Serial Transceiver Front End Control via Lookup Tables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reconfiguration of transceiver front ends in multi-antenna communication systems is challenging due to long delays and high overhead, especially in large systems with many transceivers, as existing serial control methods are limited by clock speed and require extensive wiring, while parallel control is impractical due to wiring density and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The use of lookup tables to store gain and phase values for antennas, accessed through selection indices via a command interpreter and serial interface, allowing for rapid reconfiguration by reducing the number of control bits required and optimizing reconfiguration time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If parallel control is used to control multiple transceivers, then the front end design becomes simple, but the number of required wires increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control functions into a single serial control path. Instead of having separate control wires for each transceiver (parallel control), the invention combines all control signals into one serial interface that sequentially communicates with multiple transceivers, thereby reducing the total number of wires while maintaining control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a spatial parallel control architecture (multiple wires simultaneously controlling multiple transceivers) to a temporal serial control architecture (single wire controlling transceivers sequentially over time). This dimensional change from space to time allows reduction in wiring while achieving the same control objectives.
2Quantity of substance
If serial control is used to reduce the number of wires, then wiring density decreases, but the clock speed is limited and reconfiguration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring transceivers during idle periods or between communication slots. Control signals are prepared and queued in advance, allowing the serial interface to quickly switch between transceivers without requiring high clock speeds during active communication. This pre-positioning of control states reduces the time penalty associated with serial control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of transceivers increases to handle more users, then system capacity increases, but reconfiguration time and overhead become prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by organizing transceiver control around communication slots and frames. Transceivers are configured in periodic cycles, with groups of transceivers being activated and configured in sequence during designated time slots. This periodic structure allows the system to scale to many transceivers while maintaining manageable reconfiguration times through rhythmic, predictable control patterns.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for reconfiguration of electronic circuits in multi-antenna communication systems are described. Using indexed programmable lookup tables, phase and gain information related to the antenna array implemented in such system is accessed. Same method may be used to reconfigure state of transceivers and other electronic circuits within such systems. The described methods and devices can be implemented using standardized serial interfaces.