WO2009098614A2

WO2009098614A2 - Transceiver and communication system

Info

Publication number: WO2009098614A2
Application number: PCT/IB2009/050353
Authority: WO
Inventors: Markus Neumann
Original assignee: Nxp B.V.
Priority date: 2008-02-05
Filing date: 2009-01-28
Publication date: 2009-08-13
Also published as: WO2009098614A3

Abstract

The present applications relates to an apparatus having at least two transmitting configurations. The present apparatus relates also to a method for controlling the apparatus and/or a computer readable medium having a computer program stored thereon withinstructions operable to cause a processor to perform the method. Furthermore, the applications relates to a communication system. The apparatus comprises a first transmitting 5 configuration and at least one further transmitting configuration, wherein the first transmitting configuration is configured to send a signal. The apparatus encompasses an analysing element which is configured to analyse a response corresponding to the sent signal, wherein the response comprises information whether the sent signal is transmitted correctly. The apparatus includes a control element which is connected to the analysing element 10 configured to controlat least the first transmitting configuration and the further transmitting configuration depending on the analysed response such that in case the sent signal is not correctlytransmitted, the signal is retransmitted by the further transmitting configuration.

Description

Transceiver and communication system

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present applications relates to an apparatus having at least two transmitting configurations. The present apparatus relates also to a method for controlling the apparatus and a computer readable medium having a computer program stored thereon with instructions operable to cause a processor to perform the method. Furthermore, the applications relates to a communication system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Wireless communication systems are widely used at present time. A communication system can encompass at least a transmitting and receiving device. From a transmitting device, signals comprising any kind of information, like speech or data, are sent via a radio link to a receiving device. Usual, apparatuses employed in communication systems are able to send and receive signals, as well. These apparatuses are also called transceivers.

What is more, a wireless communication system comprises generally the issue that transmitting signals can be disturbed by several effects. For instance, a transmitting signal can be received repeatedly by the receiving device at different times. The reason for an occurrence of this effect is that the wireless signal path may encompass several obstacles, like walls or similar obstacles. These obstacles causes reflection and scattering of the transmitting signal. Thus, the transmitting signal is fed over different path having a different transit time to the receiving station.

The impact of reflection and scattering may be a cancellation of the transmitting signal. One method known in prior art to overcome the issues is the use of receiving antenna diversity. However, this method comprises the drawback of increased power consumption due to the use of several antennas. Furthermore, computing effort is increased at the receiving station due to complex driving of the antennas. Another kind of solution is the use of transmit antenna diversity. For instance, parallel transmission of signals, wherein one path comprises a delay is used according to prior art. Another example is a different coding of one path. Furthermore, beam forming in direction of the receiver is also a known method. All the principles comprise drawbacks like huge complexity, extra signalling effort and high power consumption.

From document WO 2004/054131 Al a system and technique is known which employ multiple transmitting antennas and a receiving antenna at the transmitter device. A message is sent by a first antenna. Subsequently, a signal comprising information reception parameters is received by the receiving antenna. This signal is analysed by a suitable calculating unit, and for transmitting a next message, an antenna is selected depending on the analysed signal. However, the effort of generating such a signal comprising information reception parameters is high and complex. Furthermore, the effort for analysing this signal at the transmitting device is high and complex, as well. Another drawback is an increased current consumption.

It is one object of the present application to provide reduced power consumption of a communication system. A further object is to provide an improved transmitting of information. A further object is to simplify transmitting of information. A further object is to reduce calculation effort on both sending and receiving side.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These and other objects are solved by an apparatus comprising a first transmitting configuration and at least one further transmitting configuration, wherein the first transmitting configuration is configured to send a signal. The apparatus encompasses an analysing element, which is configured to analyse a response corresponding to the sent signal, wherein the response comprises information whether the sent signal is transmitted correctly. The apparatus includes a control element, which is connected to the analysing element, configured to control at least the first transmitting configuration and the further transmitting configuration depending on the analysed response such that in case the sent signal is not correctly transmitted, the signal is retransmitted by the further transmitting configuration. The apparatus according to the present application can be employed within a transceiver. Such a transceiver may be used in several wireless communication systems, like wireless wide area networks (W-WAN), (e.g. cellular mobile communication or WiMAX), wireless local networks (W-LAN), wireless personal area networks (W-PAN) or the like. Furthermore, the apparatus may comprise at least two transmitting configurations. Transmitting configuration can be any means relevant for transmitting messages.

At least the two transmitting configurations are configured to transmit signals comprising speech or any other data. Information being transmitted can be divided into multiple frames which can be transmitted in succession. A signal according to the present application may be such a frame. A first transmitting configuration is provided for transmitting the signal and frame respectively.

