IoT Frequency Hopping Control for Low-Power Interference Avoidance

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in managing interference in public bands used by energy harvesting IoT devices, particularly in crowded frequency bands like 2.4 GHz, which can increase power consumption and complexity through frequency hopping.

Innovation Solution

Implementing frequency hopping and fixed frequency selection mechanisms for energy harvesting IoT devices based on detected signals from other wireless systems, using wake-up signals to indicate frequency hopping and configure devices accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If frequency hopping is implemented for energy harvesting IoT devices, then interference from other wireless systems is reduced, but power consumption and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveinterferenceVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the frequency parameter dynamically by implementing frequency hopping only when interference is detected. The system monitors the radio frequency spectrum and switches between fixed frequency and hopping frequency modes based on interference levels, optimizing the balance between interference avoidance and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the frequency configuration dynamic by allowing energy harvesting devices to switch between fixed frequency and frequency hopping modes based on detected interference conditions. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to respond to changing environmental conditions while managing power consumption efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If frequency hopping is implemented for energy harvesting IoT devices, then interference from other wireless systems is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveinterferenceVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the frequency parameter dynamically by implementing frequency hopping only when interference is detected. The system monitors the radio frequency spectrum and switches between fixed frequency and hopping frequency modes based on interference levels, optimizing the balance between interference avoidance and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables energy harvesting devices to autonomously detect interference conditions and self-adjust their frequency configuration without requiring complex centralized control. The devices monitor their own operating environment and make independent decisions about when to switch to frequency hopping mode, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Use of energy by moving object

If fixed frequency is used for energy harvesting IoT devices, then power consumption is reduced, but interference from other wireless systems increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidinterference

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the frequency parameter dynamically by implementing frequency hopping only when interference is detected. The system monitors the radio frequency spectrum and switches between fixed frequency and hopping frequency modes based on interference levels, optimizing the balance between interference avoidance and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12603673B2Frequency hopping and fixed frequency selection for ambient internet of things (IoT) devices

Publication Date: 2026.04.14 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Systems and techniques are provided for wireless communication. For example, a process can include determining to configure an energy harvesting device for frequency hopping based on detected signals of one or more other wireless systems; transmitting a wake-up signal, the wake-up signal including an indication for frequency hopping; receiving a first response from a first energy harvesting device on a first frequency channel; and receiving a second response from a second energy harvesting device on a second frequency channel.