3D-Stacked IoT Edge Processor With Processor-Independent 5G Modem
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional 5G modem architectures for mobile IoT devices are costly, complex, and require separate software stacks for the main processor and modem processor, leading to increased development and manufacturing costs, as well as unnecessary energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A mobile IoT edge device with a processor-independent 5G modem and a reconfigurable processor unit that integrates a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) and reconfigurable memory array, allowing for flexible configuration as storage or logic, and a connectivity unit that operates on 5G or WiFi, reducing the need for separate software stacks and integrating multiple functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional 5G modem architecture with embedded processor is used, then connectivity function is achieved, but device complexity and software development tasks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the processor function from the modem architecture, creating a processor-independent modem that interfaces with the main processor unit. This separation removes the complexity of dual-processor arbitration and multiple software stacks while maintaining full connectivity functionality through direct interface integration with the existing processor and memory subsystems
2Reliability
If traditional 5G modem with embedded processor is used, then connectivity is provided, but manufacturing costs and die costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the modem functionality into the existing processor unit by providing a processor-independent modem interface that shares the main processor's resources. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate modem processor die and reduces manufacturing costs through resource sharing and simplified architecture
3Reliability
If traditional 5G modem with embedded processor is used, then connectivity function is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the processor function from the modem architecture, the system eliminates the energy consumption associated with a separate modem processor. The processor-independent modem leverages the existing main processor's computational resources, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining full connectivity functionality
4Adaptability or versatility
If reconfigurable processor with FPGA and reconfigurable memory is used, then adaptability and memory efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a reconfigurable processor where memory arrays can be dynamically configured as either storage memory or logic arrays through control logic. This multi-functionality provides adaptability for different computational tasks while managing complexity through unified architecture and standardized interfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile Internet-of-Things (IoT) edge device, comprising a reconfigurable processor unit including a substrate; a die stack coupled to the substrate and having a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) die element and a reconfigurable die element capable of serving as storage memory or as configuration memory based on configuration information; and a processor coupled to the substrate and configured to cooperate with the die stack for processing data; and a processor-independent connectivity unit coupled to the reconfigurable processor unit and including an antenna; a radio-frequency chip (RFIC) coupled to the antenna and configured to receive incoming signals and transmit outgoing signals over the antenna; circuitry configured to translate the incoming signals to incoming data or transmit the outgoing data to outgoing signals; and a system interface configured to transmit the incoming data to the reconfigurable processor unit for processing, and configured to receive the outgoing data from the reconfigurable processor unit.