KR100941465B1 - MBMM wireless modem of USB type for PC and method for controlling power of each modem thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multi-band multi-mode (MBMM) wireless modem for a PC of a USB type and a power supply control method for each modem. According to an embodiment of the present invention, an MBMM (Multi-Band Multi-Mode) wireless modem coupled to a personal computer to perform a communication network connection, comprising: a first modem connected to a first communication network; And a second modem turned on according to an active signal received from the first modem and connected to a second communication network, wherein the first modem receives a response signal from the turned on second modem. MBMM wireless modem is provided that is turned off upon receipt. Therefore, in the USB type MBMM wireless modem for PC and each modem power control method according to the present invention, when power is applied, only one modem of the plurality of modems is powered on, and the rest are all powered off to exceed the USB power. There is an effect that can be prevented.

MBMM, Modem, WCDMA, CDMA, PC, Laptop, Power

Description

MBM wireless modem of USB type for PC and method for controlling power of each modem

1 is a view showing a schematic configuration of a USB type MBMM wireless modem for a PC according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a view showing a process of controlling the power of each modem in the MBMM wireless modem according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a functional block diagram of a USB type MBMM wireless modem for a PC according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a diagram illustrating a process of controlling power of each modem during handover from a WCDMA network to a CDMA network in an MBMM wireless modem according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a diagram illustrating a process of controlling power of each modem during handover from a CDMA network to a WCDMA network in an MBMM wireless modem according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

100: MBMM wireless modem

110: USB interface unit

130: first modem unit

135: WCDMA Modem

136: WCDMA_PS_HOLD

137: CDMA_ON_ACK

138: CDMA_ON_CMD

140: WCDMA_PMIC

150: second modem unit

155: CDMA Modem

156: WCDMA_ON_CMD

157: WCDMA_ON_ACK

158: CDMA_PS_HOLD

160: CDMA_PMIC

141, 161: Vcc

142, 162: PS_HOLD

143, 163: PWR_ON

The present invention relates to a multi-band multi-mode (MBMM) wireless modem, and more particularly, to a MBMM wireless modem for a PC of a USB type and a method for controlling each modem power supply.

Currently, in the case of Korea, not only CDMA networks but also WCDMA networks have been developed to create an environment in which two communication networks overlap in a certain area. Therefore, researches on methods and apparatuses for using both communication networks are in progress. MBMM wireless for PC of USB type which is connected to PC (Personal Computer) such as desktop and notebook by USB type such as USB port, and enables PC to perform wireless communication using two communication networks. The development of the modem is in progress.

However, the current MBMM wireless modem for a personal computer (PC) of a USB type is limited to 500mA. This means that if both modems of WCDMA (hereinafter referred to as "master modems") and CDMA modems (hereinafter referred to as "slave modems") are turned on simultaneously, two modems There is a problem that can cause the failure of the PC itself due to overcurrent because the power supply used in excess of 500mA. For example, one modem (WCDMA or CDMA) consumes about 200mA of current when idle and normal, and 500mA ± at maximum power of traffic. consume α. At this time, when one modem is in the idle state and the other modem is in the traffic maximum power state, the overcurrent may occur since the current used becomes 700 mA ± α. In particular, when two modems simultaneously log in (ie, register a location) to a corresponding communication network (WCDMA network and CDMA network), there is a high possibility of using more than 500 mA. In addition, where radio wave reception conditions such as a weak electric field are weak, a larger power is used to perform a smooth communication. For example, if both modems transmit TX power at full power for location registration, they will use approximately 800mA to 900mA of power supply, which could cause the PC to fail due to power usage above the 500mA limit. Can be.

Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, when the power is applied, only one modem of the plurality of modems are powered on, and the rest of the power off all of the USB type that does not exceed the limited power The purpose of the present invention is to provide an MBMM wireless modem for PC and a control method for each modem.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a USB type MBMM wireless modem for each PC and a method for controlling each modem power supply, in which each modem can input an active signal for turning on another modem.

