MAC-PHY interfacing for wireless devices

Methods, devices and systems for a wireless device interface are provided. A media access controller (MAC) is provided on a printed circuit board (PCB). A physical layer device (PHY) is interfaced to the MAC using one or more high speed serial input/output channels.

INTRODUCTION

Most networks are organized as a series of layers, each one built upon its predecessor. The purpose of each layer is to offer services to the higher layers, shielding those layers from implementation details. Between each pair of adjacent layers there is an interface that defines those services.

The International Standards Organization has developed a layered network architecture called the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Reference model that has seven protocol layers: application, presentation, session, transport, network, data link, and physical.

The function of the lowest level, the physical layer, is to transfer bits over a communication medium. The function of the data link layer is to partition input data into data frames and transmit the frames over the physical layer sequentially. Each data frame includes a header that contains control and sequence information for the frames.

The interface between the data link layer and the physical layer includes a medium access control (MAC) device and physical layer signaling control (PHY) device. The purpose of a MAC device and the PHY device is to ensure two network stations are communicating with the correct frame format and protocol.

In wireless local area networks (WLANs), a radio is the physical device, and free space is the physical communications medium. IEEE 802.11 is a standard for WLANs that defines the communication protocol between a MAC device and a radio, the PHY device. WLAN data communication protocol requires that each data frame transferred between the MAC and the PHY devices have a PHY header, a MAC header, MAC data, and error checking fields. The PHY header includes a preamble that is used to indicate the presence of a signal, unique words, frame length, etc. The MAC header includes frame control, duration, source and destination address, data sequence number, etc.

Although standard 802.11 defines the logical PHY/MAC interface, 802.11 does not define the physical interface between a MAC device and a PHY device. For example, assuming that the standard provides that a byte of information is to be passed from the MAC device to the PHY, the standard does not provide how the byte is be transferred. That is, the standard does not provide a physical definition as to whether the byte is passed as eight bits in parallel, or as one bit in serial using eight clock cycles. In addition to the 802.11 WLAN standard, many proprietary WLANs exist that define various different physical interfaces between the MAC device and the PHY device.

The wireless industry has been using many proprietary design and implementation practices. Currently, wireless connectivity is deployed in notebook PCs through the use of off-the-shelf PCMCIA cards and embedded Mini PCI cards. Unfortunately, this type of deployment often requires significant and costly efforts for the development of interface mechanics, card enclosures, multiple partnership, software drivers as well as joint pre-sales and post-sales design and support activities.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to an improvement in the interface between the MAC layer and the physical layer in wireless networks. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to the embodiments shown will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and are intended to be within the scope of the present invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiment shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.

As wireless technologies proliferate, competitive pressures are fueling the need for cost reduction and integration. Wireless technology is now pervasive in wide area networks (WWAN), local area networks (WLAN), personal area networks (WPAN), and the like. This growth of wireless networking has allowed a new level of connectivity.

The present invention serves to integrate high-speed digital switching with high performance analog circuitries, e.g. ADCs and DACs, by addressing the interface between the data link MAC layer and the physical layer in the IEEE 802.11 layering architecture. A flexible architecture is afforded which can handle the need for both embedded baseband (BB) to radio frequency (RF) as well as MAC-PHY communications.

FIG. 1Aillustrates an embodiment for a MAC-PHY interface within a wireless device or wireless architecture100. InFIG. 1Aa host system110is shown linked to a wireless module120via a high speed serial interface130. In the embodiment ofFIG. 1A, the host system110includes one or more processing units, such as CPU112, and memory (RAM114and ROM118). Further, a wireless MAC layer116is shown in the host system110. In various embodiments of the present invention the MAC116is a software defined MAC and can be integrated inside an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or chipset. The invention, however, is not so limited. In this manner, the same firmware or driver for the MAC116can be used from product to product. In various embodiments of the invention, the software defined MAC116allows, or facilitates connection to radio PHYs122included in networks such as wireless local area networks (WLANs), wireless personal area networks (WPANs), and wireless wide area networks (WWANs), among others.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 1A, the wireless module120is illustrated containing a physical layer device (PHY)122, such as a radio, as well as an antenna124. In various embodiments of the invention, a set or defined protocol is used to interface the MAC116to the PHY122such that signaling between the MAC116and the PHY122does not have to depend on a particular PHY's communication standard. In this manner, the PHY122is vendor independent. That is, in the various embodiments of wireless architecture100neither the supplier nor the consumer is constrained by a solution or implementation dictated by the other side. Thus, the PHY122can be selected from the group of a WLAN PHY, a WWAN PHY, and a WPAN PHY, among others.

