Bluetooth AMP Transmit Power Control via RSSI Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional Bluetooth 802.11 alternate MAC/PHY (AMP) systems lack effective transmit power control mechanisms, leading to inefficient data transmission and potential interference in wireless communication networks, especially in environments with multiple devices operating on the same channel.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for Bluetooth 802.11 AMP transmit power control (TPC) that determines the optimal transmit power level by receiving maximum input level information from devices within the network, calculating path loss, and adjusting signal amplitude to maximize data throughput and minimize interference, using equations to calculate the transmit power level based on received signal strength and path loss values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If transmit power is increased to maximize data throughput, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but interference to other devices on the same channel increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the receiving device measures the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and transmits this information back to the transmitting device. The transmitting device then adjusts its transmit power level based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes throughput while minimizing interference to other devices on the same channel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes the transmit power parameter based on channel conditions and received signal strength. By adjusting the power level from minimum to maximum based on real-time measurements, the system optimizes data transmission efficiency while reducing unnecessary interference when lower power levels are sufficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-generated harmful factors

If transmit power is decreased to minimize interference, then interference to other devices is reduced, but data transmission efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveinterferenceVSAvoiddata transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving device continuously measures RSSI and provides feedback to the transmitting device, enabling the system to determine the minimum necessary power level required to maintain reliable communication. This prevents unnecessary power reduction that would harm transmission efficiency while still minimizing interference when possible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The transmit power level is made dynamic rather than static, allowing the system to adapt to changing channel conditions, distance between devices, and environmental factors. This dynamic adjustment ensures optimal transmission efficiency is maintained while minimizing interference only when conditions permit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-generated harmful factors

If automatic power adjustment is implemented across multiple devices, then interference is minimized and channel usage is optimized, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveinterferenceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each Bluetooth device automatically performs its own power level adjustments based on local RSSI measurements and feedback from receiving devices. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex centralized control mechanisms while achieving interference minimization and channel optimization across the network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The power control mechanism is designed to be universally applicable to all Bluetooth devices in the network, with each device capable of both transmitting and receiving power control commands. This multi-functionality allows any device to serve as either transmitter or receiver in the power control loop, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If path loss calculation and amplitude adjustment are performed, then signal power levels are optimized for data throughput, but processing requirements and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata throughputVSAvoidprocessing requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical or manual power adjustment mechanisms with electronic signal processing and digital calculations. By using software-based path loss calculation and amplitude adjustment through digital signal processing, the system achieves optimized data throughput without adding significant hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2301166B1Method and system for bluetooth 802.11 alternate mac/PHY (AMP) transmit power control (TPC)
Publication Date: 2017.04.05 BROADCOM INC
  • EP2301166B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2301166B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2301166B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Aspects of a method and system for Bluetooth 802.1 1 alternate MAC/PHY (AMP) transmit power control (TPC) may include one or more processors, receiver circuits and/or transmitter circuits that are operable to determine a maximum input level based on signals received via a Bluetooth basic rate (BR) connection and/or via a Bluetooth extended data rate (EDR) connection. The processors and/or circuits may be operable to determine a transmitted signal power level based on the determined maximum input level. The processors and/or circuits may be operable to transmit subsequent signals via a distinct Bluetooth connection based on the determined transmitted signal power level. The data rate for signal transmission via the distinct Bluetooth connection may exceed the data rate for signal transmission via the BR connection and the data rate for signal transmission via the EDR connection.