Other objects of the present invention will become more apparent through the preferred embodiments described below.

According to an aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object, a multi-band multi-mode (MBMM) wireless modem coupled to a personal computer to perform a communication network connection, comprising: a first modem connected to the first communication network; And a second modem turned on according to an active signal received from the first modem and connected to a second communication network, wherein the first modem receives a response signal from the turned on second modem. MBMM wireless modem is provided that is turned off upon receipt.

Here, a first PMIC (Power Management IC) for managing the power of the first modem; A second PMIC further manages power of the second modem, wherein the first PMIC supplies power to the first modem in response to receiving an active signal from the second modem, wherein the second PMIC is configured to provide the second PMIC. Upon receiving an active signal from one modem, power may be supplied to the second modem.

In addition, when the response signal is transmitted, the second modem may input a ps_hold signal together with PS (Power State) _HOLD of the second PMIC.

The second modem may transmit the response signal when booting or booting is completed.

It can also be combined with the personal computer via a USB interface.

In addition, when combined with the personal computer, only one of the first modem and the second modem may be turned on.

According to another aspect of the invention, each in a multi-band multi-mode (MBMM) wireless modem coupled to a personal computer, including a first modem connected to the first communication network and a second modem connected to the second communication network CLAIMS 1. A method of controlling a power source for a modem, the method comprising: transmitting an active signal to the second modem when the first modem in a turned on state is turned off; The second modem turned on according to the active signal to transmit a response signal to the first modem; And turning off the first modem in response to the response signal.

Here, the step of the first modem to recognize the need to perform a handover (hand over) is preceded, the personal computer as the first modem frequently transmits the radio wave reception state of the first communication network to the personal computer The handover execution command may be transmitted to the first modem by recognizing the need for the handover, or the first modem may recognize the need for the handover according to the radio wave reception state.

In addition, the MBMM wireless modem may be coupled to the personal computer through a USB interface.

The second modem may transmit the response signal when booting or booting is completed.

Hereinafter, a USB type PC MBMM wireless modem and a communication network connection method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Corresponding components are given the same reference numerals and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

In the present specification, for convenience of description, it is assumed that the wireless modem has two modems (ie, a WCDMA modem and a CDMA modem), but the number and communication characteristics of the modem included in the wireless modem are variously modified. It can be obvious.

In addition, ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, etc.) and / or specific names (e.g., master, slave, etc.) are used to distinguish between the same or similar components only, but the present invention uses each name. It is obvious that it is not limited by.

1 is a view showing a schematic configuration of a USB type MBMM wireless modem for a PC according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the MBMM wireless modem 100 according to the present invention includes a USB interface unit 110, a first modem unit 130, and a second modem unit 150.

The USB interface unit 110 is an interface means for coupling with a personal computer (PC) such as a general computer and a notebook. The personal computer 10 and the MBMM wireless modem 100 transmit and receive data through the USB interface unit 110. Although only the USB interface unit 110 is shown in FIG. 1, it is obvious that the interface method between the MBMM wireless modem 100 and the personal computer 10 according to the present invention is not limited to the USB method.

Although not shown, the MBMM wireless modem 100 may further include a multiplexer (MUX) coupled to the USB interface unit 110, the first modem and the second modem. The multiplexer, also called mux, is a data selection logic circuit that selects any one of the signals input from a plurality of circuits and loads the input signal to an output circuit. Therefore, the first modem unit 130 and the second modem unit 150 share a dedicated line through the multiplexer to perform data transmission / reception with the personal computer 10 coupled via the USB interface unit 110. . The USB interface unit 110 and the multiplexer may be, for example, a USB port. Accordingly, the personal computer 10 may perform wireless communication using a plurality of telephone networks, such as a WCDMA network and a CDMA network, through the MBMM wireless modem 100 according to the present invention.