FIG. 1Billustrates another embodiment for a MAC-PHY interface in which antennas125-1and125-2are located apart from or separate from a wireless module120.

In various embodiments, the high speed serial interface130includes a number of differential signal lines130to provide connectivity between the MAC116and the PHY122. The high speed serial interface130can include third generation input/output (3GIO) lines130. And, according to some embodiments of the invention, the high speed serial interface130can include one or more high speed serial input/output channels having a length of I meter or greater. As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate upon reading this disclosure, the embodiments of the present invention thus permit added flexibility for positioning the PHY122and antennas,124/125-1,125-2, in consideration of RF performance.

FIG. 2Aillustrates differential signal lines230in an embodiment of a MAC-PHY interface, e.g.216and222. The lines230can also serve as the high speed serial interface130shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B. The MAC216is illustrated in a host system210, such as host system110shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B. The PHY222is illustrated in a wireless module220, such as wireless module120shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B. In the embodiment ofFIG. 2A, the MAC216is illustrated to include a digital phase locked loop component (DPLL)217.

The differential signal lines230include any suitable differential signal line such as a twisted wire pair or coaxial signal line, among others. In the embodiment ofFIG. 2A, the differential signal lines230include a pair of differential signal lines232-1and232-2, which are used for signaling between the wireless MAC216and the wireless PHY222. That is, in the embodiment ofFIG. 2A, differential signal line232-1is illustrated for use in transmitting signals (TX) and differential signal line232-2is illustrated for use in receiving signals (RX). In the embodiment ofFIG. 2A, the differential signal lines230include a differential signal line234-1for use in providing a differential clock signal from the wireless PHY222. As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this disclosure the DPLL217in the wireless MAC216can be used for resolving the differential clock signal from the wireless PHY222.

Also, as shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 2A, the differential signal lines230can include one or more optional, additional differential lines for use in transmitting signals236TX(S). And, the differential signal lines can include one or more optional, additional differential lines for use in receiving signals238RX(S).

As stated in connection with the previous Figures, the wireless MAC216in the various embodiments of the present invention includes a software defined wireless MAC216. This feature lends itself to allowing the same firmware to be used as a wireless MAC216from product to product. Further, the various embodiments for the software defined MAC216accommodate connection to radio PHYs222from multiple communication standards. Thus, the software defined wireless MAC216can readily be included in various networks such as wireless local area networks (WLANs), wireless personal area networks (WPANs), and wireless wide area networks (WWANs), among others.

As stated in connection with the previous Figures, the various embodiments of the invention include a pre-established, standardized, set, or defined protocol for use in interfacing the wireless MAC216to the wireless PHY222. In this manner, signaling between the wireless MAC216and the wireless PHY222does not have to depend on a particular wireless PHY's222communication standard and the wireless PHY222can be vendor independent.

The differential signal lines230provide a high speed serial interface230for connectivity between the wireless MAC216and the wireless PHY222. In various embodiments, the high speed serial interface230can include third generation input/output (3GIO) lines230. 3GIO lines are sometimes referred to as a PCI Express™ digital interface. In various embodiments, the high speed serial interface230can include a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, such as USB 2.0.

The embodiment ofFIG. 2Aillustrates that the differential signal lines can separate the wireless MAC216and the wireless PHY222by length of a meter or greater having the clock signal provided by the wireless PHY222and using a pre-established, standardized, set, or defined protocol for use in interfacing the wireless MAC216to the wireless PHY222. As mentioned above, the various embodiments contained herein permit added flexibility for positioning the wireless PHY222in consideration of RF performance.

