Division-Free Duplexing for Same-Frequency Full-Duplex Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Complex communication networks face bottlenecks and delays due to limitations in existing duplex systems, such as time-division and frequency-division duplexing, which struggle to accommodate multiple transmissions and result in signal interference and data loss.

Innovation Solution

Implementing division-free duplexing (DFD) systems that allow network devices to transmit and receive signals on the same frequency and at the same time, using adaptive filters and high-speed converters to reduce interference, and dynamically switching between conventional and DFD modes based on performance thresholds and quality of service metrics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If time-division duplexing is used to separate incoming and outgoing signals, then signal interference is avoided, but communication time is lost due to time-multiplexing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal interferenceVSAvoidcommunication time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical time-division multiplexing system with an electronic signal processing system using adaptive filters and high-speed analog-to-digital converters. This allows simultaneous transmission and reception on the same frequency by electronically canceling interference rather than temporally separating signals, thus eliminating communication time loss while avoiding signal interference.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces adaptive filters and high-speed converters as intermediary components between the transmitter and receiver. These intermediaries process the signals to enable division-free duplexing by canceling out the interference from the transmitted signal that leaks into the receiver, allowing full-duplex communication on the same frequency without time division.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If frequency-division duplexing is used to transmit signals on different frequencies, then simultaneous transmission and reception is enabled, but the available frequency spectra are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimultaneous transmission and receptionVSAvoidfrequency spectra availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter from using different frequencies to using the same frequency for both transmission and reception. By employing adaptive signal processing and interference cancellation techniques, the system achieves full-duplex communication on a single frequency, thereby expanding the available frequency spectra and enabling more flexible network configuration and device accommodation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional duplexing systems are used to accommodate multiple communication devices, then network complexity increases, but performance and reliability decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice accommodation capabilityVSAvoidcommunication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal communication interface that can operate in both half-duplex and full-duplex modes, and can be deployed in various network configurations (star, mesh, hierarchical). The division-free duplexing technology provides a multi-functional solution that accommodates multiple devices with improved reliability by eliminating the performance degradation associated with conventional duplexing systems.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2375620B1Division free duplexing networks
Publication Date: 2016.06.08 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO
  • EP2375620B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2375620B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2375620B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Provided are methods and systems of using division-free duplexing (DFD) (88) in a communication network (10). Techniques for applying DFD (88) in a communication network (10) may decrease bottlenecks (18) in the network (10) by allowing one or more network nodes (12, 62) to transmit and on substantially the same frequency and at substantially the same time. In one embodiment, one or more nodes (12, 62) in the network (10) may be DFD enabled, and may be configured to operate in either a conventional mode (82) or a DFD mode (88). The mode of operation of DFD enabled nodes (12, 62) may depend on the quality of signals transmitted to and/or received at the DFD enabled nodes (12, 62). Further, the mode of operation may change dynamically, and may be substantially controlled by any suitable processor (66, 78) in the network (10).