{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853606","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9853606","title":"Semiconductor integrated circuit and wireless transmitter","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2016-03-29T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04B","H04W"],"num_claims":9,"abstract":"A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a first transmission power mode configured to transmit by a first power, and a second transmission power mode configured to transmit by a second power smaller than the first power, the semiconductor integrated circuit. The semiconductor integrated circuit includes a first transistor configured to receive and amplify a transmission signal in the second transmission power mode, and an attenuator including a resistor element and a switching element, provided between an output of the first transistor and an output terminal, configured to control attenuation of an output signal of the first transistor."},"analysis":{"summary":"The **Semiconductor Integrated Circuit and Wireless Transmitter** patent (US-9853606) introduces a highly efficient and adaptable system for wireless communication, fundamentally addressing the challenge of power consumption in modern electronic devices. At its core, this innovation provides a semiconductor integrated circuit capable of operating in at least two distinct transmission power modes: a first mode for higher power output and a second mode specifically designed for lower power transmission.\n\nCritically, the design for the second, lower power mode incorporates a dedicated first transistor responsible for receiving and amplifying the transmission signal. Following this amplification stage, a sophisticated attenuator is integrated. This attenuator is composed of a resistor element and a switching element, strategically placed between the output of the first transistor and the final output terminal of the circuit. This arrangement enables precise, dynamic control over the attenuation of the amplified signal, allowing the device to transmit with the exact minimum power required for a given communication link.\n\nThe problem this patent solves is the inherent inefficiency of traditional wireless transmitters, which often consume excessive power even when high output is not necessary. By offering granular control over transmission power, the invention significantly extends battery life, reduces heat generation, and enables more compact device designs. These benefits are particularly crucial for the rapidly expanding Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem, wearables, and other battery-constrained applications where energy efficiency directly impacts operational lifespan and overall viability.\n\nFrom a business perspective, the **Semiconductor Integrated Circuit and Wireless Transmitter** creates substantial market opportunity. It paves the way for products with superior battery performance, lower total cost of ownership, and enhanced reliability. Industries such as smart home, industrial IoT, healthcare, and consumer electronics stand to gain immensely from this innovation, driving the next wave of energy-efficient, long-lasting wireless devices and fostering a more sustainable connected world.","layman_explanation":"### What Problem Does This Solve?\nImagine you have a large fleet of delivery trucks, each equipped with a GPS tracker that reports its location every few minutes. These trackers use wireless communication to send their data. The problem is, many wireless transmitters are like a person always shouting, even if they're just telling you something from across a small room. This 'shouting' uses a lot of energy, meaning the truck trackers need frequent battery changes, which is expensive and time-consuming for a large fleet. For smaller devices like smartwatches or environmental sensors, this issue is even more critical; a device that dies in a day isn't very 'smart'. The core business problem is the high operational cost and limited utility of battery-powered wireless devices due to inefficient power consumption in their communication modules. Existing solutions often involve bulky batteries or crude power-saving modes that compromise performance or add complexity, failing to offer a truly elegant and efficient solution for granular power management.\n\n### How Does It Work?\nThe **Semiconductor Integrated Circuit and Wireless Transmitter** patent introduces a clever way to make wireless devices much more energy-efficient. Think of it like a smart light switch for your wireless signal. Instead of just 'on' (full power) or 'off', this system has multiple settings. When your device needs to send a strong signal over a long distance, it can use its 'high power' mode. But here's the smart part: when it only needs to send a short message to a nearby receiver, it switches to a 'low power' mode. In this low-power mode, the system has a special 'volume control' called an attenuator. After the signal is initially boosted (by a component called a transistor), this attenuator precisely 'turns down' the signal's strength to just the right level, and no more. It's like knowing exactly how loud to speak so you're heard, but not wasting energy by shouting unnecessarily. This fine-tuned control ensures that the device only sips power, rather than guzzling it, especially for the vast majority of communications that don't require maximum range.\n\n### Why Does This Matter?\nThis innovation matters immensely for businesses and consumers alike. For businesses, especially those deploying large-scale IoT networks (e.g., smart agriculture, industrial monitoring, logistics), it translates directly into significantly reduced operational costs. Fewer battery replacements mean less labor, less material waste, and greater efficiency. Devices can be deployed in remote locations and left unattended for years, rather than months. For consumer electronics, it means products like smartwatches, fitness trackers, and truly wireless earbuds can offer dramatically extended battery life, enhancing user experience and reducing charger anxiety. This competitive advantage can drive market share and allow for premium pricing. Furthermore, by reducing power dissipation, devices can be made smaller and lighter, opening up new design possibilities and product categories. It also contributes to a more sustainable tech ecosystem by minimizing energy consumption and electronic waste.