FIG. 2Billustrates differential signal lines230having an embedded clock in an embodiment of a MAC-PHY interface. The differential signal lines230provide an interface between a wireless MAC216, within a host system210, and a wireless PHY222included in a wireless module220.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 2Bthe differential signal lines230include one or more high speed serial input/output lines, e.g.233-1,233-2,235, and237, which are used for signaling between the wireless MAC216and the wireless PHY222. In the embodiment ofFIG. 2B, the one or more high speed serial input/output lines include third generation input/output (3GIO) lines. As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, 3GIO lines include twisted wire pairs and use an embedded clock in each data stream. In the embodiment ofFIG. 2B, 3GIO line233-1is illustrated having an embedded clock and is illustrated for use in transmitting signals (TX). In the embodiment ofFIG. 2B, 3GIO line233-2is also illustrated having an embedded clock and is illustrated for use in receiving signals (RX).

The embodiment ofFIG. 2Billustrates optional, additional 3GIO lines can be provided for use in transmitting signals235TX(S) and for use in receiving signals237RX(S). However, the same are not required for the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 2B. As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate a 3GIO channel will include two twisted wire pairs. Thus in the embodiment ofFIG. 2B, having an embedded clock in each data stream, one 3GIO channel is provided for the interfacing the wireless MAC216to the wireless PHY222. One simplex pair, or twisted pair, is for use in TX signaling and one simplex pair is for use in RX signaling.

As before, the wireless MAC216can include a software defined wireless MAC216which allows a particular piece of firmware to be used as a wireless MAC216from product to product. As before, the wireless MAC216accommodates connection to radio PHYs222from multiple communication standards. And, as discussed before, a pre-established, standardized, or defined protocol interfaces the wireless MAC216to the wireless PHY222over the 3GIO channel, e.g.233-1and233-2such that the wireless MAC216does not have to depend on a particular wireless PHY's222communication standard and the wireless PHY222can be vendor independent.

However, the embodiments ofFIG. 2Bcan be contrasted from the embodiments ofFIG. 2Ain that the embodiments ofFIG. 2Buse two twisted wire pairs, whereas the embodiments ofFIG. 2Ause three twisted wire pairs, with one simplex pair providing a differential clock signal to the wireless MAC.

In the embodiments ofFIG. 2B, the embedded clock in the each data stream of the 3GIO lines, e.g.233-1and233-2, is configurable to operate at a 500 MHz or lower clock cycle. Thus, even though the wireless module222is operating typically in the Giga Hertz band, the MAC216modified clock cycle of the embedded clock in each data stream of the 3GIO lines, e.g.233-1and233-2, provides for a manageable and good timing closure between the MAC-PHY,216-222, interface. As one of ordinary skill in the art will further appreciate, the use of 3GIO lines,233-1and233-2, can separate the wireless MAC216and the wireless PHY222by length of a meter or greater. Once again, the various embodiments contained herein permit added flexibility for positioning the wireless PHY222in consideration of RF performance.

FIG. 3illustrates an embodiment for a MAC-PHY interface to one or more PHY devices in wireless system.FIG. 3is intended to illustrate that various embodiments of the present invention can accommodate a wireless device or system in which one or more wireless PHY devices can be operably coupled to a wireless MAC in a daisy chain manner, as the same will be known and understood by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this disclosure. Thus, in the embodiment ofFIG. 3an electronic device includes a host system310and the host310includes a wireless MAC316on it's motherboard, internal electronics board, or other printed circuit board.FIG. 3illustrates that the wireless MAC316can interface with one or more wireless modules,320-1, . . . ,320-N, each having at least one PHY device, e.g.322-1, . . . ,322-N.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 3, a high speed serial MAC-PHY interface330-1provides connectivity between the wireless MAC316and PHY device322-1. And, another high speed serial daisy chain,330-N, provides connectivity between PHY device322-1and PHY device322-N. As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate upon reading this disclosure, the wireless MAC316can interface to the one or more PHY devices,322-1, . . . ,322-N, using one or more differential signal lines,330-1and330-N, as discussed and described in detail above.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 3, one wireless module320-1is illustrated including antenna(s)324-1within the module320-1, similar to wireless module120inFIG. 1A. And, the embodiment ofFIG. 3illustrates another wireless module320-N wherein the antennas325-1and325-2are coupled to the PHY device322-N of module320-N, but are external or separate from the wireless module320-N itself, similar to wireless module120inFIG. 1B. The same is provided by way of illustration and not by way of limitation.

