Unified Time Base for CDMA Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
CDMA receivers face challenges in efficiently processing signals due to multi-path effects, which require complex synchronization of rake fingers across time-shifted branches, leading to increased integrated circuit area and reduced flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a unified time base to simplify timing alignment and synchronization of channel processing tasks, allowing for dynamic adjustment and sharing of hardware components between receivers and transmitters, reducing the need for complex synchronization circuits and saving chip real estate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex synchronization circuits are used to handle multi-path effects and synchronize rake fingers across time-shifted branches, then signal processing reliability is improved, but integrated circuit area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the timing alignment functions for multiple branches into a single unified time base unit. Instead of having separate synchronization circuits for each branch, one time base unit handles timing alignment for all branches, reducing the total circuit area while maintaining synchronization reliability across all time-shifted branches
Solution Approach 2:
The unified time base unit serves multiple functions: it provides timing alignment for multiple branches, generates time stamps for channel processing tasks, and coordinates receiver and transmitter operations. This multi-functional approach replaces what would traditionally require multiple dedicated circuits, reducing overall integrated circuit area
2Reliability
If separate hardware components are allocated for receiver and transmitter channel processing, then processing reliability is improved, but device complexity and chip real estate increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements hardware components that can function as both receiver and transmitter processing units. The same channel processing hardware can be dynamically allocated to either receiving or transmitting operations based on current operational needs, reducing the total amount of hardware required while maintaining reliable processing for both functions
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts hardware allocation between receiver and transmitter modes. Hardware components can be reconfigured and reassigned based on whether the device is currently receiving or transmitting, allowing flexible resource utilization that reduces overall device complexity while maintaining processing reliability
3Measurement precision
If traditional CDMA synchronization methods are used with separate time bases for different branches, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple branch timing functions into a single unified time base unit that serves all branches. This unified approach maintains precise timing alignment across all branches while eliminating the complexity of managing multiple separate time base circuits, as the single time base unit coordinates all timing operations centrally
Data Source
AI summary
A device and a method for processing CDMA compliant signals. The method includes receiving input signals; selecting, for each time interval out of multiple evenly length successive time intervals, multiple selected channel processing tasks that are scheduled to be at least partially executed during the time interval; storing input data at a first input buffer and providing data associated with at least one selected processing task from a second input buffer during even time intervals; and storing input data at the second input buffer and providing data associated with at least one selected processing task from the first input buffer during odd time intervals.