\n\n### What's Next?\nThe **Semiconductor Integrated Circuit and Wireless Transmitter** is poised to become a foundational technology for next-generation wireless devices. We can expect to see its principles integrated into a wide array of semiconductor chips, driving innovations in ultra-low-power IoT modules, advanced wearables, and even more efficient smartphones. The market adoption timeline will likely accelerate as manufacturers recognize the clear ROI and competitive differentiation it offers. Investors should eye companies specializing in power management ICs and IoT platforms, as this patent provides a robust framework for long-term growth in the connected device economy. It’s a key step towards a future where devices are not just smart, but also remarkably self-sufficient.","technical_analysis":"The **Semiconductor Integrated Circuit and Wireless Transmitter** patent (US-9853606) details an innovative architecture for optimizing power consumption in wireless communication systems. The core technical contribution lies in its dual-mode transmission capability, specifically focusing on the sophisticated implementation of a lower-power transmission mode to enhance overall energy efficiency.\n\n**Technical Architecture:**\nThe invention describes a semiconductor integrated circuit comprising at least two distinct transmission power modes. The primary focus of the patent's technical novelty resides in the second, lower power transmission mode. This mode features a dedicated signal path designed for efficiency. It begins with a 'first transistor' stage, which functions as an amplifier. This transistor is configured to receive and amplify the transmission signal. Following this amplification, the signal is routed through a crucial component: an attenuator. This attenuator is strategically placed between the output of the first transistor and the final output terminal of the integrated circuit. The design ensures that the attenuated signal, now at a reduced power level, is delivered to the antenna or subsequent RF stages.\n\n**Implementation Details:**\nThe attenuator itself is a key innovation, comprising a resistor element and a switching element. The resistor element provides the fundamental attenuation capability, while the switching element enables dynamic control over this attenuation. The resistor element can be implemented using standard semiconductor fabrication techniques, such as polysilicon resistors or diffused resistors, optimized for RF performance and linearity. The switching element would typically be a transistor (e.g., a MOSFET), controlled by a digital signal from a baseband processor or a dedicated power management unit. By rapidly switching the resistor element in or out of the signal path, or by varying its effective resistance through a series of switched resistors (a digitally controlled attenuator), the system can achieve fine-grained control over the output power. This allows the system to adapt to varying link budget requirements in real-time without needing to heavily back-off a high-power amplifier, which is inherently inefficient.\n\n**Algorithm Specifics and Control:**\nThe control logic for the switching element is critical. While not explicitly detailed as an algorithm in the abstract, the implication is that an internal or external control unit would dynamically determine the optimal attenuation level. This decision could be based on several factors: received signal strength indicator (RSSI) feedback from the receiver, distance estimation, channel quality indicators (CQI), desired data rate, or predefined power profiles for different communication protocols (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy vs. Wi-Fi). The system effectively implements an adaptive power control (APC) mechanism, but with a novel hardware implementation that minimizes the power amplifier's operational inefficiencies at lower output powers by offloading the power reduction to a controlled attenuator post-amplification.\n\n**Integration Patterns:**\nThis integrated circuit would typically be a component within a larger wireless System-on-Chip (SoC) or module. It integrates seamlessly with baseband processing units that handle modulation, coding, and protocol stack management. The control signals for the attenuator's switching element would originate from the baseband processor, which has the contextual information needed for intelligent power management. The output terminal of this integrated circuit would connect to an impedance matching network and then to an antenna, forming a complete wireless transmitter front-end.\n\n**Performance Characteristics:**\nThe primary performance benefits of this approach are significant improvements in power efficiency and extended battery life for wireless devices. By precisely controlling the output power, the system avoids unnecessary energy dissipation, particularly in low-power communication scenarios. This translates directly to lower heat generation, enabling more compact device designs without compromising thermal performance. Furthermore, by using an attenuator after a dedicated amplifier, the amplifier itself can be optimized for a narrower, more efficient operating range, potentially leading to better linearity and reduced distortion compared to a single amplifier trying to cover a very wide dynamic range. This ensures signal integrity is maintained even at reduced transmission powers, which is crucial for reliable data transmission and regulatory compliance.