Modem-RF Chip Frame Synchronization for Frequency Offset Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Digital communication between RF chips and modem chips leads to performance degradation due to increased channel numbers and frequency offset, causing latency variation and power consumption issues.

Innovation Solution

A modem chip with a digital interface and logic block that generates a frame synchronization signal based on a clock signal, synchronizing data samples and reducing frequency offset through phase-locked loop control, thereby improving performance and reducing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If digital communication is used between RF chip and modem chip, then data transmission capability is improved, but frequency offset and performance degradation occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoidperformance stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A frame synchronization signal is introduced as an intermediary between the RF chip and modem chip to mediate the digital communication process. This synchronization signal, generated by a synchronization signal generator and distributed to both chips, coordinates their operations and eliminates frequency offset issues while maintaining high data transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If digital communication is used between RF chip and modem chip, then data transmission speed is improved, but latency variation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission speedVSAvoidlatency variation
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The frame synchronization signal provides a feedback mechanism that allows both RF chip and modem chip to align their processing timelines. By using this synchronization reference, the system can maintain high transmission speed while minimizing latency variation through coordinated sample processing and logic operations across both chips.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Quantity of substance

If digital communication is used between RF chip and modem chip, then communication bandwidth is improved, but number of channels increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication bandwidthVSAvoidnumber of channels
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame synchronization signal serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides timing alignment, frequency reference, and channel coordination for all data channels. This multi-functional approach allows the system to support increased communication bandwidth without proportionally increasing the complexity of individual channel management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If digital communication is used between RF chip and modem chip, then data processing capability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The frame synchronization signal enables periodic processing cycles where the RF chip and modem chip can coordinate their high-power operations. By synchronizing intensive data processing activities to specific frames and allowing lower-power states between frames, the system achieves high data processing capability while reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous high-power operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 effectively prevents performance degradation and latency variation, enhances synchronization between RF and modem chips, and minimizes power consumption and RF interference.

Implementation Method 1

a phase-locked loop (PLL) The PLL generates a clock signal having a frequency and phase controlled by an input signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase-locked loop:

Data Source

PatentUS10516433B2Modem and RF chips, application processor including the same and operating method thereof
Publication Date: 2019.12.24 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US10516433B2 patent drawing
  • US10516433B2 patent drawing
  • US10516433B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A modem chip communicates with a radio frequency (RF) chip and includes a digital interface configured to receive data including a plurality of samples from the RF chip based on digital communication. A logic block generates a frame synchronization signal based on a clock signal in the modem chip, provides the generated frame synchronization signal to the digital interface, and receives the plurality of samples in synchronization with the frame synchronization signal.