Devices, systems and methods for power optimization using transmission slot availability mask

A method can include at a combination device, receiving or generating a slot availability mask (SAM) information compatible with a Bluetooth and/or Bluetooth Low Energy (BT) standard; by operation of BT compatible circuits of the combination device, determining a schedule of BT compatible data transfers in response to at least the SAM information; and by operation of circuits compatible with at least one IEEE 802.11 wireless standard (WLAN circuits), determining a schedule of WLAN compatible data transfers in response to at least the SAM information. Related systems and methods are also disclosed.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to wireless networks, and more particularly to wireless networks that include combination devices able to execute data transfers according to two or more different wireless communication protocols.

BACKGROUND

Providing different wireless communication circuits on the same integrated circuit device can provide cost-effective, compact and power efficient solutions to devices requiring wireless communication capabilities. For example, integrated circuits can include Bluetooth compatible circuits collocated with circuits compatible with one or more IEEE 802.11 standards (WLAN circuits).

A challenge presented by BT-WLAN combination devices is that the communication circuits can share the same medium (frequencies around 2.4 GHz). To ensure that BT transmissions do not interfere with WLAN transmissions (and vice versa), a combination device can include a medium control mechanism. For example, in some conventional BT-WLAN combination devices, BT circuits can request control of the medium. If WLAN circuits are not currently transmitting or receiving, control of the medium can be passed to the BT circuits for predetermined amount of time. Control can then return to the WLAN circuits.

Any way of decreasing power consumption could benefit power sensitive applications, such as portable devices having the need for dual wireless capabilities. Further, increasing WLAN performance (e.g., WLAN link capacity) in a combination device could provide a competitive advantage over conventional devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to embodiments system can include a combination device where a first wireless circuit can operate according to a schedule (e.g., slot availability map, SAM) compatible with a first standard (e.g., Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy, BT). Information from the schedule can be sent to collocated second circuits to alter transmissions compatible with a second standard (e.g., an IEEE 802.11 wireless standard, WLAN).

In some embodiments, based on SAM information from BT circuits, collocated WLAN circuits can aggregate transmissions into time periods of no scheduled BT activity.

In some embodiments, based on SAM information from BT circuits, collocated WLAN circuits can send transmissions indicating time periods of no scheduled BT activity as preferred WLAN reception windows.

In some embodiments, BT circuits can send pre-trigger signals to collocated WLAN circuits prior to the start of time periods of no scheduled BT activity. The WLAN circuits can then execute WLAN data transfers in such time periods.

In some embodiments, BT circuits collocated with WLAN circuits can be configured to serve as a sink for streaming data. The BT circuits can receive or negotiate a SAM with a data source having a low receive data duty cycle.

In the various embodiments below, like items are referred to by the same reference characters, but with the leading digit(s) corresponding to the figure number.

FIGS.1A to1Care a sequence of diagrams showing operations of a system100with a combination device102according to embodiments.FIGS.1A to1Cshow a combination device102that includes first wireless circuits104in communication with second wireless circuits106over communication path108. First and second wireless circuits104/106can transmit and receive data wirelessly according to different standards/protocols. In the embodiment shown, first wireless circuits104can be compatible with a Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy (herein referred to as BT) standard and second wireless circuits106can be compatible with one or more IEEE 802.11 wireless standards (herein referred to as WLAN). First and second wireless circuits104/106can be formed in a same integrated circuit (IC) device, and in some embodiments can be formed in a same IC substrate.

First wireless circuits104can include first scheduling circuit110which can receive, create, and/or negotiate a schedule for transmissions according to the first standard. In some embodiments, a schedule can take the form of a BT Slot Availability Mask (SAM). Second wireless circuits106can include second scheduling circuit112which can execute data transfers according to the second standard. Further, unlike conventional approaches, second wireless circuits106can alter data transfers based on schedule information received from first wireless circuits104.

