BLE Link Parameter Tuning Using Frame Spacing Noise Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for adjusting communication parameters in Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) networks are slow and inaccurate, leading to suboptimal energy efficiency, throughput, and communication range due to noisy frequency channels and improper transmit power settings.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing the mandatory BLE Frame Spacing to determine local noise levels and adjust communication parameters such as transmit power, data packet timing, maximum data packet length, frequency channels, and physical modulation based on these noise levels, allowing for faster and more accurate adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current methods for adjusting communication parameters are used, then parameter adjustments can be made, but the adjustments are slow and inaccurate leading to suboptimal energy efficiency, throughput, and communication range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs noise level measurements during the mandatory BLE Frame Spacing intervals, which are time slots already allocated for listening between data packet transmissions. By utilizing these pre-existing time intervals for noise measurement rather than waiting for separate measurement opportunities, the system achieves accurate noise level determination without adding delay to the communication parameter adjustment process.
2Reliability
If transmit power is increased to overcome noise on frequency channels, then communication range and robustness improve, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts transmit power based on real-time noise level measurements obtained during BLE Frame Spacing intervals. Instead of using a fixed or conservatively high transmit power setting, the system continuously monitors actual noise conditions and adapts power levels accordingly, ensuring sufficient communication robustness only when needed while maintaining energy efficiency during low-noise periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmit power parameter based on measured noise levels. By continuously monitoring noise during Frame Spacing intervals and adjusting power levels in response to actual channel conditions, the system optimizes the trade-off between communication reliability and energy consumption, avoiding both excessive power usage and insufficient robustness.
3Reliability
If frequency channels are blacklisted to avoid noisy channels, then communication quality improves, but the set of available frequency channels decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where noise levels on frequency channels are continuously monitored during BLE Frame Spacing intervals. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically blacklists or whitelists frequency channels, adjusting the available channel set in response to actual noise conditions while maintaining communication quality and preserving as many usable channels as possible.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method (9) for adjusting a communication parameter (7) in a Bluetooth Low Energy, BLE, communication network (1) having a first node (2) and a second node (3) communicating via a first BLE link (C1), the communication parameter (7) being one of a transmit power (T), a data packet timing (tdp), a maximum data packet length (Lmax), a set (S) of frequency channels (Chj) for frequency hopping and a physical modulation (PHY), the method (9) comprising: by the first node (2), determining (11) a local noise level (N) in at least one BLE Frame Spacing (I), and adjusting (12) the communication parameter (7) for the first BLE link (C1) on the basis of the determined local noise level (N).