Furthermore, a response corresponding to the sent signal and frame respectively can be received by the apparatus. According to an embodiment, at least one antenna element can be provided for receiving a response corresponding to the sent signal. According to the present application, it is found that in case the response comprises information whether the sent signal is transmitted correctly, calculating time can be significantly reduced. A response may be created in a suitable and simple manner. A response corresponding to a sent signal according to the present application may also be receiving no signal, e.g. no response.

The apparatus encompasses an analysing element configured to analyse the response corresponding to the sent signal. By way of example, the analysing element may be connected to at least the receiving antenna element and may be simply implemented and constructed. Thereby, the analysing element may be realised by hardware and/or software element. Due to the fact that a suitable and simple kind of response is used, the analysing element can analyse the response with reduced calculation effort. For example, an analysis of a response, wherein the response is the receiving of none signal, can be performed simply and cost-effective.

In turn, the analysing element may be connected to a control element. The control element may serve to control the at least two transmitting configurations depending on the analysed response. It is found, according to the present application that, in case a retransmission is essential due to an incorrect first transmission, at least another transmitting configuration should be used for retransmitting. The likelihood of a successful retransmission can be significantly increased due to the use of a further transmitting configuration. The control element may drive the transmitting configurations such that in case the sent signal is transmitted incorrectly, the further transmitting configuration is used for retransmitting. Moreover, according to an embodiment, the same transmitting configuration, for instance, the first transmitting configuration, which has sent the frame, may be used to transmit the next frame and signal respectively in case the sent frame has been transmitted correctly.

It shall be understood that, according to other variants of the present application, the apparatus may comprise three or more transmitting configurations. Use of a plurality of transmitting configurations may cause to increase the data throughput in communication systems.

The apparatus according to the present application reduces transmission errors, in particular repetitive transmission errors significantly. Moreover, the apparatus according to the present application can be implemented and operated in a simple manner. Calculating times and effort can also be reduced. Additionally, the apparatus according to the present application dissipates little energy.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present application, the transmitting configuration may be an antenna element, a radio transmitter and/or transmit power. A change of a transmitting element may be imposed by a change of an antenna element, a radio transistor or a transmit power. The apparatus may comprise one or more antenna elements as well as one or more radio transmitters. Any suitable radiating elements, like dipoles, op en- waveguides or similar elements can be employed as antenna elements. A radio transmitter may comprise processing steps, like modulating, amplifying and/or the like. It may be advantageously to implement more than one radio transmitter. These radio transmitters may differ from each other in several parameters. For example, each antenna element may comprise a corresponding radio transmitter, which may be adjusted respectively. The use of different radio transmitters in addition to different antenna elements may increase the probability of a successful required retransmission. It is also possible that merely the transmit power can be changed in case of an incorrect transmission. An arranged suitable amplifier may amplify a signal being transmitted to a desired transmit power, which may be variable. For instance, the transmit power can be increased in case retransmission is necessary. In particular, in case merely one antenna element and one radio transmitter is provided, the transmit power can be changed for retransmission. According to another embodiment, the radio transmitters may also comprise different transmit power.

According to embodiments two or more transmitters that may incorporate different parameters and/or performance can be fed to a smaller number of antennas, for example one and the same antenna element.

Using all these different configurations in combination may increase the flexibility and may reduce the probability for continuous retransmissions significantly.

Furthermore, according to a further embodiment, the control element may be formed as an antenna element selection control element. Such an antenna element selection control element may be especially suitable for controlling the actually used antenna elements. The control element may further be a radio transmitter selection control element or a transmit power selection control element.

The number of antenna element may be higher as well as lower than the number of radio transmitters within one apparatus.

In another embodiment of the present application, the apparatus may comprise antenna elements, wherein the antenna elements are formed as a receiving and/or transmitting antennas. Advantageously, a same antenna element can be used for sending the signal and receiving the corresponding response. It may be a further advantage that different antenna elements can be used for receiving.

It is further found, according to an embodiment of the present application that, in case a signal is transmitted incorrectly and another antenna element is selected for retransmitting, the other antenna element may differ from the previous sending antenna element for increasing the likelihood of successfully retransmitting. More particularly, the antenna elements may be formed different in respect to polarisation, space, pattern and/or antenna diversity. For instance, the different antenna elements can be arranged such that each antenna element may generate with a suitable counterpart station a different channel characteristic for the radio link.

What is more, according to a further embodiment, the apparatus may comprise an switching element, wherein the switching element may be controlled by the control element. For instance, controlling can be performed depending on the analysed response. An switching element may be any suitable switch configured to create a communication with the selected antenna element for sending and/or receiving. The switching element may be configured such that each of the antenna elements can be connected individually. This arrangement may cause both an easy implementation and operation of the apparatus according to the present application.

