Configurable Multiplexer for RF Transceiver Resource Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern wireless communication standards, such as 3GPP LTE and 4G, require multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) technology and channel aggregation, leading to increased hardware components and power consumption in transceivers, which is challenging to manage efficiently, especially in handheld devices with size and power constraints.
Innovation Solution
A wireless transceiver architecture that includes a configurable multiplexer to share local oscillators among multiple transmitting and receiving paths, allowing flexible provisioning based on frequency needs, reducing power consumption by activating only the necessary components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple local oscillators are provided for each transmitting and receiving path to support MIMO and channel aggregation, then the transceiver can support multiple frequency bands and communication standards, but the number of hardware components and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal pool of local oscillators that can be dynamically allocated to serve multiple transmitting and receiving paths. Instead of dedicating one oscillator per path, the same oscillator can be shared across different paths and frequency bands through time-division multiplexing, enabling a single oscillator to perform multiple functions and serve various communication standards and frequency bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic configuration capability where the multiplexer can reallocate local oscillators between transmitting and receiving paths based on current operational requirements. This dynamic allocation allows the system to activate only the necessary oscillators for current frequency bands and modes (MIMO, channel aggregation), reducing power consumption while maintaining adaptability to different communication standards.
2Reliability
If dedicated local oscillators are assigned to each transmitting and receiving path, then frequency stability is ensured, but hardware complexity and device size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple dedicated local oscillators into a single shared oscillator resource pool. By combining these functions into a unified structure with intelligent multiplexing control, the system reduces the total number of hardware components while maintaining frequency stability through precise timing control and rapid switching between oscillator allocations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a multiplexer as an intermediary component that manages the allocation of local oscillators to transmitting and receiving paths. This mediator ensures that frequency stability is maintained by controlling the timing and sequence of oscillator sharing, preventing interference while reducing the need for multiple dedicated oscillators.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all local oscillators are activated to support all transmitting and receiving paths simultaneously, then full functionality is available, but power wastage increases due to redundant components being active
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial activation of local oscillators based on current operational needs. Instead of activating all oscillators simultaneously, the system activates only the subset required for current transmitting and receiving paths, using a multiplexer to dynamically allocate resources. This partial action approach maintains full functionality when needed while reducing power wastage during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic deactivation of unused local oscillators while maintaining the capability to reactivate them when needed. The multiplexer manages the discarding (deactivation) of redundant oscillator instances and their subsequent recovery (reactivation) based on changing communication requirements, thereby reducing power consumption without sacrificing adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention provides a wireless transceiver. The transceiver includes a plurality of receiving paths, a plurality of transmitting paths, a number of RF components, and a configurable multiplexer for coupling one or more RF components to the transmitting paths and the receiving paths. The multiplexer is configured in such a way as to allow a particular RF component to couple to a subset of the receiving paths and/or a subset of the transmitting paths, thereby enabling flexible provisioning of the RF components.