Single Clock Signal Scheduling for Multi-Standard Wireless Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communications devices are often incompatible with different networks due to varying technical specifications, leading to difficulties in connecting to available networks, even when coverage is present.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communications network participant with multiple subsystems supporting various standards, a clock signal generator, and scheduling means to coordinate operations across these standards, allowing seamless interaction and switching between networks using a single timing signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate timing signals are generated for each telecommunications standard, then each subsystem can operate independently and reliably, but the device complexity increases and the ability to switch between networks efficiently is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A single clock signal generator is designed to serve multiple telecommunications subsystems (e.g., GSM, UMTS, LTE) that operate under different standards. The scheduling means calculates and applies appropriate timing offsets for each subsystem relative to the common clock signal, enabling one timing source to fulfill multiple functions and eliminate the need for separate clock generators for each standard.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple separate timing signal generation functions are merged into a single clock signal generation unit. The scheduling means consolidates the timing management for all subsystems by calculating relative offsets from the common clock signal, combining what would otherwise be separate timing sources into one unified system.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate clock signals are used for different subsystems, then timing precision for each standard is maintained, but the switching time between networks increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The scheduling means pre-calculates and stores timing offsets for each subsystem relative to the common clock signal before switching is needed. When a switch between networks is required, the pre-computed offsets allow immediate application of the correct timing parameters, eliminating the need to recalculate timings during the switch and thus reducing switching time while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The scheduling means acts as an intermediary between the single clock signal generator and multiple subsystems. It translates the common clock signal into standard-specific timing references by calculating and applying appropriate offsets, enabling precise timing for each subsystem while maintaining a unified clock source that facilitates rapid switching.
3Device complexity
If a single clock signal is used for multiple subsystems, then device complexity is reduced and switching between standards is simplified, but the timing precision for different standards may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
While using a single common clock signal for all subsystems, the scheduling means applies local quality adjustments by calculating and applying specific timing offsets for each subsystem based on its particular timing requirements. This allows the system to maintain the simplicity of a single clock source while ensuring that each subsystem receives the precise timing it needs for its specific standard.
4Adaptability or versatility
If devices are designed to support multiple telecommunications standards, then adaptability and network coverage are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single clock signal generator and scheduling means combination is designed to serve multiple telecommunications subsystems operating under different standards (GSM, UMTS, LTE, etc.). This universal timing source with intelligent scheduling reduces the number of separate timing components needed, thereby lowering device complexity while maintaining support for multiple standards and enhancing network compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communications network participant comprising: a plurality of communications subsystems, each subsystem being arranged to transmit and/or receive signals under a different telecommunications standard; means for generating a clock signal; and scheduling means for sending commands to at least one of the subsystems for its or their operation, the scheduling means deducing the timing of the commands relative to the clock signal.