According to an embodiment of the present application, it is found that the data throughput can be increased due to the fact that the response may be an acknowledgement message and/or a negative acknowledgement message. Such messages are known from the automatic repeat-request protocol (ARQ protocol). An acknowledgement signal (ACK-signal) is an acknowledgement that a signal or frame is transmitted correctly. A negative acknowledgement signal (NACK) is a signal indicating that the sent signal is transmitted incorrectly. Such responses can be easily created, and further easily analysed due to their simplicity. Extra signalling between different stations of a communication system can be omitted.

In addition, according to another embodiment, the apparatus may comprise at least one radio receiver. At least one radio receiver can be arranged for demodulating, filtering and/or the like. The radio receiver may be connected to one or more antenna elements configured for receiving.

In a further embodiment of the present application, the apparatus may comprise a selection unit and a switching unit, wherein the selection unit may be configured to control the switching unit such that a radio transmitter and/or radio receiver can be used. A radio transmitter can be selected for transmitting a frame, for instance depending on a received response corresponding to a sent signal. In case, sent signal has been transmitted incorrectly, another radio transmitter can be selected by using the selection unit for triggering the switching unit. The switching unit can be connected to the switching element. Moreover, the selection unit may be configured to control whether a radio receiver or a radio transmitter must be used depending on whether a response is expected or a frame should be transmitted. Controlling of transmitting and receiving can be eased.

The analysing element may comprise, according to another embodiment, a signal analysing unit which may be configured to determine coded information from the received response. The received response may comprise protocol information which may include at least information about a successful or none successful transmission of a corresponding sent signal. The signal analysing unit may communicate with a radio receiver. The response being analysed by signal analysing unit may be fed as a suitable signal to signal analysing unit from the radio receiver.

Furthermore, the analysing element may comprise a protocol analysing unit which may be configured to analyse extracted the protocol information. The protocol information determined by a signal analysing unit can be analysed for further processing by the protocol analysing unit. According to an embodiment, the protocol analysing unit may encompass an elapsed-time meter which may be configured to determine whether the response is received within a predefined time period. The time period may be defined according to requirements of the respective communication system or the like. Analysing can be performed with less effort and reduced calculating time.

According to a further embodiment, the analysing element may determine at least after the predefined time period whether the signal is transmitted correctly depending on the analysed response. The analysing element, in particular the protocol analysing unit may check whether a response corresponding to the sent signal is received. Depending on the used kind of response and its receiving and not receiving respectively, the analysing element may determine whether the sent signal is transmitted correctly. For instance, the response may be an acknowledgement signal. Then a reception of a response during the predefined time period may indicate a correct transmission. If the apparatus does not receive a response, the sent signal may be transmitted incorrectly, and thus retransmission is necessary. According to another embodiment, the response may also be a negative acknowledgement signal. A reception of such a response may cause retransmission meanwhile none reception may cause to transmit the next frame. Calculating times can be reduced. It shall be understood that, according to other variants of the present application, other kinds of responses are possible, as well.

Additionally, the analysing element may comprise a retransmission unit which may be configured to trigger the control element depending on the analysed protocol information. The control element may receive information from the retransmission unit whether retransmission is required or the next frame can be sent. The control element may configure an arranged switching element depending on the received information from the retransmission unit. The control element may also configure the arranged radio transmitter depending on the received information from the retransmission unit.

In addition, the analysing unit may be configured to check whether a signal is received correctly. The analysing unit may communicate at least with a receiving antenna element. For the case, the present apparatus acts as a receiving station, like a counterpart station compared to the apparatus mentioned before, an incoming signal can be received. It is found that an analysing unit can be arranged for checking a received signal. For instance, it can be checked whether the received signal and frame respectively can be decoded correctly. However, according to other variations of the present application, different methods for checking whether a signal was transmitted correctly can be employed, like checksum creation or the like.

The apparatus, according to a further embodiment, may comprise a generating unit configured to generate a signal being transmitted, wherein the generating unit can be triggered by retransmission unit for retransmission of lastly sent signal. Any suitable signal generator can be employed. Generally, a signal generator can be used to generate signals comprising data being transmitted. The signal generator may generate a signal and frame respectively depending on instructions supplied by the retransmission unit. The retransmission unit may trigger signal generator to generate a before incorrectly transmitted signal once again or to generate a next frame. This may depend on the analysed protocol information.

