Hearing Instrument Time-Division Multiplexing for EMI Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number and sophistication of sensors in Receiver-in-Ear (RIE) hearing instruments lead to higher data rates and continuous data streaming, which result in increased Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) noise, interfering with the radio-frequency (RF) wireless data communication interface and reducing wireless range.
Innovation Solution
By configuring the processor of the BTE module to prevent overlap between time slots where the wired communication interface of the RIE module is active and time slots where the wireless data communication interface is active, ensuring that transmit time slots of sensor data and receipt time slots of the wireless communication channel are non-overlapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number and sophistication of sensors in the RIE module are increased, then the measurement precision and functionality of the hearing instrument is improved, but the EMI noise level increases and wireless communication range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using time-division multiplexing to alternate between wired sensor data transmission and wireless communication operations. The processor controls the wired interface to transmit sensor data only during time slots when the wireless interface is not receiving data, creating a periodic pattern that prevents EMI interference while maintaining both transmission functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the processor proactively manage time slot allocation before interference occurs. The system pre-establishes the timing schedule for wired and wireless operations, ensuring that sensor data transmission is completed before wireless reception begins, thus preventing EMI noise from degrading wireless communication quality.
2Productivity
If continuous data streaming from sensors is implemented, then the productivity and data throughput is improved, but the EMI noise level increases and interferes with wireless communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transmission process by dividing the time domain into discrete slots. Instead of continuous streaming, the system transmits sensor data in segmented packets during specific time slots assigned to the wired interface, while the wireless interface operates during its designated slots. This segmentation eliminates EMI interference while maintaining high data throughput through efficient time utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic action through time-division multiplexing, where sensor data is transmitted periodically in structured intervals rather than continuously. The processor manages periodic wake-ups and data transfers that synchronize with wireless communication cycles, enabling high productivity without generating harmful EMI noise during wireless reception periods.
3Productivity
If the wired data communication interface transmits at high data rates, then the productivity is improved, but the EMI noise level increases and reduces wireless communication range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the processor pre-allocate time slots for wired and wireless operations. The system ensures that high-speed wired sensor data transmission is completed before wireless reception begins, preventing EMI noise from the wired interface from degrading wireless communication range. This proactive time management maintains both high productivity and extended wireless range.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic action through time-division multiplexing to alternate between high-speed wired data transmission and wireless communication. By synchronizing the periodic wired transmission cycles with wireless reception intervals, the system maintains high productivity during wired transfers while preserving wireless communication range during wireless operations, eliminating EMI interference.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates in a first aspect to a head-wearable hearing instrument comprising first and second portions and a radio-frequency data communication interface configured to transmit and receive data packets at transmit and receipt time slots, respectively, through a wireless communication channel. The head-wearable hearing instrument comprises a connector assembly configured to electrically and mechanically interconnect the first portion with the second portion. The second portion comprises a sensor configured to measure a physical property and generate sensor data representative of the measured physical property. The head-wearable hearing instrument further comprises a wired data communication link extending between the first and second portions through the connector assembly for transmission of sensor data during transmit time slots. Said transmit time slots of the sensor data and at least said receipt time slots of the wireless communication channel are non-overlapping in time.