Single Modem Software Architecture for Multi-SIM Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-SIM communication devices require multiple modems, increasing costs, especially for consumer devices, and existing solutions to enable multiple SIM support in a single modem are complex and error-prone.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a protocol stack software component with independent native protocol stacks for each SIM, along with a common software component including a hardware arbitration layer and hardware adaptation layer, allowing a single modem to support multiple SIMs by separating native protocol stack functionality from common services and hardware adaptation layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent modems are included in the device to support multiple SIMs, then multi-SIM capability is achieved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent modems into a single modem by combining their protocol stack software components into one integrated modem. This allows multiple SIMs to share a single modem hardware resource, reducing device cost while maintaining multi-SIM capability through software virtualization and resource sharing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal modem that can serve multiple SIMs simultaneously by implementing a shared protocol stack architecture. The single modem is designed to handle multiple protocol stacks and manage resources dynamically, making it multi-functional and capable of supporting various SIM configurations without requiring separate dedicated modems for each SIM.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent modems are included in the device to support multiple SIMs, then multi-SIM capability is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple protocol stack software components into a single integrated modem software architecture. This consolidation reduces the overall system complexity by eliminating the need for multiple independent modem instances, while still supporting multiple SIMs through shared resource management and virtualization techniques within the unified modem framework.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing protocol stack software is used without modification to support multiple SIMs, then software portability is maintained, but the ability to support multiple simultaneous operations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the protocol stack software into modular components that can be instantiated multiple times within a single modem. This segmentation allows each SIM to have its own protocol stack instance while sharing common infrastructure, enabling simultaneous operations for multiple SIMs without requiring complete rewriting of existing protocol stack software.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-instance protocol stack architecture to a multi-instance architecture by adding a new dimension of virtualization and resource sharing. This dimensional change allows multiple protocol stacks to coexist within a single modem software environment, enabling simultaneous multi-SIM operations while maintaining compatibility with existing protocol implementations.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods, apparatus and computer program products that provide an enhanced multi-SIM wireless communication device. For example, a method includes providing in a wireless communication device a protocol stack software component composed of a first native protocol stack software and a second native protocol stack software each comprising layer 1, layer 2 and layer 3 protocol stack functionality. The first native protocol stack software and the second native protocol stack software are each associated with a respective subscriber identity module and are independent of one another. The method further includes providing in the wireless communication device a common software component that includes protocol stack framework software elements, a hardware arbitration layer and a hardware adaptation layer. The method further includes linking the protocol stack software component and the common software component into a modem software executable capable of operation with hardware of the wireless communication device.