FIG. 4Aillustrates an embodiment for a MAC-PHY interface utilizing third generation input/output (3GIO) lines as described in some of the above embodiment discussion. In various embodiments, 3GIO lines can be dedicated to a MAC-PHY interface. In the embodiment ofFIG. 4A, a host system410is shown including a wireless MAC416which is interfaced to a wireless PHY device422within a wireless module420via one or more differential signal lines430. In the embodiment ofFIG. 4A, the one or more differential signal lines430are third generation input/output (3GIO) lines430. In embodiments utilizing 3GIO lines to interface a wireless MAC416to a wireless module420, each side of the interface includes a 3GIO physical layer (PHY) block, e.g.411and423. In the embodiment ofFIG. 4A, the wireless MAC416is coupled via413to 3GIO PHY block411on the host410side. And, the wireless PHY422is coupled via425to 3GIO PHY block423on the wireless module420side.

As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate upon reading this disclosure, embodiments of the invention can include a software defined wireless MAC416(firmware that can be used from product to product) that accommodates connection to radio PHYs422from multiple communication standards using a pre-established, standardized, or defined MAC-PHY protocol over a 3GIO channel, afford manageable, and good timing closure between the MAC-PHY interface, and permit separating a wireless MAC from a wireless PHY by a length of a meter or greater to permit added flexibility for positioning the wireless PHY in consideration of RF performance.

FIG. 4Billustrates an embodiment for a MAC-PHY interface utilizing 3GIO lines. In various embodiments, 3GIO lines can be interchangeably used either as standard 3GIO channels or as a MAC-PHY interface depending on configuration. In this manner, pre-existing 3GIO lines can be used to implement the various embodiments of the present invention and to provide an efficient use of hardware with the 3GIO lines serving a dual functionality. In the embodiment ofFIG. 4B, a host system410is shown including a wireless MAC416which is interfaced to a wireless PHY device422within a wireless module420via one or more differential signal lines430. As in the embodiment above,FIG. 4A, each side of the interface includes a 3GIO physical layer (PHY) block, e.g.411and423. In the embodiment ofFIG. 4B, the wireless MAC416is selectably coupled via413to 3GIO PHY block411on the host410side. And, the wireless PHY422is coupled via425to 3GIO PHY block423on the wireless module420side.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 4B, the host410further includes a full 3GIO stack421. That is, the 3GIO interface with the host410includes an OSI seven layer stack including a respective MAC-PHY. In various embodiments, the wireless MAC416has its own standard interface to 3GIO stack421.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 4B, a system configuration bit from component415can be provided by host410to selectably configure the 3GIO lines to be used as either as standard 3GIO channels in a first mode or as a MAC-PHY interface in a second mode. That is, in various embodiments, a configuration bit415can dedicate a number of 3GIO lines for use as a MAC-PHY interface,416-422via413to achieve the interfacing between the wireless MAC416in the host410and the wireless PHY422in the wireless module420. Likewise, a configuration bit415can connectively configure 3GIO PHY block411to an entire 3GIO stack421via413to be used as standard 3GIO channels.

In PC implementations, two 3GIO channels (one channel including two simplex pairs, or two twisted wire pairs) can be used as standard channels or as MAC-PHY interface channels depending upon configuration. Thus, the various embodiments allow pins on a chipset to be used as a general purpose 3GIO channel if the MAC is not used.

FIG. 5Aillustrates additional detail of another embodiment for a MAC-PHY interface utilizing 3GIO lines. In the embodiment ofFIG. 5A, a host system510is shown including a wireless MAC516which is interfaced to a wireless PHY device522within a wireless module520via one or more differential signal lines530. In the embodiment ofFIG. 5A, the one or more differential signal lines530are third generation input/output (3GIO) lines530. In the embodiment ofFIG. 5A, two 3GIO channels (one channel including two simplex pairs, or two twisted wire pairs) are illustrated.

InFIG. 5A, a first one of the two 3GIO channels (CHANNEL1) includes one simplex pair532-1which can be used for transmitting signals (TX) MAC-to-PHY in the MAC-PHY interface,516-522, and includes one simplex pair532-2which can be used for receiving signals (RX) PHY-to-MAC in the MAC-PHY interface,516-522. A second one of the two 3GIO channels (CHANNEL2) includes one simplex pair534-1which can be used for providing clock signals (CLK) from the PHY-to-MAC in the MAC-PHY interface,516-522, and includes one simplex pair534-2which can be used as a spare.