FIG.1Ashows a system100in an initial state. First wireless circuits104can schedule operations according to a default manner, specifying the availability or unavailability of transmission time periods (e.g., BT slots). For example, scheduling can be established by a controller of first wireless circuits104based on an application executed by combination device102. Consequently, first wireless circuits104can present a conventional schedule116that shows used slots (one shown118). Used slots can be those in which first wireless circuits104will transmit data or expect to receive data. Second wireless circuits106can also operate in a conventional fashion, transmitting and receiving according to its own second scheduling circuits112.

InFIG.1A, first and second wireless circuits (104and106) can be controlling access to a wireless medium in a conventional fashion. For example, first wireless circuits104can request control of the medium from second wireless circuits106when it seeks to transmit and/or receive data. When second wireless circuits receive such a request they can yield the medium to the requesting wireless circuits for a predetermined amount of time or can refuse to yield the medium forcing the first wireless circuits104to request the medium again.

FIG.1Bshows a system100adopting a modified schedule according to an embodiment. As a result of the modified schedule, used slots can be concentrated in time to create one or more groups of consecutive unused slots.FIG.1Bshows one example of a modified schedule120. Used slots (e.g.,118) have been concentrated resulting in a time period122formed by unused slots. A modified schedule120can be created by first wireless circuits104receiving and accepting a schedule from another device, or by first scheduling circuit110creating its own schedule by maximizing consecutive unused slots while still meeting scheduled transmission requirements.

While time period122can be considered to include unused slots with respect to first wireless circuits104, such a time period may be considered to include used slots by other devices operating according to the first standard. That is, a modified schedule (e.g.,120) sent by combination device102can indicate time period122as including used slots, thereby preventing or reducing transmissions by other first standard devices during the time period122.

As noted above, while a first scheduling circuit110can generate a modified schedule (e.g.,120), a modified schedule can also be received from, or negotiated with, one or more other devices (not shown). Embodiments can include a modified schedule120being received by another device operating according to the first standard. The modified schedule120can be accepted by combination device102returning a message to the other device. A modified schedule120can also be negotiated with another device operating according to the first standard. As but one example, first scheduling circuits110can generate a first schedule and transmit it to the other device. If the other device does not accept the schedule, the schedule can be further modified and sent for adoption by the other device. Such an operation can include the combination device102receiving a schedule from the other device, and modifying its schedule based on the received schedule.

Referring still toFIG.1B, once a modified schedule has been established, first scheduling circuits110can send schedule information124over communication path108to second scheduling circuits112. Based on such schedule information124, second scheduling circuits112can modify its data transfer operations. As but one example, second scheduling circuits112can arrange for transmissions to be concentrated in a time period122. Schedule information can take any suitable form, including but not limited to: a data structure reflecting the modified schedule and/or trigger signals related to the timing of the schedule. In some embodiments, trigger signals can be issued prior to the start of a time period122. Trigger signals can also be issued prior to the start of the next used slot (e.g.,118) following a time period122, or prior to the end of the time period122.

FIG.1Cshows system100operations during the time period corresponding to a modified schedule (e.g.,120). Actual transmissions126can include transmissions according to the first standard occurring the scheduled time slots (one shown as118). In addition, transmissions according to the second standard (one shown as128) have been concentrated in time period122.

FIGS.2A and2Bare diagrams showing the operation of a system200according to another embodiment. A system200can include a combination device with BT circuits (not shown) collocated on a same IC device as WLAN circuits212. The BT circuits can be configured as a BT slave with respect to a BT master.

FIG.2Ashows a conventional BT SAM216. Groups of used BT slots218-0to218-3) can include transmissions by a BT master (M) and the BT circuits (S) of the combination device. Used BT slots (218-0to -3) can be scheduled according to a default schedule or an initial schedule received from a BT master. WLAN circuits212can have a number of MAC protocol data units (MPDUs)230-0to -3scheduled for transmission. As shown, assuming BT circuits are granted access to the medium as requested per conventional SAM216, WLAN circuits212can have WLAN transmit opportunities (TXOPs)232-0/1to send MPDUs.

