WIRELESS METHODS, DEVICES AND SYSTEMS FOR RAPID SYNCHRONIZATION WITH PERIODIC BROADCAST LINK

A method can include monitoring at least one non-primary advertising channel for packets; determining if any of the packets received during a same periodic advertising interval of a periodic advertising link include synchronization data; in response to acquiring a packet with synchronization data, extracting synchronization data from the packet with synchronization data; and synchronizing to the periodic advertising link with the synchronization data to determine timing for at least one download window in each periodic advertising interval. The periodic advertising interval includes a plurality of periodic sub-intervals and the at least one download window corresponds to at least one of the sub-intervals. Corresponding devices and systems are also disclosed.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to wireless devices and systems, and more particularly to wireless devices and systems that include periodic, broadcast (e.g., advertising) messaging.

BACKGROUND

Many wireless systems can include a broadcasting feature to transmit on a designated channel to multiple devices. For example, Bluetooth low energy (BLE) can include periodic advertising broadcast as a logical transport for sending broadcast control and user data to all scanning devices in a given area. Such a broadcast can include a periodic, one-way transmissions to which scanning devices can be synchronized. Once synchronized, scanning devices can monitor designated time periods for broadcast packets.

Other advertising approaches have been proposed in which a central device can broadcast to many devices, with an option for those devices to respond back. In such a system, a scanning device (e.g., synchronized receiver) can acquire periodic synchronization by listening at periodic advertising response anchor points separated from one another by periodic advertising intervals. To ensure a system can accommodate a large number of scanning devices, a periodic advertising interval can be relatively large (e.g., 1, 2 or even 4 seconds) or even tens of seconds in worst case situations. Consequently, a new scanning device wishing to join the advertising link may need to wait an entire periodic advertising interval to acquire the stream.

While such relatively long acquisition times can be suitable for some applications, for many applications and/or user experiences such a delay is undesirable. Further, long acquisition times consume power as a scanning device can scan one or more advertising intervals in search of an anchor point and synchronization data for the advertising link.

Any ability to reduce synchronization time and/or power involved in synchronization operations would a welcome advance over the existing art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to embodiments, a broadcasting (e.g., advertising) device can create a one or more periodic advertising links having a repeating advertising interval with sub-intervals. Multiple packets with synchronization data can be transmitted in a same advertising interval. A scanning device (e.g., receiver) can acquire synchronization data from any of the timing packets, as opposed to scanning a primary advertising channel for a packet transmitted once each advertising interval. With such advertising data, a scanning device synchronize to an advertising link. The multiple timing packets can be transmitted on channels not designated for advertising (e.g., not transmitted on any primary advertising channel).

In some embodiments, packets with synchronization data can be transmitted during multiple sub-intervals of a same advertising interval. In some embodiments, packets with synchronization data can be transmitted during all sub-intervals of a same advertising interval on a same advertising channel.

In some embodiments, upon receiving a packet with synchronization data, a scanning device can transmit an acknowledgement packet. In some embodiments, upon receiving an acknowledgment packet, an advertising device can return application specific data that can identify one or more sub-intervals for reception by the scanning device.

FIG.1is a timing diagram showing operations of devices according to embodiments.FIG.1shows operations of a scanning device100interacting with a periodic advertising link on one or more broadcast (advertising) channels104/104′ created by an advertising device (not shown). A device100can receive and transmit packets compatible with a wireless standard. Channel(s)104/104′ can be channels that are not designated as advertising channels according to the standard (e.g., non-primary advertising channel).

An advertising link can include a repeating advertising (ad) interval which can include a number of sub-intervals. Further, the advertising link can include multiple packets with synchronization information (108-0to108-n) that are broadcast in the same ad interval106-0/1. InFIG.1, packets with synchronization information108-0to -n can be broadcast on a channel104. Packets of an advertising link can be transmitted sequentially on a channel104′ (i.e., a train of packets), which may or may not be the same as channel104.

Prior to time t0, a scanning device100may not be synchronized. That is, a scanning device does not have the synchronization data needed to time reception (and optionally transmission) windows with an advertising link.

At time t0, scanning device100can begin monitoring channel104for broadcast packets. Because multiple broadcast packets108-0to -n can be transmitted within the same periodic ad interval106-0, a scanning device100can rapidly detect and receive a packet108-1with synchronization data110. Using synchronization data, scanning device100can synchronize itself with the periodic ad interval (e.g., determine timing for periodic ad intervals106-0/1and sub-intervals within the periodic ad intervals).

At time t1, scanning device100is synchronized122′ with the advertising link, and thus can time its reception (and optionally transmission) of packets to one or more particular sub-intervals within each periodic interval. In the embodiment shown, an ad interval106-0/1can include sub-intervals (two shown as112-0/1). Further, each sub-interval112-0/1can include download windows114-0/1in which an advertising device can broadcast packets, as well as upload windows116-0/1in which a scanning device100can broadcast packets.

