Multi-mode Transceiver with Parallel Receive Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless devices face interference issues when multiple wireless protocols operate in the same frequency band, limiting their ability to connect efficiently in the Internet of Things (IoT) environment due to potential interference and requiring simultaneous communication with multiple wireless networks.
Innovation Solution
A multi-mode transceiver arrangement with a single transmission path and multiple parallel receive paths, sharing a single antenna, which includes a modulator for transmission and demodulators for reception across different frequency bands, allowing simultaneous communication with various wireless sensor network standards like ZigBee, Thread, and BLE, using frequency reference elements and converters to manage frequency bands effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wireless protocols operate in the same frequency band, then device connectivity and communication capability are improved, but interference between protocols increases and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The receive path is segmented into multiple parallel receive paths, each dedicated to a specific wireless protocol or frequency band. This segmentation allows simultaneous reception of multiple protocols without interference, as each path processes signals independently. The transmission path remains unified but coordinates with the segmented receive paths through a controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The transceiver is designed with multi-functionality to support multiple wireless protocols (e.g., IEEE 802.15.4, Bluetooth Low Energy) through a single device. The parallel receive paths enable the transceiver to function across different protocol standards simultaneously, while sharing a common antenna and transmission path resource.
2Device complexity
If a single antenna is shared between transmission and reception paths, then device complexity is reduced, but simultaneous reception capability across multiple protocols is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single sequential receive path to multiple parallel receive paths operating simultaneously. This dimensional change in the signal processing architecture enables concurrent reception of multiple protocols without requiring multiple physical antennas, thus maintaining simplicity while enhancing capability.
3Device complexity
If time-shared reception is used for multiple wireless networks, then device complexity is reduced, but packet loss and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The parallel receive paths enable continuous reception of signals from multiple wireless networks simultaneously, eliminating the interruptions and gaps inherent in time-shared reception. Each protocol receives continuous attention through its dedicated path, ensuring no packets are missed and minimizing latency.
4Productivity
If multiple parallel receive paths are implemented, then simultaneous reception from multiple wireless networks is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple receive paths with a single transmission path and shared antenna. This combining approach reduces overall device complexity compared to having completely separate transmission and reception systems for each protocol, while still achieving simultaneous reception capability through the parallel architecture.
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-mode transceiver arrangement configured to provide for transmission and reception of signalling of a plurality of wireless sensor network protocols, the transceiver comprising; a single transmission path and a plurality of parallel receive paths; said transmission path including a modulator element configured to modulate, at any one time, a signal for transmission in accordance with a particular one of the plurality of wireless standards and a frequency reference element configured to provide a reference frequency to generate signalling for the antenna at a predetermined frequency; said receive paths each configured to receive signalling over a different, predetermined frequency band and including a demodulator to provide a demodulated signal for processing by a controller configured to provide signals to the transmission path and receive signals from the demodulators for symbol recognition thereby enabling the multi-mode transceiver to communicate with a plurality of wireless sensor networks simultaneously.