EP4147367A1

EP4147367A1 - Device for controlling the operation of a wireless tdd communication device, and associated control method

Info

Publication number: EP4147367A1
Application number: EP21731237.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Dinh Thuy Phan Huy; Dominique Barthel; Philippe Ratajczak
Original assignee: Orange SA
Current assignee: Orange SA
Priority date: 2020-05-04
Filing date: 2021-04-27
Publication date: 2023-03-15
Also published as: FR3109854A1; US20230179246A1; WO2021224564A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a control device (D_CO) for controlling the operation of a wireless communication device (D_TX) comprising an antenna (100), a front-end module configured for transmitting and receiving signals according to a time-division multiplexing scheme, and switching means (110) capable of configuring said front-end module according to at least two modes including a first mode (M _1)/second mode (M_2) in which the front-end module presents a first/second impedance to the antenna, said first and second impedances being distinct from each other. Furthermore, said control device is intended to be integrated in said communication device and comprises a control module (MOD_CO) configured so as to control said switching means so that the front-end module alternates between said first and second modes and thus the communication device backscatters an ambient signal.

Description

Title of the invention: Device for controlling the operation of a communication device

Wireless TDD, associated control method

Prior art

The present invention belongs to the general field of telecommunications. It relates more particularly to a device for controlling the operation of a wireless communication device, as well as to an associated control method. It also relates to a wireless communication device comprising such a control device as well as a wireless communication system comprising such a wireless communication device. The invention finds a particularly advantageous application, although in no way limiting, for applications of the “Internet of Things” type (“Internet of Things” or IoT in Anglo-Saxon literature).

The architecture of a wireless communication device, such as for example a mobile terminal, for transmitting and receiving signals according to a time division multiplexing scheme, called "TDD" (acronym of the English expression " Time Division Duplex ”), is well known and widely used today in radio communication systems. Briefly, it is recalled here that such a TDD scheme allows a telecommunications channel using the same transmission resource (a radio channel for example) to time multiplex transmission and reception.

[0003] Thus, and in a conventional manner, such an architecture comprises a front module (also called a "front end" module in the Anglo-Saxon literature) comprising an RF transmission chain (acronym for "Radio Frequency") as well as an RF reception chain. These transmission and reception chains are arranged between an antenna to which they can be connected by means of switching means, such as typically a duplexer, and an electronic signal processing unit, known as the “DSP” unit (acronym for DSP). the English expression “Digital Signal Processing”) capable of supplying a baseband signal to the transmission chain but also of processing a signal received via the reception chain.

[0004] Each chain comprises a plurality of electronic equipment. Concerning the transmission chain, such equipment is conventionally, in the direction going from the DSP unit to the antenna, a digital-analog converter, filtering equipment, such as for example a low-pass filter, a modulator and a power amplifier. This transmission chain can also include other equipment, such as for example a quartz oscillator, a frequency synthesizer, etc. As regards the reception chain, such equipment is conventionally, in the direction going from the antenna to the DSP unit, a low noise amplifier, a demodulator, filtering equipment, such as for example a low pass filter, and an analog-to-digital converter. Here again, this reception chain may include other equipment, such as for example a quartz oscillator, a frequency synthesizer, etc.

It should be noted that this example of conventional architecture is given here for purely illustrative purposes. Other variants of this example are well known to those skilled in the art, in particular as regards the number of antennas, but also the number of transmission / reception chains, and are described, for example, in the document : “Design of Reconfigurable Radio Front-Ends”, Xiao Xiao, Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, University of California at Berkeley, Technical Report n ° UCB / EECS-2018-142.

[0007] Although such a conventional architecture advantageously makes it possible to establish remote communications over long ranges, it nonetheless remains very energy-consuming. Indeed, when the communication device is switched on, some of said electronic equipment is permanently powered. It is first and foremost the power amplifier, or even the low noise amplifier, but also, to a lesser extent, digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital converters, the quartz oscillator, the synthesizer. frequency, etc.

[0008] Such energy consumption is problematic due, in particular, to the fact that it induces non-negligible operating costs of the communication device (example: very frequent recharging of the battery of a mobile telephone).

To remedy this drawback in part, it has been proposed methods consisting in modifying said conventional architecture by including other switching means, such as for example a selection switch, configured to switch off or selectively power a energy-intensive electronic equipment such as those mentioned above. For example, the transmission chain is connected to the antenna, said other switching means make it possible to supply electronic equipment (power amplifier, digital-to-analog converter, etc.) during the transmission of a message, and, conversely, allow this equipment to be switched off when no message needs to be sent. Similarly, the reception chain is connected to the antenna, said other switching means make it possible to supply electronic equipment (low noise amplifier, analog-to-digital converter, etc.) when receiving a message, and conversely, allow this equipment to be switched off when no message needs to be received.

Implementations of these more energy efficient methods are for example described in the documents:

- "Energy-Efficient Base-Stations Sleep-Mode Technique in Green Cellular Networks: a Survey ”, J. Wu, Y. Zhang, M. Zukerman and EK Yung, IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials, vol. 17, n ° 2, pp. 803-826, 2015;

- “Enhanced discontinuous reception mechanism for power saving in TD-LTE”, F. Li, Y.

Zhang, L. Li, 2010 3rd International Conference on Computer Science and Information Technology, Chengdu, pp. 682-686, 2010.

[0011] Although these methods make it possible to selectively switch off energy-consuming electronic equipment, they nonetheless still consume a great deal of energy precisely because of the very use of this equipment during transmission or transmission. receiving a message. This is all the more problematic when this energy consumption is related to the range of a communication. It is in fact understood that when this range is low, for example less than one meter, the energy cost of operating a wireless communication device implementing these methods is particularly high.

Disclosure of the invention

The object of the present invention is to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art, in particular those set out above, by proposing a solution which makes it possible, in comparison with the solutions of the prior art, to reduce the energy consumption of a wireless communication device comprising a conventional architecture to operate according to a TDD scheme, and in particular to reduce the ratio between energy consumption and range of a communication.

To this end, and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a device for controlling the operation of a wireless communication device comprising an antenna, a front module configured for the transmission and reception of signals via said antenna according to a time division multiplexing scheme, as well as switching means able to configure said front module according to at least two modes, including:

- a first mode in which the front module has a first impedance to the antenna,

a second mode in which the front module presents a second impedance to the antenna, said first and second impedances being distinct from one another.

