UWB Module Parallel Frequency Scanning for Wireless Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in frequency scanning due to sequential scanning methods, which are slow and have limited time resolution, necessitating the ability to scan a complete frequency band in one shot without changing operational mode and improving spectral analysis resolution.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication device with a separate low-cost OFDM-based UWB module scans the complete frequency band in one shot, allowing parallel scanning with high resolution, and can perform this during reception or silence periods, enhancing sensitivity and identifying protocol patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If sequential scanning is performed by each communication module, then frequency band scanning is achieved, but scanning speed is slow and time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning speedVSAvoidscanning time
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple communication modules into a single device with a centralized control unit that coordinates their scanning operations. Instead of each module scanning sequentially, the control unit manages parallel or coordinated scanning across all modules, merging their capabilities to achieve faster overall scanning speed while reducing the total time required to scan the frequency band.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit is designed with universal functionality to manage and coordinate multiple different communication modules (GSM, UMTS, WLAN, etc.). This multi-functional controller can adaptively allocate scanning tasks across modules based on their capabilities, enabling the system to perform comprehensive frequency band scanning more efficiently than any single module could achieve alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If conventional receiver means are used for spectrum sensing, then frequency allocation detection is achieved, but time resolution is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime resolutionVSAvoidreceiver complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit serves multiple functions: it coordinates the communication modules, manages scanning operations, performs spectrum sensing, and analyzes frequency allocation. This universal controller consolidates what would otherwise require separate dedicated receivers for each function, achieving high time resolution through centralized processing while avoiding the complexity of multiple independent receiver systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit acts as an intermediary between the communication modules and the spectrum sensing function. Rather than each module having its own dedicated receiver, the control unit mediates the sensing process by collecting signals from multiple modules and performing centralized frequency allocation detection, thereby improving time resolution through coordinated multi-module observation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of time

If complete frequency band scanning is performed in one shot, then scanning time is reduced, but operational mode changes are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning timeVSAvoidoperational continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit is designed to simultaneously manage multiple communication modules operating in different protocols and frequency bands. This universal coordination capability allows the system to perform complete frequency band scanning in one shot without requiring individual modules to change their operational modes, as the control unit can adaptively allocate scanning tasks across modules maintaining their respective operating modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP1976135B1Method of managing the operation of a wireless communication device and corresponding wireless device.
Publication Date: 2018.07.11 STMICROELECTRONICS NV
  • EP1976135B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1976135B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1976135B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Method of managing the operation of a wireless communication device including several different communication modules respectively adapted to operate according to several given communication protocols including an UWB protocol based on an OFDM modulation scheme, said method comprising controlling (10) said UWB module for scanning (11) a chosen frequency band, and managing (12) a communication to be performed by said device on the basis of the scanning result.