Multi-RF Antenna Time-Slicing for Wi-Fi LTE Coexistence

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-radio frequency systems face challenges in simultaneously transmitting and receiving Wi-Fi and LTE data due to shared RF antennas, leading to inefficiencies and performance issues, particularly when using MIMO technology.

Innovation Solution

A data transmission method that utilizes a shared RF antenna for Wi-Fi data transmission during Wi-Fi time slices and a non-shared RF antenna for Wi-Fi data transmission during non-Wi-Fi time slices, with optional antenna transmission indication messages and time slice allocation schedules to optimize antenna usage and reduce signaling overhead.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a shared RF antenna is used for both Wi-Fi and LTE systems, then cost and power consumption are reduced, but Wi-Fi and LTE data packets cannot be transmitted or received simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddata transmission capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the time domain into Wi-Fi time slices and non-Wi-Fi time slices, allowing the shared RF antenna to be allocated to different systems at different times. This time-division approach enables simultaneous support for both Wi-Fi and LTE operations while maintaining cost efficiency through antenna sharing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic antenna switching capability where the shared RF antenna can be dynamically allocated between Wi-Fi and LTE systems based on real-time transmission needs. The system can flexibly switch between using one or two antennas for Wi-Fi transmission depending on whether it's a Wi-Fi time slice or non-Wi-Fi time slice.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If one RF antenna is shared between Wi-Fi and LTE systems, then device complexity is reduced, but MIMO performance for Wi-Fi is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna configurationVSAvoidMIMO transmission performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic antenna configuration where the number of antennas used for Wi-Fi transmission varies based on the time slice type. During Wi-Fi time slices, both antennas are available for MIMO operation providing full performance. During non-Wi-Fi time slices, the system dynamically switches to use both antennas for Wi-Fi, temporarily sacrificing LTE functionality to maintain MIMO performance when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic time slicing where Wi-Fi and LTE operations are alternated in regular intervals. This periodic structure allows the system to guarantee MIMO performance for Wi-Fi during its allocated time slices while maintaining overall system functionality through regular alternation between Wi-Fi and LTE operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Productivity

If the shared RF antenna is used for LTE transmission during non-Wi-Fi time slices, then LTE data transmission is enabled, but Wi-Fi data transmission must wait

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveLTE data transmission capabilityVSAvoidWi-Fi data transmission delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the transmission resources into distinct time slices, creating dedicated Wi-Fi time slices and non-Wi-Fi time slices. This segmentation allows predictable scheduling where Wi-Fi data transmission is guaranteed during its allocated time slices, preventing indefinite delays while still allowing LTE operations during non-Wi-Fi time slices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses preliminary action by establishing a time slice allocation schedule in advance that predicts when Wi-Fi time slices will occur. This allows the system to proactively buffer or schedule Wi-Fi data transmissions ahead of time, reducing actual transmission delays by preparing data before the allocated Wi-Fi time slice begins.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11418222B2Data transmission method and device for multi-radio frequency system, storage medium and terminal
Publication Date: 2022.08.16 SPREADTRUM COMMUNICATION (SHANGHAI) CO LTD
  • US11418222B2 patent drawing
  • US11418222B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A data transmission method and device for a multi-radio frequency system, a storage medium and a terminal are provided. The multi-radio frequency system includes a shared radio frequency antenna and a non-shared radio frequency antenna, the shared radio frequency antenna is configured to transmit Wi-Fi data and non-Wi-Fi data, the non-shared radio frequency antenna is configured to transmit the Wi-Fi data, and the method includes: in at least a portion of a Wi-Fi time slice, if there is Wi-Fi data to be transmitted, transmitting the Wi-Fi data using the shared radio frequency antenna and the non-shared radio frequency antenna; and in a non-Wi-Fi time slice, if there is Wi-Fi data to be transmitted, transmitting the Wi-Fi data using the non-shared radio frequency antenna. Wi-Fi transmission efficiency and performance of the multi-radio frequency system are improved, which is conducive to coexistence of different radio frequency modes.