The first modem unit 130 performs a function of accessing the first communication network, and the second modem unit 150 performs a function of accessing the second communication network. Hereinafter, a description will be given on the assumption that the first communication network is a WCDMA network and the second communication network is a CDMA network, but other communication networks such as a GSM network may be applied. Accordingly, the first modem unit 130 may be a WCDMA modem, and the second modem unit 150 may be a CDMA modem.

The WCDMA modem connects to the WCDMA network to perform location registration and data transmission / reception, thereby enabling a personal computer coupled via the USB interface unit 110 to perform wireless communication using the WCDMA network. Thus, by the WCDMA modem logging in to the WCDMA network and registering its location, the combined PC can perform wireless communication over the WCDMA network.

Similarly, a CDMA modem activates the CDMA protocol and registers its location in the CDMA network, allowing the combined personal computer to communicate wirelessly over the CDMA network.

The MBMM wireless modem 100 according to the present invention drives only one of the WCDMA modem and the CDMA modem at initial booting. Both are driven to prevent the power used by the WCDMA modem and the CDMA modem from exceeding the limited power. In the following description, priority is given to login to the WCDMA network, and the WCDMA modem is used as the master modem. When the MBMM wireless modem 100 is booted, the CDMA modem, which is a slave modem, is not turned on and the WCDMA modem is not turned on. Only the case that is turned on and driven will be described as an example. Of course, it is obvious that the CDMA modem can be set as the master modem so that only the CDMA modem runs at boot time.

Hereinafter, a method of turning on the power of the WCDMA modem and the CDMA modem will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

2 is a view showing a process of controlling the power of each modem in the MBMM wireless modem according to an embodiment of the present invention.

When the MBMM wireless modem 100 is first coupled to the personal computer 10 to receive power from the personal computer 10, power is applied to the WCDMA modem. Therefore, the WCDMA modem is turned on to communicate with the WCDMA network. Hereinafter, assuming that only the WCDMA modem is driven and connected to the WCDMA network, it is assumed that a handover to the CDMA network is performed. Accordingly, the process of changing the power state of each modem will be described.

Referring to FIG. 2, in step S210, the MBMM wireless modem 100 recognizes that a handover from a currently connected WCDMA network to a CDMA network should be performed, and thus an event in which the power of the WCDMA modem is turned off Occurs. That is, handover may be performed according to a situation in which radio communication with the WCDMA network is not smooth, such as a radio wave reception state of a currently connected WCDMA network is deteriorated or is located in a shadow area. The subject that determines whether the handover is performed may be a modem (ie, a WCDMA modem) currently running in the MBMM wireless modem 100, or a connection state of a WCDMA network such as a combined personal computer receiving a radio wave from the WCDMA modem. It is also possible to receive the information from time to time to determine whether to perform a handover to send a handover command to the WCDMA modem.

In step S220, power is supplied to the CDMA modem of the MBMM wireless modem 100. The turn on signal that controls the CDMA modem to be turned on may be transmitted by the WCDMA modem. The WCDMA modem may transmit a turn on signal to the CDMA modem by using a general purpose input / output (GPIO) signal.

In step S230, the CDMA modem is booted by receiving power from the personal computer 10 through the USB interface unit 110, and informs the WCDMA modem that the boot was completed in step S240 when booting is completed.

Recognizing that the CDMA modem is booted and turned on in step S250, the WCDMA modem turns off the power. Accordingly, the MBMM wireless modem 100 may perform wireless communication through the CDMA network, and only the CDMA modem may be driven to prevent the excess of the limited power. Here, the CDMA modem is transmitted after the CDMA modem has completed booting, and thus the WCDMA modem is turned off. However, the CDMA modem is normally turned on so that the WCDMA modem is turned off before booting is completed. It may also indicate that it has started. In other words, the WCDMA modem can be turned off as soon as the CDMA modem starts booting without having to remain turned on until the CDMA modem has finished booting, thereby further shortening the time for powering both modems together. .