In addition, said control device is intended to be integrated into said communication device and comprises a control module configured to control said switching means so that the front module alternates between said first and second modes and thus the communication device selectively varies its backscatter from an ambient signal. Thus, there is proposed a control device configured in software and hardware to create variations in the impedance presented to the antenna (ie attached to the antenna or even connected to the port of the antenna) equipping the wireless communication device.

[0015] The invention therefore makes it possible to advantageously take advantage of these variations in impedance generated thanks to the control device so that the wireless communication device is able to backscatter an ambient signal emitted by a transmitting source.

Communication technology by ambient backscattering is well known today. The technical principles on which this technology is based are described, in particular, in the document: "Ambient Backscatter Communications: A Contemporary Survey", N. Van Huynh, D. Thai Hoang, X. Lu, D. Niyato, P. Wang , D. In Kim, IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials, vol. 20, no. 4, pp. 2889-2922, Fourthquarter 2018.

Conventionally, the backscattering of an ambient signal takes place between a transmitter device (in this case, in the context of the present invention, the wireless communication device equipped with said control device) and a device receiver separate from the source transmitting the ambient signal. To communicate with the receiving device, the transmitting device uses the ambient signal to send data to said receiving device. More particularly, the transmitting device reflects the ambient signal towards the receiving device, possibly by modulating it. The signal thus reflected is called a “backscattered signal”, and is intended to be decoded by the receiving device (i.e. the receiving device extracts from the backscattered signal information transmitted by the transmitting device, for example in the form of bits).

The fact that no additional radio wave (in the sense of a wave other than that coming from the ambient signal) is emitted by the transmitting device makes the ambient backscattering technology particularly attractive. Indeed, the energy cost of a communication is thus optimized, which is particularly important in the current context of the IoT where each object of everyday life is intended to become a communicating object.

To implement communication technology by ambient backscattering, the transmitter device is therefore configured with a control device to interact variably (enter into variable resonance), via the antenna, with the ambient signal, so as to be able to pass from a first state associated with said first mode to a second state associated with said second mode. These two modes differ from each other in terms of backscattering, so that they can be distinguished at the level of the receiving device. The receiving device, for its part, is configured to decode the signal possibly backscattered by the transmitting device.

In practice, this decoding is effectively implemented when the difference in electromagnetic power received by the receiving device, between times when the device transmitter is respectively in the first state and in the second state, exceeds a determined threshold, called “power threshold”, above the noise level of the receiver (which is constant). Indeed, if this power threshold is not reached, difficulties may arise on the side of the receiving device to detect that the transmitting device is in a backscattering state.

Also, and in a conventional manner, communication by ambient backscattering can be implemented effectively (ie reaching said power threshold) as soon as the first state and the second state of the transmitter device are distinctly backscattering and not backscattering. , and that the transmitting and receiving devices are close to each other and / or that the transmitting device is close to the transmitting source. By way of example, it is generally considered that the term "close" refers to a distance substantially equal to half a wavelength from the center frequency of the working band. These aspects are well known to those skilled in the art, and therefore are not further described here. For more details, it is possible to refer for example to the document: “Demo Abstract: Spatial modulation based transmission using a reconfigurable antenna”, Y. Kokar, K. Rachedi, A. Ourir, J. de Rosny, DT Phan Huy , JC Prévotet, M. Hélard, Proc. IEEE INFOCOM'19 Demo Session, 29 April - 2 May 2019, Paris.

In any event, the invention advantageously makes it possible to exploit the existing hardware and software architecture of the wireless communication device, the control module being able to generate impedance differences on the basis of this. architecture. In this way, the wireless communication device is offered an additional communication mode, namely therefore an ambient backscattering communication mode, in addition to the communication modes conventionally associated with a time division multiplexing scheme (ie data exchanges via transmission / reception channels and antenna radiation).

Consequently, the control device according to the invention offers the possibility of reducing the energy consumption of the wireless communication device when it is appropriate for the latter to communicate by ambient backscattering, that is to say say, typically and as already mentioned above, when it is near a receiving device with which it wants to communicate and / or when it is near the emitting source. In other words, in these situations, the invention makes it possible to avoid using a traditional mode of communication involving the use of a transmission or reception channel as well as the radiation from the antenna.

In particular embodiments, the control device may further include one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in any technically possible combination. In particular embodiments, the ambient signal is backscattered under control of the variation in impedance controlled by said control device

In particular embodiments, the front module comprises a transmission chain and a reception chain, the switching means comprising:

- first switching means configured to selectively connect the antenna to the transmission chain or to the reception chain,

second switching means configured to selectively switch off or power on a given electronic item of equipment in a chain, called a “processing chain”, from among said transmission and reception chains, said first / second mode corresponding to a configuration in which the processing chain is connected to the antenna by means of said first switching means and in which said electronic equipment is switched off / powered by said second switching means.

[0027] Such arrangements therefore allow the control module to control the power supply of electronic equipment in the processing chain in order to generate the variation in impedance from which an ambient signal can be backscattered.

[0028] In addition, these arrangements are also advantageous insofar as they make it possible to reduce the energy consumption when no data is to be transmitted by the wireless communication device. In fact, in this case, said electronic equipment is switched off.

In particular embodiments, the processing chain is the transmission chain and said electronic equipment is a power amplifier or a digital-to-analog converter.

In particular embodiments, the processing chain is the reception chain and said electronic equipment is a low noise amplifier or an analog-to-digital converter.

In particular embodiments, the front module comprises a transmission chain and a reception chain, the switching means being configured to selectively connect the antenna to the transmission chain or to the reception chain, said first / second mode corresponding to a configuration in which the transmission / reception chain is connected to the antenna by virtue of said switching means.

[0032] Such arrangements therefore allow the control module to control the connection of the transmission / reception channels to the antenna in order to generate the variation in impedance from which an ambient signal can be backscattered. Such a configuration is not very complex at implement, and its cost is therefore reduced. Consequently, the control of such switching means is also simpler to implement.

second switching means belonging to a chain, called a “processing chain”, from among said transmission and reception chains, and comprising an impedance matching circuit configurable according to at least two distinct configurations, a first configuration and a second configuration, said first / second mode corresponding to a configuration in which the processing chain is connected to the antenna by means of said first switching means and in which the impedance matching circuit is configured according to said first configuration / said second configuration by virtue of said second switching means.

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a wireless communication device comprising an antenna, a front module configured for the transmission and reception of signals via said antenna according to a time division multiplexing scheme, as well as means for switching capable of configuring said front module according to at least two modes, including:

- a first mode in which the front module has a first impedance to the antenna,

In addition, said wireless communication device comprises a control device according to the invention.