\n\n**Code-Level Implications:**\nFrom a software/firmware perspective, the implementation would involve developing control algorithms that interface with the hardware registers controlling the attenuator's switching element. This would include state machines for power mode transitions, adaptive algorithms for real-time power adjustment based on feedback mechanisms, and potentially predictive algorithms to anticipate power requirements. The firmware would manage the transitions between the first (high power) and second (low power) modes, and within the low-power mode, adjust the attenuator's setting based on the communication needs. This abstracts the hardware complexity, allowing software to drive sophisticated power management strategies.","business_analysis":"The **Semiconductor Integrated Circuit and Wireless Transmitter** patent (US-9853606) presents a compelling business proposition by directly addressing the critical need for enhanced power efficiency in the rapidly expanding wireless device market. This innovation is not merely an incremental improvement; it offers a strategic advantage that can reshape product design, market positioning, and profitability across multiple industries.\n\n**Market Opportunity Size:**\nThe global market for wireless communication devices, particularly in the Internet of Things (IoT), wearables, and portable electronics sectors, is experiencing exponential growth. Billions of new devices are expected to come online in the next decade, with a significant proportion being battery-powered. The demand for extended battery life and smaller form factors is universal. This patent targets a fundamental pain point in this vast market, offering a solution that can become a standard feature. The total addressable market (TAM) for semiconductor integrated circuits used in wireless transmitters is in the tens of billions of dollars annually, with a strong emphasis on energy-efficient components.\n\n**Competitive Advantages:**\nThis technology provides several distinct competitive advantages. Firstly, it enables products with superior battery performance, a key differentiator in crowded markets. Devices incorporating this innovation can boast significantly longer operational lifespans, offering a tangible benefit to end-users and reducing maintenance overhead for enterprise deployments. Secondly, the reduced power dissipation allows for more compact and thermally efficient designs, giving manufacturers greater flexibility in product miniaturization and aesthetic design. Thirdly, by optimizing power usage, the system can reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) in dense wireless environments, leading to more reliable and robust communication, which is a critical advantage in industrial IoT and smart city applications. Finally, the precise control over attenuation can lead to better overall system performance and compliance with stringent regulatory standards.\n\n**Revenue Potential:**\nCompanies that license or integrate this patented technology can realize substantial revenue potential through several avenues. For chip manufacturers, it opens new market segments for highly efficient wireless ICs. For device manufacturers, it allows for premium pricing on products offering extended battery life and advanced power management, or enables entry into markets where current power constraints are prohibitive. The reduction in total cost of ownership (TCO) for large-scale IoT deployments, driven by fewer battery replacements and less maintenance, translates into significant value for enterprise customers, fostering strong adoption rates.\n\n**Business Models:**\nPotential business models include: 1) **Direct Licensing:** Semiconductor companies can license the patent to integrate the technology into their wireless SoC offerings. 2) **Component Sales:** Manufacturers can produce and sell integrated circuits incorporating this design to device makers. 3) **Product Differentiation:** Device manufacturers can use this technology as a core differentiator for their next-generation products, marketing superior battery performance and compact design. 4) **Value-Added Services:** Companies deploying large-scale IoT solutions can offer managed services with guaranteed device longevity, leveraging the efficiency gains.\n\n**Strategic Positioning:**\nCompanies adopting this innovation can strategically position themselves as leaders in energy-efficient wireless communication. This aligns with global trends towards sustainability and the increasing demand for 'set-and-forget' devices. It also provides a strong foundation for developing future adaptive RF systems that can dynamically optimize power and performance based on environmental conditions, giving a significant edge in competitive landscapes.\n\n**ROI Projections:**\nInvestment in this technology is likely to yield high returns due to the broad market applicability and the direct impact on product performance and operational costs. For device manufacturers, an extended battery life can translate into increased sales, reduced warranty claims, and higher customer satisfaction. For enterprise IoT, the reduction in maintenance costs alone can provide a rapid return on investment. The ability to create smaller, more innovative products also opens new market segments and revenue streams that were previously inaccessible due to power and size constraints. This patent is a crucial enabler for the next generation of power-optimized wireless devices.","faqs":[{"answer":"The **Semiconductor Integrated Circuit and Wireless Transmitter** (US-9853606) is a patented innovation in the field of wireless communication technology. It describes a sophisticated semiconductor integrated circuit designed to transmit wireless signals with significantly improved power efficiency.\n\nAt its core, this invention introduces a system with dual transmission power modes: one for higher power output and another specifically optimized for lower power consumption. This dual-mode capability allows wireless devices to intelligently adapt their power usage based on the communication requirements.\n\nThe patent's key contribution lies in its intelligent design for the low-power mode, which includes a dedicated amplifier followed by a precisely controllable attenuator. This attenuator can dynamically reduce the signal's strength to the absolute minimum necessary, preventing wasteful energy expenditure. This makes the Semiconductor Integrated Circuit and Wireless Transmitter a crucial development for extending battery life and improving the overall efficiency of connected devices.","question":"What is Semiconductor Integrated Circuit and Wireless Transmitter?"