DigRF3G Interface Initialization Without Processor Activation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In communication devices, the initialization of the DigRF3G interface between the RFIC and BBIC results in significant power dissipation due to the activation of the processing engine, which is the most power-consuming component.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that initializes the DigRF3G interface between the RFIC and BBIC without activating the processing engine, using a state machine module and interface module to generate signals for initialization, ensuring the processing engine remains functionally inactive during the process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the processing engine is activated to initialize the DigRF3G interface between RFIC and BBIC, then the interface initialization is completed successfully, but power dissipation increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface initializationVSAvoidpower dissipation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the initialization function from the processing engine and assigns it to a dedicated initialization module. This separation allows the processing engine to remain inactive during initialization, eliminating its power consumption while still achieving successful interface initialization through the specialized module that handles only this specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an initialization module as an intermediary component between the processing engine and the DigRF3G interface. This intermediary handles the initialization tasks independently, allowing the processing engine to stay in a low-power state while the interface is being initialized by the dedicated module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If the processing engine remains inactive during initialization to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but the interface initialization cannot be completed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidinterface initialization

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the system into distinct functional modules: an initialization module dedicated to interface setup tasks and a processing engine for general processing. This segmentation allows the initialization module to operate independently with minimal power consumption while the processing engine remains inactive, yet the interface initialization is still completed successfully by the specialized module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The initialization module is designed to perform initialization tasks autonomously without requiring the processing engine to be active. It contains all necessary logic and control mechanisms to initialize the DigRF3G interface independently, enabling the system to complete initialization while consuming minimal power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8176340B2Method and system for initializing an interface between two circuits of a communication device while a processor of the first circuit is inactive and waking up the processor thereafter

Publication Date: 2012.05.08 NXP USA INC

AI summary

A method and system for managing communications between sub-systems of a communication device. The sub-systems include a Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit (RFIC) and a Baseband Integrated Circuit (BBIC). The BBIC includes a processing engine, a state machine module and an interface module. The method includes initializing a Digital Radio Frequency Third Generation (DigRF3G) interface between the RFIC and the BBIC. The processing engine is kept functionally inactive during the initialization process of the DigRF3G interface. Further, the method includes exchanging one or more packets between the RFIC and the BBIC.