Bluetooth WLAN WiMAX Coexistence via PTA Time Slot Arbitration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Signal interference occurs between Bluetooth and WLAN/WiMAX communications due to overlapping frequency bands, leading to transceiving errors when both channels are used simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a packet traffic arbitration (PTA) module to coordinate Bluetooth and WLAN/WiMAX communications by allowing only one type of signal transceiving to occur at a time, with the Bluetooth module requesting a time slot and performing transceiving during that period, and the WLAN/WiMAX module performing transceiving during the residual time, thereby avoiding interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If both Bluetooth and WLAN/WiMAX channels are used simultaneously for communications, then communication versatility is improved, but signal interference occurs due to overlapping frequency bands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication time into distinct time slots for Bluetooth and WLAN/WiMAX operations. The PTA module divides each super-frame into multiple time slots, assigning specific slots to Bluetooth and others to WLAN/WiMAX, thereby preventing frequency band overlap and signal interference while maintaining both communication modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic time slot allocation where Bluetooth and WLAN/WiMAX communications occur in alternating periodic cycles. The PTA module manages periodic super-frames containing multiple time slots, with Bluetooth occupying certain periodic slots and WLAN/WiMAX occupying others, creating a rhythmic alternation that prevents simultaneous transmission interference.
2Reliability
If time slot allocation is implemented to prevent signal interference, then signal transceiving accuracy is improved, but communication time efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic time slot allocation where the PTA module adapts the allocation based on actual communication needs. The system can dynamically adjust which time slots are assigned to Bluetooth or WLAN/WiMAX, and can allow multiple Bluetooth packets within a time slot under certain conditions, optimizing time utilization while maintaining interference-free transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple Bluetooth packet transmissions into a single time slot when possible, and combines Bluetooth time slots with WLAN/WiMAX time slots in a unified super-frame structure. This merging approach reduces the total number of separate transmission opportunities needed, thereby minimizing time loss while ensuring accurate signal transceiving without interference.
3Ease of operation
If a packet traffic arbitration module is introduced to coordinate communications, then communication coordination is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The PTA module is designed as a multi-functional arbitration unit that handles both Bluetooth and WLAN/WiMAX communication coordination. It performs multiple functions including time slot allocation, packet traffic management, interference prevention, and communication mode switching, all within a single integrated module, thereby improving coordination without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The PTA module serves as an intermediary between the Bluetooth module and WLAN/WiMAX module, mediating their interactions. It receives communication requests from both modules, arbitrates their access to the frequency band, allocates time slots, and coordinates their operations, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture while improving communication coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a method for operating an apparatus capable of Bluetooth and Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)/WiMAX communications. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a Bluetooth module, and a WLAN/WiMAX unit comprising a packet traffic arbitration (PTA) module, and a WLAN/WiMAX module. The Bluetooth module sends a request for Bluetooth signal transceiving to be performed in a Bluetooth time slot to the WLAN/WiMAX unit, wherein the request comprises a length information about length of a transceiving time period for Bluetooth signal transceiving. The Bluetooth module then performs an Bluetooth signal transceiving during the transceiving time period of the Bluetooth time slot after the WLAN/WiMAX unit grants the request. The WLAN/WiMAX unit then performs an WLAN/WiMAX signal transceiving during a residual time period of the Bluetooth time slot in response to the length information.