Again, in embodiments utilizing 3GIO lines to interface a wireless MAC516to a wireless module520, each side of the interface includes a 3GIO physical layer (PHY) block, e.g.511and523. In the embodiment ofFIG. 5A, the wireless MAC516is coupled via513to 3GIO PHY block511on the host510side. And, the wireless PHY522is coupled via525to 3GIO PHY block523on the wireless module520side.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 5A, a digital phase locked loop (DPLL) module517is provided with 3GIO PHY block511. In the embodiment ofFIG. 5A, a reference clock source527is provided which can provide a reference clock signal to 3GIO PHY block523. In various embodiments, such as shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 5A, the reference clock source527includes a reference clock source527which is configured to provide a 500 MHz or lower clock cycle to 3GIO PHY block523for transmission, PHY-to-MAC, on simplex pair534-1. As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate upon reading this disclosure, the DPLL module517is operable for resolving the reference clock signal from the wireless module clock source527.

FIG. 5Billustrates another embodiment for a MAC-PHY interface according to various embodiments of the invention. In the embodiment ofFIG. 5B, a host system510is shown including a wireless MAC516which is interfaced to a wireless PHY device522within a wireless module520via a 3GIO channel533(one channel including two simplex pairs, or two twisted wire pairs).

In the embodiment ofFIG. 5B, the 3GIO channel533(CHANNEL1) includes one simplex pair (TX) which can be used for transmitting signals, MAC-to-PHY, in the MAC-PHY interface,516-522and includes one simplex pair (RX) which can be used for receiving signals, PHY-to-MAC, in the MAC-PHY interface,516-522. The 3GIO channel uses an embedded clock in each data stream. Current 3GIO channels include embedded clocks operating at 2.5 GHz and are expected to increase to 10 GHz.

Again, in embodiments utilizing 3GIO lines to interface a wireless MAC516to a wireless module520, each side of the interface includes a 3GIO physical layer (PHY) block, e.g.511and523. In the embodiment ofFIG. 5B, the wireless MAC516is coupled via513to 3GIO PHY block511on the host510side. And, the wireless PHY522is coupled via525to 3GIO PHY block523on the wireless module520side.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 5B, a clock source519is provided in the host510and another clock source529is provided in the wireless module520. In the embodiment ofFIG. 5B, clock source519and529are configurable to operate at more than one clock cycle such that the embedded clock provided in each data stream on simplex pair (TX) and (RX) can be varied. In various embodiments, by way of example and not by way of limitation, clock source519can be selectably configured by host510to provide a 500 MHz or lower embedded clock in each data stream on simplex pair (TX) when CHANNEL1is in a first mode, operating as a MAC-PHY interface channel, and can be selectably configured by host510to provide a 2.5 GHz embedded clock in each data stream on simplex pair (TX) when CHANNEL1is in a second mode, operating as a standard 3GIO channel. Similarly, by way of example and not by way of limitation, clock source529can be selectably configured by wireless module520to provide a 500 MHz or lower embedded clock in each data stream on simplex pair (RX) when CHANNEL1is in a first mode operating as a MAC-PHY interface channel and can be selectably configured by wireless module520to provide a 2.5 GHz embedded clock in each data stream on simplex pair (RX) when CHANNEL1is in a second mode operating as a standard 3GIO channel. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the terms first and second do not imply a sequential order, but rather, imply that there are at least two modes possible in this embodiment.

In addition to the advantages described above, the flexibility of architectural design in the various embodiments can obviate the need for a PLL in a MAC chip. For architectural designs which do not use an existing 3GIO interface (FIG. 4B), but design a dedicated MAC-PHY interface by just using the 3GIO physical layer (FIG. 5A), the design becomes all digital.

FIG. 6illustrates another embodiment for a MAC-PHY interface. In the embodiment ofFIG. 6, a host system610includes an upper MAC640. As before, the upper MAC640can be software defined. A high speed serial interface630, such as those described in the various embodiments herein, couples the host610to a wireless module620. In the embodiment ofFIG. 6, wireless module620includes a lower MAC650coupled to a wireless PHY622.