In addition, in the present embodiment, only the handover to the CDMA modem is performed while the WCDMA modem is being driven, but the process of turning off the CDMA modem and turning on the WCDMA modem during the CDMA modem driving may be performed in the same manner. Will become more self-evident.

Hereinafter, a process of managing power in the WCDMA modem and the CDMA modem will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

3 is a functional block diagram of a USB type MBMM wireless modem for a PC according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 is a hand from a WMMDMA network to a CDMA network in a MBMM wireless modem according to an embodiment of the present invention FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a process of controlling power of each modem during overload. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating controlling power of each modem during handover from a CDMA network to a WCDMA network in an MBMM wireless modem according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure showing the process.

Referring to FIG. 3, the first modem unit 130 further includes a power management integrated circuit (WCDMA_PMIC) 140 that manages power of the WCDMA modem 135. Although the WCDMA modem 130 and the WCDMA_PMIC 140 are shown as being separated in hardware, respectively, of course, the WCDMA_PMIC 140 may be implemented as one chip with the WCDMA modem 135. Similarly, the second modem unit 150 further includes a CDMA_PMIC 160 that manages the power of the CDMA modem 155. That is, the WCDMA_PMIC 140 and the CDMA_PMIC 160 receive power from the personal computer 10 coupled through the USB interface unit 110 to provide power to the corresponding modem.

WCDMA_PMIC 140 (or CDMA_PMIC 160) is powered by personal computer 10 and supplies power to WCDMA modem 135 (or CDMA modem 155) Vcc 141, WCDMA modem 135 (Or CDMA modem 155) includes a PWR_ON 143 that receives a signal for powering up and a PS (Power State) _HOLD 142 that receives a signal for maintaining (or stopping) powering up.

Each Vcc 141 or 161 may apply power to the WCDMA modem 135 or the CDMA modem 155 as well as other external devices to be connected. In addition, the WCDMA_PMIC 140 or the CDMA_PMIC 160 turns on the corresponding modem when an active signal (for example, a high signal) is applied to the PWR_ONs 143 and 163, thereby turning on the corresponding WCDMA modem 135. Or CDMA modem 155 is booted. In order to prevent an input error of the active signal, it is preferable that the corresponding WCDMA modem 135 or the CDMA modem 155 is booted only when the active signal is applied for a predetermined time (eg, 3 seconds) or more.

In addition, if the ps_hold signal (for example, a hi signal) is input to the PS_HOLD 142 and 162, the WCDMA_PMIC 140 or the CDMA_PMIC 160 assumes that the modem is normally turned on to boot. Power on the modem normally.

The WCDMA_PS_HOLD 136 of the WCDMA modem 135 inputs a ps_hold signal to the WCDMA_PMIC 140 when the WCDMA modem 135 is turned on. That is, the WCDMA_PS_HOLD 136 sends a high signal so that the WCDMA_PMIC 140 continues to apply power. If the WCDMA modem 135 is turned off, the WCDMA_PS_HOLD 136 may transmit a ps_hold_off signal (eg, a low signal) to the WCDMA_PMIC 140 so that power is not applied. The WCDMA_PS_HOLD 136 may be, for example, a GPIO output pin. Similarly, the CDMA_PS_HOLD 156 of the CDMA modem 155 also applies a ps_hold signal to the CDMA_PMIC 140 when the CDMA modem 155 is turned on. Here, the WCDMA_PS_HOLD 136 and the CDMA_PS_HOLD 158 may transmit a response signal to the other modem during ps_hold signal transmission. That is, the ps_hold signal transmitted to the corresponding PS_HOLD 142 and 162 may be transmitted to the other modem and used as a response signal. This will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings below.