FIG.2Bshows how a modified SAM220can improve WLAN performance, particularly link capacity. As shown, a modified SAM220can schedule used BT slots (218-0to -3) to create a time period222in which there is no scheduled BT activity by collocated BT circuits. However, other devices, including the BT master can consider time period222as including unavailable BT slots.

WLAN circuits212can schedule transmission of MPDUs (230-0to -3) within time period222. In some embodiments, this can include WLAN circuits212receiving information related to modified SAM220that indicates when time period222will start. In the embodiment shown, WLAN circuits212can combine MPDUs (230-0to -3) into an Aggregate MPDU (AMPDU)234and transmit the AMPDU234in the time period222(shown as236). However, in alternate embodiments, WLAN circuits212could transmit MPDUs (230-0to -3) in a serial fashion within time period222or use some other aggregation protocol.

FIG.3Ais a block diagram of a system300according to another embodiment. A system300can include a combination device302, a second BT node338, and a peer WLAN device340. A combination device302can include a BT section304and WLAN section306connected by a communication path308over which scheduling information324can be transmitted. A BT section304can include circuits for executing wireless communication functions compatible with a BT standard, and can take the form of any of the those described herein, or equivalents. Similarly, a WLAN section306can include circuits for executing wireless communication functions compatible with a WLAN standard and can take the form of any of the those described herein, or equivalents.

A BT section304can serve as a first BT node and can be in communication with second BT node338. BT section304and second BT node338can form all or part of a BT piconet. In the embodiment shown, BT section304can be configured as a BT slave while second BT node338can be configured as a BT master. According to embodiments, a BT section304and second BT node338can communicate with one another with a Link Manager Protocol (LMP) sequence342to arrive at a modified SAM320that concentrates BT packet transmission (e.g.,318-0/1) into contiguous or near groups of slots to maximize sequential free slots (e.g.,322). Such a sequence can include any of those described herein to produce a modified transmission schedule (e.g., SAM). However, in some embodiments, BT section304can generate a modified SAM and transmit it for acceptance by second BT node338. If the modified SAM is not accepted, it can be changed (e.g., BT packet transmissions318-0/1moved, free slots322moved or reduced, etc.) and resent to the second BT node338. According to embodiments, a BT section304and second BT node338can communicate with one another with a Link Manager Protocol (LMP) sequence342to arrive at a modified SAM320.

Based on modified SAM320, BT section304can generate pre-triggers344which can be sent to WLAN section306over communication path308. Pre-triggers can precede any of various signaling events in a modified SAM320.FIG.3Ashows three possible pre-triggers, but alternate embodiments can include any other suitable pre-triggers. A first type pre-trigger344-0can precede the start of a run of sequential free slots (e.g.,322). A second type pre-trigger344-1can precede the end of a run of sequential free slots (e.g.,322). A third type pre-trigger344-2can precede the start of scheduled BT activity (e.g.,318-1), in particular, the first BT activity following free slots322.

A WLAN section306can serve as a first WLAN device in a basic service set (BSS) and can be in communication with peer WLAN device340. In the embodiment shown, WLAN section306can be WLAN station (STA) while peer WLAN device340can be an access point (AP).

In response to triggers344, WLAN section306can alter WLAN data transfer operations. In this way, SAM information from a collocated BT device can be used by WLAN circuits to alter WLAN scheduling. While changes in WLAN transmission/reception can take any suitable form, in some embodiments, a WLAN section306can hold transmissions until first type pre-trigger (e.g.,344-0) is received. Then, a set time period after the pre-trigger, the WLAN section306can execute WLAN transmissions (e.g., concentrate WLAN transmissions in the free slot time period322). In addition or alternatively, in response to a first type pre-trigger, a WLAN section306can send a transmission to its BSS indicating it is ready to receive data. Such a transmission can take any suitable form, including a poll, but in some embodiments can be a WLAN trigger. For example, in response to a first-type pre-trigger (e.g.,344-0), a WLAN section306can issue a WLAN trigger transmission for peer WLAN device340. In response to the WLAN trigger, peer WLAN device340can transmit data for reception by WLAN section306. A WLAN trigger can be a trigger addressed to a device or can be a broadcast transmission.