As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate upon reading this disclosure, the software defined upper MAC and lower MAC embodiments,640and650respectively, ofFIG. 6can provide added “upward integration” in wireless architectures. In various embodiments, the software defined upper MAC and lower MAC,640and650, can facilitate the implementation of firmware that can be used from product to product, can accommodate connection to radio PHYs622from multiple communication standards using a pre-established, standardized, or defined MAC-PHY protocol over a 3GIO channel, can afford manageable, and good timing closure between the MAC-PHY interface, and can permit separating a wireless MAC from a wireless PHY by a length of a meter or greater to permit added flexibility for positioning the wireless PHY in consideration of RF performance.

FIG. 7Aillustrates an embodiment for a software defined MAC. The embodiment ofFIG. 7Aillustrates a software definable wireless MAC710. In the embodiment ofFIG. 7A, the software definable wireless MAC710includes memory, such as random access memory (RAM)714. The invention, however, is not limited to any one particular type of memory and one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate upon reading this disclosure that other memory, such as flash memory, DDRAM, among others can be used. As shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 7A, the software defined wireless MAC710includes a digital signal processor (DSP)760operable to process signals according to computer readable instructions from RAM714, among other sources.

The embodiment ofFIG. 7Afurther illustrates a system memory718. Software is downloadable from system memory718to memory on the software defined wireless MAC710, e.g. RAM714, to achieve the embodiments described herein. Various embodiments can include hardware accelerator modules, such as hardware accelerator modules762-1, . . . ,762-N shown on the software defined wireless MAC710in the embodiment ofFIG. 7, in order to assist in encryption and other functions as the same will be known and understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In the embodiment ofFIG. 7A, a host bus770is illustrated as provided to the software defined wireless MAC710. The software defined wireless MAC710is coupled to a high speed MAC-PHY interface730as the same has been described in the various embodiments herein.

FIG. 7Billustrates another embodiment for a wireless MAC710which can be software defined. The embodiment ofFIG. 7Baccommodates a streamlined hardware configuration for the wireless MAC710. In this embodiment, digital signal processing can be performed by a host CPU719in connection with a software driver. As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, this embodiment can alleviate the type and amount of logic764located on the wireless MAC by distributing or sharing the processing load with the host CPU719. Logic764in the embodiment ofFIG. 7Bcan include glue logic and registers as the same will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate upon reading this disclosure, the wireless MAC710hardware can be designed to work with various drivers in the host CPU719in order to make the MAC710compatible with different wireless standards. In such embodiments, the MAC710framing functionality can be handled by the driver and host CPU719.

FIG. 8Aillustrates a front perspective view of a laptop computer environment implementing one or more embodiments of the present invention. As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate upon reading this disclosure, the laptop computer800is but one example of an electronic device on which the various embodiments of the present invention can be implemented. As shown in the front perspective view ofFIG. 8A, the laptop computer environment includes a monitor802and a keyboard804. As shown inFIG. 8A, monitors are typically provided on the top flap of the laptop computer800. An electronics board806is provided within the laptop computer800. As one of ordinary skill in the art will understand upon reading this disclosure, a software defined wireless MAC, as has been described in the various embodiments herein, can reside on the electronics board806.

FIG. 8Billustrates a rear perspective view ofFIG. 8A. The embodiment ofFIG. 8Billustrates a wireless PHY device808, such as a radio, located in the top flap of the laptop computer800. The embodiment ofFIG. 8Bfurther illustrates an antenna810located therein. The invention, however, is not limited to the locations and placements depicted inFIGS. 8A and 8B, and one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate upon reading this disclosure the manner in which the various embodiments of the present invention can be incorporated into a laptop computing environment, among others, to achieve the aspects and/or advantages described herein. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that cable bundles are provided in the top flap of a laptop computer for transmission of data unrelated to the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of these pre-existing cables can be utilized with various embodiments of the present invention or one or more additional cables can be added to the cable bundle to utilize various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9illustrates a perspective view of a printing device environment implementing one or more embodiments of the present invention. As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate upon reading this disclosure, the printing device900is but one example of an electronic device on which the various embodiments of the present invention can be implemented. As shown in embodiment ofFIG. 9, the printing device environment includes an electronics board906. In various embodiments, the electronics board906can be provided deep within the printing device900. As one of ordinary skill in the art will understand upon reading this disclosure, a software defined wireless MAC, as has been described in the various embodiments herein, can reside on the electronics board906.

