Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
1. The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
2. It would be of great assistance to the office if all incoming papers pertaining to a filed application carried the following items:
i. Application number (checked for accuracy, including series code and serial no.).
ii. Group art unit number (copied from most recent Office communication).
iii. Filing date.
iv. Name of the examiner who prepared the most recent Office action.
v. Title of invention.
vi. Confirmation number (See MPEP § 503).
Response to Arguments
3. Applicant's arguments with respect to claims have been considered but are moot in view of the new ground(s) of rejection.
4. The Examiner has pointed out particular references contained in the prior art of record within the body of this action for the convenience of the Applicant. Although the specified citations are representative of the teachings in the art and are applied to the specific limitations within the individual claim, other passages, paragraph and figures may apply. Applicant, in preparing the response, should consider fully the entire reference as potentially teaching all or part of the claimed invention, as well as the context of the passage as taught by the prior art or disclosed by the Examiner.
5. Claim interpretation: When multiple limitations are connected with “OR”, one of the limitations doesn’t have any patentable weight since both of the limitations are optional.
Claim Rejection- 35 USC § 103
6. The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102 of this title, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
Claims 1, 12-18 & 20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Gathman et al (Pub No. US. 2018/0048293) and further in view of Repley et al (Pub No. 2017/0063411).
Regarding claim 1, Gathman et al discloses an apparatus (Fig. 3-4A), comprising: a first radio-frequency (RF) receive chain comprising a first input (Fig. 3-4A: RF receiver-320 receives input signals & Para. 31-33); a second RF receive chain comprising a second input (Fig. 3: RF receiver-322 receives input signals & Para. 31-33); a jamming rejection filter circuit comprising a first node (Fig. 4A: Jamming rejection filter having input node & Para. 43: Band-stop /Bandpass response-LPF-430 with LPF-10 work as a jammer rejection filter & Para. 52); and a control circuit configured to selectively couple, via a first switch, the first node of the jamming rejection filter circuit to the first input of the first RF receive chain (Fig. 4A & 5A: switch 408a/b or 508a/b connected input node of the jamming filter of the RF circuit & Para. 39-40: Jamming detection and the controller control switches for the RF device) & (Para. 52 & 43).
Gathman et al does not explicitly disclose a first switch coupled to the first input, the second input, and the first node.
In a similar field of endeavor, Ripley et al discloses a first switch coupled to the first input, the second input, and the first node (Fig. 1: A switch-14 connected to first input-I/O-1, the second input- I/O-N, and the first node-common port & Notch filter-12) & (Para. 60-61).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skilled in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to use the input switching system for notch filter of Ripley’s disclosure with the filter circuit reconfiguring system, as taught by Gathman. Doing so would have resulted in adjusting filtering circuit for better quality signal with minimum insertion loss in the RF system.
Regarding claim 17, Gathman et al discloses a method for communication at an apparatus, comprising: controlling switch to selectively coupling a first node of a jamming rejection filter circuit to a first input of a first radio frequency (RF) receive chain of the apparatus (Fig. 4A & 5A: First switch 408a/b connected node of the jamming filter of the RF circuit & Para. 39-40: Jamming detection and the controller control switches for the RF device) & (Para. 52 & 43) and receiving at least one of a first signal based on a first radio access technology (RAT) via the first RF receive chain (Fig. 3-4A: RF receiver-320 receives input signals & Para. 31-33: RF radio device receives RF signals).
Gathman et al does not explicitly disclose a first switch coupled to a first node of a jamming rejection filter circuit of the apparatus, a first input of a first radio frequency (RF) receive chain of the apparatus, and a second input of a second RF receive chain of the apparatus.
In a similar field of endeavor, Ripley et al discloses a first switch coupled to a first node of a jamming rejection filter circuit of the apparatus, a first input of a first radio frequency (RF) receive chain of the apparatus, and a second input of a second RF receive chain of the apparatus (Fig. 1: A switch-14 connected to first input-I/O-1, the second input- I/O-N, and the first node-common port & Notch filter-12) & (Para. 60-61).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skilled in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to use the input switching system for notch filter of Ripley’s disclosure with the filter circuit reconfiguring system, as taught by Gathman. Doing so would have resulted in adjusting filtering circuit for better quality signal with minimum insertion loss in the RF system.