A WLAN section306can also respond to a second or third type pre-trigger (e.g.,344-1/2). As but one example, in response to a second or third type pre-trigger, a WLANs section306can cease WLAN transmissions a predetermined time after receiving the second type pre-trigger. In addition, a WLAN section306can cease or reduce WLAN operations for a predetermined period of time (e.g., frame) to prevent interference with BT transmissions.

FIG.3Bis a block diagram of another system300′ according to an embodiment. A system300′ can include items like those ofFIG.3A, including a combination device302, a second BT node338, and a peer WLAN device340.

As in the case ofFIG.3A, inFIG.3BBT section304can serve as a slave BT node and in communication with a second (master) BT node338. However, unlikeFIG.3A, BT section304is configured to a receive streaming data from second BT node338. In the embodiment shown, BT section304can be configured as an Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) audio sink, and receive BT A2DP packets at a predetermined rate, and process such packets with a predetermined latency (e.g., 100-150 ms). According to embodiments, BT section304can create or negotiate a SAM that schedules data reception slots at a lowest predetermined duty cycle, while at the same time maximizing sequential free slots. A lowest predetermined duty cycle can be the minimum amount of data slots for meeting a latency requirement, optionally with some margin. A lowest predetermined duty cycle can include not only slots for streamed data, but other slots needed to meet other piconet data transfer operations.

FIG.3Bshows a modified SAM320′ that includes BT A2DP packets (e.g.,318-0′/1′) spaced in time to create sequential free slots322. BT A2DP packets (e.g.,318-0′/1′) can be scheduled with a low duty cycle by at a rate sufficient to meet a latency requirement.

Referring still toFIG.3B, according to embodiments, a modified SAM320′ can reduce a BT transmission (TX) duty cycle as compared to conventional approaches. In a conventional approach, BT section304can request control over the medium from WLAN section306, as needed, to create a window in which streamed data packets (e.g., A2DP packets) can be received. If the medium is free, a WLAN section306can yield the medium to the BT section304for a BT RX window. When the BT RX window is over, the WLAN section306regains control of the medium. Thus, to receive a next set of streamed data packets, BT section304will have to once again request access to the medium. In some cases, a WLAN section306may not yield the medium, forcing BT section304to repeat a medium request for its A2DP data. This process can repeat as data is streamed, with the BT section304periodically requesting the medium.

Such a conventional approach is represented inFIG.3Bby346. Over a time period (e.g., 100 ms), BT section304can make continuous requests to meet a streaming requirement.

In contrast, according to embodiments a BT section304can arrive at a SAM with slots dedicated to the reception of streaming data. As but one example, BT section304can receive or generate (and adjust if necessary) a SAM (e.g.,320′) having slots dedicated to receiving streaming audio data (e.g., mark them as available in a SAM accepted by second BT node338). Dedicated slots can be sufficient to meet a latency requirement (can have some additional margin, in some embodiments). Such an approach is represented inFIG.3Bby348. Over a time period (e.g., 100 ms), BT section304can make only periodic requests. This can result in a significant reduction in a BT RX duty cycle. For example, in a given time period (e.g., 100 ms) a conventional approach can include about twenty requests to control a medium along with BT data transfer operations. In contrast, with a SAM according to embodiments, such accesses can be reduced to about two. Such a significant reduction in requests for media access, and more efficient transfers of streaming data can result in significant power savings in a BT section, as compared to conventional approaches which do not appropriate BT slots for streamed data with a SAM. Such approaches can also increase WLAN channel capacity as noted forFIG.3A.

FIG.4is a block diagram of a combination device402according to another embodiment. In some embodiments, combination device402can be one particular implementation of combination devices shown inFIGS.1A to3B. A combination device402can include first communication circuits404, second communication circuits406, controller circuits450, radio circuits448, and input/output (I/O) circuits452. First communication circuits404can be BT circuits, including BT control circuits404-0and BT baseband circuits404-1. BT circuits404can operate in a 2.4 GHz band according to one or more BT standards. BT control circuits404-0can control BT operations, including the formation and transmission of BT packets. BT control circuits404-0can include SAM control circuits410, which can generate, adjust, and negotiate to arrive at a modified SAM, as described herein and equivalents.

