Posted in:

NYU Researcher Receives U.S. Patent for Pushing BlueTooth to Newer Heights 

On the dynamic edge of wireless communication, Ahmad Bazzi, a wireless expert at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), has recently achieved a groundbreaking feat by securing a United States patent (U.S. Patent No. 11,496,343, granted on November 8, 2022 [1]). This patent marks a transformative moment for Bluetooth technology, specifically in the areas of BR (basic rate) and BLE (bluetooth low energy).

The applications of this technology therefore extends far beyond personal audio devices. The health sector, in particular, stands to benefit immensely from this breakthrough. Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids could leverage Dr. Bazzi’s innovation to provide users with unparalleled clarity and precision in sound. Smart inhalers, pill dispensers, and other healthcare devices relying on Bluetooth connectivity could witness a transformative shift in performance.

A pivotal aspect of Bazzi’s patent lies within the decoding process, a technological marvel introduced by the wireless communication luminary himself. This decoder surpasses its role as a mere component; it serves as a catalyst for the seamless evolution of Bluetooth technology, particularly in the context of audio applications. The comprehensive U.S. patent, officially titled ‘Method for decoding an RF signal bearing a sequence of symbols modulated by CPM and associated decoder,’ proudly lists Ahmad Bazzi and Lisa Meilhac as inventors. Its official granting on November 8, 2022, marks a momentous achievement for both the inventors and the broader landscape of wireless communication.

Ahmad Bazzi’s impact extends beyond the realms of academia and research. During his lead at RivieraWaves, a key player in the bluetooth technology most notably in the Chinese market, this revolutionary technology gained substantial traction in the market, especially by tech giants such as Apple.

The significance of enhanced data rates cannot be overstated, especially in audio applications. The existing Bluetooth technology often grapples with limitations in data transmission, when distance between the transmitter (usually the phone) and the receiver (usually the bluetooth empowered headset) increases, impacting the quality of audio signals. Dr. Ahmad Bazzi’s patented method revolutionizes this landscape, paving the way for substantial improvements in audio quality. It’s not merely about decoding signals; it’s about opening doors to new possibilities. The realm of mobility aids, including Bluetooth-enabled wheelchairs, could become more intuitive and responsive. Sleep trackers, essential tools in monitoring and improving sleep patterns, might see advancements directly resulting from the improved efficiency of Bluetooth communication. Dr. Bazzi’s patent, therefore, is not just a technical achievement; it’s a catalyst for progress across diverse sectors.

The comprehensive nature of the patent, with Ahmad Bazzi and Lisa Meilhac as inventors, reflects the collaborative effort and expertise that went into this groundbreaking technology. The method isn’t just a singular solution; it’s a comprehensive approach addressing the intricacies of Bluetooth communication. The associated decoder, a critical component introduced by Dr. Bazzi, complements the method, ensuring a holistic advancement in Bluetooth technology. Now an integral part of New York University (NYU) in Abu Dhabi, Ahmad Bazzi continues to be a driving force in wireless communication. Looking toward the future, Ahmad Bazzi’s role extends beyond the realm of Bluetooth. The anticipated 6G technologies, representing the next frontier in wireless communication, witness active contributions from Ahmad Bazzi. His involvement in integrated sensing and communications positions him as a thought leader shaping the trajectory of future advancements. The implications of this work extend beyond patents and academic achievements; they permeate the very fabric of our technological future.

Ahmad Bazzi was born in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on 3rd of October, 1991. He received his Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering from EURECOM, France, in 2017 and his M.Sc. degree (honor role) in wireless communication systems (SAR) from Centrale Supélec, in 2014. He is currently a researcher with New York University (NYU) Abu Dhabi contributing to integrated sensing and communications and prior to that, he was the Algorithm and Signal Processing Team Leader at CEVA-DSP, Sophia Antipolis, leading the work on Wi-Fi (802.11ax) and Bluetooth (5.x BR/BLE/BTDM/LR) PHY modems, OFDMA MAC schedulers, and RF-related issues. Since 2018, he has been publishing YouTube lectures, where his channel contains mathematical, algorithmic, and programming topics, with 285K+ subscribers and 17M+ views, as of December 2023. 

He was awarded a CIFRE Scholarship from ANRT France, in 2014. He was nominated for Best Student Paper Award at IEEE International Conference on Acoustics, Speech, and Signal Processing (ICASSP), in 2016. He received a Silver Plate Creator Award from YouTube, in 2022. He is a co-inventor in several patents involving intellectual property of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth products, all of which have been implemented and sold to key clients. He was awarded exemplary reviewer for the IEEE Transactions on Communications and IEEE Wireless Communication Letters both in 2022. He was selected amongst the top 200 most influential creators in the Arab world for 2023.