Reconfigurable Transmit DAC Sharing for Multi-RAT Wireless Chains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication devices face inefficiencies in supporting multiple radio access technologies (RATs), frequency bands, and transmitter architectures due to redundant DAC circuits, leading to increased area, cost, and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable digital-to-analog converter (DAC) circuit that shares hardware to support multiple RATs and frequency bands, utilizing a plurality of switches to route DAC outputs to different transmit chains, and is adaptable to various transmitter architectures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate DAC circuits are used for each RAT and frequency band, then each specific communication standard is supported reliably, but the overall device area, cost, and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal DAC circuit architecture that can be dynamically reconfigured to support multiple RATs (5G NR, LTE, WCDMA, GSM) and different frequency bands. The shared DAC circuit responds to control signals that reconfigure its internal structure and switching elements, allowing a single DAC to perform the functions previously requiring multiple dedicated DAC circuits for different communication standards and bands
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple separate DAC circuits into a single reconfigurable DAC unit. By combining the functionality of what would have been separate DAC circuits for different RATs and frequency bands into one shared resource with dynamic reconfiguration capability, the design eliminates redundant hardware while maintaining support for all required communication standards
2Reliability
If separate DAC circuits are used for each RAT and frequency band, then each specific communication standard is supported reliably, but the device cost increases due to redundant hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The universal reconfigurable DAC circuit reduces device cost by eliminating the need to manufacture and stock multiple separate DAC circuits for different RATs and frequency bands. A single reconfigurable unit replaces what would have been multiple dedicated units, simplifying the supply chain and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining full compatibility with all required communication standards
Solution Approach 2:
The reconfigurable DAC circuit allows the system to discard the concept of dedicated hardware for each RAT and instead use dynamic reconfiguration to recover and reuse the same hardware resources for different communication standards as needed, eliminating the cost of redundant permanent hardware allocations
3Reliability
If separate DAC circuits are used for each RAT and frequency band, then each specific communication standard is supported reliably, but power consumption increases due to redundant circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple DAC circuits into a single reconfigurable unit, which reduces power consumption by eliminating redundant power-hungry DAC circuits. When supporting a specific RAT or frequency band, only the necessary portion of the shared DAC circuit is activated, while other portions remain idle or in low-power states, unlike the always-on redundant circuits in the separate DAC architecture
4Area of stationary object
If a reconfigurable DAC circuit is used to support multiple RATs and frequency bands, then hardware redundancy is eliminated and area is reduced, but the circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reconfigurable DAC circuit employs dynamic reconfiguration capability, allowing its internal structure and signal paths to be changed in real-time based on the required RAT or frequency band. This dynamic adaptability is controlled by control signals that reconfigure switching elements and routing paths, enabling a single circuit to perform multiple functions that would otherwise require separate static circuits
5Ease of manufacture
If a reconfigurable DAC circuit is used to support multiple RATs and frequency bands, then hardware redundancy is eliminated and cost is reduced, but the circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The universal reconfigurable DAC circuit achieves cost reduction by consolidating multiple dedicated DAC circuits into one shared resource. The control logic and switching mechanisms, while adding internal complexity, enable a single manufacturable unit to replace what would have been multiple separate components, simplifying assembly and reducing overall device cost
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for sharing digital-to-analog (DAC) converters in a reconfigurable DAC circuit to support two or more transmit chains of a wireless transmitter configured for different radio access technologies (RATs) and/or different transmitter architectures. One example DAC circuit generally includes at least four DACs and a plurality of switches coupled to outputs of the at least four DACs such that the DAC circuit is configured as a multi-channel DAC circuit with at least four channels for a first set of one or more frequency bands and as an interleaved DAC circuit with at least two channels for a second set of one or more frequency bands different from the first set of frequency bands.