Second communication circuits406can be WLAN circuits, including Wi-Fi control circuit406-0and Wi-Fi media access control (MAC) circuits406-1. WLAN circuits can operate in 2.4 GHz WLAN bands as well as 5.0 GHz WLAN bands. Wi-Fi control circuits406-0can include a WLAN scheduling circuit412. WLAN scheduling circuit412can alter WLAN transmissions in response to SAM information received from BT circuits404as described herein and equivalents.

Controller circuits450can control operations of a combination device402, including processing control inputs to access functions of BT circuits404and WLAN circuits406. In the embodiment shown, controller circuits450can include one or more processors450-0and a memory system450-1.

Radio circuits448can include any suitable radio circuits for enabling wireless data transmission and reception compatible with first communication circuits404and second communication circuits406. In some embodiments, radio circuits448can include physical layer (PHY) circuits and baseband circuits. In some embodiments, radio circuits448can transmit/receive on any internationally recognized ISM band. As but one example, radio circuits448can transmit and receive at a bands around 2.4 GHz.

I/O circuits452can enable control of combination device402by another source external to the combination device402. I/O circuits452can include circuits that enable communication with the combination device according to any suitable method, including any of various serial data communication standards/methods including but not limited to: serial digital interface (SDI), universal serial bus (USB), universal asynchronous receiver transmitter (UART), I2C, or I2S.

FIG.5is a block diagram of a combination device502according to another embodiment. In some embodiments, combination device502can be one particular implementation of those shown inFIGS.1A to4. A combination device502can include a BT section504and a WLAN section506. A BT section504can include a controller504-0, BT control circuits504-1, media control circuit556, and first I/O circuits542-0in communication with one another over a bus558. A controller504-0can communicate with WLAN section506via bus558and bridge508with media control circuits556, or any other suitable manner. A controller504-0can include one or more processors550-1and a memory system550-0. A controller504-0and store, create or modify SAMs as described herein and equivalents. In the embodiment shown, memory system550-0can store configuration data for one or more SAMs510-0. Further, memory system550-0can include instructions executable processor(s)550-1to create or modify a SAM to concentrate BT transmissions, and create consecutive slots for potential WLAN activity, as described herein and equivalents.

BT control circuits504-1can include circuits for performing functions according to one or more BT standards. In some embodiments, this can include executing LMP sequences to send SAMs to other BT nodes and receive SAMs from other BT nodes.

Media control circuits556can communicate with WLAN section506over bridge508to coordinate communications between BT and WLAN sections (504,506). In some embodiments this can include WLAN section506receiving requests from BT circuits504to yield the medium to the BT circuits504. In addition or alternatively, this can include BT section504sending SAM information (including pre-triggers) to WLAN section506. First I/O circuits542-0can enable communication with the combination device502according to any of the embodiments described herein or equivalents.

BT radio circuits548-0can convert BT packet data into suitable radio signals for transmission, as well as receive BT packets for demodulation.

A WLAN section506can include WLAN control circuits506-0, bridge control circuit562, MAC layer circuits506-1, and second I/O circuits542-1in communication with one another over a backplane560. WLAN control circuits506-0can include a memory system552and one or more processors554. WLAN control circuits506-0can control operations of WLAN section506, including altering WLAN transmission in response to SAM information received from BT section504as described for herein and equivalents. For example, WLAN transmission scheduling can be altered according processor(s)554executing scheduling instructions512stored in memory system552based on received SAM information.

Bridge control circuit562can control data transfer operations between BT section504and WLAN section506over bridge508, including the reception of SAM info from BT section504. Second I/O circuits542-1can enable communication with the combination device502according to any of the embodiments described herein or equivalents, including communications with BT section504over bridge508.