The CDMA_ON_CMD 138 transmits a control signal (eg, a high signal) to the PWR_ON 163 of the CDMA_PMIC 160 so that the CDMA modem 155 is turned on. That is, the CDMA_ON_CMD 138 transmits an active signal for applying power to the CDMA modem 155 so that the CDMA modem 155 is driven as the handover is performed. The CDMA_ON_CMD 138 may be, for example, a GPIO output pin connected to the PWR_ON 163 of the CDMA_PMIC 160. Similarly, the WCDMA_ON_CMD 156 of the CDMA modem 155 transmits a control signal (eg, a high signal) to the PWR_ON 143 of the WCDMA_PMIC 140 so that the WCDMA modem 135 is turned on. In addition, the WCDMA_ON_CMD 156 may be, for example, a GPIO output pin connected to the PWR_ON 143 of the WCDMA_PMIC 140.

The CDMA_ON_ACK 137 receives an acknowledgment (ACK) signal from the CDMA modem 155 when the CDMA modem 155 is turned on. When the WCDMA modem 135 receives a response signal from the CDMA modem 155 through the CDMA_ON_ACK 137, the WCDMA modem 135 recognizes that the CDMA modem 155 is normally turned on and performs a turn off. That is, according to the response signal from the CDMA modem 155, the WCDMA_PS_HOLD 136 inputs a low signal to the PS_HOLD 142 of the WCDMA_PMIC 140, and the WCDMA_PMIC 140 supplies power to the WCDMA modem 135. Not authorized Similarly, WCDMA_ON_ACK 157 receives a response (ACK) signal from WCDMA modem 135 when WCDMA modem 135 is turned on, and thus CDMA_PS_HOLD 158 receives PS_HOLD 162 of CDMA_PMIC 160. The CDMA PMIC 160 does not apply power to the CDMA modem 155 by inputting a low signal to the CDMA modem.

Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the WCDMA_PMIC 140 and the CDMA_PMIC 160 manage the power of the modem during handover from the WCDMA network to the CDMA network or from the CDMA network to the WCDMA network. Let's explain.

First, a description will be given with reference to FIG. 4 according to an exemplary embodiment in which a handover from a WCDMA network to a CDMA network is performed.

Referring to FIG. 4, when the MBMM wireless modem 100 is coupled to the personal computer 10 to receive power from the personal computer 10 in step S410, a high signal is applied to the PWR_ON 143 of the WCDM_PMIC 140. Is applied. That is, the active signal for the first turn on of the WCDMA modem 135 of the MBMM wireless modem 100 may be input from the combined personal computer 10. Accordingly, the WCDMA_PMIC 140 applies power to boot the WCDMA modem 135.

In step S415, the WCDMA_PMIC 140 supplies power to the WCDMA modem 135 to turn on the WCDMA modem 135. Accordingly, the WCDMA modem 135 is booted in step S420, and when booting is completed or booting starts, power is continuously supplied to the PS_HOLD 142 of the WCDMA_PMIC 140 in step S425.

Input a ps_hold signal (eg, a high signal) for receiving. Accordingly, the MBMM wireless modem 100 may be driven by the WCDMA modem 135 to perform wireless communication through the WCDMA network.

Thereafter, in step 430, as an event occurs that requires powering off the WCDMA modem 135 in response to a handover to the CDMA network, the WCDMA modem 135 transmits to the PWR_ON 163 of the CDMA_PMIC 160 in step S435. Apply an active signal (e.g., a high signal). Here, the WCDMA modem 135 continues to activate an active signal to the PWR_ON 163 of the CDMA_PMIC 160 until it receives a response signal from the CDMA modem 155 so that the CDMA modem 155 can turn on and boot normally. It is preferable to apply.

In step S440, the Vcc 161 of the CDMA_PMIC 160 supplies power to the CDMA modem 155, so that the CDMA modem 155 is turned on and booted in step S445.

