Configurable Wireless Chip Bandwidth Mode Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless network controllers require complex and costly radio modules with multiple antennas and amplifiers to support high bandwidth communication, but many devices do not utilize these capabilities fully, leading to underutilization and increased complexity, power consumption, and cost.
Innovation Solution
A configurable wireless communication chip that can operate in two modes: one supporting communication in non-contiguous segments of bandwidth and another in contiguous segments, allowing for flexible configuration based on hardware availability, reducing the need for multiple antennas and amplifiers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a network controller includes a radio module capable of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication with multiple dedicated antennas and amplifiers, then maximum data rates are achieved, but device complexity, power consumption, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal radio module that can function in multiple modes: full MIMO mode with multiple antennas and amplifiers for maximum data rates, and a simplified mode using fewer antennas and amplifiers for devices with limited hardware. This multi-functionality allows the same radio module to serve both high-performance and cost-sensitive applications, resolving the contradiction between achieving maximum data rates and reducing device complexity.
2Productivity
If a network controller includes multiple dedicated antennas and amplifiers for MIMO communication, then maximum data rates are achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration of the radio module, allowing it to adaptively select between different operational modes based on the device's hardware capabilities and communication requirements. The system can dynamically enable or disable specific antennas and amplifiers, adjusting power consumption levels to match the actual data rate requirements, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving maximum data rates and minimizing power consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a network controller includes full-featured MIMO radio module with multiple antennas, then communication capabilities are enhanced, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal radio module design that can operate in both full MIMO mode and simplified modes with fewer antennas and amplifiers. This allows the same hardware platform to support enhanced communication capabilities when needed while also being suitable for cost-sensitive applications with limited hardware, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and manufacturing cost.
4Ease of manufacture
If a network controller is designed with limited hardware resources, then cost and form factor are reduced, but communication capabilities are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration that allows devices with limited hardware resources to still achieve advanced communication capabilities when available. The radio module can adaptively adjust its operation to utilize the available antennas and amplifiers efficiently, enabling cost-effective devices to achieve good communication performance without being limited by their hardware constraints, thereby resolving the contradiction between cost and communication capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes apparatuses and methods for a configurable wireless communication chip. In some aspects, a wireless communication chip includes multiple radio paths and is capable of operating in a first communication mode that supports communication in non-contiguous segments of bandwidth and a second communication mode that does not support communication in non-contiguous segments of bandwidth. Based on a hardware configuration external to the wireless communication chip, the radio paths can be configured to operate in the first communication mode or the second communication mode. In some cases, the hardware configuration external to the wireless communication chip includes fewer antennas or amplifier paths than radio paths of the chip, such as due to cost or form-factor considerations. In such cases, the wireless communication chip can operate in the second communication mode to implement advanced communication techniques with reduced hardware, enabling flexibility to design lower cost or smaller devices.