MAC layer circuits506-1can perform MAC layer operations, including the incorporation of suitable headers, error correction and length fields, as well as fragmentation and reassembly of data frames. MAC layer circuits506-1can receive data from and send data to WLAN control circuits506-0over a backplane560.

PHY layer circuits564can be connected to MAC layer circuits506-1and can perform PHY layer operations, including but not limited to converting MAC layer data into a format suitable for the wireless medium being used, as well as controlling the modulation of outgoing data frames and the demodulation of incoming data frames.

WLAN radio circuits548-1can convert data frames into suitable radio signals for transmission, as well as receive radio signals for demodulation into data frames.

BT and WLAN radio circuits548-0/1can be connected to an antenna system via antenna connections566.

FIGS.6A and6Bare diagrams of SAMs according to embodiments. However, it is understood the SAMs are provided by way of example and should not be construed as limiting.FIG.6Ashows a SAM620having BT available slots618-0and618-1in which BT data can be received or transmitted. Available slots618-0/1are concentrated at two locations within SAM620, however alternate embodiments can include a different distribution depending upon the application or profile. The concentration of available slots618-0can result in consecutive slots622which can be indicated as not available. Consecutive slots622can be interpreted by other BT devices of a piconet to be unavailable for transmission. However, within a combination device according to embodiments, consecutive slots622can be designated as TX and/or RX opportunities for a collocated WLAN circuit.FIG.6Ashows other unavailable slots668. Such slots may be unavailable for purposes of the piconet, and so are understood not to be part of a WLAN TX/RX opportunity.

FIG.6Bshows a SAM620′ represented by submaps. Submaps are portions of a SAM that include like numbers of slots. As shown, two submaps618-0′/1′ are of type “1” indicating that all slots are available for BT transmission or reception. Such submaps618-0′/1′ can be used to consolidate scheduled BT transmissions resulting in unused submaps622′. Like the consecutive slots622ofFIG.6A, submaps622′ ofFIG.6Bcan marked as unavailable (type 2) for other BT devices of a piconet but understood by a combination device to be TX and/or RX opportunities for a collocated WLAN circuit.

While embodiments can include any of the method described above with reference to devices and systems, additional methods will now be described with reference to flow diagrams.

FIG.7is a flow diagram of method770for controlling transmission operations of a combination device according to an embodiment. A method770can be performed by a combination device as disclosed herein.

A method770can include receiving and/or negotiating a SAM with BT circuits770-0. Such an action can include BT circuits generating a SAM, receiving a SAM, or negotiating a SAM with another device as described herein and equivalents. A SAM can have BT transmission operations concentrated in order to maximize consecutive slots that are not used by BT transmissions. SAM information can then be sent to collocated WLAN circuits770-2. SAM information can take the form of any of those described herein, including but not limited to a data structure representing an entire SAM or timing signals (e.g., trigger, pre-triggers) to signal WLAN TX and/or RX opportunity times.

WLAN circuits can alter a scheduling of RX and/or TX operations in response to the SAM information770-4. Such actions can include WLAN circuits concentrating (e.g., aggregating) data for transmission in the TX/RX opportunity time. In addition or alternatively, such actions can include WLAN circuit notifying other WLAN devices of the TX/RX opportunity time. However, various other WLAN alterations can occur in response to SAM information, and these particular examples should not be construed as limiting.

FIG.8is a flow diagram of method872for establishing a SAM according to an embodiment. A method872can be executed by a BT node, including a BT section of a combination device.

A method872can include determining if another connected BT node can operate according to a SAM872-0. If another node is not SAM compatible (N from872-0), a method872will not create a SAM and will check once again if connected to another BT node.

If another node is SAM compatible (Y from872-0), a method872can include receiving or creating a SAM with consecutive unavailable slots that do not correspond to BT data transfers872-2. In some embodiments, such an action can include determining BT operations that are to occur in a SAM time frame and moving/consolidating them to create one or more runs of consecutive slots not having any scheduled BT operations.

