IC Signal Flow Switching for Reusable RF Front-End Chips
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Solution Overview
Problem
The semiconductor industry faces challenges in reducing development costs and complexity of integrated circuit systems due to high chip costs and limited application range of existing component-reusable technologies, particularly in miniaturized radio frequency front modules, which require multiple chips with similar functions.
Innovation Solution
A variable signal flow control method using at least two identical integrated circuit chips, where logic control signals determine the flow of control signals, allowing the same chip to function as both input and output ports, thereby enabling flexible configuration and reuse, reducing the need for multiple chip types and simplifying substrate-level design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different chips are used to implement different functions in an integrated circuit system, then functional requirements are met, but development costs increase due to high chip manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single chip type that can perform multiple functions through reconfigurable signal flow paths. The chip includes switchable connections that allow the same physical chip to be configured for different signal routing patterns, enabling one chip design to replace multiple specialized chip designs in the integrated circuit system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through reconfigurable signal flow paths within the chip. The signal flow connections can be dynamically changed or switched during operation or configuration, allowing the chip to adapt its functionality rather than being fixed to a single function. This dynamic reconfiguration capability enables the same chip to serve multiple functional roles
2Quantity of substance
If existing component-reusable technology is used in radio frequency front modules, then chip quantity is reduced, but application range is limited and anti-interference performance is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent overcomes the limitations of existing component-reusable technology by implementing dynamic reconfigurable signal flow paths. Unlike static reuse approaches, this invention allows the signal connections to be dynamically switched between different configurations, expanding the application range to various signal routing scenarios while maintaining chip reuse benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enhances application range by creating a universal chip design that can be applied across different configurations and scenarios. The reconfigurable architecture allows the same chip to function in multiple roles within the radio frequency front module and potentially in different module designs, breaking free from the limited application scope of existing reuse technologies
3Adaptability or versatility
If more chips are used to achieve different signal flows, then signal flow control flexibility is improved, but device complexity and management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves signal flow control flexibility without increasing device complexity by implementing dynamic reconfiguration within each chip. Instead of adding more chips with fixed connections, the invention enables each chip to dynamically change its internal signal paths, providing the same flexibility as multiple specialized chips but with reduced overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies merging by consolidating multiple potential functions and signal flow paths into a single reconfigurable chip design. Rather than having separate dedicated chips for each function, the invention combines multiple functionalities within one chip type that can be configured as needed, reducing the total number of components and simplifying system management
Data Source
AI summary
A variable signal flow control method for realizing chip reuse and a communication terminal for realizing chip reuse using the variable signal flow control method, the method comprises the following steps: using at least two identical integrated circuit (IC) chips, the respective IC chips achieving different flows of the control signals according to different logic control signals; controlling the logic control signals such that the respective IC chips achieves the flow of the corresponding control signals. The method can achieve control function of different signal flows for two identical IC chips, thereby greatly simplifying chip types for achieving IC system functions, greatly reducing development costs of the IC system and management complexity of the mass production supply chain.