Reconfigurable RF Timer for Multi-Standard Wireless Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile communication networks are limited to single cellular standards due to hardware-based timing event generation, making it costly and challenging to operate across multiple standards, as each standard requires separate hardware components, increasing device size and operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A RF timer with a memory module and programmable registers that stores network parameters for different transmission configurations, enabling the generation of timing events for wireless communication devices to operate across multiple cellular networks, such as W-CDMA, N-CDMA, GSM, and LTE, by configuring the registers with specific network parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hardware timing event generation logic circuit is used, then timing event generation is reliable and precise, but the device is compatible only with a single cellular network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfigurability by replacing fixed hardware logic with programmable logic that can be dynamically reconfigured through a configuration register. The timing event generation circuit responds to configuration data that defines different frame structures, allowing the same hardware to adapt its timing behavior for different cellular standards (GSM, W-CDMA, LTE) without physical changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the timing circuit by loading different configuration values into a configuration register. Each configuration value corresponds to a specific cellular standard's frame structure parameters (frame length, subframe structure, slot timing). By modifying these parameters through software/configuration data, the circuit maintains reliable timing generation while achieving multi-standard compatibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate hardware components are integrated for each standard, then multi-mode operation is enabled, but the price and size of the UE substantially increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal timing event generation circuit that can serve multiple cellular standards through a single reconfigurable hardware component. The configuration register allows the same physical circuit to be programmed for different frame structures (GSM, W-CDMA, LTE), eliminating the need for separate hardware components for each standard while maintaining full functionality for multi-mode operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple standard-specific timing circuits into a single reconfigurable timing event generation circuit. By combining the timing generation functionality for GSM, W-CDMA, and LTE into one unified circuit that can be configured via software, the patent reduces device complexity while preserving multi-mode operation capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple base stations are installed for multiple cellular networks, then network compatibility is achieved, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal base station timing system that can operate with multiple cellular network standards using a single reconfigurable timing event generation circuit. The configuration register enables the base station to be programmed for different network modes, allowing one base station to serve multiple networks (GSM, W-CDMA, LTE) instead of requiring separate base stations for each network, thereby reducing operational costs.
Data Source
AI summary
A system or circuit for generating timing events for mobile communications includes fetching network parameters corresponding to a transmission configuration. The network parameters are used to program a set of programmable registers. The timing events then are generated based on the network parameters. The timing events enable a user equipment (UE) or a base station to operate in various transmission configurations.