In the embodiment shown, from synchronization information110or other broadcast information, a scanning device100can be assigned a sub-interval112-1, and thus can time operations to receive a broadcast packet118in window114-1and can transmit an upload packet120in window116-1.

In this way, a scanning device can scan one or more channels, not assigned as broadcast channels according to any current standard, for any of a number of packets that include synchronization information broadcast in the same ad interval. This can enable quick synchronization with advertising link.

FIG.2is a timing diagram showing operations of a scanning device200according to another embodiment.FIG.2shows operations of a scanning device200synchronizing with a periodic advertising link.

A periodic advertising link can include periodic ad intervals206with sub-intervals (two shown as224-0/1). Packets with synchronization data212-0to212-M can be transmitted on a channel204during multiple, consecutive sub-intervals, and in some embodiments all sub-intervals. A channel204may not be a channel designated as an advertising channel by a standard. Consequently, scanning device200can have multiple acquisition points228-N to228-N+M in every ad interval206by which synchronization data can be received (e.g., any of receive windows226). This is in contrast to conventional approaches in which a scanning device has one acquisition point per ad interval to acquire synchronization data.

In some embodiments, a scanning device200can operate compatible with a BT standard having a periodic advertiser with response (PAwR) capability. In a PAwR-like embodiment, an ad interval (e.g.,206) can include periodic sub-events (e.g.,224-0/1) which can also include response periods in which a scanning device200can transmit data. A periodic synchronizer (e.g., scanning device200) can acquire synchronization to a periodic advertiser with subevents by obtaining synchronization information from secondary advertising PDUs (e.g.,212-0to -M). Synchronization acquisition points (228-N to -(N+M)) can be spaced regularly, a periodic sub-interval (e.g.,224-0/1) apart. A failure to synchronize at acquisition point (228-N) can result in a synchronizer (e.g.,200) listening at next acquisition point (228-(N+1)) that follows in a next sub-event interval224-1.

In this way, embodiments can include the regular, repeated transmission of packets with an ad interval that include synchronization information for a scanning device.

While embodiments can include synchronization information of any suitable form, in some embodiments synchronization information can identify a packet's position in a train with the synchronization information included in the packet.FIG.3shows operations of a scanning device300and a periodic advertiser (e.g., broadcaster)302according to an embodiment.FIG.3shows items like those ofFIG.2, but with a leading digit being a “3” instead of a “2”.

A periodic advertiser302can transmit broadcast packets relative to a reference time tsync. In the embodiment shown, a periodic advertiser302can transmit an advertising packet332on a primary advertising channel (i.e., a channel designated for advertising packets). An advertising packet332can include synchronization information332-0to enable a device to synchronize to a repeating advertising link.

An advertising link can include packets with synchronization data (312-0to -n) at regular sub-intervals (e.g.,324) during a repeating ad interval306. An ad interval306can be timed to start with respect to reference time tsync. In the embodiment shown, an ad interval306can start after a sync offset time330. Each packet with synchronization data (312-0to -n) can include an identifier value that indicates its position in the train of sequential packets. A packet identifier value, along with other synchronization data (which can be included in the same packet) can be used by a scanning device300to determine the start of each ad interval306as well as the start of any of the sub-intervals.

In a BT PAwR-type embodiment, an advertising packet332can include an AUX_ADV_IND PDU. Sub-intervals can be sub-events and packets transmitted during sub-events can include other data, such as a sub-event counter (SE#N), which sequentially counts up from zero for each sub-event of the same ad interval. Using such data, a periodic synchronizer300can scan a sub-event packet for a count value and back calculate to determine a start of an ad interval. In one embodiment, such a calculation can include:

Periodic⁢Advertiser⁢Anchor⁢Point=Sync⁢point⁢(N0+xn)=tsync+SyncOffset⁡(SE⁢#⁢x0)Synch⁢point⁢(N0)=SyncPoint⁡(N0+x)-SubeventInterval×SubeventNumber⁡(x)where SubeventInterval is a duration of a sub-event (i.e.,324) and SubeventNumber(x) is the number identifying the subevent.

In this way, packets transmitted in sub-intervals of an ad interval can include extended synchronization data (i.e., data beyond that transmitted on a primary advertising channel) that can enable a scanning device to rapidly synchronize with an advertising link.

While embodiments can include extended synch info transmitted in sequential packets of a periodic advertising train, other embodiments can transmit extended synch info in packets between sub-interval reception times as well as on different channel(s) than the advertising train.

FIG.4shows operations of a scanning device400and a periodic advertiser402according to another embodiment.FIG.4shows items like those ofFIG.2, but with a leading digit being a “4” instead of a “2”.

