Dual-mode radio frequency transceiver architecture

Solution Overview

Problem

Current Smart Home devices face interoperability issues due to the coexistence of multiple communication technologies like Bluetooth and ZigBee, leading to limited flexibility and increased equipment costs, as they require separate transceivers for each standard.

Innovation Solution

A dual-mode radio frequency transceiver architecture that includes a radio frequency front-end module, receiving and sending modules, and dual-mode baseband and firmware, allowing for dynamic configuration based on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or ZigBee modes, enabling simultaneous communication and hardware parameter determination for shared hardware usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate transceivers are used for Bluetooth and ZigBee standards, then communication compatibility is improved, but device complexity and equipment cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication compatibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dual-mode baseband and firmware architecture that allows a single transceiver to support both Bluetooth and ZigBee communication standards. The baseband processor can dynamically switch between different communication protocols through firmware configuration, enabling one hardware platform to perform multiple communication functions without requiring separate dedicated transceivers for each standard.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic mode switching capability where the transceiver can adaptively change its operating mode between Bluetooth and ZigBee protocols based on communication requirements. The baseband processor dynamically reconfigures hardware parameters and firmware settings to match the target communication standard, providing flexible adaptability without fixed dedicated hardware for each protocol.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate transceivers are used for Bluetooth and ZigBee standards, then communication compatibility is improved, but equipment cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication compatibilityVSAvoidequipment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dual-mode baseband and firmware architecture that allows a single transceiver to support both Bluetooth and ZigBee communication standards. The baseband processor can dynamically switch between different communication protocols through firmware configuration, enabling one hardware platform to perform multiple communication functions without requiring separate dedicated transceivers for each standard.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges Bluetooth and ZigBee communication capabilities into a single integrated transceiver unit. By combining the baseband processing, RF front-end, and control logic into one unified hardware platform with dual-mode support, the patent eliminates the need for separate transceiver modules, thereby reducing component quantity and overall equipment cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple communication technologies coexist, then communication flexibility is improved, but interoperability between devices from different manufacturers deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication flexibilityVSAvoidinteroperability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic mode switching capability where the transceiver can adaptively change its operating mode between Bluetooth and ZigBee protocols based on communication requirements. The baseband processor dynamically reconfigures hardware parameters and firmware settings to match the target communication standard, providing flexible adaptability without fixed dedicated hardware for each protocol.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3197239B1Dual-mode radio frequency transceiver architecture

Publication Date: 2019.05.01 TELINK SEMICON SHANGHAI

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Figure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to the communication field, disclosing a ZigBee/Bluetooth dual-mode radio frequency transceiver architecture, in which, a dual-mode baseband and firmware determines hardware parameter of a receiving module or sending module based on a first mode or a second mode; a radio frequency front-end module is used for receiving or sending a first mode signal or a second mode signal; a receiving module is used for converting the first mode signal received by the radio frequency front-end module into a first mode baseband digital signal, or converting the second mode signal received by the radio frequency front-end module into a second mode baseband digital signal and outputting the first mode baseband digital signal or the second mode baseband digital signal to the dual-mode baseband and firmware; a sending module is used for converting the first mode baseband digital signal outputted by dual-mode baseband and firmware into the first mode signal, or converting the second mode baseband digital signal outputted by dual-mode baseband and firmware into the second mode signal and outputting to the radio frequency front-end module. The present disclosure enables a dual-mode device to simultaneously communicate with ZigBee or Bluetooth device, thus not only improving the flexibility of wireless communication networking, but also further reducing equipment cost.