Host Controller Frequency Coordination for Co-located Radios
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for co-locating wireless communication subsystems in mobile devices, such as WLAN and Bluetooth radios, often result in interference due to inadequate handling of frequency transitions, leading to issues like audio delays and dropped calls during VoIP calls, as time-only or frequency-only based algorithms like PTA and AFH are insufficient in managing rapid frequency changes.
Innovation Solution
A communication control method and apparatus that utilize a host controller to manage transitions between operating frequency regions of potentially interfering radios, ensuring time division multiplexing and pre-emptive channel reservation to prevent interference, by informing the short-range radio of changes in the long-range radio's frequency region and adjusting available channels accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If time-only based methods like PTA are used to manage radio co-location, then transmission collisions are avoided, but reception is lost during frequency transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The host controller proactively identifies when a WLAN radio intends to switch frequency channels and preemptively instructs the Bluetooth radio to avoid those frequencies before the switch occurs. This preliminary action prevents interference during frequency transitions rather than reacting after interference is detected
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the host controller monitors WLAN frequency transitions and uses this information to dynamically adjust Bluetooth operating frequencies. The Bluetooth radio receives real-time feedback about upcoming WLAN frequency changes and adapts its channel selection accordingly
2Object-affected harmful factors
If frequency-only based methods like AFH are used to manage radio co-location, then frequency interference is avoided, but the response time is too long for real-time applications like VoIP
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of waiting for interference to occur and then reacting, the host controller receives advance notification from the WLAN radio about upcoming frequency transitions and preemptively directs the Bluetooth radio to avoid those frequencies. This eliminates the detection delay inherent in traditional AFH methods
Solution Approach 2:
The host controller serves as an intermediary that receives frequency transition information from the WLAN radio and translates it into appropriate frequency avoidance instructions for the Bluetooth radio. This mediator enables real-time coordination between the two radios without the delay of interference detection
3Adaptability or versatility
If WLAN radio switches to a new frequency region without coordinating with Bluetooth radio, then WLAN communication flexibility is maintained, but Bluetooth radio experiences interference and voice samples are missed
Solution Approach 1:
The host controller merges the frequency management functions of both WLAN and Bluetooth radios, centralizing control to coordinate their operations. By combining frequency decision-making in one controller, the system ensures that WLAN frequency switches are coordinated with Bluetooth operations, preventing interference while maintaining WLAN flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments for a communication control configuration and a communication control method are described for wireless communication devices having at least two radios that can potentially interfere with one another. The control schemes described herein reduce the likelihood that the two radios will interfere with one another during operation.