Shared AD Conversion Circuit for Multiband Communication Devices

Solution Overview

Problem

In communication devices, the increased circuit scale and power consumption due to the presence of separate analog-to-digital (AD) conversion circuits for each communication device pose a challenge, especially in multiband or multimode communication systems where efficient processing and reduced power consumption are essential.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a shared AD conversion circuit and control circuit configuration among multiple communication devices, where the AD conversion circuit converts analog signals from a temperature sensor into digital data, and the control circuit reads this data in response to read-request signals, allowing multiple devices to share the AD conversion resources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate AD conversion circuits are disposed for each communication device, then each device can independently process signals, but circuit scale and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal processing capabilityVSAvoidcircuit scale

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the AD conversion functionality into a shared resource that serves multiple communication devices. Instead of each device having its own dedicated AD conversion circuit, a single AD conversion circuit is implemented that can be accessed by multiple devices through a bus interface, thereby reducing overall circuit scale while maintaining processing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The AD conversion circuit is designed with universal functionality to serve multiple communication devices. The circuit can convert analog signals from any connected device and output digital data that can be read by any device through the control circuit, making it a multi-functional component that replaces multiple dedicated circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate AD conversion circuits are disposed for each communication device, then each device can independently process signals, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal processing capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the AD conversion functionality into a shared resource that serves multiple communication devices. Instead of each device having its own dedicated AD conversion circuit, a single AD conversion circuit is implemented that can be accessed by multiple devices through a bus interface, thereby reducing overall circuit scale while maintaining processing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The AD conversion circuit is designed with universal functionality to serve multiple communication devices. The circuit can convert analog signals from any connected device and output digital data that can be read by any device through the control circuit, making it a multi-functional component that replaces multiple dedicated circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11070239B2Interface circuit and communication apparatus

Publication Date: 2021.07.20 MURATA MFG CO LTD

AI summary

An interface circuit and a communication apparatus that can reduce the circuit scale and power consumption are provided. An interface circuit includes a plurality of communication devices, an analog-to-digital (AD) conversion circuit that converts an analog signal to digital data, and a control circuit that reads the digital data in response to read-request signals received from the plurality of communication devices.