Dynamic Protocol Partitioning in Wireless Communications Processors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication devices with multiple processors for data link and host processing consume excessive power, reducing talk and standby time due to the need for both processors to be active during multimedia transmission, which is inefficient for power management and real-time performance.
Innovation Solution
The system partitions protocols to allow the communications processor to handle network, transport, and application protocols, enabling the host processor to enter lower power modes during data traffic processing, thereby minimizing power usage and improving real-time performance by shifting upper layer protocol processing between processors based on demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple processors are used for data link layer and host processing, then processing efficiency and real-time performance are improved, but power consumption increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic processor configuration where the communications processor can be selectively activated or deactivated based on operational requirements. During voice-only modes, the communications processor is deactivated to save power, while during video conferencing modes, both processors are activated to maximize processing capability. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable rather than statically configured.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting processor activation states based on the communication mode. The control program modifies the power state parameters of the communications processor according to the selected operating mode (voice, video, or standby), thereby optimizing the balance between processing capability and power consumption for each specific scenario.
2Reliability
If both processors are always active during wireless communications, then real-time performance is maintained, but talk time and standby time are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts processor activation based on the communication mode. During voice-only modes, the communications processor enters a low-power state, extending battery life and talk time. During video conferencing modes requiring real-time processing, both processors are activated to maintain real-time performance. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize between reliability and duration based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The control program periodically evaluates the operational mode and adjusts processor states accordingly. The system transitions between different processor activation states based on periodic assessment of communication requirements, ensuring real-time performance is maintained only when necessary while extending battery life during periods when full processing capability is not required.
3Productivity
If the communications processor is dedicated solely to data link layer processing, then bandwidth capacity is maximized, but processing flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic processor configuration where the communications processor can be selectively activated or deactivated based on operational requirements. During voice-only modes, the communications processor is deactivated to save power, while during video conferencing modes, both processors are activated to maximize processing capability. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable rather than statically configured.
Solution Approach 2:
The host processor is designed with multi-functionality, capable of handling both upper layer protocol processing and, when needed, data link layer processing. This universal design allows the system to maintain processing flexibility and adaptability while still benefiting from dedicated communications processor capability when activated, resolving the contradiction between specialization and versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A communications processor includes a first upper layer module to execute one or more upper layer protocols and a data link layer module to execute a data link layer protocol. A host processor includes a second upper layer module to execute the one or more upper layer protocols. A switching module causes the communications processor to operate in a first state or a second state. The communications processor executes only the data link layer protocol and none of the one or more upper layer protocols when the communications processor operates in the first state, and executes the data link layer protocol and the one or more upper layer protocols when the communications processor operates in the second state. The power saving module prevents the host processor from executing the one or more upper layer protocols executed by the communications processor when the communications processor operates in the second state.