According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a wireless communication system comprising:

- an emitting source configured to emit an ambient signal,

- a first wireless communication device according to the invention,

a second wireless communication device configured to receive the ambient signal backscattered by said first communication device.

According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a method for controlling the operation of a wireless communication device comprising an antenna, a front module configured for the transmission and reception of signals via said antenna according to a diagram of time-division multiplexing, as well as switching means able to configure said front-end module according to at least two modes, including: - a first mode in which the front module has a first impedance to the antenna,

In addition, said control method is implemented by a control device according to the invention, integrated into said wireless communication device and comprises a step of controlling said switching means so that the front module alternates between said first and second. modes and thus the communication device selectively varies its backscattering of an ambient signal.

According to a fifth aspect, the invention relates to a computer program comprising instructions for the implementation of a control method according to the invention when said program is executed by a computer.

This program can use any programming language, and be in the form of source code, object code, or intermediate code between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in n ' any other desirable shape.

According to a sixth aspect, the invention relates to an information or recording medium readable by a computer on which a computer program according to the invention is recorded.

The information or recording medium can be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the medium may comprise a storage means, such as a ROM, for example a CD ROM or a microelectronic circuit ROM, or else a magnetic recording means, for example a floppy disk or a disk. hard.

On the other hand, the information or recording medium can be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, which can be conveyed via an electrical or optical cable, by radio or by other means. . The program according to the invention can in particular be downloaded from an Internet type network.

[0042] Alternatively, the information or recording medium can be an integrated circuit in which the program is incorporated, the circuit being adapted to execute or to be used in the execution of the method in question.

According to a seventh aspect, the invention relates to a communication method implemented by a wireless communication system according to the invention, in which a signal ambient transmitted by the transmitting source is backscattered by the first wireless communication device and received by the second wireless communication device.

Brief description of the drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description given below, with reference to the appended drawings which illustrate an exemplary embodiment thereof without any limiting nature. In the figures:

[Fig. 1] FIG. 1 schematically represents, in its environment, a particular embodiment of a communication system according to the invention;

[Fig. 2] FIG. 2 schematically represents an example of the hardware architecture of a wireless communication device according to the invention belonging to the communication system of FIG. 1;

[Fig. 3] FIG. 3 schematically represents an example of the hardware architecture of a control device according to the invention fitted to the wireless communication device of FIG. 2;

[Fig. 4] FIG. 4 schematically represents a first embodiment of switching means of the wireless communication device;

[Fig. 5] FIG. 5 schematically represents a second embodiment of switching means of the wireless communication device;

[Fig. 6] FIG. 6 schematically represents a third embodiment of switching means of the wireless communication device;

[Fig. 7] FIG. 7 schematically shows a fourth embodiment of switching means of the wireless communication device;

[Fig. 8] FIG. 8 represents, in the form of a flowchart, a particular example of implementation of a control method according to the invention;

[Fig. 9] FIG. 9 schematically represents an example of a data transmission scenario implemented by the transmitter device D_TX.

Description of the embodiments

FIG. 1 schematically shows, in its environment, a particular embodiment of a wireless communication system 10 according to the invention.

As illustrated in Figure 1, the wireless communication system 10 comprises a transmitter source SO configured to transmit, according to a transmission frequency F_E included in a given frequency band called “emission band”, a radio signal called “ambient signal”. The emission of the ambient signal takes place, for example, permanently or alternatively on a recurring basis.

For the remainder of the description, and as illustrated by FIG. 1, we consider in no way limiting the case where the ambient signal is emitted by only one source. The choice consisting in considering a single source is made here for the purposes of simplifying the description only. Also, no limitation is attached to the number of sources that can be considered in the context of the present invention, the developments which follow in fact being generalizable without difficulty by a person skilled in the art in the case of a plurality of non-coherent sources between they.

By "radioelectric signal", we refer here to an electromagnetic wave propagating by wireless means, the frequencies of which are included in the traditional spectrum of radio waves (a few hertz to several hundred gigahertz).

By way of non-limiting example, the ambient signal is a 4G mobile telephone signal transmitted in the transmission band [811 MHz, 821 MHz] by the source SO which takes the form of a relay antenna.

However, it should be noted that the invention remains applicable to other types of radio signals, such as for example a mobile telephone signal other than 4G (for example 2G, 3G, 5G), a Wi-Fi signal, a WiMax signal, a DVB-T signal, etc. In general, no limitation is attached to the ambient radio signal which may be considered within the scope of the present invention. Consequently, it should be noted that the number of antennas equipping the source SO does not constitute a limiting factor of the invention.

The communication system 10 also comprises a first wireless communication device, called "transmitter device" D_TX, as well as a second wireless communication device, called "receiver device" D_RX and separate from the source SO, respectively. configured to communicate with each other, as detailed below.

In the remainder of the description, and as illustrated by FIG. 1, it is considered without limitation that the communication system 10 comprises a single transmitter device D_TX and a single receiver device D_RX. It should however be specified that the invention is also applicable to a communication system comprising a plurality of transmitting devices and / or a plurality of receiving devices, this aspect not constituting a limiting factor of the invention.

In the remainder of the description, it is also considered that the transmitter device D_TX is a mobile telephone of the “smartphone” type. It should however be noted that no limitation is attached to the nature of said D_TX transmitter device as soon as the latter is able to perform wireless communications. For example, it can be a laptop, a personal assistant, a communicating object, etc.

FIG. 2 schematically represents an example of the hardware architecture of the D_TX transmitter device according to the invention belonging to the communication system 10 of FIG. 1.

As illustrated by Figure 2, the D_TX transmitter device is equipped with an antenna 100. The D_TX transmitter device also includes a front module configured for the transmission and reception of signals via said antenna 100 according to a diagram TDD time division multiplexing (ie duplex by time separation using the same radio channel). Conventionally, said front module comprises a C_TX transmission chain and a C_RX reception chain.

In this exemplary embodiment, said C_TX transmission chain comprises a digital-analog converter 101, a modulator 102 as well as a power amplifier 103. The C_RX reception chain, for its part, comprises a low noise amplifier 104, a demodulator 105 as well as an analog-to-digital converter 106.

Said D_TX transmitter device also comprises an electronic signal processing unit, called a "DSP" unit, configured to generate baseband signals intended to be routed to the antenna via the C_TX transmission chain as well as in processing signals received by the antenna and sent to said DSP unit via the reception chain C_RX.

