Switched Application Processor Architecture for Cellular Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cellular device architectures lack a mechanism for strictly and physically separating at least two application processors for alternating use, which is necessary for efficient resource management and battery conservation in multi-mode devices.
Innovation Solution
A cellular device architecture that includes a Controller module to command the Modem-AP Switch and AP-Appliance Switch to select processing routes, allowing one application processor to connect to either modems or appliances, with additional pre-processing capabilities for sensitive transactions, and supporting various communication protocols like 2G, 3G, and 4G.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single application processor is used to handle multiple communication protocols and appliances, then device complexity is reduced, but resource management efficiency and battery conservation are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the application processor functionality into multiple separate processors (first application processor and second application processor), each dedicated to specific communication protocols or appliances. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each processor for its designated task, improving resource management efficiency and battery conservation while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture.
2Productivity
If multiple application processors are used for different communication modes, then resource management efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a controller that provides centralized coordination and switching functionality, enabling multiple application processors to share common resources such as memory, I/O interfaces, and power management. This multi-functional controller reduces overall system complexity by consolidating management functions while allowing each application processor to specialize in specific communication protocols or appliances.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between multiple application processors and shared resources, managing the switching and allocation of resources dynamically. This mediator approach simplifies the architecture by providing a centralized point of control that coordinates processor activity, handles protocol switching, and manages resource allocation without requiring complex direct interconnections between all components.
3Device complexity
If application processors are not strictly separated, then device complexity is reduced, but battery conservation and secure communication are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent strictly separates application processors into distinct units, each dedicated to specific communication protocols or appliances. This physical and functional separation enables independent power management, allowing the system to deactivate entire processor units when not in use, thereby conserving battery power. The segmentation also enhances security by isolating sensitive communication functions in dedicated processors.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller implements periodic switching between different application processors based on communication requirements. When a specific communication protocol or appliance is active, its dedicated processor is powered on and operational, while other processors are deactivated. This periodic activation pattern significantly reduces overall power consumption compared to keeping all processors continuously active or using a single processor for all functions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cellular device architecture, including two application processors connectible through a Modem-AP Switch to two modems, each communicating with a respective antenna. A Controller module coupled to the switch and being configured, in response to receipt of data received in the Modem-AP switch as received through an antenna, to command the switch to select a processing route, whereby one of the application processors is switched to connect to one of the modems and to its associated antenna.