RF Activity Bulletin Board for Multi-Module Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for synchronizing radio frequency (RF) module activities in multi-technology mobile devices are limited, leading to interference, high power consumption, and maintenance challenges, as they are not scalable and require complex inter-technology dependencies or power-intensive jammer detection.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus using an RF activity bulletin board to mediate notifications among RF modules, allowing each module to subscribe to specific notifications based on criteria, reducing interference and power consumption by decoupling direct inter-technology interactions and implementing a scalable architecture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If RF modules operate independently without synchronization, then each module can function autonomously, but interference between modules increases and receiver performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautonomous operationVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an RF activity bulletin board as an intermediary component that receives notifications from transmitter RF modules and relays them to receiver RF modules. This mediator enables coordinated operation without direct module-to-module interference, allowing autonomous function while preventing harmful interactions through centralized notification management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If multiple RF modules transmit simultaneously, then communication throughput increases, but peak power demand increases causing battery load issues and transmission failures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication throughputVSAvoidpower demand
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The bulletin board implements a feedback mechanism where transmitter modules notify the board of their transmission activities, which then relays this information to other modules. This feedback loop enables receivers to prepare for incoming signals and transmitters to coordinate their operations, allowing higher throughput while managing peak power demands through informed scheduling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If previous synchronization solutions are implemented for two closely related wireless technologies, then coexistence between those specific technologies is achieved, but the solution is not scalable to all wireless technologies and requires complex linkages

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecoexistenceVSAvoidscalability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal RF activity bulletin board that can handle notifications from any RF module regardless of the specific wireless technology it uses. This single multi-functional component replaces multiple technology-specific synchronization mechanisms, achieving reliable coexistence across all wireless technologies while maintaining scalability and simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If jammer detectors are used to detect internal jammers, then transmission reliability improves, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using power-intensive jammer detectors to identify interference after it occurs, the bulletin board performs preliminary action by notifying receiver modules of upcoming transmissions in advance. This allows receivers to prepare their reception parameters proactively, achieving reliable transmission without the need for continuous jammer detection and significantly reducing power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2324574B1Method and apparatus for synchronization of RF module activities
Publication Date: 2016.04.20 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP2324574B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2324574B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2324574B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An apparatus and method for synchronizing RF activities comprising receiving a notification relating to transmission activities; determining at least one of a plurality of RF modules to relay the notification; and relaying the notification to at least one of the plurality of RF modules.