Wireless Transceiver Jamming Detection by Frequency Translation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices face challenges in detecting jamming signals that interfere with wireless communications, particularly in high-frequency wireless networks like 5G, which can lead to inefficient power usage and non-compliance with maximum permitted exposure limits.

Innovation Solution

A computing device uses its wireless transceiver and antennas to transmit and receive radar signals for proximity detection, repurposing hardware to also detect jamming signals by converting received signals to intermediate frequencies and determining the jamming frequency through temporal alignment and threshold analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If wireless transceivers operate in high-frequency bands to improve communication capacity, then data transmission rate is improved, but susceptibility to jamming signals worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidsusceptibility to jamming signals

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the jamming signal itself as a reference to detect its presence and characteristics. By treating the harmful jamming signal as a useful reference for detection, the system can identify and mitigate the interference while maintaining high-frequency operation for data transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If jamming detection and mitigation features are added to wireless transceivers, then reliability is improved, but device complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidtransceiver complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a multi-functional detection mechanism that can identify different types of interference (jamming signals, noise, fading) using a unified approach. The same detection infrastructure serves multiple purposes: detecting jamming presence, characterizing jamming signals, and triggering appropriate mitigation actions, thereby avoiding the need for separate dedicated systems for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless transceiver performs self-detection and self-diagnosis of jamming conditions using its own received signals. The system autonomously monitors its communication environment, identifies interference patterns, and applies mitigation strategies without requiring external intervention or additional complex control systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If continuous jamming detection is performed to improve reliability, then communication reliability is improved, but energy consumption worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic or event-triggered jamming detection rather than continuous monitoring. The detection mechanism operates at intervals or is activated based on communication conditions (e.g., when interference is suspected or during critical data transmission phases), reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining adequate detection coverage for reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 allows for efficient detection and frequency determination of jamming signals, enabling devices to adjust transmission parameters to avoid interference and comply with exposure limits, thereby optimizing power usage and communication performance.

Implementation Method 1

a wireless transceiver configured to translate a received signal from a first frequency to a second frequency using a reference signal to produce a translated received signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency translation:

Implementation Method 2

convert the translated received signal from an analog domain to a digital domain to produce a converted received signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnalog-to-digital conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS12618942B2Jammer detection

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

An apparatus is disclosed for jammer detection. In example aspects, the apparatus includes a wireless transceiver configured to be connected to one or more antennas. The wireless transceiver is configured to translate a received signal from a first frequency to a second frequency using a reference signal to produce a translated received signal, with the reference signal including at least one frequency having an association with one or more targeted frequencies of a potential jamming signal. The wireless transceiver is also configured to convert at least a version of the translated received signal in the analog domain into a converted received signal in the digital domain. The wireless transceiver is further configured to detect that the converted received signal comprises a jamming signal based on the association and using at least one threshold and determine a jamming frequency of the jamming signal based on the frequency of the reference signal.