Single-Die PA Control Interface for RFFE and GPIO Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

The adoption of new standards in power amplifiers, such as the MIPI RF Front End (RFFE) serial interface, requires device manufacturers to produce separate components supporting multiple configuration modes, leading to increased costs, power consumption, and physical space requirements due to the need for multiple interface components.

Innovation Solution

A dual mode control interface that integrates both RFFE serial and GPIO interfaces on a single die, using a RFFE core and combinational logic to switch between modes based on a VIO signal, allowing seamless adoption of new standards without modifying existing devices and reducing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate components are produced to support multiple configuration modes (RFFE and GPIO interfaces), then compatibility with different standards is achieved, but device complexity, manufacturing cost, and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different standardsVSAvoidnumber of interface components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the RFFE serial interface and GPIO interface into a single control interface component. The interface can dynamically switch between RFFE mode and GPIO mode based on the operational requirements, eliminating the need for separate components for each standard while maintaining full compatibility with both.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control interface is designed with multi-functionality to support both RFFE serial communication and GPIO operations through a single unified component. The interface can adapt its operational mode (serial or parallel) based on the configuration, providing universal compatibility across different standards without requiring multiple specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple interface components are used to support both RFFE and GPIO modes, then standards compatibility is maintained, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for multiple standardsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the RFFE serial interface and GPIO interface functionality into a single control interface component, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and tested. This consolidation directly lowers manufacturing costs while preserving support for multiple standards through the unified interface's ability to switch between operational modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate components are implemented for different interface modes, then standard compatibility is achieved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-mode supportVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates the RFFE serial interface and GPIO interface into a single power domain, allowing the entire interface to be powered down or put into low-power mode when not in use. This eliminates the need for multiple separate components that would each require independent power management, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining multi-mode support through the unified interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple interface components are used, then compatibility with older and newer standards is maintained, but physical space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackward and forward compatibilityVSAvoidphysical space on die

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the RFFE serial interface and GPIO interface logic into a single integrated control interface component, significantly reducing the physical space required on the die. The unified design shares common resources and logic pathways between the two modes, eliminating the need for duplicate component structures and reducing the overall area footprint while maintaining compatibility with both older GPIO-based and newer RFFE-based standards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9543919B2Dual mode power amplifier control interface with a multi-mode general purpose input/output interface

Publication Date: 2017.01.10 SKYWORKS SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

In accordance with some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a dual mode control interface that can be used to provide both a radio frequency front end (RFFE) serial interface and a two-mode general purpose input/output (GPIO) interface within a single digital control interface die. In certain embodiments, the dual mode control interface, or digital control interface, can communicate with a power amplifier. Further, the dual mode control interface can be used to set the mode of the power amplifier.