Secondary RF Chain Interference Detection for Wireless Reception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication devices face interference issues due to energy leakage from adjacent frequency bands, particularly in scenarios with overlaid networks using multiple cellular RATs and concurrent usage of cellular and ISM bands, which existing solutions like overdesigning ADCs cannot effectively mitigate without increasing power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A secondary RF chain is utilized to measure interference from adjacent frequency bands and feed back the data to the primary RF chain, allowing adjustments to its configuration to mitigate interference, such as tuning filters and adjusting AGC loops, without the need for over-designed ADCs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If over-designed ADCs are used to mitigate interference, then reception quality is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary RF chain performs preliminary measurements of adjacent frequency bands to detect interference levels before they affect the primary RF chain reception. This advance detection allows the system to prepare mitigation strategies without needing over-designed ADCs, thus maintaining reception quality while avoiding excessive power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where measurement results from the secondary RF chain are fed back to adjust the primary RF chain configuration. This closed-loop control enables dynamic adaptation to interference conditions, allowing standard ADCs to operate effectively without requiring over-design, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining reception quality.
2Measurement precision
If secondary RF chain is tuned to measure adjacent frequency band, then interference detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary RF chain is designed to serve multiple functions: it can measure adjacent frequency bands for interference detection, support carrier aggregation when needed, and remain dormant when not required. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity compared to having dedicated interference detection hardware, as the same RF chain adapts to different roles based on system needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary RF chain is configured to autonomously measure and report interference levels without requiring complex external control systems. It self-manages its tuning and measurement operations based on control signals from the primary RF chain, reducing the need for additional control circuitry and simplifying the overall device architecture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach improves reception by reducing interference effects without increasing power consumption, enabling effective coexistence between radios and supporting carrier aggregation in wireless communication devices.
Implementation Method 1
The secondary RF chain can be used to make a measurement of a signal characteristic of the frequency band B, which can be indicative of a level of interference from the frequency band B on reception by the primary RF chain
Implementation Method 2
allowing adjustments to its configuration to mitigate interference, such as tuning filters and adjusting AGC loops
Data Source
AI summary
A method for improving reception by a wireless communication device is provided. The method can include a wireless communication device using a first RF chain to support a connection to a network via a first frequency band. The method can further include the wireless communication device tuning a second RF chain, which is not being actively used for carrier aggregation, to a second frequency band. The method can additionally include the wireless communication device measuring, via the second RF chain, a signal characteristic of the second frequency band. The method can also include the wireless communication device adjusting a configuration of the first RF chain based at least in part on the measured signal characteristic.