RF Baseband Interface Power Control via Serial Messaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless devices with split SPS signal processing between RF and baseband sections face inefficiencies in power management, leading to excessive power consumption due to uncontrolled activation of hardware blocks in the RF chip, especially in battery-operated devices.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional message transmission interface between the RF and baseband processing sections is introduced, utilizing a message serial interface for power control messaging and a data serial interface to transmit SPS signal samples, allowing for detailed power control of the RF section by the baseband section, reducing unnecessary power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a dedicated power control input pin is used to enable or disable the RF chip, then the RF chip can be controlled to be active or inactive, but detailed control over the power consumed by the RF chip is not possible and most hardware blocks remain active when not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power control functionality by dividing the RF chip hardware blocks into multiple independently controllable groups. Instead of a single power control pin that controls the entire RF chip, the invention implements separate power control mechanisms for different hardware blocks (e.g., phase locked loops, frequency dividers, digital interface sections), allowing selective powering down of individual blocks based on actual operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic power control by enabling the baseband section to send detailed power control messages to the RF section through a bi-directional interface. This allows the power state of different RF hardware blocks to be dynamically adjusted and optimized based on real-time signal processing requirements, transitioning from static on/off control to dynamic granular control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple signal lines are used to communicate data samples and AGC information between RF and baseband sections, then comprehensive signal processing capability is achieved, but interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate signal lines into a single unified bi-directional interface. Instead of using separate dedicated lines for data samples, AGC information, and power control messages, the invention implements a single serial communication interface that can carry multiple types of information through message framing and protocol conventions, thereby reducing the physical number of signal lines while maintaining comprehensive functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal interface that serves multiple purposes: transmitting data samples from RF to baseband, carrying AGC control information from baseband to RF, and conveying detailed power control messages in both directions. This multi-functional interface eliminates the need for separate dedicated lines for each function, reducing overall interface complexity while preserving full signal processing capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An interface between an RF processing section and a baseband processing section supports general purpose message transmission as well as satellite positioning system signal sample transmission between the RF processing section and the baseband processing section. The interface includes a bi-directional message interface and a data interface. The message interface supports transmission of power control messages to the RF processing section to provide detailed control over activation or de-activation of individual blocks of hardware circuitry in the RF processing section.