A periodic advertiser402can transmit a train of broadcast packets412-0to -N in an ad interval that can start relative to a reference time (tsync) by an offset amount, as described forFIG.3. However, unlikeFIG.3, advertising info packets with extended synchronization data (two possible examples shown as444-0/1) can be transmitted between sub-intervals. Such packets can include extended synch info, including a sub-interval identifier for a next sub-interval of the train. Thus, advertising info packet444-0can precede, and contain an identifier for, packet412-1. Likewise, advertising info packet444-1can precede, and contain an identifier for, packet412-N. WhileFIG.4includes two advertising info packets444-0/1, embodiments can include additional such packets transmitted prior to other sub-intervals. In some embodiments, advertising info packets444-0/1can be transmitted on a secondary advertising channel404-0, which can be different from the channel404-1on which the train of packets412-0to -N is transmitted.

In a BT PAwR-type embodiment, advertising packets444-0/1can include AUX_ADV_IND PDU, which can have an ACAD field which carries Sync Info and a sub-event count for the immediately following subevent. A periodic synchronizer400can synchronize to the subevent specified in the Sync Info and back calculate expected SE#0 anchor point as described forFIG.4.

In this way, a scanning device can synchronize to an advertising link using extended synch info transmitted by synchronization packets that precede packets in a periodic train of the advertising link.

While embodiments can provide advertising info packets at predetermined times within an ad interval, other embodiments can dynamically change when such packets are transmitted within the ad interval. In some embodiments, such changes in timing can occur as a configuration of an advertising link changes.

FIG.5shows operations of a scanning device and a periodic advertiser (e.g., broadcaster) according to another embodiment.FIG.5shows items like those ofFIG.2, but with a leading digit being a “5” instead of a “2”.

FIG.5shows transmissions by an advertising device on primary advertising channels502, one or more secondary advertising channels504-0and one or more other channels504-1. Primary advertising channels502can be channels designated by a standard for broadcast data. Secondary advertising channels504-0can be channels identified by advertising packets (548-0to -2) on the primary advertising channel502. Other channels504-1can be secondary advertising channels or other channels that carry a train of synchronized packets.

Referring still toFIG.5, a train of synchronized packets can include sub-intervals (one shown as524). Each sub-interval524can include a window for broadcast packets512D, and following a response delay554, one or more windows for response packets512U-0/1(i.e., for packets transmitted by a scanning device).

Packets with extended sync info544-0/1can be dynamically timed for periods of time when transmissions are not expected for the advertising link (i.e., idle times). In the embodiment shown, a packet with extended synch info544-0can be transmitted by a broadcaster (and thus received by a synchronizer) after a first broadcast (e.g., download) window512D but before a corresponding first response (e.g., upload) window512U-0. In addition or alternatively, a packet with extended synch info544-1can be transmitted by a broadcaster after a last response window of the sub-interval524, but before a first broadcast window512D′ of a next ad interval.

In a BT PAwR-type embodiment, primary advertising channels can be channels37,38and39according to a BLE standard, and such packets can include ADV_EXT_IND PDUs. Packets with extended synch info544-0/1can include AUX_ADV_IND PDUs. In some embodiments, such packets can include Synch Info532-0which can identify a start of each train of advertising packets and extended synch info544-01/11that can identify a sub-event (e.g., a sub-event number), as described herein or equivalents.

In this way, the timing for packets with extended synch info that enables rapid synchronization can dynamically adapt to channel use. Further, packets with extended synch info can be transmitted on a channel other than that which carries the periodic train of synchronized packets.

FIG.6Ashows a conventional periodic advertising operation. An advertising device can transmit advertising packets with ADV_EXT_IND PDUs on primary BLE advertising channels37,38and39. A scanning device can receive an advertising packet (e.g.,649-2), and from such a packet identify secondary advertising channel603. A scanning device can scan secondary advertising channel603to detect packet651. Packet651can include an AUX_ADV_IND PDU with synch info for a periodic advertising link on channel605, that transmits periodic advertising packets613in ad intervals607.

FIG.6Bshows a periodic advertising operation according to another embodiment. In contrast to the conventional operation ofFIG.6A, a periodic advertising operation can transmit multiple advertising info packets (644-0to -2) with synch info (623-0to -2) on a secondary channel604-0, which is not a channel designated by a standard as an advertising channel. In some embodiments, advertising packets (644-0to -2) can provide synchronization info for packet trains on different channels. InFIG.6B, advertising packets644-0, -1and -2can provide synch info for advertising links on channels x, y and z, which can be non-primary advertising channels.FIG.6Bshows the advertising link on channel y, which can include a train of packets612-yfor an ad interval and packets612-(y+1) for a following ad interval.

In a BT PAwR-like embodiment, advertising packets with synch info644-0to -2can include ADV_EXT_IND PDUS.

In this way, advertising packets with synch info for one or more advertising links can be provided on a secondary advertising channel.

