Context-Based Reconfigurable Instruction Set Processors for SDR Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current software-defined radio (SDR) architectures face challenges in minimizing cost and power consumption while maintaining flexibility, with existing processors being inadequate for scalable and modular implementations, particularly in meeting 3G and 4G bit-rate processing requirements.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable baseband and application subsystem utilizing context-based operation instruction set processors with reconfigurable data paths and programmable finite state machines, allowing for efficient execution of instructions and optimized power management by isolating active and inactive processors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If general-purpose processors (DSP, RISC, CISC) are used in SDR implementations, then flexibility and programmability are improved, but power consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The processor is divided into multiple specialized execution units (MAC unit, FFT unit, CRC unit, etc.), each optimized for specific signal processing tasks. This segmentation allows the system to activate only the necessary units for each operation, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining flexibility through programmable control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal processor architecture that can perform multiple functions through a single reconfigurable unit. The processor can be programmed to execute different algorithms and support multiple wireless standards (GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE) by loading different instruction sets, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated processors.
2Use of energy by moving object
If specialized processors (ASIC) are used to reduce power consumption, then power efficiency is improved, but adaptability and reconfigurability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The processor implements dynamic reconfigurability where execution units can be programmatically enabled or disabled based on the current operational requirements. The control unit can dynamically allocate resources and adjust the active processing pipeline, allowing the system to adapt to different wireless standards and algorithms while maintaining low power consumption by keeping unused units in a low-power state.
3Adaptability or versatility
If reconfigurable hardware (FPGA) is used to improve adaptability, then flexibility is improved, but power consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire processor reconfigurable like an FPGA, the patent applies reconfigurability selectively to specific execution units that benefit most from it. The control unit and data path are designed to be reconfigurable, while the actual computation is performed by specialized fixed-function units (MAC, FFT, etc.). This localized approach provides the necessary flexibility for different wireless standards while avoiding the excessive power consumption of fully reconfigurable hardware.
4Ease of manufacture
If existing processor architectures are used, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but they fail to meet 3G and 4G bit-rate processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple specialized processing functions into a single integrated processor core. The MAC unit, FFT unit, CRC unit, and other signal processing functions are combined in one processor that can execute a unified instruction set, simplifying the overall system architecture while providing the processing power needed for 3G and 4G standards. This consolidation maintains implementation simplicity by using a single processor type throughout the system.
Data Source
AI summary
A software-defined radio (SDR) system comprising: 1) a reconfigurable baseband subsystem for supporting a plurality of wireless communication standards comprising a first plurality of reconfigurable context-based operation instruction set processors; and 2) a reconfigurable application subsystem for supporting a plurality of end-user applications comprising a second plurality of reconfigurable context-based operation instruction set processors.Each of the first and second pluralities of reconfigurable context-based operation instruction set processors comprises: i) a reconfigurable data path comprising a plurality of reconfigurable functional blocks; and ii) a programmable finite state machine that controls the reconfigurable data path, wherein the programmable finite state machine is capable of executing a plurality of instructions associated with a particular function.