When booting is completed or booting is normally started, in step 450, the CDMA modem 155 transmits a ps_hold signal (eg, a high signal) to the CDMA_PMIC 160 so that the CDMA_PMIC 160 continues to supply power. In addition, the high signal transmitted to the CDMA PMIC 160 may be a response signal to the WCDMA modem 135. That is, the CDMA modem 155 may signal the start or completion of booting by transmitting a high signal to the CDMA_ON_ACK 137 of the WCDMA modem 135. Of course, the CDMA modem 155 may transmit the ps_hold signal and the response signal to the WCDMA modem 135 as separate signals.

 Accordingly, the WCDMA modem 135 inputs a ps_hold_off signal (e.g., a low signal) to the WCDMA_PMIC 140 at step S455 to turn off the power to the WCDMA modem 135 at step 460. Stop supply.

In the same way, the power management process when the WCDMA modem 135 is to be driven in accordance with the handover while the CDMA modem 155 is driven will be described with reference to FIG. 5. The CDMA modem 155 uses WCDMA_PMIC ( An active signal may be applied to the PWR_ON 143 of the 140 so that the power is supplied to the WCDMA modem 135 to be turned on. Accordingly, as the WCDMA modem 135 is turned on to receive the transmitted response signal, the CDMA modem 155 is turned off by transmitting a ps_hold_off signal (eg, a low signal) to the PS_HOLD 162 of the CDMA_PMIC 160. Can be.

The method of the present invention as described above may be implemented as a program and stored in a computer-readable recording medium (CD-ROM, RAM, ROM, floppy disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, etc.).

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and many variations are possible by those skilled in the art within the spirit of the present invention.

As described above, in the USB type MBMM wireless modem for PC and each modem power control method according to the present invention, when power is applied, only one modem of the plurality of modems is powered on, and the rest are all powered off and the USB Power supply There is an effect that can prevent the excess of power.

In addition, in the USB type MBMM wireless modem for PC and each modem power control method according to the present invention, one modem currently running can input an active signal for turn-on of another modem, from the combined personal computer or user There is also an effect that does not require a separate input.

 Although described above with reference to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, those skilled in the art that various modifications of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention described in the claims below And can be changed.

Claims (10)

In the MBMM (Multi-Band Multi-Mode) wireless modem coupled to a personal computer to perform a network connection, A first modem connecting to the first communication network A second modem turned on in accordance with an active signal received from the first modem and connected to a second communication network; A first power management IC (PMIC) that manages power of the first modem; And Including a second PMIC for managing the power of the second modem, The first modem is turned off upon receiving a response signal from the turned-on second modem, The first PMIC supplies power to the first modem as it receives an active signal from the second modem, and the second PMIC supplies power to the second modem as it receives an active signal from the first modem. MBMM wireless modem, characterized in that. delete The method of claim 1, The second modem, when transmitting the response signal, MBMM wireless modem, characterized in that to input the ps_hold signal to PS (Power State) _HOLD of the second PMIC. The method of claim 1, And the second modem transmits the response signal when booting or booting is completed. The method of claim 1, MBMM wireless modem characterized in that coupled to the personal computer and a USB interface. The method of claim 1, When combined with the personal computer, only one of the first modem and the second modem is turned on. A method for controlling the power of each modem in a multi-band multi-mode (MBMM) wireless modem coupled to a personal computer, the first modem connecting to a first communication network and a second modem connecting to a second communication network. In Transmitting an active signal to the second modem when the first modem in a turned on state is turned off; The second modem turned on according to the active signal to transmit a response signal to the first modem; And The first modem being turned off in response to the response signal; And the second modem transmits the response signal at the start of booting or completion of booting. The method of claim 7, wherein Prior to the first modem recognizing the need for handover, As the first modem frequently transmits a radio wave reception state of the first communication network to the personal computer, the personal computer recognizes the need to perform the handover and transmits a handover command to the first modem, or 1. Modem power control method for each modem in the MBMM wireless modem, characterized in that the modem recognizes the need for the handover in accordance with the radio wave reception state. The method of claim 7, wherein And the MBMM wireless modem is coupled to the personal computer through a USB interface. delete

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