For this purpose, the DSP unit comprises for example one or more processors and storage means (magnetic hard disk, electronic memory, optical disc, etc.) in which data and a computer program are stored, in the form of a set of program code instructions to be executed to implement the aforementioned signal processing.

Alternatively or in addition, the DSP unit also comprises one or more programmable logic circuits, of the FPGA, PLD, etc. type, and / or specialized integrated circuits (ASIC), and / or a set of discrete electronic components, etc. suitable for implementing said signal processing.

In other words, the DSP unit comprises a set of means configured in software (specific computer program) and / or hardware (FPGA, PLD, ASIC, etc.) to implement said processing operations. signals.

In general, those skilled in the art know the conventional architecture of a D_TX transmitter device capable of transmitting signals according to a time division multiplexing scheme, this aspect therefore not being detailed further. here. It should also be noted that the C_TX transmission chain and / or the C_RX reception chain can also include other electronic equipment. Furthermore, no limitation is attached to the number of antennas that can equip the D_TX transmitter device, or even to the number of transmission and reception channels, it being understood that the number of antennas is greater than or equal to the number of channels. transmission as well as the number of reception channels, this aspect also being known to those skilled in the art.

The D_TX transmitter device also comprises switching means 110 capable of configuring said front module according to at least two modes including:

- a first mode M_1 in which the front module presents a first impedance to the antenna 100,

a second mode M_2 in which the front module presents a second impedance to the antenna 100, said first and second impedances being distinct from one another.

By "impedance presented to the antenna", we refer here to the equivalent impedance of the electronic circuits connected at a given time to the antenna 100, this impedance therefore depending on the mode in which the front module is configured via said switching means 110.

It is important to note that FIG. 2 here schematically illustrates the general structure of the D_TX transmitter device according to the invention. Thus, different embodiments of said switching means 110 are described in more detail later through different figures.

In addition, the D_TX transmitter device comprises a D_CO control device implementing processing aimed at allowing the D_TX transmitter device to selectively vary the backscattering of the ambient signal emitted by the source SO, by implementing a control method of the operation of said D_TX transmitter device.

In the present embodiment, the antenna 100 of the D_TX transmitter device is configured, in a manner known per se, to receive the ambient signal but also backscatter it to the D_RX receiver device.

In practice, the D_TX transmitter device is associated with a frequency band, called the “influence band”, which corresponds to the frequency band in which the antenna is able to receive / backscatter signals. When said influence band is included in the emission band associated with the source SO, it is qualified as “working band”. By “working band”, reference is made here to the fact that the transmitter device D_TX is compatible with the source SO, ie that the backscatter can be carried out for any frequency included in said working band. However, nothing excludes considering a band of influence which is not included in the transmission band. It is nevertheless implicit that for the transmitter device D_TX to be able to backscatter the ambient signal, said influence band and said emission band must have a non-empty intersection, the working band therefore corresponding to this intersection.

It should also be noted that the antenna 100 equipping the transmitter device D_TX is not only configured to allow the backscattering of the ambient signal emitted by the source SO, but also to transmit and receive, in a conventional manner, radio signals via the C_TX transmission chain and the C_RX reception chain, respectively.

In the present embodiment, the D_RX receiver device is equipped with a reception antenna (not shown in the figures) configured to receive signals in said working band. For example, said receiver device D_RX is a cell phone of the smartphone type.

It should however be noted that no limitation is attached to the number of antennas that can equip the D_RX receiver device.

In general, no limitation is attached to the structural forms that can be taken respectively by the source SO and the receiver device D_RX. By way of non-limiting examples, the following configurations can be envisaged depending on the working frequency band considered:

- the source SO is a cellular telephone, for example of the smartphone type, and the receiver device D_RX is a base station,

- the source SO and the receiver device D_RX are both cellular telephones, for example of the smartphone type,

the source SO is a domestic gateway (also called an “Internet box”) emitting a Wi-Fi signal, and the receiving device D_RX is a cellular telephone, for example of the smartphone type, etc .;

It should also be noted that the antenna equipping the D_RX receiver device is not only configured to allow interaction with the signal backscattered by the D_TX transmitter device, but also to receive, in a conventional manner, radio signals via a reception chain and an electronic unit whose configurations are respectively similar to those of the reception chain C_RX and of the DSP unit equipping the transmitter device D_TX.

FIG. 3 schematically represents an example of the hardware architecture of the D_CO control device according to the invention configured to implement said control method. As illustrated by FIG. 3, the D_CO control device according to the invention has the hardware architecture of a computer. Thus, such a D_CO control device comprises, in particular, a processor 1, a random access memory 2, a read only memory 3 and a non-volatile memory 4. It also has a communication module 5.

The communication module 5 allows in particular the control device D_CO to transmit control signals to the switching means 110. This communication module 5 comprises for example a computer data bus capable of transmitting said control signals. According to another example, the communication module 5 comprises a communication interface, wired or wireless, capable of implementing any suitable protocol known to those skilled in the art (Ethernet, Wifi,

Bluetooth, 3G, 4G, 5G, etc.).

The read only memory 3 of the D_CO control device constitutes a recording medium according to the invention, readable by the processor 1 and on which is recorded a computer program PROG according to the invention, comprising instructions for the execution of steps of the control method according to the invention. The PROG program defines functional modules of the D_CO control device, which are based on or control the hardware elements 2 to 5 of the D_CO control device mentioned above, and which in particular include a MOD_CO control module configured to control said switching means 110 so that the front module alternates between said first M_1 and second M_2 modes. In this way, the D_TX communication device can backscatter the ambient signal from the source SO.

In this exemplary embodiment, said MOD_CO control module is further configured to control the switching means 110 so that the transmitter device D_TX is able to transmit data by means of the transmission chain C_TX and receive signals. data using the C_RX receive string. In other words, in this example, the control module MOD_CO allows the transmitter device D_TX to communicate in a conventional manner with the receiver device D_RX.

However, nothing excludes considering, following other examples not detailed here, that the MOD_CO control module is only configured to allow communication by ambient backscattering, and that another control module of the D_TX transmitter device is configured to allow conventional communication via the C_TX transmission / C_RX reception chains.

In a manner known per se, and as already mentioned previously, the communication by ambient backscattering consists in the use of the ambient signal, by the transmitter device D_TX, to send data to said receiver device D_RX. The sending of such data by varying the backscatter of the ambient signal is based on essential on the possibility of modifying the impedance presented to the antenna 100, as a function of said data to be sent.

