Frequency Error Correction Using Worst Thermal Aggressor Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in accurately correcting frequency errors caused by thermal aggressors, particularly in multi-component devices like user equipment, where multiple thermal aggressors can lead to complex thermal transients and corner case scenarios, making it difficult to determine the true worst thermal aggressor for effective frequency error correction.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a dynamic switching solution that utilizes multiple thermal sensors to detect temperature readings from each thermal aggressor, dynamically selects the output from the worst thermal aggressor, and performs frequency error correction based on these readings, thereby addressing the complexity of thermal transients and corner case scenarios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple thermal sensors are used to monitor all thermal aggressors, then the accuracy of identifying the worst thermal aggressor improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of frequency error correctionVSAvoidnumber of thermal sensors

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the thermal monitoring task by assigning dedicated thermal sensors to specific thermal aggressors (e.g., separate sensors for power amplifier, processor, GPS). This segmentation allows the system to monitor multiple aggressors independently and identify the worst one without requiring a single complex sensor, thus improving measurement precision while managing device complexity through functional division.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces thermal coupling as an intermediary mechanism that naturally transmits thermal influence from multiple aggressors to a single monitoring point. By positioning a thermal sensor to detect the composite thermal effect rather than directly monitoring each aggressor, the system reduces sensor count while maintaining the ability to identify the dominant thermal source through its measurable impact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If a single thermal sensor is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to accurately identify the worst thermal aggressor in corner cases deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal sensor configurationVSAvoidfrequency error correction reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by positioning thermal sensors in specific locations optimized for detecting thermal influence from particular aggressors. Each sensor is strategically placed to monitor the thermal signature of its associated aggressor, ensuring that even with fewer sensors, the system can reliably identify the worst thermal aggressor in various operational scenarios including corner cases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If thermal sensors are placed close to thermal aggressors, then the temperature measurement accuracy improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature reading accuracyVSAvoidsensor placement and assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functionality by designing thermal sensors that serve dual purposes: they monitor thermal aggressors for frequency error correction while also functioning as general thermal management sensors for the device. This universal approach allows sensors to be placed in locations that satisfy both precise thermal monitoring requirements and manufacturing constraints, as the same sensor fulfills multiple thermal monitoring needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach significantly improves the accuracy of frequency error correction, enhancing the overall performance and reliability of wireless communication systems by accurately identifying and mitigating the impact of thermal aggressors.

Implementation Method 1

receive temperature readings from each of a plurality of temperature sensors of the apparatus, wherein each temperature sensor is associated with one of a plurality of thermal aggressor devices of the apparatus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20250164318A1Frequency error correction based on identifying the worst thermal aggressor of multiple thermal aggressors

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Disclosed are techniques for thermal mitigation. In an aspect, an apparatus includes one or more circuits, the one or more circuits, either alone or in combination, configured to: receive temperature readings from each of a plurality of temperature sensors of the apparatus, wherein each temperature sensor is associated with one of a plurality of thermal aggressor devices of the apparatus, output one or more first temperature readings of a first temperature sensor of the plurality of temperature sensors having a greatest thermal transient value among the plurality of thermal aggressor devices, and perform frequency error correction for the apparatus based on the one or more first temperature readings.