3D-Stacked IoT Edge Processor With Processor-Independent 5G Modem
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional 5G modem architectures in mobile IoT edge devices are complex, leading to increased software development tasks, high system development and manufacturing costs, and the need for multiple software stacks and processor arbitration.
Innovation Solution
A mobile IoT edge device with a processor-independent 5G modem that interfaces with the processor and reconfigurable memory, allowing for reduced die costs, simplified software development, and reduced energy consumption, while eliminating the need for multiple software stacks and processor arbitration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional 5G modem architecture with embedded processor is used, then connectivity function is achieved, but system complexity and software development tasks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the processor component from the 5G modem architecture, creating a processor-independent modem that interfaces with the host processor through standardized protocols. This separation removes the embedded processor from the modem, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining connectivity functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the host processor handles complex processing tasks, while the processor-independent modem handles connectivity functions. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional 5G modem architecture with embedded processor is used, then connectivity function is achieved, but development and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The processor-independent modem design allows the same modem component to be used across multiple device types and platforms by interfacing with the host processor through standardized protocols. This universality reduces per-unit development and manufacturing costs compared to custom embedded processor designs.
Solution Approach 2:
By removing the embedded processor from the modem, the patent reduces the bill of materials and manufacturing complexity. The modem can be produced as a simpler, more cost-effective component that leverages the existing host processor capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional 5G modem architecture with embedded processor is used, then connectivity function is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the processor from the modem architecture, allowing the host processor to handle processing tasks during idle periods when the modem is not actively transmitting or receiving data. This reduces the modem's power consumption while maintaining connectivity functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The host processor periodically handles modem communication tasks rather than the modem running a continuously powered embedded processor. This periodic processing approach reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining the required connectivity function.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mobile IoT edge device, comprising a reconfigurable processor unit including a substrate; a die stack coupled to the substrate and having an FPGA die element and a reconfigurable die element capable of serving as storage memory or as configuration memory based on configuration information; and a processor coupled to the substrate and configured to cooperate with the die stack for processing data; and a processor-independent connectivity unit coupled to the reconfigurable processor unit and including an antenna; a radio-frequency chip (RFIC) coupled to the antenna and configured to receive incoming signals and transmit outgoing signals over the antenna; circuitry configured to translate the incoming signals to incoming data or transmit the outgoing data to outgoing signals; and a system interface configured to transmit the incoming data to the reconfigurable processor unit for processing, and configured to receive the outgoing data from the reconfigurable processor unit.