According to the invention, this change in impedance is made possible through the first M_1 and second M_2 configuration modes of the front module. In this way, the transmitter device D_TX is associated with operating states, namely ideally a so-called “backscatter” state (the transmitter device D_TX can backscatter the ambient signal) in one of said modes M_1, M_2, as well as a state The opposite is said to be “non-backscattering” (the transmitter device D_TX cannot backscatter the ambient signal, or, in other words, is “transparent” to the ambient signal) in the other of said modes M_1, M_2. The impedance associated with the backscattering state typically corresponds to zero or infinite impedance, while the impedance associated with the non-backscattering state typically corresponds to the complex conjugate of the characteristic impedance of the antenna in the medium. propagation considered at the considered frequency.

It should be noted that the invention is not limited to this ideal case in which only two states which are respectively perfectly backscattering and perfectly non-backscattering would be considered. Indeed, the invention also remains applicable in the case where two states (first state and second state) are not perfectly backscattering / non-backscattering, since the variation of the backscattered waves is perceptible by a receiving device which is practically and economically feasible. .

Data intended to be transmitted by the transmitter device D_TX are conventionally encoded by means of a set of symbols, comprising for example a symbol called "high" (bit of value "1"), or else a symbol called " low ”(bit with value“ 0 ”). The transmission of such data by variation of the ambient backscattering can therefore be carried out, in a manner known per se, by alternation between said first M_1 and second M_2 configuration modes of the front module, each of said modes M_l, M_2 being dedicated to the transmission of a symbol of a particular type (for example high symbol for the first mode M_1 and low symbol for the second mode M_2, or vice versa). In other words, the data intended to be transmitted by the transmitter device D_TX are transported to the receiver device D_RX by modulation of the waves emitted by the source SO (i.e. by back-modulation).

In general, the specific aspects relating to the signal processing techniques for the transmission of data by ambient backscattering to the receiver device D_RX, as well as those relating to the signal processing techniques for decoding implemented. implemented by the latter, are known to those skilled in the art and go beyond the scope of the present invention. Therefore, they are not detailed here further. The remainder of the description aims to detail several embodiments of the switching means 110 belonging to the hardware architecture of the transmitter device D_TX of FIG. 2. Each of these embodiments offers the possibility of alternating, via appropriate commands generated by the MOD_CO control module of the D_CO control device, between said first M_1 and second M_2 modes of the front module.

FIG. 4 schematically represents a first embodiment of said switching means 110.

As illustrated by FIG. 4, the switching means 110 comprise in this first embodiment first switching means 111 configured to selectively connect the antenna 100 to the transmission chain C_TX or to the transmission chain. reception C_RX.

For example, said first switching means 111 are a duplexer of a design known per se, that is to say an electronic component allowing the use of the antenna 100 for transmission and reception.

In said first mode illustrated in FIG. 4, said switching means 110 also comprise second switching means 112 configured to switch off (initials "OFF" in FIG. 4) or power (initials "ON" in FIG. 4) ) selectively a given electronic device of the C_TX transmission chain.

Said second switching means 112 are for example a design selector switch known per se. In general, those skilled in the art know how to implement switching means capable of selectively switching off or powering electronic equipment of the C_TX transmission chain, as is for example described in the document by J. Wu et al. al. already mentioned before.

Furthermore, and by way of non-limiting example, the electronic equipment which can be switched off or powered by said second switching means 112 is the power amplifier 103. In many conventional electronic devices, said signal amplifier power 103 constitutes the electronic equipment of the C_TX transmission chain which consumes the most energy.

It should however be noted that the choice of a given electronic equipment item of the transmission chain, to be switched off or powered by said second switching means 112, only constitutes a variant implementation of the invention. . Thus, a choice which differs from said power amplifier 103 can be considered, such as for example said digital-to-analog converter 101, modulator 102, etc.

Ultimately, in the first embodiment illustrated by FIG. 4, the first mode M_1 of the front module corresponds to a configuration in which the transmission chain C_TX is connected to the antenna 100 by virtue of said first switching means 111 and in wherein said given electronic equipment item is turned off by means of said second switching means 112.

Conversely, the second mode M_2 of the front module corresponds to a configuration in which the transmission chain C_TX is connected to the antenna 100 thanks to said first switching means 111 but in which said given electronic equipment item is powered. thanks to said second switching means 112.

In other words, the variation in impedance between the first M_1 and second M_2 configuration modes of the front module results from the fact that the electronic equipment considered in the transmission chain C_TX is selectively switched off or powered.

It emerges from what has just been described with reference to FIG. 4 that the control of the variation in impedance is carried out here via the transmission chain C_TX of the front module. Consequently, in this first embodiment, the transmission chain C_TX is also referred to as “processing chain”.

FIG. 5 schematically represents a second embodiment of said switching means 110.

Said second embodiment is substantially similar to that of the first embodiment of FIG. 4, except that the processing chain here no longer corresponds to the transmission chain C_TX but to the reception chain C_RX.

[0100] Consequently, and as illustrated by FIG. 5, the switching means 110 also comprise first switching means 111 configured to selectively connect the antenna 100 to the transmission chain C_TX or to the reception chain. C_RX. All the characteristics described above with reference to FIG. 4 for said first switching means 111 remain valid here.

The switching means 110 comprise second switching means 113 configured to selectively switch off or power a given electronic item of equipment of the reception chain C_RX.

Said second switching means 113 are for example a selection switch of a design known per se. In general, a person skilled in the art knows how to use switching means capable of selectively switching off or powering electronic equipment of the C_RX reception chain, as is for example described in the document by F. Li et al. . already mentioned before.

[0103] Furthermore, and by way of non-limiting example, the electronic equipment item which can be switched off or powered by said second switching means 113 is the low noise amplifier 104. However, it should be noted that the choice of a given electronic item of equipment in the reception chain, to be switched off or powered by said second switching means 113, only constitutes a variant implementation of the invention. Thus, a choice which differs from said low noise amplifier 104 can be considered, such as for example the demodulator 105, said analog-to-digital converter 106, etc.

Ultimately, in the second embodiment illustrated by FIG. 5, the first mode M_1 of the front module corresponds to a configuration in which the reception chain C_RX is connected to the antenna 100 thanks to said first switching means 111 and wherein said given electronic equipment is turned off by said second switching means 113.