In some embodiments, a scanning device can transmit an acknowledgement after receiving an advertising packet with extended synch info. Such an acknowledgement can be timed to not interfere with other transmission windows of the ad interval.

FIG.7is a timing diagram showing operations of an advertising device746and scanning device700according to an embodiment. An advertising device746can establish an advertising link on a channel704with repeating sub-intervals724in an ad interval. Sub-intervals724can include download windows in which an advertising device can transmit broadcast packets712D-0/1as well as upload windows712U-0/1in which a scanning device700can transmit packets for receipt by an advertising device746. In the embodiment shown, there can be a response delay754between a download window and corresponding upload window(s).

According to embodiments, upon receiving a download packet712D-0/1a scanning device700can transmit an acknowledgement packet750. An acknowledgment packet750can be timed between expected download and upload windows. In the embodiment shown, an acknowledgment packet750can be transmitted a delay T_IFS752after receiving an advertising packet. In some embodiments, a delay T_IFS752can be a minimum spacing according to a standard. A delay T_IFS750and size of acknowledgment packet750can be selected to fit within a response delay754.

In some embodiments, upon receiving an acknowledgement packet750, an advertising device746can transmit periodic advertising data for the scanning device700in next appropriate download window. In some embodiments, if a scanning device700does not receive a desired packet following an acknowledgement packet, it can execute a “backoff” operation to determine when to re-transmit an acknowledgement packet. Such a backoff operation can take any suitable form, including but not limited to: transmitting within a random sub-interval (e.g., within a response period of such an interval) or waiting until a next anchor point and corresponding sub-interval.

In a BT PAwR-type embodiment, operations like those ofFIG.7can enable asynchronizer to acquire synchronization at an earliest point without any feedback to the advertiser. In certain use cases, where an ad interval is relatively large, it would be beneficial to inform advertiser that a synchronizer is active and acquired sync. A synchronizer, after acquiring synch, can send a short ACK PDU after T_IFS time transmitting SYNC_SUBEVENT_IND. A broadcaster can then open a receive window to receive the ACK (AUX_SYNC_SUBEVENT_ACK) transmission from a synchronized receiver.

Upon receiving active info, a broadcaster can inform a synchronized receiver via a sub-event transmission, which can include “active info”. This can complete a handshake. In some embodiments, an application can choose to send application specific command in a subsequent subevent to inform a synchronized receiver of its position in the network and start serving the node (i.e., synchronized receiver). In such an arrangement, multiple sync receivers can attempt to send an ACK which can result in a collision. Any missed confirmation from broadcaster can allow a synchronized receiver to run back off algorithm and retry sending active info, as described herein.

In this way, in response to receiving a broadcast packet in a sub-interval, a scanning device can return an acknowledgement packet in a time period not designated to transmitting or receiving packets.

While embodiments can include various operations and methods described herein, embodiments can also include devices that execute such methods and operations.FIG.8is a block diagram of a scanning device800according to an embodiment. A device800can include a controller section856and wireless circuits858. A controller section856can execute functions for scanning devices as described herein, and equivalents, and can be composed of any suitable circuits, including but not limited to: one or more processors with corresponding instructions, custom logic and/or programmable logic.

A controller section856can include channel monitoring circuits860and synchronizing circuits862. Monitoring circuits860can monitor one or more channels identified by channel data860-0for packets that include synch info. Such monitoring can be for periods of time less than a full ad interval, as described herein or equivalents. Synch info can include extended synch info, which can enable determination of individual sub-intervals within an ad interval, as described herein and equivalents. Channel data860-0can identify channels that are not primary advertising channels on which extended sync info can be acquired.

Synchronizing circuits862can determine timing for one or more advertising links based on synch info. Such an action can include calculating a synchronization point in time with extended synch info862-0. Such an action can also include determining one or more assigned sub-intervals862-1. Assigned sub-intervals can be windows within repeating ad intervals during which data for the scanning device can be expected to be broadcast and/or windows during which a scanning device can transmit data for reception by an advertising device.

Wireless circuits858can enable communication according to one or more wireless standards, including but not limited to one or more BT standards.

In some embodiments a device830can be formed with a same integrated circuit substrate864.

In this way, a wireless device can monitor for any of multiple packets in a same ad interval that include synch info to enable synchronization with one or more periodic advertising links.

FIG.9is a block diagram of a scanning device900according to another embodiment. A device900can be an integrated circuit (IC) device configured to provide BT communications. A device930can include a controller section956, a BT section958, clock circuits974, power management circuits976and input/output (I/O) circuits978in communication with one another over a bus system972. Controller section956can include processors956-0and a memory sub-system956-1. Processors956-0can include one or more processor circuits configured to execute code to provide various functions.

