Shared Clock Source Control for Wireless Modules
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile electronic devices with multiple wireless communications modules face increased battery power consumption due to the need for separate clock sources for each module, as different wireless communications services require distinct clock frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for controlling a shared clock source among multiple wireless communications modules, where one module detects requests from others, determines if the clock is stably generated, and adjusts its electrical characteristics to achieve target frequencies while minimizing power consumption by coordinating the clock source usage based on the operating statuses of all modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate clock sources are used for each wireless communications module, then each module can operate independently with its required clock frequency, but battery power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate clock sources into a single shared clock source that is commonly used by multiple wireless communications modules. This consolidation reduces the total number of clock sources from multiple to one, directly decreasing power consumption while enabling multiple modules to share the same clock infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared clock source is designed to serve multiple wireless communications modules simultaneously, making it a universal component that performs multiple functions. The clock source can provide clock signals to different modules with different frequency requirements through frequency synthesis and division, allowing one component to fulfill the role of what would traditionally require multiple separate components.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a shared clock source is used among multiple wireless communications modules, then battery power consumption is reduced, but the clock source must coordinate adjustments to avoid disrupting other modules' operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the first wireless communications module detects requests from the second module for clock source activation, determines whether the reference clock has been stably generated, and adjusts electrical characteristics accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system coordinates clock adjustments to prevent disruptions to other modules while maintaining power efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The first wireless communications module acts as an intermediary between the shared clock source and the second wireless communications module. It receives requests from the second module, evaluates the current clock state, and mediates the adjustment process by controlling the electrical characteristics of the clock source, thereby preventing direct conflicts between modules.
3Measurement precision
If the electrical characteristic of the clock source is adjusted to achieve target frequency, then the reference clock output achieves the desired frequency, but abrupt changes could disrupt other modules' operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent checks whether the reference clock has been stably generated before making adjustments to the clock source's electrical characteristics. This preliminary verification ensures that adjustments are only made when safe to do so, preventing disruptions to other modules that are currently using the clock source. The system prepares and validates the clock state before executing frequency adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
A communications apparatus is provided. A first wireless communications module provides a first wireless communications service and communicates with a first communications device in compliance with a first protocol. A second wireless communications module provides a second wireless communications service and communicates with a second communications device in compliance with a second protocol. A clock source is shared by the first and the second communications modules and provides a reference clock to the first and the second communications modules. The first wireless communications module detects a request from the second wireless communications module for activating the clock source, determines whether the reference clock has been stably generated by the clock source, and adjusts an electrical characteristic of the clock source to facilitate the reference clock output from the clock source to achieve a target frequency when the reference clock has not been stably generated.