Regarding claim 20, Claim 20 corresponds to claim 17 and is analyzed accordingly.
Regarding claim 12, Gathman et al discloses an integrated circuit die (Para. 33: integrated circuits (ICs), RF ICs), wherein the first RF receive chain, a first RF transmit chain associated with the first RF receive chain, the second RF receive chain, a second RF transmit chain associated with the second RF receive chain (Fig. 3: RF receive chain & 5A), and the jamming rejection filter circuit are implemented on the integrated circuit die (Para. 33: integrated circuits (ICs), RF ICs & Fig. 4-5A: Jamming rejection RFIC).
Regarding claim 13, Gathman et al discloses the jamming rejection filter circuit comprises: a mixer coupled to the first node; and a low pass filter coupled to the mixer (Para. 31: Mixer & Filters & Fig. 4-5A: Jamming rejection RFIC having mixer-402 on the firs node with filters-403).
Regarding claim 14, Gathman et al discloses the first switch comprises a switch matrix configurable to selectively couple the first node of the jamming rejection filter circuit to: the first input of the first RF receive chain; at least one other input of the first RF receive chain (Para. 31-33: Mixer with switch & Filters on RF chain & Fig. 4-5A: Jamming rejection RFIC having mixer-402 on the firs node connecting by switch-406/ 408 with filters-403).
Regarding claim 15, Gathman et al discloses at least one other input of the first RF receive chain is associated with at least one of: a first RF frequency band (Para. 3: RF cell phone communication).
Regarding claim 16, Gathman et al discloses the apparatus is configured as a user equipment for cellular communication (Para. 3: Cell phone/ Smart phone).
Regarding claim 18, Gathman et al discloses couple the first node of the jamming rejection filter circuit to the first input of the first RF receive chain and couple the second node of the jamming rejection filter circuit to the first oscillator when a first jamming signal is detected at the first input (Fig. 4A & 5A: switch 408a/b or 508a/b connected input node of the jamming filter of the RF circuit & Para. 39-40: Jamming detection and the controller control switches for the RF device) and couple the first node of the jamming rejection filter circuit to the second input of the second RF receive chain and couple the second node of the jamming rejection filter circuit to the oscillator when a second jamming signal is detected at the second input (Fig. 4A & 5A: switch 408a/b or 508a/b connected node of the jamming filter of the RF circuit & Para. 39-40: Jamming detection & Para. 31).
Claims 6-11 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Gathman et al (Pub No. US. 2018/0048293), in view of Repley et al (Pub No. 2017/0063411) and further in view of Beaudin et al (Pub No. 2021/0067186).
. Regarding claim 6, Gathman et al discloses a first RF transmit chain associated with the first RF receive chain, wherein the first RF transmit chain is configured to transmit a first signal based on a first radio access technology (RAT) (Para. 22-23: Wireless communication system with transmit chain) and a second RF transmit chain associated with the second RF receive chain (Fig. 3 & Para. 22-23).
Gathman et al does not explicitly disclose the first RF receive chain is configured to receive a second signal based on the first RAT; wherein the second RF transmit chain is configured to transmit a third signal based on a second RAT and the second RF receive chain is configured to receive a fourth signal based on the second RAT.
Beaudin et al discloses the first RF receive chain is configured to receive a second signal based on the first RAT (Para. 56: Multiple transceivers with cellular and WiFi); and a second RF transmit chain associated with the second RF receive chain (Fig. 2A & 11), wherein the second RF transmit chain is configured to transmit a third signal based on a second RAT and the second RF receive chain is configured to receive a fourth signal based on the second RAT (Para, 56 & 129 & 140: Antenna receives signals from multiple different protocol).
At the time of filling, it would have been obvious to use multiple antenna system to process wireless signals properly in order to generate the desire signals by the RF communication system.
Regarding claim 7, Gathman et al is silent regarding the first RAT comprises a cellular technology; and the second RAT comprises a Wi-Fi technology.
Beaudin et al discloses the first RAT comprises a cellular technology; and the second RAT comprises a Wi-Fi technology (Para. 31 & 45 & 56).
