Mobile Device Light Source Controller for Transceiver Peak Current

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile communication devices face a challenge in simultaneously operating a light source and a transceiver due to peak current demands, which can cause a drop in supply voltage and software crashes, and the use of 'super' capacitors increases space and costs.

Innovation Solution

A light source controller is implemented to manage the light source's power consumption based on the communication unit's operation, switching between states to reduce energy usage during peak transceiver activity, thereby preventing software crashes without the need for additional capacitors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If 'super' capacitors are included in the transceiver to provide peak current, then the light source and transceiver can operate simultaneously, but the transceiver occupies large space and increases substrate area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimultaneous operation capabilityVSAvoidtransceiver area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The controller preemptively reduces or turns off the light source output before the transceiver's peak current demand occurs. By anticipating the timing conflict between light source and transceiver operation, the system prepares the power distribution in advance to prevent voltage drops, eliminating the need for large capacitors while maintaining reliable simultaneous operation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The controller dynamically adjusts the light source output parameter (intensity or power level) based on the transceiver's operational state. When the transceiver requires peak current, the controller modifies the light source parameter to a reduced or zero output state, thereby adapting the power consumption to match the transient power supply constraints without requiring additional capacitive components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If 'super' capacitors are included in the transceiver to provide peak current, then the light source and transceiver can operate simultaneously, but the amount of substrate area increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimultaneous operation capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces expensive, large-area capacitor components with a control strategy that uses software/firmware logic to manage power timing. This approach uses inexpensive computational resources already present in the mobile device to achieve the same reliability effect, significantly reducing manufacturing costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the light source and transceiver operate simultaneously, then the device functionality is enhanced, but the supply voltage drops due to internal resistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidpower supply stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The controller monitors the operational state of the transceiver and uses this feedback information to adjust the light source output in real-time. When the transceiver enters a high-current transmission mode, the controller detects this state and相应地 reduces the light source power, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains stable supply voltage while allowing both components to remain operational

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic modulation of the light source output synchronized with the transceiver's transmission cycles. During transmission intervals when the transceiver draws peak current, the light source is periodically reduced or turned off; during non-transmission intervals, the light source can operate at full capacity, creating a rhythmic power distribution pattern that maintains overall system functionality while ensuring power supply stability during critical transmission moments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS8229502B2Mobile communications device, controller, and method for controlling a mobile communications device

Publication Date: 2012.07.24 NXP USA INC

AI summary

A mobile communications device. includes a communication unit for communicating with another device. The mobile communications device further has a communication unit for communicating with another device and at least one other component. A controller is connected to the communication unit and the component. The controller can control the component, during at least a part of time the communication unit is in a communicating mode, based on an operation of the communication unit.