients to control an antenna array according to a first beam pattern is determined using (i) the first angle of arrival of the first signal and (ii) the second angle of arrival of the second signal. The first coefficients are for communicating with the second communication device. Second coefficients to control the antenna array according to a second beam pattern is determined using (i) the first angle of arrival of the first signal and (ii) the second angle of arrival of the second signal. The second coefficients are for communicating with the third communication device.