At the time of filling, it would have been obvious to use multiple antenna system to process multiple different wireless signals with different technology properly in order to generate the desire signals by the RF communication system.
Regarding claim 8, Gathman et al discloses the control circuit is further configured to couple the first node of the jamming rejection filter circuit to the first input of the first RF receive chain (Fig. 4A & 5A).
Gathman et al is silent regarding the first RF receive chain is receiving the second signal based on the first RAT; and the second RF transmit chain is transmitting the third signal based on the second RAT at a maximum transmit power.
Beaudin et al discloses the first RF receive chain is receiving the second signal based on the first RAT; and the second RF transmit chain is transmitting the third signal based on the second RAT at a maximum transmit power (Para, 56 & 129 & 140: Antenna receives and transmit signals from multiple different protocol & Para. 50: PA amplify signals at a power level).
At the time of filling, it would have been obvious to use multiple antenna system to process wireless signals properly in order to generate the desire signals by the RF communication system.
Regarding claim 9, Gathman et al discloses the control circuit is further configured to couple the first node of the jamming rejection filter circuit to the second input of the second RF receive chain (Fig. 4A & 5A).
Gathman et al is silent regarding the second RF receive chain is receiving the fourth signal based on the second RAT; and the first RF transmit chain is transmitting the first signal based on the first RAT at a maximum transmit power.
Beaudin et al discloses the second RF receive chain is receiving the fourth signal based on the second RAT; and the first RF transmit chain is transmitting the first signal based on the first RAT at a maximum transmit power (Para, 56 & 129 & 140: Antenna receives and transmit signals from multiple different protocol & Para. 50: PA amplify signals at a power level).
At the time of filling, it would have been obvious to use multiple antenna system to process wireless signals properly in order to generate the desire signals by the RF communication system.
Regarding claim 10, Gathman et al discloses the control circuit is further configured to couple the first node of the jamming rejection filter circuit to the second input of the second RF receive chain (Fig. 4A & 5A).
Gathman et al is silent regarding the second RF transmit chain is transmitting the third signal based on the second RAT; and the first RF transmit chain is idle.
Beaudin et al discloses the second RF transmit chain is transmitting the third signal based on the second RAT (Para, 56 & 129 & 140: Antenna receives and transmit signals from multiple different protocol & Para. 50: PA amplify signals at a power level); and the first RF transmit chain is idle (Fig. 9: In some frequencies, device asleep/ disabled).
At the time of filling, it would have been obvious to use multiple antenna system to process wireless signals properly in order to generate the desire signals by the RF communication system.
Regarding claim 11, Gathman et al discloses the control circuit is further configured to couple the first node of the jamming rejection filter circuit to the first input of the first RF receive chain (Fig. 4A & 5A).
Gathman et al is silent regarding the first RF transmit chain is transmitting the first signal based on the first RAT; and the second RF transmit chain is idle.
Beaudin et al discloses the first RF transmit chain is transmitting the first signal based on the first RAT; and the second RF transmit chain is idle (Para, 56 & 129 & 140: Antenna receives and transmit signals from multiple different protocol & Para. 50: PA amplify signals at a power level & Fig. 9: In some frequencies, device asleep/ disabled).
At the time of filling, it would have been obvious to use multiple antenna system to process wireless signals properly in order to generate the desire signals by the RF communication system.
Claims 2-5 & 19 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Gathman et al (Pub No. US. 2018/0048293), in view of Repley et al (Pub No. 2017/0063411), and further in view of Fernando (Pat No. 10355729).
Regarding claim 2 & 19, Gathman et al discloses a first oscillator associated with the first RF receive chain (Para. 31: Receive circuits 332aa include mixers, filters, amplifiers, matching circuits, an oscillator, a local oscillator (LO) generator, a phase locked loop); and
wherein the control circuit is further configured to selectively couple, via a second switch, a second node of the jamming rejection filter circuit to the first oscillator (Para. 31-32 & Fig. 4A & 5A: First switch 408a/b connected node of the jamming filter of the RF circuit having oscillator)
Gathman et al does not explicitly disclose a second oscillator associated with the second RF receive chain and a second switch coupled to the first oscillator and to the second oscillator.
