Digital Interface Word Length Adaptation for Signal Quality

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current digital interfaces in mobile devices, such as those between RF and BB ICs, face inefficiencies in data transmission due to fixed word lengths, which do not adapt to varying signal quality, leading to suboptimal performance in terms of power consumption and signal quality.

Innovation Solution

The method dynamically adjusts the word length of digital data transmission based on signal quality parameters like SNR, using preconfigured logical channels and adaptive mapping to switch between different word lengths, ensuring optimal signal quality while minimizing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a fixed word length is used for data transmission through the digital interface, then the system is simple to implement, but the power consumption is high and signal quality is suboptimal under varying conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic word length adjustment where the word length changes based on signal quality conditions. The system transitions from a static fixed word length to a dynamic adaptive word length that varies with operating conditions, specifically adjusting between different word lengths (e.g., 10-bit, 12-bit, 14-bit, 16-bit) based on SNR measurements and channel conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of word length based on signal quality metrics. The system monitors signal conditions (such as SNR, channel quality indicators) and adjusts the word length parameter accordingly - using shorter word lengths when signal quality is good (reducing power consumption) and longer word lengths when signal quality degrades (maintaining signal fidelity).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a fixed word length is used for data transmission, then the system structure is simple, but the signal quality is not optimized for varying channel conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidtransmission system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system monitors signal quality parameters (SNR, channel quality indicators) and uses this feedback to adjust the word length. The baseband processor receives feedback about transmission conditions and dynamically adjusts the word length for subsequent transmissions, creating a closed-loop adaptive system that optimizes signal quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static fixed word length to a dynamic adaptive word length that varies with operating conditions. The word length is adjusted in real-time based on channel conditions, allowing the system to maintain optimal signal quality across varying transmission environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the word length is increased to improve signal quality, then the SNR improves, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically changes the word length parameter based on signal quality requirements. When signal quality is sufficient, the system uses shorter word lengths to reduce power consumption. When signal quality degrades, the system extends the word length to maintain SNR, thus optimizing the trade-off between power consumption and signal quality in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2667532B1System and method for transmitting data through a digital interface
Publication Date: 2017.08.02 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2667532B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2667532B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2667532B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There are disclosed systems and methods that dynamically vary the word length of data being transmitted through a digital interface. In one embodiment, the method comprises: (i) obtaining at least one parameter indicative of a quality of a signal; (ii) if the at least one parameter indicates that the quality of the signal is above a threshold, then transmitting the data as a number of digital words at a first predetermined word length; (ii) if the at least one parameter indicates that the quality of the signal is below the threshold, then transmitting the data as a number of digital words at a second predetermined word length. The second predetermined word length is different from the first predetermined word length.