Single Hardware Channel Switching Between Frequency Bands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication networks require separate hardware channels for operation in multiple frequency bands, which is costly and inefficient, especially in military applications where dual- or multi-frequency band operation is necessary for tactical communications.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that enables a node to communicate in multiple ad hoc networks using a single hardware channel by incorporating a transceiver and control circuit to switch between different frequency bands through a multi-channel time division multiple access (TDMA) structure, allowing for interoperation of non-similar propagation channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate complete hardware channels are used for each frequency band, then communication reliability in multiple frequency bands is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple frequency band operations into a single hardware channel by implementing a software-defined radio architecture. The SDR node consolidates what would traditionally require separate hardware channels into one shared hardware resource, using software to manage multiple frequency bands (e.g., UHF for local SA and HF/VHF/SATCOM for reach-back) simultaneously or sequentially, thereby reducing hardware complexity while maintaining communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single hardware channel is designed to be universal and multi-functional, capable of operating across multiple frequency bands through software configuration. The SDR node's hardware channel can dynamically adapt to serve different communication needs (terrestrial ground mobile communications in UHF band and reach-back communications in HF/VHF/SATCOM bands) without requiring dedicated hardware for each function, thus achieving multi-frequency band operation on one hardware channel.
2Device complexity
If a single hardware channel is used for multiple frequency bands, then device cost and complexity are reduced, but communication reliability and performance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic time slot allocation and frequency switching mechanisms. The SDR node can dynamically switch between frequency bands and adjust time slot assignments based on communication requirements, channel conditions, and network status. This dynamic behavior allows the single hardware channel to adapt to different operational scenarios, maintaining communication reliability despite sharing hardware resources across multiple frequency bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic time-division multiplexing where the single hardware channel alternates between different frequency bands in structured time slots. This periodic switching allows the system to dedicate specific time intervals to specific frequency bands, ensuring reliable communication in each band while sharing the hardware resource, thus preventing performance deterioration through systematic resource management.
3Reliability
If separate hardware channels are used for different frequency bands, then communication performance in each band is optimized, but resource utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The single hardware channel in the SDR node operates continuously across multiple frequency bands through time-division multiplexing, eliminating idle periods that would occur if separate hardware channels were used. The channel can switch between bands to maintain continuous useful communication actions, improving overall resource utilization efficiency while preserving communication performance through optimized time slot allocation and frequency selection.
Data Source
AI summary
A node for communicating with multiple ad hoc communication networks includes a first antenna configured to communicate in a first frequency band associated with a first ad hoc communication network and a second antenna configured to communicate in a second frequency band associated with a second ad hoc communication network. A transceiver is coupled to the first antenna and the second antenna. The transceiver is configured to transmit and receive messages. A control circuit is coupled to the transceiver and is configured to implement an access protocol having a time slot section. The access protocol is configured to switch communications in the time slot section between the first frequency band and the second frequency band.