Processor Control for RF Isolation Using Timer Interrupts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Highly integrated RF systems face interference issues between RF and digital circuitry, leading to performance disturbances and increased component count, size, and cost due to the need for separate circuit partitions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a processor that processes signals between bursts, uses a timer to determine burst timing, and partially disables the processor to minimize noise, allowing RF and digital circuitry to operate in the same partition by activating and deactivating them in synchronized time-slots to avoid interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If RF circuitry and digital circuitry are placed in separate circuit partitions, then interference between RF and digital circuitry is reduced, but component count, size, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges RF circuitry and digital circuitry into a single integrated circuit partition, eliminating the need for separate partitions while managing interference through temporal separation of operations
Solution Approach 2:
The processor operates in periodic bursts, alternating between active processing modes and disabled states. During RF transmission/reception bursts, the processor is disabled to minimize noise; between bursts, it processes signals. This periodic operation reduces interference while maintaining integration
2Productivity
If the processor operates continuously to process signals, then signal processing capability is maintained, but noise interference with RF circuitry increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor operates in periodic bursts synchronized with RF transmission/reception bursts. During active RF bursts, the processor is disabled; between bursts, it processes received signals and prepares transmission signals. This periodic operation maintains signal processing capability while minimizing noise during critical RF operations
Solution Approach 2:
The processor performs signal processing in advance during intervals between RF bursts, preparing signals for upcoming transmission bursts and processing received signals before the next RF activity begins
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a radio-frequency (RF) circuitry and a signal-processing circuitry in a mobile telephone apparatus includes at least partially disabling the signal-processing circuitry while transmitting or receiving signals. In one example, a processor is efficiently disabled by generating and servicing an interrupt of relatively high priority. One advantage of this example is that preexisting, legacy code can be maintained, while still achieving the desired objectives. The processor can be enabled by generating and servicing a second high priority interrupt.