Dual-Mode Power Amplifier Interface for RFFE and GPIO Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing technology requires manufacturers to produce separate components for supporting different standards like MIPI® RF Front End (RFFE) and General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) interfaces, leading to increased costs and power consumption due to the need for multiple interface components, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A dual mode control interface that integrates both RFFE serial and GPIO interfaces on a single die, using a RFFE core and combinational logic to switch between modes based on a Voltage Input/Output (VIO) signal, allowing seamless adoption of new standards without altering existing devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate components are produced for supporting different standards (RFFE and GPIO interfaces), then compatibility with different standards is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different standardsVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines both RFFE and GPIO interface functionalities into a single control interface component. The device includes a first interface circuit for RFFE serial communication and a second interface circuit for GPIO communication, both integrated within the same component, allowing it to support multiple standards without requiring separate components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control interface is designed with multi-functionality to support both RFFE and GPIO standards. The device can operate in different modes depending on which interface type is detected or selected, making a single component universal enough to handle multiple communication protocols and standards

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple interface components are used to support different standards, then standards compatibility is achieved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestandards compatibilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging RFFE and GPIO interface circuits into a single integrated component, the patent eliminates the need for multiple separate components. This integration reduces the total power consumption as there is only one component consuming power instead of multiple components, while still providing support for both standards through selective activation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple interface components are used to support different standards, then standards compatibility is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestandards compatibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple interface functionalities (RFFE and GPIO) into a single manufacturable component. This consolidation reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need to produce, test, and assemble multiple separate components, while maintaining the ability to support different standards through the integrated design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10033385B2Dual mode power amplifier control interface with a multi-mode general purpose input/output interface

Publication Date: 2018.07.24 SKYWORKS SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

In accordance with some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a dual mode control interface that can be used to provide both a radio frequency front end (RFFE) serial interface and a two-mode general purpose input/output (GPIO) interface within a single digital control interface die. In certain embodiments, the dual mode control interface, or digital control interface, can communicate with a power amplifier. Further, the dual mode control interface can be used to set the mode of the power amplifier.