What is more, the control element may comprise, according to another embodiment, a storing element, which may be configured to record information of the transmitting configuration and/or receiving configuration. Depending on the stored information the next transmitting configuration can be determined. For instance, it can be advantageously to record which antenna element and/or radio transmitter has been selected lastly for sending. Furthermore, the receiving configuration, such as the receiving antenna element can be stored. By way of example, the first antenna element determined for sending the first frame of a message can be the antenna element, which was used lastly successful. Further information with respect to the apparatus or communication system can also be recorded. The likelihood for correct transmission may be increased.

According to another embodiment of the present application, the control element may encompass a determining element which may be configured to determine the next sending antenna element depending on default criteria, randomly, the last successful transmitting antenna element, the next sending antenna element and/or in a cyclic manner. The first antenna element can be always the same antenna element or it can be chosen according to predefined criteria depending on system requirements. Another possibility is to select the antenna element randomly which may be used as the first antenna element.

Furthermore, the control element may be configured to select the next antenna element in a cyclic manner and or according to other predefined criteria mentioned above. For the case, retransmission is failed by use of all arranged antenna elements, the first selected antenna element can be selected for next attempt to retransmit the respective frame. However, according to other variants, different selection methods, like randomly selection can also be used. Also, the last receiving antenna element may be the selected receiving antenna element. These criteria for selection can also be used for selection of respective radio transmitters as necessary. The different selection possibilities and their suitable choice provide for a high likelihood of successful transmission. It shall be understood that, according to further embodiments of the present application, the transmitting configuration, like the radio transmitter which is used for sending, can also be determined randomly, in a cyclic manner or the like.

Moreover, according to a further embodiment of the present application, the determining element may select the antenna element for receiving the response corresponding to the sent signal depending on a default criterion, randomly, the last and/or next sending antenna element. It is found according to the application that the likelihood of receiving the response corresponding to the sent signal can be increased due to a suitable choice of the receiving antenna element. In particular, the antenna element used for sending can be also employed for receiving. However, according to other variants of the application other antenna elements, like the next sending antenna element, a randomly selected antenna element or an exclusive receiving antenna element can be used for receiving the respective response.

According to a further embodiment, the analysing element of the apparatus may comprise generating means which is configured to generate a response corresponding to the received signal. Generating means and generating unit may be formed as one component. According to examination results, the generating means may generate a respective response. For example, an acknowledgement signal can be generated if the sent frame is transmitted correctly or a negative acknowledgement signal can be generated if the sent frame is transmitted incorrectly. According to other variants of the present application, generating a response can also be omitted or other kinds of responses can be created.

The described units and elements can be realised by hardware devices. For instance, suitable processors, like digital signal processors (DSP) or microprocessors can be used. Advantageously, already arranged devices within a transceiver or the like can be employed. The described units can also be realised as software blocks.

Another aspect of the present application is an apparatus, comprising at least one antenna element for receiving a signal. The apparatus encompasses an analysing unit configured to check whether the received signal is transmitted correctly. The apparatus includes generating means configured to generate a response corresponding to the received signal, wherein the response comprises information whether the sent signal is transmitted correctly. The apparatus comprises at least one antenna element configured to send the response.

This apparatus may act as a counterpart station corresponding to the apparatus mentioned above.

A further aspect of the application is a communication system comprising at least the two apparatuses mentioned above. The communication system according another embodiment may comprise an apparatus, which may be configured to transmit an acknowledgement message and/or negative acknowledgement message. It is possible that merely one kind of message can be sent by the apparatus.

A further aspect of the application is a method, comprising sending a signal by a first transmitting configuration. The method includes analysing a response corresponding to the sent signal, wherein the response comprising information whether the sent signal is transmitted correctly. The method encompasses controlling at least two transmitting configurations such that for the case the sent message is not transmitted correctly, a further transmitting configuration is used for retransmitting.

Another aspect of the present application is a computer readable medium having a computer program stored thereon, the computer program comprising instructions operable to cause a processor to perform a method mentioned above.

The present apparatus and method can be employed within unlicensed mobile access (UMA) terminals and stations.

These and other aspects of the present patent application become apparent from and will be elucidated with reference to the following figures. The features of the present application and of its exemplary embodiments as presented above are understood to be disclosed also in all possible combinations with each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the figures show:

Fig. 1 a first embodiment of the apparatus according to the present application;

Fig. 2 a second embodiment of the apparatus according to the present application; Fig. 3 a third embodiment of the apparatus according to the present application;

Fig. 4 a fourth embodiment of the apparatus according to the present application; Fig. 5 a flowchart of an exemplified method according to the present application;

Fig. 6 an embodiment of a communication system according to the present application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed description of the present application, exemplary embodiments of the present application will describe and point out a simple arrangement having low power consumption and reduced calculating time. It should be noted that only components relevant to the present application are depicted and elucidated.

