Cellular Modem Interface Module for 5G Adaptability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The introduction of 5G technologies has increased the complexity of designing end products due to the need for a broader range of interfaces and cellular modules, leading to higher design, regulatory certification, and manufacturing costs, as well as inefficiencies in utilizing high data speeds across different wireless technologies.
Innovation Solution
A cellular modem interface module that allows multiple interfaces (such as PCIe, USB, GPIOs, SLIC, UART) to be connected with various cellular modules (including 5G modems), reducing costs and enhancing efficiency by accommodating different form factors and frequency ranges across different wireless technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interfaces and cellular modules are supported to accommodate different wireless technologies, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal connector module that can accommodate multiple interface types (PCIe, USB, GPIO, SLIC, UART) and support various cellular modules (4G, 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) through a single standardized interface design. This multi-functional connector reduces the need for multiple specialized connectors, thereby improving adaptability while managing design complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector module is divided into multiple independent connector units, each capable of supporting different interface types. This segmentation allows flexible configuration where only the required interface types are activated for a given application, improving versatility without requiring all interfaces to be simultaneously complex.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a broader range of interfaces is supported across different wireless technologies, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a single universal connector module that can accommodate multiple interface types and cellular module variations, the patent reduces the number of different connector designs that need to be manufactured. This standardization across different wireless technologies (4G, 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces per-unit costs despite supporting a broad interface range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple interface types and cellular module support into a single integrated connector module design. This merging of previously separate connector designs into one universal module consolidates manufacturing processes, reduces tooling costs, and simplifies production while maintaining support for diverse interfaces.
3Speed
If high data speed interfaces are implemented, then transmission speed is improved, but signal integrity becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The connector module implements different connector types optimized for specific interface requirements within the same module. High-speed interfaces (PCIe, USB) receive specialized connector designs with enhanced signal integrity features such as proper impedance control and shielding, while lower-speed interfaces (GPIO, UART) use simpler connector designs. This localized optimization maintains signal integrity for high-speed data transmission while managing overall connector complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A cellular modem interface device may comprise a cellular module. The cellular module may comprise wireless communication circuitry. The cellular modem interface device may further comprise a first connector module. The first connector module may comprise a first plurality of connectors associated with a first plurality of interfaces, wherein the first plurality of connectors includes at least one connector for a power supply and at least one interface of the first plurality of interfaces is associated with slow data speeds. The cellular modem interface device may further comprise a second connector module. The second connector module may comprise a second plurality of connectors associated with a second plurality of interfaces, wherein at least one interface of the second plurality of interfaces is associated with fast data speeds.