Conversely, the second mode M_2 of the front module corresponds to a configuration in which the reception chain C_RX is connected to the antenna 100 by means of said first switching means 111, but in which said given electronic equipment item is powered. thanks to said second switching means 113.

In other words, the variation in impedance related to the antenna by the reception chain C_RX between the first M_1 and second M_2 configuration modes of the front module results from the fact that the electronic equipment considered in the reception chain C_RX is selectively turned off or powered.

[0108] FIG. 6 schematically represents a third embodiment of said switching means 110.

[0109] As illustrated by FIG. 6, said third embodiment is substantially similar to those of said first and second embodiments (FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 respectively) in that the switching means 110 comprise first switching means. switching 111 configured to selectively connect the antenna 100 to the C_TX transmission chain or to the C_RX reception chain. All the characteristics described above with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 for said first switching means 111 remain valid here, these first switching means 111 therefore being able to modify the impedance matching between the antenna 100 and the chain. C_TX transmission or the C_RX reception string.

[0110] Said switching means 110 also comprise second switching means 114 belonging to the transmission chain C_TX. Said second switching means 114 comprise an impedance matching circuit CIR_Z configurable according to at least two distinct configurations, a first configuration and a second configuration.

[0111] More particularly, in the example of FIG. 6, said first configuration

(respectively said second configuration) corresponds to a configuration according to which the impedance matching circuit CIR_Z modifies the impedance presented to the antenna 100 by means of a first capacitor CH_1 (respectively of a second capacitor CH_2).

The design and implementation of such an impedance matching circuit are known to those skilled in the art, so that this aspect is not described further here. At the very least, it is mentioned here that said impedance matching circuit CIR_Z is arranged in the transmission chain C_TX at the foot of the antenna 100, that is to say after the power amplifier 103 in the direction from the DSP unit to said antenna 100.

Ultimately, said first mode M_1 corresponds to a configuration in which the transmission chain C_TX is connected to the antenna 100 by means of said first switching means 111 and in which the impedance matching circuit CIR_Z is configured. according to said first configuration by virtue of said second switching means 114.

Conversely, said second mode M_2 corresponds to a configuration in which the transmission chain C_TX is connected to the antenna 100 by means of said first switching means 111 and in which the impedance matching circuit CIR_Z is configured according to said second configuration by virtue of said second switching means 114.

In other words, the variation in impedance between the first M_1 and second M_2 configuration modes of the front module results from the fact that the capacitor used by the impedance matching circuit CIR_Z is either the first capacitor CH_1 or the second capacitor CH_2.

Although the third embodiment of FIG. 6 has been described by considering only two capacitors CH_1, CH_2 of the impedance matching circuit CIR_Z, it should be noted that no limitation is attached to the number of capacitors through which the impedance matching circuit CIR_Z can modify the impedance presented to the antenna 100, since this number is greater than or equal to two (in this case, the impedance circuit CIR_Z is configurable according to as many configurations as the number of capacitors).

Of course, the choice consisting in considering capacitors to modify the impedance presented to the antenna 100 by virtue of the CIR_Z impedance circuit only represents one variant embodiment of the invention. Thus, it is possible to envisage, as an alternative or in combination with capacitors, inductors, resistors, etc., and more generally any electronic component having an impedance which is specific to it.

[0118] FIG. 7 schematically represents a fourth embodiment of said switching means 110. As illustrated by FIG. 7, the switching means 110 of this fourth embodiment are configured to selectively connect the antenna 100 to the transmission chain C_TX or to the reception chain C_RX.

The switching means 110 of this fourth embodiment therefore correspond only to the first switching means 111 described above with reference to FIG. 4 (first embodiment) or to FIG. 5 (second embodiment). or in FIG. 6 (third embodiment).

In other words, in this fourth embodiment, and in comparison with said first and second embodiments, it is not implemented switching means specifically dedicated to the extinction or the power supply of. a dedicated electronic device of one of the C_TX transmission / C_RX reception chains. Or again, in comparison with the third embodiment, switching means capable of modifying the impedance presented to the antenna 100 by means of loads of a matching circuit are not used. impedance.

Ultimately, in the third embodiment of FIG. 7, the first mode M_1 of the front module corresponds to a configuration in which the transmission chain C_TX is connected to the antenna 100 by virtue of said switching means 110.

Conversely, the second mode M_2 of the front module corresponds to a configuration in which the reception chain C_RX is connected to the antenna 100 by virtue of said switching means 110.

In other words, the variation in impedance between the first M_1 and second M_2 configuration modes of the front module results from the fact that the antenna is connected either to the transmission chain C_TX or to the reception chain C_RX.

The invention has been described so far by considering said first, second, third and fourth embodiments. Other embodiments can nevertheless be envisaged.

[0126] For example, nothing excludes having switching means 110 comprising first switching means configured to selectively connect the antenna 100 to the transmission chain C_TX or to the reception chain C_RX, as well as:

- second switching means configured to selectively switch off or power a given electronic item of equipment of the C_TX transmission chain (i.e. second switching means similar to the second switching means described with reference to FIG. 4),

- third switching means configured to selectively switch off or power a given electronic equipment item of the reception chain C_RX (ie third switching means switching similar to the second switching means described with reference to the figure

5).

[0127] According to another example, the switching means 110 may include first switching means configured to selectively connect the antenna 100 to the transmission chain C_TX or to the reception chain C_RX, as well as:

- second switching means belonging to the transmission chain C_TX, and comprising an impedance matching circuit configured to modify the impedance presented to the antenna 100 by means of at least two separate electronic components of said impedance matching circuit (ie second switching means similar to the second switching means described with reference to FIG. 6),

- third switching means belonging to the reception chain C_RX, and comprising an impedance matching circuit configured to modify the impedance presented to the antenna 100 by means of at least two separate electronic components of said circuit impedance matching (ie third switching means similar to the second switching means described with reference to FIG. 6, with the difference that they belong here to the reception chain C_RX).

In general, the invention covers any technically possible combination of said first, second, third and fourth embodiments.

[0129] The invention further relates to a method for controlling the operation of the transmitter device D_TX. This control method is implemented by the D_CO control device equipping said D_TX transmitter device, more particularly by the MOD_CO control module.

In its general principle, said control method comprises a step of controlling the switching means 110 so that the front module alternates between said first M_1 and second M_2 modes and thus that said transmitter device D_TX selectively varies its backscattering of the ambient signal emitted by the SO source.

[0131] FIG. 8 represents, in the form of a flowchart, a particular example of implementation of the control method according to the invention.