Memory sub-system956-1can include code966and data968. Code966can be executed by processors956-0, and can include channel scan code966, synchronizing code962and acknowledgement (ACK) code966-0. Channel scan code966can scan channels for packets with synchronization data, where such channels are not BT primary advertising channels, as described herein. Synchronizing code962can enable device900to synchronize with one or more advertising links using extended synch info. Extended synch info can enable synchronization with an advertising link from any of a number of packets transmitted in a same ad interval, as described herein and equivalents. ACK code966-0can generate ACKs to broadcast packets in time periods not dedicated to broadcast packets, as described herein and equivalents.

Data968can store any data suitable for operating as a scanning device, including but not limited to channel data968-0and synch info968-1. Channel data968-0can include channels used for synchronizing to advertising links as described herein and equivalents, including primary advertising channels, secondary advertising channels and other channels that may carry a periodic advertising link. Synch info968-1can include standard sync info968-10and extended synch info968-11. Standard synch info968-10can be that expected from a BT standard. In some embodiments, this can include but is not limited to, a tsyncvalue, synch offset value, ad interval value, sub-event value and any other suitable anchor point value(s). Extended synch info968-11can include information that goes beyond a current BT standard, and can include a sub-event identifier (i.e., count) that can be included in each sub-event indication of an ad interval.

In some embodiments, the various circuits of device900can be formed with a same IC substrate964.

A BT section958can include circuits for communications compatible with BT standards. A BT section958can include power amplifier circuits958-0, RF circuits958-1, BT physical layer (PHY) circuits958-2and BT MAC layer circuits958-3.

A clock circuit974can control timing for a device and can be used to maintain synchronization with advertising channels. Power management circuits976can control power to a device900. In some embodiments, power management circuits976can place a device900into a lower power mode during non-assigned sub-events once a device900has synchronized with an advertising link. I/O circuits978can provide an interface for other devices to communicate and/or control device900. In some embodiments, I/O circuits978can provide an interface suitable with one or more serial communication standards, including but not limited to SPI, I2C or USB.

Optionally, a device900can include coexistence circuits980which can enable coordination of BT operations with another wireless standard, such as an IEEE 802.11 wireless standard (e.g., WiFi), as but one example. Optionally, a device900can include peripheral related circuits966which can include circuits that can provide a number of additional functions related to applications, including but not limited to: analog circuits (e.g., ADCs, DACs), modulation circuits (e.g., PWM, PCM, sigma-delta), audio circuits (microphones, speakers), display driver circuits or sensor circuits.

In this way, a device can synchronize with a BT periodic advertising link by extracting extended sync info from any of multiple packets transmitted during a same ad interval.

FIG.10is a block diagram of an advertising device1046according to an embodiment. A device1046can include a controller section1056and wireless circuits1058. A controller section1058can execute functions for advertising devices as described herein, and equivalents, and can be composed of any suitable circuits, including but not limited to: one or more processors with corresponding instructions, custom logic and/or programmable logic. A controller section1056can include circuits for creating advertising links1056-2as described herein, and equivalents. Such circuits can generate packets with extended synch info1056-20. Such packets can be transmitted in a same ad interval1056-21, as described herein and equivalents.

Wireless circuits1058can enable communication according to one or more wireless standards, including but not limited to one or more BT standards.

In some embodiments a device1030can be formed with a same integrated circuit substrate1064.

In this way, a wireless device can transmit multiple packets within a same ad interval that include extended synchronization data or enabling scanning devices to synchronize with a corresponding periodic advertising link.

FIG.11is a block diagram of an advertising device1146according to another embodiment. A device1146can include items like those ofFIG.9. Such like items are referred to by the same reference character but with the first digits being “11” instead of a “9”.

A device1146can differ from that ofFIG.9in that a controller section1156can include circuits for generating and transmitting packets with extended synch info1166-3. Such circuits can transmit packets according to any of the embodiments herein, including but not limited to: transmitting on multiple (including all) sub-events of a same ad interval1166-30; transmitting between sub-events (both statically and dynamically)1166-31; and transmitting on multiple secondary advertising channels1166-32. A device1146can also include ACK processing code1166-44, which can process ACKs received from scanning device. In some embodiments, this can include responding to ACKs. Such a response can provide further synchronization data for a scanning device. Code1166can also establish one or more advertising links1166-5corresponding to the extended synch information packets.

In this way, a device can include circuits for establishing a BLE periodic advertising link, and then transmitting packets with extended synchronization data that enable a scanning device to synchronize with the advertising links without having to scan over one or more full ad intervals.

While embodiments can include devices with various interconnected components, embodiments can have a unitary structure which can enable the update of communication parameters via a synchronized advertising link as described herein and equivalents. Such unitary devices can be advantageously compact single integrated circuit (IC) devices.FIG.12shows one particular example of a device1200/1246formed in a single IC package. A device1200/1246can be a scanning device or an advertising device as described herein. In some embodiments, a device1200/1246can include a single die in the package. However, it is understood that a combination device according to embodiments can include any other suitable integrated circuit packaging type, as well as direct bonding of a combination device die onto a circuit board or substrate.

