NB-IoT and Cellular Module Integration via Shared Processor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices supporting NarrowBand Internet of Things (NB-IoT) require separate chipsets for NB-IoT and communication modules, leading to increased physical area occupation and power consumption due to redundant processing units and memory.
Innovation Solution
Integration of NB-IoT and communication modules with a shared central processor and memory, allowing simultaneous operation by utilizing idle periods of one module for tasks of the other, thereby reducing physical area and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate chipsets are used for NB-IoT and communication modules, then communication functionality is ensured, but physical area occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines NB-IoT and communication modules into a single integrated chipset, sharing common resources including central processor, memory, and RF front-end components. This merging reduces the overall physical area occupation while maintaining both NB-IoT and communication functionalities through resource sharing and time-division multiplexing.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated chipset implements universal resource sharing where the central processor and memory serve both NB-IoT and communication modules. The system can dynamically allocate these shared resources to different modules based on operational requirements, enabling one chipset to perform multiple functions that previously required separate dedicated hardware.
2Reliability
If separate chipsets are used for NB-IoT and communication modules, then processing capabilities are ensured, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges NB-IoT and communication modules into a single chipset with shared processing units and memory. This consolidation eliminates redundant processing capabilities present in separate chipsets, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining adequate processing performance through coordinated resource sharing and task scheduling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic action through time-division multiplexing, where the shared central processor and memory are allocated to NB-IoT and communication modules in alternating time slots. This periodic resource allocation allows the system to maintain full processing capabilities when needed while reducing average power consumption by keeping resources in low-power states during idle periods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate chipsets are used for NB-IoT and communication modules, then module independence is ensured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges previously separate NB-IoT and communication chipsets into a single integrated device. While this reduces the number of independent modules, it simultaneously reduces overall device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple independent hardware platforms, multiple power management systems, and multiple interface connections, while maintaining functional independence through software-based resource management.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a narrowband internet of things (NB-IoT) circuit; a shared central processor to control the narrowband internet of things circuit; a shared memory to store data or code from the shared central processor; and a communicator controlled by the shared central processor. The communicator stores the data or the code in the shared memory.