Fig. 1 shows a first simplified embodiment of the apparatus according to the present application. The shown apparatus 10 comprises a first antenna element 18a and a further antenna element 18b. The antenna elements 18a, 18b can be realised as any suitable radiation element, wherein each radiation element is configured to send signals and frames respectively. Information being transmitted may be divided in several frames which can be transmitted successively. As can be seen from figure 1 , the antenna elements 18a, 18b are arranged spatial separated to each other. Further differences between them with respect to pattern and/or polarisation are also possible. Furthermore, both antenna elements 18a, 18b are connected to an input of the apparatus 10. Through the input, the signal or frame being transmitted can be forwarded to the respective antenna element 18a, 18b. For instance, the shown input can be connected to an output of a transmitting power amplifier or similar components. In addition, both antenna elements 18a, 18b encompass a connection to control element 14, for example an antenna selection control element. The control element 14 can be implemented by suitable hardware components and/or software solutions. In turn, the control element 14 is connected to an analysing element 12. The analysing element 12 can also be implemented by suitable hardware components and/or software solutions. According to further variants of the present application, the analysing element 12 and control element 14 can be formed as a single device.

According to the present embodiment, at least one of the arranged antenna elements 18a, 18b is also configured to receive a response corresponding to a sent signal. In the embodiment illustrated in figure 1, merely antenna element 18b is provided to receive a response. As can be seen from figure 1, only antenna element 18b communicates with analysing element 12. By the aid of this connection, a received response can be forwarded to analysing element 12 which may be configured to analyse the respective response. However, according to other variants of the present application, antenna element 18a or both antenna elements 18a, 18b can be used for receiving a response, as well. A detailed elucidation of the functioning of the present apparatus will follow subsequently.

Figure 2 shows a second exemplified embodiment of the apparatus according to the present application. For avoiding repetitions, merely the differences of apparatus 20 according to figure 2 compared to apparatus 10 are elucidated.

The shown apparatus 20 comprises additionally a radio transmitter 34 and a radio receiver 22. The radio receiver 22, which can be configured for filtering, demodulating, low noise amplifying and/or the like, may communicate to antenna element 18b and to analysing element 12a. In addition, radio transmitter 34 is connected to an switching element 16 and a generating unit 24. The radio transmitter 34 may be configured to filter, modulate, amplify and/or the like.

The switching element 16 may be configured to connect radio transmitter 34 either to antenna element 18a or antenna element 18b. This may depend on control element 14 which may configure the switching element 16. Suitable switching means can be employed. Generating unit 24 may be configured to generate signals being transmitted, like frames. Suitable signal generator can also be employed.

The analysing element 12a according to the shown embodiment comprises three units, signal analysing unit 30, protocol analysing unit 28 and retransmission unit 26. The signal analysing unit 30 can be connected to radio receiver 22 for extraction of coded information from the received response. This coded information can be fed to protocol analysing unit 28 for analysing the respective information. The arranged retransmission unit 26 may be in connection to generating unit 24, control element 14 and protocol analysing unit 28. Depending on the analysed information, the retransmission unit 26 may trigger generating unit 24 to generate last sent frame again or to generate a next frame. Furthermore, the retransmission unit 26 may trigger control element 14 such that retransmission or further transmission is required. In turn, depending on this information, control element 14 may configure the switching element 16. A more detailed explanation of the functioning of apparatus 20 occurs subsequently.

Another exemplified embodiment of the present application is shown in figure 3. The main distinction of apparatus 40 compared to apparatus 20 of figure 2 is that both antenna elements 18a, 18b can be used for sending and receiving. Additionally, two further units, switching unit 36 and selection unit 38 are arranged for controlling receiving and transmitting. Switching unit 36 may be arranged between switching element 16 on the one hand and, on the other hand, radio transmitter 34 or radio receiver 22. The choice of the actually used communication can be controlled by selection unit 38. Selection unit 38 may trigger switching unit 36 depending on the analysed protocol information determined by protocol analysing unit 28. For example, when the radio standard is half-duplex, the selection unit 38 may change the configuration of the switching unit 36 depending on whether a radio signal is transmitted or received. The radio receiver 22 can be connected to the switching element 16 via switching unit 36 in case a response or the like is received. For sending a frame, the radio transmitter 34 can be connected to switching element 16 via switching unit 36. In case the radio standard is full-diplex, the radio receiver 22 and the radio transmitter 34 may be connected to the switching element 16 at the same time.

