Configurable Channel Assessment for Wireless Transceivers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless transceivers face interference issues when multiple devices attempt to transmit data using the same communication channel, leading to inefficiencies and reduced reliability due to the lack of effective channel assessment methods that can adapt to varying operating conditions.

Innovation Solution

A wireless transceiver with configurable channel assessment functionality that determines channel availability by receiving user-selected assessment parameters, comparing average energy levels over specified time intervals and thresholds, and adjusting parameters to suit different communication standards and geographical locations, thereby preventing data transmission until channels are clear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple transceivers use the same communication channel without effective channel assessment, then device simplicity is maintained, but interference increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidchannel assessment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transceiver performs channel assessment before data transmission to determine if the channel is clear. This preliminary action prevents interference by ensuring the channel is available before initiating transmission, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex real-time coordination mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The transceiver uses energy detection to assess channel availability and adjusts transmission decisions based on this feedback. By continuously monitoring channel energy levels and comparing them against thresholds, the system dynamically adapts its transmission behavior to avoid interference while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed channel assessment parameters are used, then device design is simplified, but adaptability to varying operating conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to operating conditionsVSAvoidconfigurability complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transceiver allows dynamic configuration of assessment parameters (time interval and energy threshold) based on operating conditions. This dynamic adaptability enables the same device to function effectively across different environments, communication standards, and geographical locations without requiring multiple specialized designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The transceiver is designed with configurable channel assessment functionality that can adapt to various communication standards and operating conditions. This universal design allows a single device to serve multiple purposes across different applications, eliminating the need for multiple specialized transceivers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If channel assessment is performed with strict criteria, then interference reduction is improved, but channel availability detection accuracy may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterference reductionVSAvoidchannel availability detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The transceiver adjusts assessment parameters (time interval and energy threshold) based on the specific communication standard and operating conditions. By optimizing these parameters for each context, the system achieves both effective interference reduction and accurate channel availability detection, avoiding the trade-off between strict criteria and detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9560673B2Configurable clear channel assessment

Publication Date: 2017.01.31 ATMEL CORP

AI summary

An example method of assessing one more communication channels includes receiving an indication to initiate channel assessment, receiving a user-selected first set of assessment parameters, and determining whether or not the first communication channel is busy based on the first set of assessment parameters. The method also includes replacing the first set of assessment parameters with a user-selected second set of assessment parameters, and determining whether or not the second communication channel is busy based on the second set of assessment parameters.