Integrated Transceiver Architecture for Wi-Fi and LTE-LAA Signal Arbitration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cellular and wireless devices face challenges in efficiently supporting both Wi-Fi and Long Term Evolution License Assisted Access (LTE-LAA) wireless data signals, particularly in managing congested licensed frequency bands and optimizing data throughput and processing speeds.

Innovation Solution

The integration of radio frequency (RF) front end circuitry in electronic devices that allows concurrent reception and processing of Wi-Fi and LTE-LAA signals, utilizing the 5 GHz frequency band to offload congested licensed LTE networks, while arbitrating between LTE-LAA and Wi-Fi signals to conserve area, power, and cost, and enabling asynchronous operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If devices support both Wi-Fi and LTE-LAA signals concurrently, then data throughput and processing speeds are improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata throughputVSAvoidtransceiver architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines Wi-Fi and LTE-LAA transceiver functions into a single integrated transceiver architecture. The receiver includes shared components such as low noise amplifiers, filters, and mixers that can process both Wi-Fi and LTE-LAA signals, while the processor coordinates concurrent operation of both standards. This merging reduces device complexity compared to having completely separate transceivers for each standard.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transceiver is designed with universal components that can handle multiple wireless standards. The receiver architecture includes programmable filters and adjustable amplifiers that can be configured for different frequency bands and signal types (Wi-Fi and LTE-LAA). The processor dynamically allocates resources to support both standards concurrently, making the transceiver multi-functional rather than dedicated to a single standard.

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

2Speed

If licensed LTE networks are used to provide high data rates, then low latency and high speed are achieved, but network congestion increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rateVSAvoidnetwork capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network traffic by separating licensed LTE traffic from unlicensed LTE-LAA traffic. The transceiver can simultaneously operate on both licensed and unlicensed frequency bands, dividing the data transmission load across two different network resources. This segmentation allows high-speed data transfer on licensed bands while offloading congestion to unlicensed bands, effectively increasing overall network capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The unlicensed LTE-LAA network acts as an intermediary to relieve congestion on the licensed LTE network. The transceiver manages both networks and can route traffic through the LAA network when licensed bands are congested. This intermediary unlicensed band provides an additional pathway for data transmission, maintaining high speeds without overloading the primary licensed network infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If unlicensed frequency spectrum is utilized to offload congested networks, then network capacity increases, but signal interference and arbitration complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidsignal arbitration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transceiver employs dynamic signal arbitration that adapts to real-time network conditions. The processor continuously monitors the state of both licensed and unlicensed bands, Wi-Fi and LTE-LAA signals, and dynamically adjusts resource allocation, frequency selection, and power distribution. This dynamic approach allows the system to handle interference adaptively rather than through static complex arbitration logic, improving network capacity while managing complexity through intelligent real-time control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3280056B1Transceiver architecture for license assisted access systems
Publication Date: 2019.07.17 APPLE INC
  • EP3280056B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3280056B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3280056B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Methods and devices useful in concurrently receiving and supporting Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) and Long Term Evolution Licensed Assisted Access (LTE-LAA) wireless data signals are provided. By way of example, an electronic device includes a network interface configured to allow the electronic device to communicate over one or more channels of a wireless network, and a transceiver configured to transmit data and to receive data over the one or more channels. The transceiver is configured to receive licensed cellular signals and unlicensed cellular signals over the one or more channels.