Fig. 4 shows a fourth exemplified embodiment according to the present application. Depicted apparatus 42 comprises three antenna elements 18a to 18c. According to the shown embodiment, merely antenna element 18c comprises a communication to radio receiver 22. Furthermore, each antenna element 18a to 18c is in communication to a corresponding radio transmitter 34a to 34c. The radio transmitters 34a to 34c can be connected via switching element 16 to generating unit 24. The switching element 16 may be configured by control element 14a. Also enabling of the used radio transmitter 34a to 34c may be controlled by the control element 14a. The use of different radio transmitter 34a to 34c can be controlled by control element 14a. The radio transmitter 34a to 34c may differ from each other in several parameters. One example of these parameters may be different output power. Using plurality of radio transmitters 34a to 34c can cause an increased transmitting result, in particular repetitive transmitting errors can be reduced. Furthermore, by way of example, a high output power radio transmitter, which may typically consume higher current, may be only used when it is essential. This may lower the total current consumption in average. Control element 14a includes a storing element 44 and determining element 46. Storing element 44 may encompass information, like which antenna element 18a to 18c and/or radio transmitter 34a to 34c has been used for sending last frame or the like. With regard to this information and the information obtained by the retransmission unit 26, the determining element 46 may select next sending and/ or receiving antenna element 18a to 18c and next radio transmitter 34a to 34c as well.

In the following, the functioning of apparatuses 10, 20, 40 and 42 will be elucidated in more detail by the aid of Fig. 5.

Fig. 5 shows a flowchart of an exemplified method according to the present application. In a first step 100, the method according to the present application is started. The method can be started by an instruction to transmit a signal, message or the like. In general, such a signal or message can be divided into several frames which can be transmitted successively. The signal being transmitted can be generated by generation unit 24. However, according to other variants, the signal being transmitted can be received for further processing by an apparatus according to the present application.

For transmitting the first frame, an antenna element 18a to 18c can be selected according to predefined requirements (step 102). For instance, the antenna element 18a to 18c can be selected randomly or can be selected default. It can be advantageously to select an antenna element 18a to 18c depending on the last successful transmission or any other appropriate criteria. Furthermore, it can be possible to select also the used radio transmitter 34a to 34c, in case more than one radio transmitter 34a to 34c is arranged within the apparatus. The needed information may be stored within the storing element 44 and can be accessed by the control element 14, 14a. According to an example, the determining element 46 of the control element 14a may choose antenna element 18a and radio transmitter 34a for sending, since these components 18a, 34a have sent the last frame correctly. It shall be understood, according to other variants of the present application, merely one radio transmitter 34 can be used.

When the antenna element 18a to 18c and radio transmitter 34a to 34c are selected, in a next step 103, a frame can be transmitted using the respective antenna element 18a to 18c and radio transmitter 34a to 34c. In the example mentioned above, the first frame may be sent using antenna element 18a and radio transmitter 34a.

In a next step 104, an antenna element 18a to 18c can be determined as receiving antenna element 18a to 18c for receiving the response corresponding to the sent signal. It is desirable to select the antenna element 18a to 18c comprising the highest likelihood for receiving the response. It is found, according to the present application that the antenna element 18a to 18c which has sent the signal corresponding to the expected response can be selected advantageously. In this example, antenna 18a can be selected, if possible. It shall be understood that the antenna element 18a to 18c being selected for next transmitting can be used as well as a randomly selected antenna element 18a to 18c. In case, merely one antenna element 18a to 18c is able to receive a response, this step 104 may also be omitted.

In following step 105, the apparatuses 10, 20, 40 and 42 may wait for a response corresponding to the sent signal. This response may comprise information whether sent signal is transmitted correctly. A predefined time period can be set depending on system requirements. Analysing can be performed, for instance, by using protocol analysing unit 28 comprising an elapsed-time meter. During this time period, it can be expected that a response is received comprising information whether the sent signal is correctly or not correctly transmitted. For instance, an ACK can be expected.

In step 106, it is checked, in particular by the analysing element 12, 12a and its respective units 26 to 30, whether the sent frame is transmitted correctly to a counterpart station depending on the respective response. The determination whether the sent frame is transmitted correctly may depend on the used kind of response. For instance, an acknowledgement signal can be expected. In this case, a received response indicates a correct transmission meanwhile receiving not a response indicates that a transmission was not successful. If a negative acknowledgement signal is expected, the conclusions can be inverted. Computing effort can be significantly reduced. However, according to other variants of the present application, other kinds of responses can be used.

For the case, the sent signal is correctly transmitted, the antenna element 18a to 18c and the radio transmitter 34a to 34c can be stored in next step 107. The next frame can be sent in the same manner starting with step 103. If all frames are successfully transmitted, the method can be terminated in step 111.