Fernando discloses a second oscillator associated with the second RF receive chain and a second switch coupled to the first oscillator and to the second oscillator (Fig. 6A: Oscillator 626 & 627- connected by the switch-649).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skilled in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to use multiple oscillators with the receiver device to process receive signals properly in order to generate the desire signals by the wireless RF communication system.
Regarding claim 3, Gathman et al discloses couple the first node of the jamming rejection filter circuit to the first input of the first RF receive chain and couple the second node of the jamming rejection filter circuit to the first oscillator when a first jamming signal is detected at the first input (Fig. 4A & 5A: switch 408a/b or 508a/b connected input node of the jamming filter of the RF circuit & Para. 39-40: Jamming detection and the controller control switches for the RF device) & (Para. 31: Receive circuits 332aa include mixers, filters, amplifiers, matching circuits, an oscillator, a local oscillator (LO) generator, a phase locked loop); and couple the first node of the jamming rejection filter circuit to the second input of the second RF receive chain and couple the second node of the jamming rejection filter circuit to the oscillator when a second jamming signal is detected at the second input (Fig. 4A & 5A: switch 408a/b or 508a/b connected node of the jamming filter of the RF circuit & Para. 39-40: Jamming detection & Para. 31: Receive circuits 332aa include matching circuits, an oscillator, a local oscillator (LO) generator, a phase locked loop).
Gathman et al does not explicitly disclose a second oscillator.
Fernando discloses a second oscillator associated with the second RF device (Fig. 6A: Oscillator 626 & 627- connected by the switch-649).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skilled in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to use multiple oscillators with the receiver device to process receive signals properly in order to generate the desire signals by the wireless RF communication system.
Regarding claim 4, Gathman et al discloses the second node of the jamming rejection filter circuit is coupled to the first oscillator (Fig. 4A & 5A & Para. 31: Receive circuits 332aa include mixers, filters, amplifiers, matching circuits, an oscillator, a local oscillator (LO) generator), the jamming rejection filter circuit has a first impedance characteristic at in-band frequencies associated with the first RF receive chain (Fig. 4A & 5A: Jamming rejection filter with first impedance characteristic) and a second impedance characteristic at out-of-band frequencies associated with the first RF receive chain (Para. 50: LPF has high input impedance); and the first impedance characteristic corresponds to higher impedances than the second impedance characteristic (Para. 50: LPF has high input impedance).
Regarding claim 5, Gathman et al discloses the second node of the jamming rejection filter circuit is coupled to oscillator (Fig. 4A & 5A & Para. 31: Receive circuits 332aa include mixers, filters, amplifiers, matching circuits, an oscillator, a local oscillator (LO) generator), the jamming rejection filter circuit has a first impedance characteristic at in-band frequencies associated with the first RF receive chain (Fig. 4A & 5A: Jamming rejection filter with first impedance characteristic) and a second impedance characteristic at out-of-band frequencies associated with the first RF receive chain (Para. 50: LPF has high input impedance); and the first impedance characteristic corresponds to higher impedances than the second impedance characteristic (Para. 50: LPF has high input impedance).
Gathman et al does not explicitly disclose a second oscillator.
Fernando discloses a second oscillator associated with the second RF device (Fig. 6A: Oscillator 626 & 627- connected by the switch-649).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skilled in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to use multiple oscillators with the receiver device to process receive signals properly in order to generate the desire signals by the wireless RF communication system.
Another Prior Art
7. The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant’s disclosure. Another prior art Park et al (US 2019/0334504) discloses An N-path filter with one or more branches selectively coupled to a shared circuit node includes a first branch having a first feedback path and a second feedback path. TX leakage and other jammers in the RX circuitry modulated and down-converted to baseband along with a received wireless signal.
CONCLUSION
Applicant’s amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any extension fee pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the date of this final action.
Any inquiry concerning this communication from the examiner should be directed to Patent Examiner Md Talukder whose telephone number is (571) 270-3222. The examiner can normally be reached on Mon-Th 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisors, Wesley Kim can be reached on 571-272-7867.
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/MD K TALUKDER/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2648
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