Communication Apparatus Clock Signal Segmentation for Power Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional communication apparatuses face challenges in reducing power consumption while maintaining communication functionality, as stopping the crystal oscillator and phase-locked loop in sleep mode increases power usage when trying to perform communication tasks.

Innovation Solution

A communication apparatus is designed with a periodic signal generating unit, a clocking unit, and a multiplication unit that synchronizes time and communication processing using a multiplied signal, allowing for selective use of high-frequency signals or periodic signals based on carrier frequency, temperature, or communication standards to optimize power usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the crystal oscillator and phase-locked loop are stopped in sleep mode to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but communication functionality is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcommunication functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the clock signal generation into two independent parts: a low-frequency crystal oscillator for timekeeping and a high-frequency signal generator for communication. This allows the low-power oscillator to remain stopped during sleep mode while the high-frequency generator can be activated independently for communication tasks, resolving the contradiction between power consumption and communication functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a signal generator as an intermediary component that can operate independently of the crystal oscillator. This intermediary enables communication functionality to be maintained during sleep mode by generating high-frequency signals from the low-frequency clock signal through signal processing circuits, eliminating the need to keep the crystal oscillator running.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the crystal oscillator operates in sleep mode to enable communication, then communication functionality is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication functionalityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the clock signal generation into two independent parts: a low-frequency crystal oscillator for timekeeping and a high-frequency signal generator for communication. This allows the low-power oscillator to remain stopped during sleep mode while the high-frequency generator can be activated independently for communication tasks, resolving the contradiction between power consumption and communication functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the frequency parameter of the clock signal from low-frequency (crystal oscillator) to high-frequency (signal generator) depending on the operational mode. During sleep mode, the system uses high-frequency signals generated from the low-frequency clock rather than relying on the crystal oscillator, enabling communication while minimizing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple crystal oscillators are used to support different communication frequencies, then communication adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication frequency supportVSAvoidnumber of crystal oscillators

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal signal generator that can generate multiple high-frequency signals from a single low-frequency crystal oscillator through frequency multiplication and signal processing. This single multi-functional generator replaces what would traditionally require multiple dedicated crystal oscillators, reducing device complexity while maintaining communication frequency support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter changes in frequency generation, transforming a single low-frequency clock signal into multiple high-frequency signals through signal processing. This eliminates the need for multiple crystal oscillators by dynamically adjusting the output frequency of a single generator based on communication requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11490386B2Communication apparatus and method for controlling communication apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 SONY SEMICON SOLUTIONS CORP

AI summary

A communication apparatus performs communication while suppressing an increase in power consumption. The communication apparatus includes a periodic signal generating unit, a clocking unit, a multiplication unit, and a communication processing unit. The periodic signal generating unit generates a predetermined periodic signal. The clocking unit clocks time in synchronization with the predetermined periodic signal generated by a frequency signal generating unit. The multiplication unit multiplies the predetermined periodic signal generated by the frequency signal generating unit to supply the signal as a multiplied signal. The communication processing unit performs predetermined communication processing in synchronization with the multiplied signal generated by the multiplication unit.