For the case, the frame is not correctly transmitted further processing is performed according to step 108. In general, it may be necessary to retransmit the respective frame. At first, it can be checked in step 108 whether all arranged antenna elements 18a to 18c and/or radio transmitter 34a to 34c have been already used for transmitting the respective signal without success.

In the case, all antenna elements 18a to 18c and/or radio transmitter 34a to 34c have been already used, the first used antenna element 18a to 18c and the first used radio transmitter 34a to 34c respectively can be employed for retransmission (step 102). However, according to other variants of the application, next sending antenna element 18a to 18c can be selected randomly or in similar manner as well.

In a subsequent step 109, the last frame can be retransmitted by the selected antenna element 18a to 18c and/or radio transmitter 34a to 34c. The generating unit 24 may generate lastly sent frame once again depending on retransmission unit 26. Further processing can be performed according to known step 104.

For the case that the maximum number of used antenna elements 18a to 18c and/or radio transmitters 34a to 34c is not reached, in step 110, the next antenna element 18a to 18c and/or radio transmitter can be selected, in particular, by using the control element 14, 14a. Selecting can be performed in a cyclic manner or any other suitable way. For example, antenna element 18b can be selected as next sending element. The control element 14, 14a may drive the antenna elements 18a to 18c directly or may control the arranged switching element 16.

The subsequent processing step is known step 109. The method can be performed until the whole information is transmitted successfully (step 111) and may start again in step 100, if a new message should be transmitted.

Fig. 6 shows an exemplified embodiment of a communication system according to the present application. As can be seen from Fig. 6, the communication system may comprise four devices. However, according to other variants of the present application, a less number of devices or a multiple number of devices can be arranged within a communication system.

According to the shown embodiment, two apparatuses 20 known from figure

2, one apparatus 10 known from figure 1 and a further apparatus 48 are arranged within the depicted communication system. However, other apparatuses are also possible, like apparatuses 40 or 42. Before the communication system is elucidated, the embodiment of apparatus 48 is pointed out. For lucidity reasons, the following explained components of apparatus 48 are not depicted in Fig. 6.

Apparatus 48 may comprise at least one antenna element which can be used for both receiving and sending. The antenna element may comprise the form of the above mentioned antenna elements 18a to 18c. Additionally, an analysing unit configured to check whether the received signal is transmitted correctly may be arranged within the apparatus 48.

Finally, apparatus 48 may include generating means configured to generate a response corresponding to the received signal wherein the response comprises information whether the sent signal is transmitted correctly. The generating means may be a signal generator, like generating unit 24. For instance, an ACK can be generated by the generating means. According to further variants, other realisations of apparatus 48 are possible. The response can be transmitted to the sending apparatus using the at least one antenna element.

However, according to the present form of apparatus 48, this apparatus 48 can only be used to receive signals and to send responses corresponding to the signals. A signal comprising more information than merely information about correct transmitting cannot be sent by apparatus 48.

In contrary, due to the embodiment of apparatus 10, this apparatus 10 can merely send signals, and receive and process responses corresponding to the sent signals.

Apparatus 10 may not be produced to receive signals comprising information, like speech or data, and cannot check whether such a signal is transmitted correctly. Apparatuses 20 are provided to send signals and responses as well as receive signals and responses.

According to the shown embodiment of the communication system, signals comprising data can be transmitted from apparatuses 10 and 20 to any apparatuses 20 and 48. Such a communication system may work according to the ARQ protocol. An increase of data throughput can be achieved.

The communication system may comprise any apparatuses according to the present application. Especially, mobile phones or the like comprising an apparatus according to the present application can be integrated within the communication systems.

Furthermore, it is readily clear for a person skilled in the art that the logical blocks in the schematic block diagrams as well as the flowchart and algorithm steps presented in the above description may at least partially be implemented in electronic hardware and/or computer software, wherein it depends on the functionality of the logical block, flowchart step and algorithm step and on design constraints imposed on the respective devices to which degree a logical block, a flowchart step or algorithm step is implemented in hardware or software. The presented logical blocks, flowchart steps and algorithm steps may for instance be implemented in one or more digital signal processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays or other programmable devices. The computer software may be stored in a variety of storage media of electric, magnetic, electromagnetic or optic type and may be read and executed by a processor, such as for instance a microprocessor. To this end, the processor and the storage medium may be coupled to interchange information, or the storage medium may be included in the processor.

