Shared Radio Interface for Multimode Baseband Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the number of radios in multimode communication devices increases, the complexity and cost of communication interface circuitry between processing circuitry and radios become significant, making it challenging to efficiently manage multiple communication modes.
Innovation Solution
A multimode communication integrated circuit with a shared radio interface is developed, featuring a processor module with a communication manager and a common communication interface that communicates with multiple radio modules over a common bus, allowing for efficient management of information flow and bandwidth allocation across different communication modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple radios are added to support various communication modes, then the device's communication versatility is improved, but the complexity of the communication interface circuitry increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal communication interface that can serve multiple radio modules through a single shared interface. The baseband processor uses one interface to communicate with different radios (e.g., GSM, CDMA, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) by switching between them, eliminating the need for separate dedicated interfaces for each radio type. This multi-functional approach maintains communication versatility while significantly reducing interface circuitry complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple communication interfaces into a single shared interface structure. Instead of having separate interface circuits for each radio module, the design combines them into one unified interface that can be dynamically assigned to different radios. This merging approach reduces the number of physical interface components and simplifies the overall circuit architecture while supporting multiple communication modes.
2Reliability
If separate communication interfaces are provided for each radio, then the reliability of communication is improved, but the cost and complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary configuration and initialization of the shared interface before it is assigned to a specific radio module. The baseband processor prepares the interface resources, establishes proper timing sequences, and configures signal routing in advance before switching to a new radio. This preliminary action ensures reliable communication with any radio module using the shared interface, eliminating the need for separate dedicated interfaces while maintaining communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The baseband processor acts as an intermediary between the shared interface and multiple radio modules. It manages the interface resources, coordinates data transfer, and handles protocol conversions for different radio types through a single interface. This intermediary approach allows reliable communication with multiple radios without requiring separate dedicated interfaces for each, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Device complexity
If a shared radio interface is used for multiple radios, then the device complexity is reduced, but the difficulty of managing information flow and bandwidth allocation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation for the shared interface based on real-time communication needs. The baseband processor can dynamically assign interface resources to different radio modules, adjust data transfer rates, and manage bandwidth allocation according to the current active radio and its requirements. This dynamic management capability simplifies the interface structure while providing flexible control over information flow and bandwidth for multiple communication modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the baseband processor monitors the operational status of different radio modules and adjusts interface resource allocation accordingly. Performance metrics, error rates, and data throughput information are fed back to the baseband processor, which then optimizes the shared interface configuration to maintain efficient communication. This feedback-driven management simplifies the shared interface architecture while ensuring effective information flow control across multiple radios.
Data Source
AI summary
A multimode communication integrated circuit comprising baseband processing circuitry with a shared radio interface. Various aspects of the present invention may comprise a processor module adapted to perform various processing (e.g., baseband processing) in support of multimode communications. A first radio module may be communicatively coupled to the processor module through a common communication interface. A second radio module may also be communicatively coupled to the processor module through the common communication interface. The common communication interface may, for example, be adapted to communicate information over a communication bus that is shared between the processor module and a plurality of radio modules (e.g., the first and second radio modules).