While embodiments can include any of the method described herein with reference to the various devices and systems, additional methods will now be described with reference to flow diagrams. It is understood that all, or portions of the described methods can be combined with one another.

FIG.13is a flow diagram of a method1390according to an embodiment. A method1390can be executed by a scanning device. A method1390can include monitoring one or more advertising packets with extended synch info in the same advertising interval1390-0. Such an action can include scanning for packets on a non-primary advertising channel at any point in an ad interval (without knowing when the ad interval starts or stops). A method1390can determine if a received packet contains extended synch info1390-1. Such an action can include examining one or more predetermined fields of the packet. If a packet with extended synch info is not received (N from1390-1) a method1390can continue to scan for packets. This is in contrast to conventional approaches which can scan a primary advertising channel for a packet timed once per ad interval.

If a packet with extended synch info is received (Y from1390-1), optionally, a method1390can return an acknowledgement packet1390-2. Such an action can include transmitting an ACK packet a minimum time after receiving a packet with extended synch data and/or during periods of an ad interval outside of established receive or respond windows. A method1390can extract synch info from the packet1390-3, which can include extended synch info. A method1390can then synchronize to a periodic advertising link with a calculation that uses the extended synch info. As noted for embodiments herein, such actions can enable a device to immediately begin synchronizing with an advertising link. In some embodiments, extended synch info can include identifying a position (e.g., sub-interval or sub-event number) within the ad interval, from which a start of the ad interval can be determined.

In this way, a device can synchronize to a periodic advertising link with extended synch info included in any of a number of packets transmitted during an ad interval.

FIG.14is a flow diagram of a method1490according to another embodiment. A method1490can be executed by an advertising device and can include establishing a periodic advertising link with a repeating ad interval with sub-intervals1490-0. Such an action can include transmitting broadcast packets periodically on one or more channels.

A method1490can generate a packet with extended synch info corresponding to the sub-interval1490-1. Prior to the sub-interval, the packet can be transmitted1490-2. In some embodiments, such an action can include transmitting the packet after a previous (i.e., x−1) sub-interval. In some embodiments a packet with extended synch info can be transmitted on the same channel as the advertising link. In other embodiments, such a packet can be transmitted on a different channel.

In this way, a synch info packet can be transmitted prior to a packet in a periodic train of packets. With synch info, a receiving device can determine the subsequent packet's position in the train and thus synchronize to the train.

FIG.15is a flow diagram of a method1590according to another embodiment. A method1590can be executed by an advertising device and can include establishing a periodic advertising link with a repeating ad interval with sub-intervals1590-0. A method1590can determine period of time when there are no transmissions during the ad interval1590-1. Such an action can include determining time periods between transmission (e.g., download) windows and reception (e.g., upload) windows. As but two of many possible examples, such no transmission time periods can be after a transmission window but before its corresponding upload window(s).

A method1590can generate packets with extended synch info1590-2. Such packets can include timing data to enable synchronization with an advertising channel as described herein or equivalents. Such packets can then be transmitted during the time periods of no transmission1590-3.

In some embodiments, a method1590can be executed periodically, enabling the periods during which packets with extended synch info are transmitted to change with changes in the ad interval timing.

In this way packets with extended synch info can be transmitted during non-transmission time periods of an advertising link.

FIG.16is a flow diagram of a method1690according to another embodiment. A method1690can be executed by an advertising device and can include establishing a periodic advertising link with a repeating ad interval with sub-intervals1690-0. A method1690can generate packets with extended synch info1690-1. Such packets can then be transmitted sequentially on secondary ad channels1690-2.

In this way packets with extended synch info can be transmitted on secondary ad channels.

FIG.17is a diagram showing a system1792according to an embodiment. A system1792can be a multi-layered network that includes a root or “data aggregation” node L01746, a number of first level nodes L1 (1700-10to1700-1n) and second level nodes L2 (1700-20to -4k). Root node L0 and first level nodes L1 can be in communication by a first periodic advertising link1796-1. First level nodes L1 can each be in communication with second level nodes L2 via a corresponding second periodic advertising links1792-20to -2n. Thus, first level nodes L1 can operate as advertising devices and scanning devices.

Root node L0 can transmit packets with extended synch info to enable first level nodes L1 to rapidly synchronize with advertising link1796-1. Similarly, first level nodes L1 can transmit packets with extended synch info to enable second level nodes L2 to synchronize with their corresponding advertising links1796-20to -2n.

In some applications, it is desirable to align second advertising links1796-20to -2nwith first advertising link1796-1. For example, proper alignment can result in a faster transmission of data throughout the system1792(e.g., propagation of data from root node to lower level nodes of the system).

By providing packets with extended synch info as described for the various embodiments herein, L1 nodes (1700-10to1700-1n) can rapidly synchronize with first advertising link1796-1and enable L2 nodes (1700-20to1700-4k) to rapidly synchronize with L1 nodes (1700-10to1700-1n). Thus, an entire system can be synchronized.

