UWB Initial Acquisition via Bluetooth Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultra-wideband (UWB) communication networks experience long initial acquisition times due to the large number of channels in the ECMA 368 standard, requiring devices to search extensively for synchronization, which is time-consuming and power-intensive.
Innovation Solution
An acquiring access terminal can utilize assistance from nearby devices already connected to the UWB network, using a secondary communication interface like Bluetooth to obtain network information such as time-frequency codes, frequencies, and clock timing, allowing it to synchronize and quickly join the UWB network by tuning to the correct frequency band and reducing the search time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a UWB communication device performs exhaustive channel scanning to detect PHY frame preamble and beacons, then network acquisition reliability is improved, but acquisition time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having assisting devices perform channel scanning and detect network information (PHY frame preamble, beacons, superframe timing) in advance before the acquiring device needs to join the network. The acquired device receives this pre-detected information through a secondary communication interface, eliminating the need for exhaustive scanning and enabling immediate network access.
2Measurement precision
If a UWB communication device scans all channels to detect network beacons, then network detection accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a secondary communication interface (such as Bluetooth) as a mediator between the acquiring device and the UWB network. The device receives network information through this intermediary channel from assisting devices, avoiding the need to activate and scan the UWB interface across all channels, thereby significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining detection accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If the UWB communication device searches through 60 channels to find the correct frequency, then channel selection accuracy is improved, but the search space becomes excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by separating the channel scanning function from the acquiring device. Instead of searching through all 60 channels, the acquiring device extracts only the necessary network information (channel identifier, frequency, timing) from assisting devices that have already performed the scanning. This reduces the search space from 60 channels to a single informed selection.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is provided for reducing the search space of an acquiring ultra wideband (UWB) device seeking to join an UWB communication system, such as a Multi-band orthogonal frequency divisional multiplexing (OFDM) UWB system, by providing wireless network information, such as the hopping pattern or Time-Frequency Code (TFC), timing and frequency information to the acquiring UWB device. The wireless network information is provided using a short range wireless module such as Bluetooth that may coexist with a UWB device. For example, an assisting UWB device, via a short range Bluetooth device module, may convey initial synchronization information, to the acquiring UWB device that also may have a coexisting UWB module. By knowing the TFC, timing and frequency information the acquiring UWB device may know the approximate beginning of the superframes of the UWB devices in the UWB communication system which may help reduce power consumption and probability of false alarm.