RF Transceiver Timeslot Scheduling for Bluetooth-WLAN Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interference between Bluetooth and WLAN communication functions in mobile devices, such as voice telephony, due to overlapping RF bands and priority conflicts, is not effectively managed by existing methods.
Innovation Solution
A mobile communication device reserves specific timeslots for Bluetooth communication when IEEE 802.11 communication is active, allowing voice telephony to continue uninterrupted by scheduling Bluetooth data transmission during unreserved timeslots and IEEE 802.11 data transmission during reserved timeslots, using a coordinator module to manage RF transceiver operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Bluetooth inquiry or paging functions are performed using the first RF transceiver module, then device discovery and connectivity establishment are enabled, but interference occurs with WLAN communication functions due to overlapping RF bands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the time domain into reserved timeslots and unreserved timeslots. The first RF transceiver module is restricted to transmit only during unreserved timeslots, while the second RF transceiver module operates during reserved timeslots. This temporal segmentation eliminates simultaneous transmission interference between Bluetooth and WLAN functions by dividing the communication resource in time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by establishing a synchronous link with periodic timeslot allocation. The coordinator module periodically reserves specific timeslots for WLAN communication and allows Bluetooth transmission during remaining timeslots. This periodic structure ensures predictable interference-free operation for both communication protocols.
2Reliability
If the first RF transceiver module transmits Bluetooth data continuously, then Bluetooth communication reliability is maintained, but disruption occurs to WLAN voice telephony functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the coordinator module proactively reserve timeslots for WLAN voice telephony before potential interference occurs. When voice telephony is detected or anticipated, the system pre-allocates protected timeslots, ensuring WLAN communication can proceed without disruption from Bluetooth transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The coordinator module serves as an intermediary that manages and coordinates transmissions from both the first and second RF transceiver modules. It receives transmission requests, determines priority based on communication type, and schedules transmissions to prevent interference, acting as a mediator between competing communication functions.
3Reliability
If timeslots are reserved for WLAN communication, then voice telephony quality is maintained, but Bluetooth data transmission opportunities are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by reserving only the necessary timeslots for WLAN voice telephony rather than exclusively dedicating all timeslots to WLAN. This partial reservation approach maintains voice quality while leaving sufficient unreserved timeslots for Bluetooth data transmission, achieving a balanced compromise that satisfies both communication requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mobile communication device is operative to perform a first communication function (e.g. inquiry or paging function for discovery) with use of a first radio frequency (RF) transceiver (e.g. BLUETOOTH transceiver) and a second communication function (e.g. voice telephony function) with use of a second RF transceiver (e.g. IEEE 802.11 transceiver). In response to identifying an indication to invoke the first communication function while the second communication function is being performed, the mobile device reserves selected timeslots of a wireless communication link with the first RF transceiver for establishing a synchronous link. The mobile device then causes data of the first communication function to be communicated, via the first RF transceiver, during remaining unreserved timeslots of the wireless communication link. The mobile device further causes data of the second communication function to be communicated, via the second RF transceiver, during the reserved timeslots of the synchronous link.