FIG.18is a diagram of a wireless battery management system (WBMS)1892according to an embodiment. A WBMS1892can include a root node1846and a plurality of monitor nodes1800-xwhich can be arranged into two or more levels in communication with one another via advertising links that enable fast synchronization as described herein or equivalents.

If conventional BT PAwR advertising links are used for communications in a WBMS system like that ofFIG.18, synchronization of all nodes can take 200 to 300 ms, as the large number of nodes must each scan up to an entire ad interval to start acquiring synchronization data on a primary advertising channel, and then scan crowded secondary advertising channels for synch info. Such a delay can be unacceptable in automobile applications, which can require network establishment within 100 ms.

However, a system1892can include BT PAwR type communications but with packets that include extended synchronization data, as described for embodiments herein. As a result, synchronization times can be about 50 ms, well within a 100 ms requirement. This can include different links of a system synchronizing on their own, and then aligning with higher levels as described with reference toFIG.17.

In this way, a WMBS can include the transmission of packets with extended synch data for rapid synchronization in automobile applications.

FIG.19is a diagram of an electronic shelf label (ESL) system1992according to an embodiment. A system1992can include a management node1946and a number of lower level nodes (four shown as1900-x). In some embodiments, lower level nodes1900-xcan provide display information that can be periodically updated by communications from a management node1900-0via one or more periodic advertising links. Alternatively, nodes1900-xcan be stations that transmit data to electronic labels.

According to embodiments, lower level nodes1900-xcan operate as nodes in a system like that ofFIG.17. Thus, synchronization between all nodes can occur rapidly and/or will less power. In this way, data for ESL labels can be updated faster than conventional systems.

While embodiments can enable devices to quickly synchronize to advertising links, embodiments can also improve synchronization times when operating in conjunction with a host device.

FIG.20Ais a signaling diagram of a system2092that includes a host device2096and scanning device (e.g., controller)2000. A host device2096can make a request2098-0to a controller to synchronize to an advertising link2003. In response, a controller2000can scan for packets2091that include synch info. With such information, controller2000can synchronize2095with the ad link (e.g., determine the starting point for the first window in a train of windows).

Once synchronized, controller2000can send a notification2098-1that it is synchronized. Such a notification can also include information about the advertising link. A host2096can send a message to controller2000that identifies a particular sub-interval (sub-int x) for synchronization. However, If sufficient time has passed, a controller2000may have to execute a rapid synchronization operation, as described herein, and receive a packet with extended synch info2090-1. From such information, a controller2000can synchronize to the desired sub-interval2097. A controller2000can then indicate to host2096it is synchronized to an indicated sub-interval2093-3. A controller2000can service host with data broadcast over the sub-interval.

As shown, a synchronization operation inFIG.20Amay result in two receive operations2093and2090-1.

FIG.20Bis a signaling diagram of a system2092R like that ofFIG.20A. However, when a host device2096issues a request for synchronization to a controller2000, the host2096it can identify a sub-interval2098-4. As a result, a controller2000can scan for a packet with extended synch info2090-0as described for embodiments herein, or equivalents.

Upon receiving a packet with extended synch info2090-1, a controller2000can synchronize to the desired sub-interval2097, as described herein. A controller2000can then notify and service host2096as described forFIG.20A.

In this way, a scanning device can have a predetermined indication of a desired sub-interval for faster synchronization with the sub-interval.

According to embodiments systems can enable faster acquisition of data streams provided via periodic advertising links. In particular, acquisitions can be much faster than waiting for an advertising event that occurs once per ad interval.

According to embodiments systems can reduce power consumption as synchronization can be achieved quicker and/or a device can transition to a lower power mode faster once synchronized.

According to embodiments, packets with synch info can be moved to channels and/or time periods not typically used for such data. This can result in better utilization of over-the-air bandwidth. Packet error rate can be improved as collisions can be reduced. Further, traffic on primary advertising channels can be reduced over conventional approaches.

Systems with fast acquisition of advertising link, as described for embodiments herein, confirmation of synchronization can be provided quicker to a host. This can enable a host to start a corresponding application faster, for better performance. Further, such fast acquisition of synchronization can enable a host application to get into a steady state faster than conventional approaches, which can result in overall lower power consumption

According to embodiments, a scanning device (e.g., synchronized receiver) can know a sub-interval (e.g., sub-event) number prior to synchronization. Using extended synch info, a scanning device can synchronize directly to a sub-interval, in contrast to conventional approaches that require multiple steps and overall longer acquisition times.

Embodiments can allow greater flexibility in advertising channel selection as compared to conventional approaches. In some embodiments, systems can deduce which secondary (i.e., non-primary advertising) channels a least congested or otherwise more suitable for broadcasting synch info.

