Thermal Protection Control for Wireless Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal protection systems for high heat-flux intensity terminal products, such as wireless data cards, suffer from erroneous protection measures due to temperature sensor unit failures and interference, leading to unreliable thermal management and potential product safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A thermal protection control method and system utilizing a main and auxiliary temperature sensor unit, where protection measures are taken only when both sensors consistently exceed thresholds for a preset time, ensuring accurate and reliable thermal protection by preventing erroneous reports and failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor unit is disposed in or close to a radio frequency element to monitor temperature, then temperature monitoring capability is improved, but measurement range is limited and time delay effect occurs under dynamic power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature monitoring function into multiple independent temperature sensor units positioned at different locations (PA module, SIM card module, UIM card module, storage card module). Each sensor independently monitors its local temperature, enabling comprehensive coverage across different functional modules without requiring a single sensor to measure everything.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a processor as an intermediary that receives temperature data from multiple sensor units, performs comprehensive analysis, and makes protection decisions. This intermediary coordinates the information from distributed sensors and implements the control logic, resolving the limitation of individual sensors having restricted measurement ranges.
2Reliability
If a temperature sensor unit is used for thermal protection, then thermal protection function is provided, but erroneous reports occur due to sensor failure or interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements different threshold values for different temperature sensor units based on their local characteristics and risk levels. Critical modules like the PA module have stricter threshold settings, while other modules have appropriate thresholds matched to their thermal characteristics. This localized quality approach ensures each sensor operates with optimal precision for its specific context.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors temperature data from sensor units and provides feedback to the processor. When temperature approaches threshold values, the system adjusts transmit power or activates protection measures. This closed-loop feedback mechanism corrects for sensor drift and interference, maintaining accurate temperature reporting and reliable protection decisions.
3Reliability
If de-rating design is used to ensure chip junction temperature does not exceed permitted level, then thermal reliability is improved, but product performance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic thermal protection that adjusts system operation in real-time based on actual temperature conditions. When temperatures are within safe limits, the system operates at full performance. When thresholds are approached, the system dynamically reduces power or activates protection measures. This dynamic approach maintains maximum productivity during normal operation while ensuring thermal reliability when needed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the reliability and accuracy of thermal protection, reducing erroneous protection measures and improving product robustness by ensuring that thermal protection is only activated when both sensors confirm a stable temperature threshold is exceeded, thus preventing unnecessary shutdowns and ensuring product safety.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a temperature value of a protection point; a temperature sensor unit disposed close to a protection point
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A thermal protection method and system of an Integrated Circuit (IC) are provided, which are applicable to a wireless terminal equipment. The method includes: measuring a temperature value of a protection point; comparing the measured temperature value with a thermal protection temperature threshold; and starting a protection measure when the measured temperature value reaches or exceeds the thermal protection temperature threshold and a duration of reaching or exceeding the thermal protection temperature threshold exceeds a preset time.