Radio Access Technology Interference Mitigation via Timing Coordination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Interference between different radio access technologies (RATs) in communication devices, such as cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, becomes significant due to their coexistence in the same or nearby frequency bands, leading to data corruption and reduced communication efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that determine timing information and parameters for one RAT communication protocol to adjust the timing of another RAT protocol, preventing overlapping transmissions and mitigating interference by sending timing parameters from a first communication device to a second, thereby coordinating the communication schedules of different RATs within a device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple radio access technologies are used simultaneously in a single communication device, then communication versatility and functionality are improved, but interference between different RATs occurs leading to data corruption and reduced communication efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication versatilityVSAvoidcommunication reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by determining timing information and parameters for one RAT communication protocol before adjusting the timing of another RAT protocol. This advance planning prevents overlapping transmissions by coordinating communication schedules in advance, thereby maintaining both versatility and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system sends timing parameters from a first communication device to a second device to affect transmissions. This feedback mechanism allows devices to adjust their transmission timing based on received timing information, preventing interference while maintaining multiple RAT operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple radio access technologies operate in the same or nearby frequency bands, then device functionality is enhanced, but interference between transmissions increases causing data corruption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidinterference between transmissions

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system determines timing information and parameters for one RAT protocol in advance, then uses this information to adjust the timing of another RAT protocol before transmissions occur. This preliminary coordination prevents overlapping transmissions in the same or nearby frequency bands, eliminating interference while maintaining enhanced device functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes timing parameters of communication protocols to coordinate transmissions. By adjusting timing parameters based on determined timing information, the system prevents simultaneous transmissions in overlapping frequency bands, thereby reducing interference while maintaining multi-RAT functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If timing coordination between different RAT protocols is implemented, then interference is mitigated and communication efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication device performs multiple functions using a unified timing coordination mechanism. The same timing determination and parameter adjustment process is applied across different RAT protocols, providing a universal solution that manages interference without requiring separate complex systems for each protocol

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback by sending timing parameters between communication devices to coordinate transmissions. This feedback mechanism enables automated timing adjustment without requiring complex centralized control, maintaining communication efficiency while limiting the increase in device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10334614B1Method and system for mitigating interference between different radio access technologies utilized by a communication device

Publication Date: 2019.06.25 NXP USA INC

AI summary

Various methods and apparatus are disclosed for mitigating interference between communications between different radio access technologies in a communication device. Methods and apparatus include communicating between a first communication device and a second communication device according to a first communication protocol, and communicating between the first communication device and a third communication device according to a second communication protocol. The methods and apparatus further include determining a first time interval associated with when data is to be transmitted between the first communication device and the second communication device according to the first communications protocol. The methods and apparatus also include sending to the third communication device, an indication of a second time interval to prompt the third communication device not transmit to the first communication device during the second time interval, wherein the second time interval corresponds to the first time interval.