Claims

CLAIM:

1. An apparatus, comprising: a first transmitting configuration, at least one further transmitting configuration, wherein the first transmitting configuration is configured to send a signal, - an analysing element (12, 12a) configured to analyse a response corresponding to the sent signal, wherein the response comprises information whether the sent signal is transmitted correctly, and a control element (14, 14a) connected to the analysing element (12, 12a) configured to control at least the first transmitting configuration and the further transmitting configuration depending on the analysed response such that in case the sent signal is not transmitted correctly, the signal is retransmitted by the further transmitting configuration.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting configuration is at least one of:

A) antenna element (18a, 18b, 18c),

B) radio transmitter (34, 34a, 34b, 34c),

C) transmit power.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control element (14, 14a) is formed as at least one of:

A) an antenna element selection control element

B) radio transmitter selection control element

C) transmit power selection control element.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the number of antenna elements

(18a, 18b, 18c) is higher than the number of radio transmitter (34, 34a, 34b, 34c).

5. The apparatus according to claim 2, where the number of antenna elements (18a, 18b, 18c) is smaller than the number of radio transmitter (34, 34a, 34b, 34c).

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control element (14, 14a) is configured to control the transmitting configuration such that in case the sent signal is transmitted correctly by the first transmitting configuration, the next signal is transmitted by the first transmitting configuration.

7. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the antenna elements (18a, 18b, 18c) is configured to receive the response corresponding to the sent signal.

8. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the antenna elements (18a, 18b, 18c) are formed as a receiving and/or transmitting antenna.

9. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the antenna elements (18a, 18b, 18c) are formed different with respect to at least one of:

A) polarisation,

B) space, C) pattern,

D) antenna diversity.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an switching element (16), wherein the switching element (16) is controlled by the control element (14, 14a) depending on the analysed response.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the response is at least one of:

A) acknowledgement message,

B) negative acknowledgement message.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one radio receiver (22).

13. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein at least two radio transmitters (34, 34a, 34b, 34c) comprise different transmit power.

14. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising - a selection unit (38), and a switching unit (36), wherein the selection unit (38) is configured to control the switching unit (36) such that a radio transmitter (34, 34a, 34b, 34c) and/or radio receiver (22) is used.

15. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the analysing element (12, 12a) comprises a signal analysing unit (30) configured to determine coded information from the received response.

16. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the analysing element (12, 12a) comprises a protocol analysing unit (28) configured to analyse protocol information.

17. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the protocol analysing unit (28) comprises an elapsed-time meter configured to determine whether the response is received within a predefined time period.

18. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the analysing element (12, 12a) is configured to determine at least after expiry of the predefined time period in the elapsed- time meter whether the signal is transmitted correctly depending on the response.

19. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the analysing element (12, 12a) comprises a retransmission unit (26) configured to trigger the control element (14, 14a) depending on the analysed protocol information.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising a generating unit (24) configured to generate a signal being transmitted, wherein the generating unit (24) is triggered by retransmission unit (26) for retransmission of lastly sent signal.

21. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control element (14, 14a) comprises a storing element (44) configured to record information of the transmitting configuration and/or receiving configuration.

22. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control element (14, 14a) comprises a determining element (46) configured to determine the next sending transmitting configuration depending on at least one of:

A) default criteria,

B) randomly, C) last successful sending antenna element (18a, 18b, 18c),

D) last receiving antenna element (18a, 18b, 18c),

E) cyclic manner.

23. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the determining element (46) is configured to select the receiving antenna element (18a, 18b, 18c) depending on at least one of:

A) default criteria,

B) randomly,

C) the last sending antenna element (18a, 18b, 18c), D) next sending antenna element (18a, 18b, 18c)

E) the last receiving antenna element (18a, 18b, 18c).

24. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the analysing element (12, 12a) comprises generating means configured to generate a response corresponding to the received signal.

25. An apparatus, comprising: at least one antenna element for receiving a signal, an analysing unit configured to check whether the received signal is transmitted correctly, generating means configured to generate a response corresponding to the received signal, wherein the response comprises information whether the sent signal is transmitted correctly, and at least one antenna element configured to send the response.

26. A transceiver comprising an apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 25.

27. A communication system, comprising at least an apparatus according to claim 1 and an apparatus according to claim 25.

28. The communication system according to claim 27, wherein at least one apparatus is configured to transmit at least one of:

A) acknowledgement message,

B) negative acknowledgement message.

29. A method, comprising: sending a signal by a first transmitting configuration, analysing a response corresponding to the sent signal, wherein the response comprising information whether the sent signal is transmitted correctly, controlling at least two transmitting configuration such that for the case the sent signal is not correctly transmitted, a further transmitting configuration is used for retransmitting.

30. A computer readable medium having a computer program stored thereon, the computer program comprising: instructions operable to cause a processor to perform a method according to claim 29.