5GHz Antenna Sharing for LAA and Wi-Fi Coexistence
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Solution Overview
Problem
The coexistence of Wi-Fi and LAA/LTE communications using a shared antenna often results in degradation of data throughput and increased power consumption, particularly in unlicensed spectrum bands, due to interference and inefficient resource management.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where a cellular processor and a WLAN processor share a common antenna, with the WLAN processor indicating transmission intervals and the cellular processor determining whether to request deactivation of communications based on these intervals, and using message protocols to manage secondary component carriers and reduce interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Wi-Fi and LAA/LTE communications share a common antenna in the 5 GHz band, then device complexity is reduced and functionality is enhanced, but interference occurs and data throughput is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the operation of the shared antenna by dividing time into distinct intervals: Wi-Fi transmission intervals and LAA/LTE transmission intervals. The WLAN processor and cellular processor operate at different times rather than simultaneously, preventing interference while allowing both technologies to use the same antenna. This time-division approach enables multi-radio functionality without throughput degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic action through scheduled transmission intervals where the WLAN processor transmits during designated Wi-Fi intervals and the cellular processor transmits during designated LAA intervals. This periodic time-division multiplexing allows both communication systems to operate regularly and predictably on the shared antenna, ensuring both adaptability and maintained productivity.
2Device complexity
If Wi-Fi and LAA/LTE communications share a common antenna, then device complexity is reduced, but power consumption increases due to inefficient resource management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments antenna usage into dedicated time slots for Wi-Fi and LAA/LTE operations. By dividing the operational timeline into distinct segments for each technology, the system avoids the need for complex simultaneous resource management while ensuring efficient power usage. Each processor activates the antenna only when needed for its specific transmission, eliminating wasted power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The WLAN processor and cellular processor autonomously manage their own transmission scheduling and antenna usage. Each processor independently determines when it needs to transmit and activates the shared antenna during its designated intervals without requiring complex centralized coordination. This self-service approach reduces power consumption by eliminating unnecessary idle states and complex control circuitry.
3Productivity
If simultaneous transmission is allowed on the shared antenna, then productivity is maintained, but harmful interference occurs between Wi-Fi and LAA signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by establishing regular, alternating transmission intervals for Wi-Fi and LAA/LTE communications. The WLAN processor transmits during scheduled Wi-Fi intervals, then the cellular processor transmits during scheduled LAA intervals, and this pattern repeats periodically. This periodic time-division approach maintains overall communication efficiency while completely eliminating simultaneous signal interference on the shared antenna.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuity of useful action by ensuring that the shared antenna is always actively transmitting useful signals during its operational intervals, switching between Wi-Fi and LAA/LTE as needed. Rather than leaving the antenna idle or allowing harmful interference, the continuous alternating transmission ensures the antenna is productively used throughout, maintaining high communication efficiency without interference.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication device (UE) includes a cellular processor configured to conduct wireless communications according to a first radio access technology (RAT) in a first frequency band and in a second frequency band, wherein the first RAT is a cellular RAT, the first frequency band is in an unlicensed spectrum, and the second frequency band is in a licensed spectrum. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a wireless local area network (WLAN) processor configured to conduct wireless communications according to a second RAT in the first frequency band. In some embodiments, the cellular processor and the WLAN processor are configured to couple to a common antenna for communications in the first frequency band. In some embodiments, the cellular processor may notify the WLAN processor when it is scanning and/or when it is assigned secondary component carriers in the first frequency band. In some embodiments, the WLAN processor may notify the cellular processor when it is transmitting. In some embodiments, the WLAN processor and/or the cellular processor may perform one or more actions in response to such notifications to improve coexistence in the first frequency band.