Modem Chip HARQ Memory Segmentation for Power and Size Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing data transmission speed in mobile communication systems necessitates larger HARQ memory, leading to increased modem chip size and manufacturing costs, as well as higher power consumption due to increased memory access, especially when relying solely on internal memory or external memory accessed via a shared bus.
Innovation Solution
A modem chip design that efficiently saves and fetches HARQ data by utilizing both internal and external memory, with a HARQ controller managing data storage and retrieval based on error detection results and timeout conditions to minimize external memory access and optimize performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the size of HARQ memory is increased to accommodate higher data transmission speeds, then the modem chip size and manufacturing costs increase, but the HARQ performance is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the HARQ memory into two segments: internal memory (within the modem chip) and external memory (separate from the modem chip). This segmentation allows the system to maintain necessary HARQ memory capacity for high data transmission speeds while keeping the modem chip size manageable by storing HARQ data in external memory rather than increasing internal memory capacity within the chip.
2Reliability
If the size of HARQ memory is increased to accommodate higher data transmission speeds, then the manufacturing costs increase, but the HARQ performance is improved
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting HARQ memory into internal and external components, the patent avoids the need to manufacture larger integrated memory chips. The external memory can be a separate, standardized component, which typically has lower manufacturing costs compared to custom large-capacity memory integration, thereby reducing overall manufacturing costs while maintaining HARQ performance.
3Speed
If the number of accesses to HARQ memory is increased, then the power consumption increases, but the data transmission speed is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using internal memory for frequently accessed HARQ data that requires fast access, and external memory for less frequently accessed data. This differentiation in memory quality (speed vs. capacity) allows the system to maintain high data transmission speeds for critical operations while reducing overall power consumption by avoiding continuous high-speed access to large amounts of data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically manages HARQ data between internal and external memory based on access patterns and data importance. By dynamically moving data between memory types, the system optimizes the balance between transmission speed and power consumption, accessing data from internal memory when speed is critical and using external memory when power savings are prioritized.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the HARQ data is stored in external memory accessed via shared bus, then the power consumption is reduced, but the bus delays and degradation of other devices sharing the bus occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses internal memory for HARQ data that requires fast access with minimal delay, leveraging the local high-speed connection within the modem chip. External memory is used for data where power consumption is the primary concern and can tolerate longer access times. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction by matching memory type to data access requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a modem chip for performing hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) processing, an application processor including the modem chip, and an operating method of the modem chip. A modem chip for receiving data of a codeword unit including a plurality of codeblock units includes a HARQ controller for controlling HARQ data of the codeword unit to be saved in an external memory based on an error detection result of the codeword unit, a HARQ mover for saving or fetching the HARQ data of the codeword unit in or from the external memory via a bus interface, and a HARQ combiner for combining retransmitted data with the HARQ data fetched from the external memory.