Embodiments are directed to methods, devices and systems that include, by operation of a wireless device configured to operate according to at least one wireless standard that includes primary advertising channels: monitoring at least one non-primary advertising channel for packets; determining if any of the packets received during a same periodic advertising interval of a periodic advertising link include synchronization data; in response to acquiring a packet with synchronization data, extracting synchronization data from the packet with synchronization data; and synchronizing to the periodic advertising link with the synchronization data to determine timing for at least one download window in each periodic advertising interval. The periodic advertising interval can include a plurality of periodic sub-intervals and the at least one download window corresponds to at least one of the sub-intervals.

Embodiments are directed to methods, devices and systems that include wireless circuits configured to transmit and receive packets over a plurality of channels according to at least one wireless standard, monitor the at least one non-primary advertising channel for packets, determine if any packets received during a same periodic advertising interval of a periodic advertising link include synchronization data, and synchronize to the periodic advertising link with the synchronization data to determine timing for at least one download window in each periodic advertising interval. Controller circuits can be included that are configured to, in response to acquiring a packet with synchronization data, extract the synchronization data. The periodic advertising interval includes a plurality of periodic sub-intervals and the at least one download window corresponds to at least one of the sub-intervals. The wireless standard includes primary advertising channels that are assigned to broadcast transmissions.

Embodiments are directed to methods, devices and systems include that a scanning device configured to transmit and receive packets over a plurality of channels according to at least one wireless standard, monitor at least one non-primary advertising channel for packets, determine if any of the packets received during a same periodic advertising interval of a periodic advertising link include synchronization data, and synchronize to the periodic advertising link with the synchronization data to determine timing for at least one download window in each periodic advertising interval. Controller circuits can be configured to, in response to acquiring a packet with synchronization data, extract the synchronization data. The periodic advertising interval can include a plurality of periodic sub-intervals and the at least one download window corresponds to the sub-intervals. The wireless standard includes primary advertising channels that are assigned for broadcast transmissions according to the at least one wireless standard.

Methods, devices and systems can include monitoring for packets with synchronization data on any of a plurality of consecutive sub-intervals in a same advertising interval. In some embodiments, each packet received during a sub-interval of the same advertising interval can include synchronization data.

Methods, devices and systems can include the periodic advertising link comprising a Bluetooth (BT) link and the sub-intervals are sub-events of the same periodic advertising interval.

Methods, devices and systems can include the synchronization data having at least a sub-interval duration and sub-interval identifier particular to the sub-interval. Synchronizing to a periodic advertising link can include determining a start of the periodic advertising intervals with at least the sub-interval identifier.

Methods, devices and systems can include determining if a packet with synchronization data received during one sub-interval includes a count value, and assigning the count value to a packet received during a sub-interval immediately following the packet with the synchronization data.

Methods, devices and systems can include, in response to acquiring a packet with synchronization data during a sub-interval, transmitting an acknowledgement packet prior to a next sub-interval.

Methods, devices and systems can include in response to transmitting an acknowledgement packet, monitoring at least one other advertising channel for a confirmation packet corresponding to the acknowledgement packet. In response to not receiving the confirmation packet within a predetermined time period, a second acknowledgement packet can be transmitted.

Methods, devices and systems can include identifying a plurality of secondary advertising channels from at least one packet received on at least one primary advertising channel; and monitoring identified secondary advertising channels for packets with synchronization data.

Methods, devices and systems can include the periodic advertising link being divided into a plurality of sub-intervals, including download subintervals that are windows in which packets from a broadcaster are expected and at least one upload sub-interval corresponding to each download subinterval. The upload sub-intervals can be windows in which the wireless device can transmit data. Monitoring non-primary advertising channels can include monitoring at time periods selected from the group of: after an upload sub-interval and a next download sub-interval and after an upload sub-interval and before a next download sub-interval.

Methods, devices and systems can include, prior to monitoring at least one non-primary advertising channel, receiving a request to synchronize with the periodic advertising link that identifies one of the sub-intervals. After synchronizing with the periodic advertising link, a timing for the identified one sub-interval can be determined, and any packet received during the identified one sub-interval can be stored.

Methods, devices and systems can include memory circuits configured to store instructions, and controller circuits can include processor circuits executing the instructions.

Methods, devices and systems can include monitoring for the packets with synchronization data in time periods between sub-intervals.

Methods, devices and systems can include, in addition to a scanning device, a broadcast device configured to transmit the plurality of packets with synchronization data during periodic advertising intervals of the periodic advertising link.

Methods, devices and systems can include a broadcast device configured to transmit the confirmation packet in response to detecting the acknowledgement packet from a scanning device.

Methods, devices and systems can include a plurality of wireless devices in communication with broadcast device over the advertising link. A broadcast device can be configured to assign at least one sub-interval to the plurality of wireless devices.

Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the foregoing description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claims require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.