The SAM can be sent to the other BT node872-4. Such an action can include a LMP sequence, as but one example. If the SAM is not accepted by the other BT node (N from872-6), a method872can adjust the SAM872-8. This can include increasing and/or moving BT transmission slots. More particularly, a request can be received to adjust the SAM from the other BT node, and the requested adjustment can be accepted if the resulting SAM still includes an acceptable number of consecutive unavailable slots. A method872can continue to attempt adjustments to a SAM and request acceptance at the other BT node until performance levels can no longer be met, after which attempts to use the SAM can end.

If the SAM is accepted by the other BT node (Y from872-6), a method872can send information for the SAM to collocated WLAN circuits872-10. Such actions can include any of those described herein or equivalents.

FIG.9is a flow diagram of method974for sending SAM based pre-trigger signals from BT circuits to collocated WLAN circuits according to an embodiment. A method974can be executed by a BT section of a combination device.

A method974can include establishing a SAM with consecutive unavailable slots that do not correspond to BT data transfers974-0. Such an action can include any of those described herein or equivalents, including generating the SAM, receiving the SAM from another BT node, or negotiating the SAM with another BT node.

A method974can then wait until a time (t) reaches a start pre-trigger point974-2. A start pre-trigger point can be the start of the unavailable slots less some lead time. The lead time can be some predetermined time, or can be event based (e.g., last scheduled BT data transfer before the start time). When a start pre-trigger point is reached (Y from974-2), a method974can send a start pre-trigger to collocated WLAN circuits974-4.

A method974can then wait until the time reaches an end pre-trigger point974-6. An end pre-trigger point can be at the end of the unavailable slots less some lead time. In alternate embodiments, an end pre-trigger point can be event based and occur after the unavailable slots (e.g., first request for the medium by a BT section after the unavailable slots). When an end pre-trigger point is reached (Y from974-6), a method974can send an end pre-trigger to collocated WLAN circuits974-8.

FIG.10is a flow diagram of method1076for establishing a low BT RX duty cycle SAM for a system according to an embodiment. A method1076can be executed by a BT node, including a BT section of a combination device.

A method1076can include creating a SAM with a low RX duty cycle that meets a slave BT data sink requirements1076-0. Such an action can include creating a SAM with data RX slots that occur at a lower data cycle than conventional scheduling. In some embodiments, such an action can include creating a SAM with as low an RX frequency as possible to meet a data transfer requirement (e.g., streaming, latency), plus some margin (e.g., a limited number of additional slots marked as available). A resulting SAM can be sent to another BT node1076-2. If the SAM is accepted by the other BT (Y from1076-4), a method can send information based on the SAM to collocated WLAN circuits1076-6.

If the SAM is not accepted by the other BT (N from1076-4), a method can increase the RX duty cycle of the SAM1076-8. If the duty cycle remains below some maximum (N from1076-10) a method can resend the SAM to the other BT (return to1076-2). A maximum duty cycle can be a predetermined value or can be that equivalent to conventional scheduling, as but two of many possible examples. If the duty cycle exceeds the maximum (Y from1076-10) a method1076can cease trying to set up a low duty cycle SAM1076-12.

FIG.11is a flow diagram of method1178for aggregating WLAN transmissions in a window established by a SAM of collocated BT circuits according to an embodiment. A method1178can be executed by a WLAN section of a combination device.

A method1178can include one or more WLAN data frames being ready for transmission (1178-0). A method1178can determine if it receives a start pre-trigger generated from SAM information of the collocated BT circuits1178-2.

If the pre-trigger is received (Y from1178-2), the held or aggregated data frames can be transmitted1178-10. Such an action can include transmitting the data frames in a serial fashion or transmitting the data frames in an aggregated form (e.g., AMPDU), as but two examples.

If the trigger is not received (N from1178-2), WLAN circuits can hold and/or aggregate the data frames1178-4. A method1178can then determine if hold conditions have been exceeded1178-6. Such an action can include exceeding some delay limit for the data frames. If hold conditions are not exceeded (N from1178-6) a method1178can continue to hold and/or aggregate data frames (return to1178-4). If hold conditions are exceeded (Y from1178-6) a method1178can include the WLAN section taking control of the medium1178-8and then transmitting the data frames1178-10.

