Local Oscillator Circuit for Mixed-Mode Spectrum Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in efficiently switching between different frequency spectra, such as MoCA 2.0 and MoCA 1.1, due to stringent bandwidth requirements and high power consumption, while maintaining compatibility and meeting propagation delays over coaxial cables.
Innovation Solution
A local oscillator (LO) circuit with a processor, memory, and registers that stores and applies LO parameters to switch frequency spectra quickly, using a phase-locked loop and programmable options to control switching time and power consumption, allowing seamless operation between MoCA 2.0 and MoCA 1.1 standards within the interframe gap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If frequency spectrum switching is implemented between MoCA 2.0 and MoCA 1.1 standards, then compatibility and adaptability are improved, but power consumption increases and switching time must be controlled within interframe gap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic frequency spectrum switching by enabling the communication device to transition between MoCA 2.0 (100 MHz) and MoCA 1.1 (50 MHz) bandwidth modes based on detected network conditions. The device dynamically adjusts its operating spectrum during communication sessions, allowing adaptability to mixed-standard environments while managing power consumption through selective mode activation rather than continuous wideband operation.
2Productivity
If rapid frequency spectrum switching is implemented, then productivity and response time are improved, but switching time must be completed within stringent interframe gap constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares for frequency spectrum switching by detecting interframe gaps in advance and initiating the switching process during these predetermined time windows. The device monitors the communication stream for interframe gap opportunities and pre-configures the necessary parameter changes (such as IFFT size and window size) to be applied at the appropriate moment, ensuring switching occurs within the required time constraints without disrupting ongoing communication.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mixed-mode spectrum operation is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple configuration parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent manages device complexity by systematically changing key configuration parameters (IFFT size, window size, cyclic prefix length) based on the detected operating mode. The system maintains a set of predefined parameter configurations for different bandwidth modes (50 MHz, 100 MHz) and selectively applies the appropriate configuration set during operation. This parameter-based approach allows mixed-mode operation without requiring complex real-time calculations, as the device simply switches between pre-optimized parameter sets corresponding to different MoCA standards.
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
The solution enables rapid and efficient spectrum switching with minimal additional hardware, reducing power consumption by over 30% and maintaining compliance with bandwidth and compatibility standards.
Implementation Method 1
using a phase-locked loop and programmable options to control switching time and power consumption
Data Source
AI summary
A local oscillator circuit and a corresponding method are provided. The local oscillator circuit includes a memory connected to a processor. The memory is configured to store local oscillator parameters corresponding to a plurality of center frequencies of a frequency spectrum. The processor is configured to apply the stored LO parameters when switching the frequency spectrum for a mixed-mode spectrum communication. The local oscillator also includes a plurality of registers connected with the processor, the plurality of registers configured to control switching of the frequency spectrum.