Modem-RF Chip Synchronization Using Frame Timing and PLL Feedback
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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 issues, causing latency variation and power consumption increases.
Innovation Solution
A modem chip with a digital interface and logic block that generates a frame synchronization signal to synchronize data samples, along with a phase-locked loop (PLL) controller to manage clock signals and compensate for frequency offsets, ensuring synchronized communication and reduced interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If digital communication is used between RF chip and modem chip, then data transmission capability is improved, but frequency offset occurs causing performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the modem chip generates a frame synchronization signal based on its internal clock, transmits it to the RF chip, and the RF chip adjusts its clock phase based on the received synchronization signal. This closed-loop feedback system compensates for frequency offsets and maintains reliable communication performance while enabling high-speed digital data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the clock phase parameter dynamically by using a phase-locked loop (PLL) in the RF chip that adjusts its phase based on the frame synchronization signal from the modem chip. This parameter adjustment compensates for frequency offsets and maintains synchronization, resolving the contradiction between high-speed transmission and communication reliability.
2Speed
If digital communication is used between RF chip and modem chip, then data transmission speed is improved, but latency variation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the modem chip generate and transmit the frame synchronization signal before actual data transmission begins. This advance synchronization establishes a reference timing that the RF chip uses to align its clock, thereby preventing latency variation during high-speed data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization mechanism works as a feedback system where the modem chip's frame synchronization signal provides continuous timing reference to the RF chip, allowing the RF chip to adjust its clock phase in real-time and maintain consistent latency during high-speed transmission.
3Productivity
If digital communication is used between RF chip and modem chip, then communication bandwidth is improved, but number of channels increases causing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single frame synchronization signal that serves multiple functions: it provides timing synchronization, frequency offset compensation, and channel alignment simultaneously. This multi-functional approach enables high bandwidth communication without proportionally increasing the number of separate control channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple synchronization functions into a single frame synchronization signal transmission mechanism. Instead of using separate channels for timing, frequency, and phase synchronization, all these functions are combined into one unified synchronization approach, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high communication bandwidth.
4Productivity
If digital communication is used between RF chip and modem chip, then data transmission capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using periodic frame synchronization signals instead of continuous synchronization. The frame synchronization signal is transmitted at regular intervals, allowing the system to maintain synchronization and high data transmission capability while reducing average power consumption compared to continuous synchronization approaches.
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
This solution prevents performance degradation and latency variation, improves communication reliability, and reduces power consumption and RF interference by ensuring synchronized operations between RF and modem chips.
Implementation Method 1
a phase-locked loop (PLL) which generates a clock signal having a frequency and phase controlled by an input signal
Data Source
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.