FIG.12is a flow diagram of method1280for controlling WLAN operations according to SAM based information from a collocated BT section according to an embodiment. A method1280can be executed by a WLAN section of a combination device.

A method1280can include executing WLAN operations (TX and RX) as needed1280-0. Such an action can include a WLAN section controlling the medium shared with a BT section. While a SAM end pre-trigger is not received from a collocated BT section (N from1280-2), WLAN operations can continue1280-0.

However, if a SAM end pre-trigger is received from a collocated BT section (Y from1280-2), a method can determine if it is executing a priority WLAN operation1280-4. If a priority WLAN operation is in progress (Y from1280-4), a method1280continue such an operation until it is completed or abandoned.

If a priority WLAN operation is not in progress (N from1280-4), the WLAN section can yield the medium to the collocated BT section1280-6. As long as a SAM start pre-trigger is not received or a BT operation window remains open (N from1280-8), the medium can continue to be controlled by the BT section. When a SAM start pre-trigger is received or a BT operation window ends (Y from1280-8), WLAN operations can resume (e.g., a WLAN section can retake control of the medium) (return to1280-0).

FIG.13is a flow diagram of method1382for signaling a WLAN receive opportunity (RXOP) according to SAM based information according to an embodiment. A method1382can be executed by a WLAN section of a combination device.

A method1382can include receiving SAM information from collocated BT circuits1382-0. Such an action can include any of those described herein or equivalents (e.g., actual data representation of the SAM or a pre-trigger timed according to the SAM). A WLAN section can determine a RXOP from the SAM info1382-4. In some embodiments this can include determining a start of the RXOP. However, in other embodiments this can also include determining a duration of the RXOP.

Once a the RXOP has been determined, a method1382can include the WLAN section transmitting information for the TXOP1382-6. Such an action can include any suitable notification, but in particular embodiments can include a WLAN trigger of poll transmission intended to elicit a data transfer from another WLAN device. Other WLAN devices can receive such a transmission and schedule the transmission of data to the WLAN section in the indicated RXOP.

While embodiments can take any suitable form, some embodiments can be unitary devices of advantageously compact size. For example, in some embodiments a combination device can be a single integrated circuit.FIG.14show one particular example of a packaged single chip combination device1402. Such a device can include collocated wireless communication circuits, as described herein, including WLAN circuits which can alter operation based on SAM information received from collocated BT circuits.

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 chip onto a circuit board or other substrate.

Referring toFIGS.15A to15D, various systems according to embodiments are shown in series of diagrams.FIG.15Ashows a handheld computing device1590A. Handheld computing device1590A can include a combination device1502A that can control transmissions as described herein, or equivalents.

FIG.15Bshows an automobile1590B that can have numerous sub-systems, including a communication subsystem1592. In some embodiments, a communication subsystem1592can enable an automobile to provide Wi-Fi communications as well as enable other devices to pair to the system via Bluetooth. Communication subsystem1592can include a combination device1502B as described herein, or equivalents.

FIG.15Cshows a router device1590C. Router device1590C can provide routing functions for a relatively large range protocol (e.g., WLAN) while also enabling access via a closer range protocol (e.g., Bluetooth). Router device1590C can include a combination device1502C as described herein, or equivalents.

FIG.15Dshows a human interface device1590D. Human interface device1590D can enable a person to interact or control other devices. As but a few of many possible examples, human interface device1590D can control a computing system, manufacturing equipment or other systems. Human interface device1590D can include a combination device1502D as described herein, or equivalents.

Embodiments described herein are in contrast to conventional systems in which a BT section can continually request access to a medium shared with a collocated WLAN section. According to embodiments, a BT SAM can be established that consolidates BT transmissions to thereby create contiguous unused BT slots in the SAM, which can be used as WLAN transmit or receive opportunities. This can reduce power consumption by the BT section as well as increase performance of the WLAN section.

These and other advantages would be understood by those skilled in the art.

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.