In this particular example of implementation, it is assumed that the transmitter device D_TX wishes to transmit data by ambient backscattering to the receiver device D_RX, and that these data take the form, before transmission to the receiver device D_RX, of a signal comprising a sequence of high and low symbols assigned respectively to the data bits (1 or 0). It is also considered that a symbol corresponding to a 1 bit (respectively to a 0 bit) is intended to be transmitted by ambient backscattering when the front module is configured according to its first mode M_1 (respectively its second mode M_2). In this particular example of implementation, it is also considered that the switching means 110 are configured such as those described with reference to FIG. 4, and that the electronic equipment which can be switched off or powered is the amplifier of power 103.

[0134] Consequently, when the MOD_CO control module becomes aware of the type of data to be transmitted, more particularly of the symbols and of their respective order within the sequence, it generates appropriate control signals, these control signals being transmitted. to the switching means 110.

[0135] Thus, the control step (step F10) firstly comprises the generation (step F10_l) of a first control signal S_COM_0 transmitted to the first switching means 111 so that the antenna 100 is connected to the C_TX broadcast chain. According to a variant implementation, if it is detected that said transmission chain is already connected to the antenna 100, such a first control signal S_COM_0 is not generated.

[0136] Subsequently, the control step comprises the generation of other control signals S_COM_i (iterations of a step F10_2), i being an integer greater than or equal to 1. These other control signals S_COM_i are quantified. to them transmitted to the second switching means 112 in order to obtain, as a function of the data to be transmitted (bit 1 or bit 0), an alternation between said first M_1 and second M_2 modes of the front module, and therefore ultimately a variation of impedance necessary for the implementation of a transmission by selective variation of ambient backscattering (ie by backscattering).

It will of course be understood that the number of these other signals generated depends on the number of times the type of the symbols alternates between bit 1 and bit 0. In other words, and more generally, the alternation between the first M_1 and second M_2 of the front module, and therefore ultimately the variation in impedance (presented to the associated antenna) is carried out as a function of the data to be transmitted by ambient backscattering.

From such an example of implementation of the control method, those skilled in the art are able to implement said control method according to all the modes covered by the present invention, in particular according to said first (Figure 4), second (Figure 5), third (Figure 6) and fourth (Figure 7) modes described above.

Of course, the control method according to the invention is not limited to allowing communication by selective variation of the ambient backscattering between the D_TX transmitter and D_RX receiver devices. In particular, given the respective hardware configurations of these devices, nothing excludes them from exchanging data with each other in a conventional manner (ie by means of their respective transmission / reception chains). The control method according to the invention can therefore include other steps for controlling the switching means so as to allow such a conventional exchange of data. [0140] For example, let us consider again that the switching means 110 are configured as those described with reference to FIG. 4, and that the electronic equipment which can be switched off or supplied is the power amplifier 103. Let us further assume that the first switching means 111 are already configured so that the antenna 100 is connected to the transmission chain C_TX (for example by means of an appropriate control signal). Therefore, in the case where data must be transmitted via the C_TX transmission chain (these data therefore being intended to be radiated by the antenna 100), the MOD_CO control module can generate, during the implementation of the control method, a control signal transmitted to the second switching means 112 so that the power amplifier 103 is supplied. Conversely, in the case where no data is to be transmitted via the transmission chain C_TX, the control module MOD_CO can generate, during the control method, a control signal transmitted to the second switching means 112 of so that the power amplifier 103 is turned off.

[0141] FIG. 9 schematically represents an example of a data transmission scenario implemented by the transmitter device D_TX.

In this FIG. 9, it is considered in a nonlimiting manner that the switching means 110 are configured such as those described with reference to FIG. 4, and that the electronic equipment which can be switched off or supplied is the power amplifier. 103.

[0143] It is further considered that a symbol corresponding to a 1 bit (respectively to a 0 bit) and belonging to a data message intended to be transmitted by ambient backscattering is associated with the first mode M_1 (respectively with the second mode M_2). front module. Of course, we understand that this choice is purely arbitrary.

It is also considered that a time instant Ti is prior to a time instant Tj for an integer index i less than an integer index j. Finally, when data is transmitted in a conventional manner during a period of time, the latter is shown with hatching in Figure 9.

In the example of FIG. 9, the transmitter device D_TX first of all transmits data over a long range, for example of several kilometers, between an instant T1 and an instant T2. The transmission of these data is carried out in a conventional manner via the transmission chain C_TX and the antenna 100 (ie the antenna 100 radiates radio-frequency energy supplied locally between the instants T1 and T2). In other words, between times T1 and T2, the first switching means 111 are configured so that the transmission chain C_TX is connected to the antenna 100, and the second switching means 112 are configured so that the amplifier 103 is powered. In other words, and although the transmission considered between the instants T1 and T2 is not implemented according to the principle of ambient backscattering, the front module is here configured according to the first mode M_l. [0146] Subsequently, the transmitter device D_TX has no data to send for a period between time T2 and an instant T3, this period being greater than a predefined threshold. Therefore, from time T3, and until time T4 from which new data is to be transmitted over a long range, the first switching means 111 are configured so that the transmission chain C_TX is connected to the antenna 100, and the second switching means 112 are configured so that the amplifier 103 is turned off. In other words, and although the ambient signal is not backscattered between said instants T3 and T4, the front module is here configured according to the second mode M_2. In this way, it is possible to save the energy consumed by D_TX between times T3 and T4.

The choice of a threshold from which the power amplifier 103 is turned off constitutes only one variant of implementation of the invention. For example, this threshold can be equal to a few microseconds or a few milliseconds, or even a second.

In the case where the communication network considered for the exchange of data between the transmitting device D_TX and the receiving device D_RX is of the 5G type, examples of values of such a threshold are given in the document: "Optimal Policies of Advanced Sleep modes for Energy-Efficient 5G Networks ”, FE Salema, T. Chahed, E. Altman, A. Gati, Z. Altman, Arxiv, 2019.

[0149] Subsequently, between time T4 and time T5, as well as between times T6 and T7, as well as between times T8 and T9, data is sent in a manner similar to what has been described. above for the period between times T1 and T2.

[0150] As illustrated by FIG. 9, the power amplifier 103 is not switched off between the instants T5 and T6 insofar as the time separating these two instants is less than said threshold. The same is true for the duration between times T7 and T8.

