RF Circuit Reconfiguration for Multi-SIM Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication devices with multiple subscriber identities face inefficiencies due to independent operation of parallel hardware and software, leading to duplicated functions and lack of cooperation between them, which results in suboptimal network connection management.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves reconfiguring a portion of the radio frequency wireless circuitry to communicate with multiple wireless networks simultaneously, allowing the sharing of radio frequency transmitters and receivers between different subscriber identities, and utilizing parallel wireless cellular protocol software stacks to manage connections efficiently, enabling cooperation and synergy between hardware and software components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If parallel hardware and software are used for multiple subscriber identities, then each UICC/SIM can operate independently, but this results in duplicated functions and inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent UICC/SIM operations into a shared hardware architecture. A single RF transceiver and antenna system serve multiple subscriber identities by dynamically reconfiguring between different UICCs, eliminating the need for parallel independent hardware paths while maintaining multiple identity support
Solution Approach 2:
The RF wireless circuitry is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple subscriber identities through a single interface. The same hardware components (transceiver, antenna, baseband processor) perform multiple functions by serving different UICCs sequentially, rather than requiring dedicated hardware for each identity
2Adaptability or versatility
If parallel independent systems are used for each UICC/SIM, then independence is maintained, but cooperation and synergy between hardware and software are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a central controller or baseband processor that acts as an intermediary between multiple UICCs and the shared RF hardware. This mediator coordinates operations, manages switching between subscriber identities, and enables cooperative behavior while maintaining the independence of individual UICC/SIM operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically reconfigures the RF circuitry to switch between different subscriber identities based on operational needs. The hardware transitions from static independent operation to dynamic shared operation, allowing the same components to serve multiple purposes at different times, improving overall productivity
3Reliability
If radio frequency circuitry is reconfigured between multiple networks, then connection with first network is maintained, but limited information reception from second network is possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by maintaining full connection with the primary network while establishing limited monitoring capability with the secondary network. The RF circuitry performs partial reconfiguration to receive only essential signaling information from the second network without fully activating a complete communication channel, thus preserving primary connection reliability while gaining selective information reception
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods to reuse wireless circuitry to communicate with multiple wireless networks to support multiple subscriber identities in a wireless communication device are disclosed. A representative method includes receiving signaling messages for a second subscriber identity from a second wireless network while connected to a first wireless network for a first subscriber identity. A portion of radio frequency wireless circuitry is reconfigured to communicate with the second wireless network to establish a signaling channel and respond to signaling messages received from the second wireless network. The portion of radio frequency wireless circuitry is reconfigured between the first and second wireless networks to maintain a connection with the first wireless network while also receiving from the second wireless network limited information that can be provided to a user. Representative information includes an indication of an originator of a mobile terminated connection request and short message service data.