The printing device embodiment ofFIG. 9further illustrates a wireless PHY device908, such as a radio, positioned in consideration of RF performance. In various embodiments, the PHY device908can be positioned near the top of the printing device900. The embodiment ofFIG. 9further illustrates an antenna910positioned in consideration of RF performance. The invention, however, is not limited to the locations and placements depicted inFIG. 9, and one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate upon reading this disclosure the manner in which the various embodiments of the present invention can be incorporated into a printing device environment900, among others, to achieve the aspects and/or advantages described herein.

FIG. 10illustrates a wirelessly networked environment implementing one or more embodiments of the present invention. The wireless network embodiment ofFIG. 10, illustrates a perspective view of printing device1002, such as the printing device embodiment provided inFIG. 9. The embodiment ofFIG. 10further illustrates a rear perspective view of a laptop computer1000within the wirelessly networked environment. As described in connection withFIG. 8B, a wireless PHY device1008, such as a radio, can be located in the top flap of the laptop computer1000. The embodiment ofFIG. 10further illustrates an antenna1010located in the top flap of the laptop computer1000. As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate upon reading this disclosure, the laptop computer1000includes an electronics board (not shown) provided within the laptop computer1000.

In the wireless network embodiment ofFIG. 10, the printing device1002also includes a wireless PHY device1022, such as a radio, positioned in consideration of RF performance. In various embodiments, the PHY device1022can be positioned near the top of the printing device1002. The embodiment ofFIG. 10further illustrates an antenna1020positioned in consideration of RF performance. The printing device further includes an electronics board1024. In various embodiments, the electronics board1024can be provided deep within the printing device1002. As one of ordinary skill in the art will understand upon reading this disclosure, a software defined wireless MAC, as has been described in the various embodiments herein, can reside on the electronics boards of both the laptop computer1000and the printing device1002.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate upon reading this disclosure, that data signals can be wirelessly passed between the laptop computer1000and the printing device1002implementing the various embodiments of the present invention. As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, implementation of the various embodiments of the present invention is not limited to use in the specific devices illustrated in the embodiment ofFIG. 10. And, as one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate upon reading this disclosure the wirelessly networked environment illustrated in the embodiment ofFIG. 10can include a wireless wide area network (WWAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), and a wireless personal area network (WPAN). The invention is not so limited.

FIGS. 11-13are block diagrams illustrating various method embodiments of the invention. As one of ordinary skill in the art will understand, the methods can be performed by software, application modules, and computer executable instructions operable on the systems and devices shown herein or otherwise. The invention, however, is not limited to any particular operating environment or to software written in a particular programming language. Unless explicitly stated, the methods described below are not constrained to a particular order or sequence. Additionally, some of the so described methods can occur or be performed at the same point in time.

FIG. 11illustrates a method embodiment for interfacing a MAC to PHY device. In the embodiment ofFIG. 11, the method includes providing a media access controller (MAC) on a first printed circuit board at block1110. The method further includes providing a physical layer device (PHY) separate from the first printed circuit board and proximate to an antenna at block1120. At block1130, the method includes interfacing the MAC and the PHY using a number of differential signal lines.

FIG. 12illustrates another method embodiment for interfacing a MAC to PHY device. In the embodiment ofFIG. 12, the method includes configuring at least two high speed serial channels for use as a MAC-PHY interface at block1210. At block1220, the method further includes providing a reference clock signal over a first one of at least two configured channels using the PHY as a clock source. At block1230, the method further includes transmitting and receiving signals over a second one of the at least two dedicated channels.

FIG. 13illustrates another method embodiment for interfacing a MAC to PHY device. In the embodiment ofFIG. 13, the method includes selectably configuring one or more differential signal lines as a MAC-PHY interface in a first mode and as standard channels in a second mode, as shown in block1310. At block1320, the method further includes bringing a PHY device out of a reset mode by raising a common mode voltage for the PHY device in the first mode. At block1330, the method includes signaling between the MAC and the PHY in the first mode according to a set, pre-established, or standardized protocol which does not depend on a particular PHY's communication standard.

It is emphasized that the Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b) requiring an Abstract that will allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to limit the scope of the claims.