Latency Masking Circuit for Multi-Antenna WLAN Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless local area networks (WLANs) face challenges with interference, noise, reduced signal radius, and security issues due to high noise and interference levels, which limit their coverage and data rate, especially in environments with multiple devices operating in the same frequency band.
Innovation Solution
A multi-antenna signal processing circuit is introduced in RF access points to enhance data transmission by selectively operating with a baseband processor, processing multiple RF modulated input signals using a channel mixing matrix to extract independent data signals, and implementing a latency masking circuit for timing compatibility, while also providing a closed circuit broadcast security system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multi-antenna signal processing is implemented to increase data rate and operating range, then network performance is improved, but device complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal processing function into two distinct modes: a first mode using a baseband processor for standard operations, and a second mode using a multi-antenna signal processor for enhanced performance. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high data rates through multi-antenna processing only when needed, while maintaining low complexity for routine communications, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between two operational modes based on channel conditions. The access point selectively activates the multi-antenna signal processing circuit only when channel transmission conditions warrant the enhanced performance, allowing the system to adapt its complexity level to match the required productivity, thereby resolving the contradiction between device complexity and data rate requirements.
2Length of stationary object
If multi-antenna signal processing circuit is used to extract independent data signals, then operating range is increased, but processing latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a latency masking circuit that proactively compensates for the processing time required by the multi-antenna signal processor. This circuit masks the processing latency by adjusting timing parameters in advance, ensuring that the increased operating range achieved through multi-antenna processing does not result in protocol timing violations.
3Reliability
If RF energy is concentrated on intended devices to enhance security, then security is improved, but signal coverage area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using multi-antenna signal processing to concentrate RF energy specifically on intended receiving devices through spatial beamforming. This creates localized high-energy zones directed at specific targets while reducing energy dispersion in other directions, thereby achieving enhanced security through targeted energy concentration without significantly compromising overall coverage area.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for maintaining timing compatibility for high rate wireless transceivers employs a cycle stealing technique so that latencies introduced by multi-antenna signal processors in an access point can be masked. A speculative pre-stored, predetermined preamble is issued in response to a data transmission initiation from another access point, so that a responsive packet is sent within an acceptable protocol timing interval.