Finally, between time T9 and time T10, the transmitter device D_TX backscattered (ie back-modulates) the ambient signal to transmit data in the form of the following message: 01000110. For this purpose, alternating between the first M_1 and second M_2 modes is controlled by the MOD_CO control module. The sequence of the corresponding modes is as follows: M_2, M_l, M_2, M_2, M_2, M_l, M_l, M_2.

It should be noted that, independently of the embodiment considered for the switching means 110, the alternation between time periods following which the transmitter device D_TX transmits data in a conventional manner, or else does not transmit data. , or else transmits data by ambient backscattering, can be implemented according to a predetermined time scheme known to the transmitter D_TX and receiver devices D_RX. Such a diagram is for example defined by a telecommunications standard. For example, the example described above with reference to FIG. 9 can be implemented via a predetermined time scheme comprising four time periods:

- a first period between times T1 and T2,

- a second period between times T3 and T4 (this second period can also include the period between times T2 and T3 if it is known in advance that no data is to be sent from the time T2),

- a third period between times T4 and T9,

a fourth period between the instants T9 and T10.

As an alternative, the alternation between time periods according to which the transmitter device D_TX transmits data in a conventional manner, or else does not transmit data, or else transmits data by ambient backscattering, can be implemented. dynamically.

[0155] For example, signaling messages can be exchanged between the transmitting source SO and the transmitting device D_TX. These messages are configured so that once received by the D_TX transmitter device, the latter knows in which mode its front module must be configured. According to another example, the transmitter device D_TX can transmit by backscattering, as a preamble to the data, a pattern well known to the receiver device D_RX and which allows the latter to detect the imminence of the data transmission.

[0156] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a communication method implemented by the wireless communication system 10 of FIG. 1, in which the ambient signal transmitted by the transmitting source SO is backscattered by the transmitter device D_TX and received by the receiving device D_RX.

[0157] Similarly to what has been mentioned previously, the communication method according to the invention covers not only the case where the D_TX transmitter and D_RX receiver devices communicate with each other by ambient backscattering, but of course also the cases where these devices. the latter exchange data with each other in a conventional manner (ie via their respective transmission / reception channels and by active radiation from their antennas).

Claims

[Claim 1] Device for controlling (D_CO) the operation of a wireless communication device (D_TX) comprising an antenna (100), a front module configured for the transmission and reception of signals via said antenna according to a diagram of time division multiplexing (TDD), as well as switching means (110) capable of configuring said front-end module according to at least two modes including:

- a first mode (M_l) in which the front module has a first impedance to the antenna,

- a second mode (M_2) in which the front module has a second impedance to the antenna, said first and second impedances being distinct from each other, said control device being intended to be integrated into said communication device and comprising a control module (MOD_CO) configured to control said switching means so that the front module alternates between said first and second modes and thus the communication device selectively varies its backscattering of an ambient signal.

[Claim 2] A device (D_CO) according to claim 1, wherein the ambient signal is backscattered under control of the change in impedance controlled by said control device.

[Claim 3] Device (D_CO) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, in which the front module comprises a transmission chain (C_TX) and a reception chain (C_RX), the switching means (110) comprising :

- first switching means (111) configured to selectively connect the antenna (100) to the transmission chain or to the reception chain,

- second switching means (112) configured to selectively switch off or power a given electronic item of equipment (101, 103, 104, 106) of a chain, called “processing chain”, from among said transmission and reception chains, said first / second mode (M_1, M_2) corresponding to a configuration in which the processing chain is connected to the antenna by means of said first switching means and in which said electronic equipment is switched off / powered by said second switching means.

[Claim 4] Device (D_CO) according to claim 3, wherein the processing chain is the transmission chain (C_TX) and said electronic equipment is a power amplifier (103) or a digital-to-analog converter (101).

[Claim 5] Device (D_CO) according to claim 3, wherein the processing chain is the reception chain (C_RX) and said electronic equipment is a low noise amplifier (104) or an analog-to-digital converter (106).

[Claim 6] Device (D_CO) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, in which the front module comprises a transmission chain (C_TX) and a reception chain (C_RX), the switching means (110) being configured to selectively connect the antenna (100) to the transmit chain or to the receive chain, said first / second mode (M_l, M_2) corresponding to a configuration in which the transmit / receive chain is connected to the antenna by virtue of said switching means.

[Claim 7] Device (D_CO) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, in which the front module comprises a transmission chain (C_TX) and a reception chain (C_RX), the switching means (110) comprising :

- second switching means (112) belonging to a chain, called a “processing chain”, among said transmission and reception chains, and comprising an impedance matching circuit (CIR_Z) configurable according to at least two configurations distinct, a first configuration and a second configuration, said first / second mode (M_l, M_2) corresponding to a configuration in which the processing chain is connected to the antenna by means of said first switching means and in which the adaptation circuit impedance is configured according to said first configuration / said second configuration by virtue of said second switching means.

[Claim 8] Wireless communication device (D_TX) comprising an antenna (100), a front module configured for transmitting and receiving signals via said antenna according to a time division multiplexing scheme, as well as switching means (110 ) capable of configuring said front module according to at least two modes, including:

- a second mode (M_2) in which the front module has a second impedance to the antenna, said first and second impedances being distinct from each other, said wireless communication device comprising a control device (D_CO) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

[Claim 9] A wireless communication system (10) comprising:

- an emitting source (SO) configured to emit an ambient signal,

- a first wireless communication device (D_TX) according to claim 8,

- a second wireless communication device (D_RX) configured to receive the ambient signal backscattered by said first communication device.

[Claim 10] A method of controlling the operation of a wireless communication device (D_TX) comprising an antenna (100), a front module configured for the transmission and reception of signals via said antenna according to a time division multiplexing scheme ( TDD), as well as switching means (110) capable of configuring said front-end module according to at least two modes, including:

- a second mode (M_2) in which the front module has a second impedance to the antenna, said first and second impedances being distinct from each other, said control method being implemented by a control device (D_CO) according to the any one of claims 1 to 7, integrated with said wireless communication device and comprising a step (F_10) of controlling said switching means so that the front module alternates between said first and second modes and thus the communication device varies selectively its backscattering of an ambient signal.

[Claim 11] A computer program comprising instructions for implementing a control method according to claim 10 when said program is executed by at least one computer.

[Claim 12] A computer readable recording medium on which a computer program according to claim 11 is recorded.

[Claim 13] A communication method implemented by a wireless communication system (10) according to claim 9, wherein an ambient signal transmitted by the transmitting source (SO) is backscattered by the first wireless communication device (D_TX ) and received by the second wireless communication device (D_RX).