Multi-Band Radio Channel Hopping for Network Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IEEE 802.15.4 implementations face challenges in operating a single network across multiple RF bands with a single radio, particularly in the sub-1 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands, due to regulatory requirements for duty cycling and channel hopping, which increases computational burden and does not support coordinated sampled listening (CSL) or device discovery across different frequency bands.
Innovation Solution
The solution enables channel hopping in the sub-1 GHz band while minimizing changes to 2.4 GHz band operations, allowing devices to handle multiple frequency bands, reduce computational synchronization, support CSL, and facilitate parent device selection by using overlapping channel hopping sequences and an alternate frequency band for parent device selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If duty cycling and channel hopping are implemented for regulatory compliance in sub-1 GHz band, then network operation is enabled, but computational burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency band operation into distinct sub-1 GHz and 2.4 GHz modes with separate channel hopping sequences. The receiver divides listening intervals into first portions (sub-1 GHz) and second portions (2.4 GHz), allowing independent management of duty cycling requirements for each band and reducing overall computational synchronization burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic channel hopping sequences for both frequency bands, where the receiver alternates between sub-1 GHz and 2.4 GHz listening intervals. This periodic structure enables regulatory compliance through duty cycling while providing predictable timing patterns that reduce computational complexity for synchronization.
2Productivity
If channel hopping is implemented across multiple frequency bands, then network efficiency is improved, but data loss increases due to transition times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the receiver detect communication signals during the transition periods between frequency bands. The receiver listens for a detection time period after transitioning to a new channel, which allows it to capture data that might otherwise be lost during the transition, thereby reducing information loss while maintaining multi-band network efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single radio operates in multiple frequency bands, then device versatility is improved, but coordination between different communication protocols becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments protocol coordination by implementing separate channel hopping sequences for sub-1 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands. Each communication protocol operates with its own dedicated listening intervals and transition timing, which simplifies the coordination complexity while maintaining the ability to support multiple protocols through a single radio.
4Reliability
If detection time is extended for each communication protocol, then detection reliability is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by implementing fixed detection time periods that are sufficient for reliable protocol detection but not excessively long. The receiver transitions between sub-1 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands with predetermined detection intervals, which balances detection reliability with time efficiency by using just enough detection time to reliably identify communication protocols without excessive delays.
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a device includes receiver circuitry and processing circuitry coupled to the receiver circuitry. In examples, the processing circuitry is configured to transition, at a first time, from monitoring a first channel via the receiver circuitry to monitoring a second channel via the receiver circuitry, wherein the first channel is associated with a first communication protocol and the second channel is associated with a second communication protocol. In examples, the processing circuitry is also configured to transition, at a second time, from monitoring the second channel via the receiver circuitry to monitoring the first channel via the receiver circuitry responsive to not detecting communication on the second channel, wherein an amount of time between the first time and the second time is based on a detection time for the second communication protocol.