Compact Transceiver Architecture for D2D Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transceiver architectures for direct device-to-device (D2D) communication are complex and costly due to the need for additional components, which increases the size and power consumption of mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
A transceiver architecture that reuses certain RF components, such as power amplifiers and low-noise amplifiers, and employs a frequency synthesizer to generate multiple carrier frequencies, allowing for efficient up-conversion and down-conversion of signals for both cellular and D2D communication modes within a time division multiplexing scheme.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional RF components are added to support D2D communication, then D2D communication capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling existing RF components (power amplifier, low-noise amplifier, frequency synthesizer, up-converter, down-converter) to perform multiple functions. The power amplifier amplifies both cellular uplink and D2D signals; the low-noise amplifier receives both cellular downlink and D2D signals; the frequency synthesizer generates both uplink and downlink carrier frequencies. This multi-functionality allows D2D communication capability to be added without requiring additional dedicated RF components, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges D2D communication functions with existing cellular communication functions in a unified transceiver architecture. The same hardware components (amplifiers, frequency synthesizer, converters) are combined to handle both cellular and D2D modes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated hardware paths. This merging approach directly reduces the overall device complexity and component count while achieving D2D versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional RF components are added to support D2D communication, then D2D communication capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By designing RF components with multi-functionality, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. The power amplifier, low-noise amplifier, and frequency synthesizer are designed to handle both cellular and D2D operations, eliminating the need for separate dedicated components for D2D. This reduces bill of materials cost and manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines D2D and cellular communication paths into a single unified hardware architecture, merging previously separate functional blocks. This consolidation reduces component count, simplifies the bill of materials, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining full D2D communication capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional RF components are added to support D2D communication, then D2D communication capability is achieved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality in the RF chain components, allowing the same physical hardware to serve both cellular and D2D communication needs. The power amplifier, low-noise amplifier, frequency synthesizer, and converters are designed to operate in multiple modes, eliminating the need for additional dedicated hardware volume. This enables D2D capability without increasing device size.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging D2D and cellular communication functions into a shared hardware platform, the patent consolidates what would otherwise require separate physical space into a unified architecture. The same RF components are used for both communication types, significantly reducing the overall transceiver volume required to support D2D functionality.
4Adaptability or versatility
If additional RF components are added to support D2D communication, then D2D communication capability is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs RF components with multi-functionality so that the same hardware (power amplifier, low-noise amplifier, frequency synthesizer) can be shared between cellular and D2D operations. This sharing reduces the total number of active components at any given time, thereby reducing overall power consumption compared to having separate dedicated components for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
By combining D2D and cellular communication paths into a single shared hardware architecture, the patent reduces the total power consumption. Fewer components need to be simultaneously active, and the shared components can be efficiently managed through time-division or frequency-division multiplexing, lowering the overall energy footprint while maintaining D2D capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach results in a more compact, cost-effective, and power-efficient transceiver design that supports direct D2D communication while maintaining compatibility with cellular networks, reducing the complexity and cost of implementing D2D signaling in next-generation wireless devices.
Implementation Method 1
The frequency synthesizer may be configured to provide a first carrier frequency and a second carrier frequency
Implementation Method 2
The up-converter may be configured to up-convert a first baseband signal into a cellular uplink signal when receiving the first carrier frequency from the frequency synthesizer, and may be further configured to up-convert the first baseband signal into a first device-to-device signal when receiving the second carrier frequency from the frequency synthesizer
Implementation Method 3
The down-converter may be configured to down-convert a second device-to-device signal into a second baseband signal when receiving the first carrier frequency from the frequency synthesizer, and may be further configured to down-convert a cellular downlink signal into the second baseband signal when receiving the second carrier frequency from the frequency synthesizer
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for device-to-device (D2D) communication is disclosed. A preferred embodiment comprises a frequency synthesizer configured to provide a first carrier frequency and a second carrier frequency, an up-converter coupled to the frequency synthesizer and configured to up-convert a first baseband signal into a cellular uplink signal when receiving the first carrier frequency from the frequency synthesizer, and configured to up-convert the first baseband signal into a first device-to-device signal when receiving the second carrier frequency from the frequency synthesizer, and a down-converter coupled to the frequency synthesizer and configured to down-convert a second device-to-device signal into a second baseband signal when receiving the first carrier frequency from the frequency synthesizer, and configured to down-convert a cellular downlink signal into the second baseband signal when receiving the second carrier frequency from the frequency synthesizer.