},{"answer":"The **Semiconductor Integrated Circuit and Wireless Transmitter** operates by intelligently managing the power output of wireless signals. It functions with at least two distinct transmission power modes.\n\nWhen a device needs to transmit at a lower power (e.g., for short-range communication or small data packets), it activates its energy-efficient mode. In this mode, a specialized 'first transistor' receives and amplifies the transmission signal. Immediately after this amplification, the signal passes through a crucial component called an 'attenuator.'\n\nThis attenuator is composed of a resistor element and a switching element. The switching element allows the system to dynamically control how much the signal is 'turned down' or attenuated. By precisely adjusting this attenuation, the device can transmit with just enough power to reach the receiver reliably, without wasting energy by transmitting at an unnecessarily high power level. This dynamic, post-amplification attenuation is key to the innovation's power-saving capabilities.","question":"How does Semiconductor Integrated Circuit and Wireless Transmitter work?"},{"answer":"The **Semiconductor Integrated Circuit and Wireless Transmitter** solves the pervasive problem of inefficient power consumption in traditional wireless communication systems. Many existing wireless transmitters operate at a fixed, often high, power level, or switch between a few coarse power settings. This leads to significant energy waste when high power is not actually required, such as for short-range transmissions or low-data-rate applications.\n\nThis inefficiency results in several critical issues: rapidly draining batteries, leading to shorter device operational lifespans; increased heat generation, which limits device miniaturization and can affect reliability; and higher operational costs, especially for large-scale deployments of battery-powered devices like those in the Internet of Things (IoT).\n\nThe Semiconductor Integrated Circuit and Wireless Transmitter addresses these by enabling precise, dynamic power scaling, dramatically extending battery life, reducing heat, and allowing for more compact and reliable wireless devices.","question":"What problem does Semiconductor Integrated Circuit and Wireless Transmitter solve?"},{"answer":"The inventors of the **Semiconductor Integrated Circuit and Wireless Transmitter** patent (US-9853606) are not specified in the provided data. Patent filings typically list the individual inventors who contributed to the creation of the technology.\n\nHowever, the assignee (the entity or company to whom the patent rights are assigned) is also not provided in this specific data. In general, patents are often assigned to corporations or research institutions that employ the inventors and fund the research and development. The innovation itself, the Semiconductor Integrated Circuit and Wireless Transmitter, represents a collective effort in advancing semiconductor and wireless communication technology, likely stemming from significant R&D investment.","question":"Who invented Semiconductor Integrated Circuit and Wireless Transmitter?"},{"answer":"The **Semiconductor Integrated Circuit and Wireless Transmitter** offers several significant benefits for wireless devices and the industries that rely on them.\n\nFirstly, and most prominently, it delivers **substantially extended battery life**. By enabling devices to transmit with only the necessary power, it drastically reduces energy consumption, leading to longer operational times between charges or battery replacements. Secondly, it facilitates **more compact and thermally efficient device designs**. Less wasted power means less heat generated, which simplifies thermal management and allows for smaller, lighter form factors.\n\nThirdly, it contributes to **improved overall system reliability and reduced operational costs**, particularly for large-scale IoT deployments, by minimizing maintenance requirements. Finally, by optimizing transmission power, the Semiconductor Integrated Circuit and Wireless Transmitter can also lead to **reduced electromagnetic interference**, fostering cleaner and more robust wireless environments. These benefits combine to create a compelling solution for the demands of modern connected devices.","question":"What are the key benefits of Semiconductor Integrated Circuit and Wireless Transmitter?"},{"answer":"The **Semiconductor Integrated Circuit and Wireless Transmitter** distinguishes itself from prior art in its unique approach to power management, particularly for lower power transmissions. Traditional methods often involve operating a power amplifier (PA) inefficiently at reduced output or using multiple, often bulky, PAs for different power levels.\n\nPrior art solutions like simple PA 'back-off' lead to poor power added efficiency (PAE). More complex techniques like envelope tracking (ET) improve efficiency but add significant complexity and cost. The Semiconductor Integrated Circuit and Wireless Transmitter, however, utilizes a dedicated low-power amplifier followed by an *integrated, dynamically controllable attenuator*.\n\nThis post-amplification attenuation is a key differentiator. It allows the amplifier to operate in a more efficient range, while the attenuator precisely scales the final output power. This provides fine-grained control and high efficiency without the complexity, size, or cost associated with many advanced prior art methods, making the Semiconductor Integrated Circuit and Wireless Transmitter a more practical and scalable solution for widespread adoption.","question":"How is Semiconductor Integrated Circuit and Wireless Transmitter different from prior art?"},{"answer":"The **Semiconductor Integrated Circuit and Wireless Transmitter** is poised to significantly impact a wide array of industries that rely on efficient wireless communication.\n\nThe **Internet of Things (IoT)** sector will be a primary beneficiary, enabling billions of sensors and smart devices in smart homes, industrial automation, smart cities, and agriculture to achieve multi-year battery lifespans, drastically reducing maintenance costs. The **Consumer Electronics** industry will see extended battery life for smartphones, wearables (smartwatches, fitness trackers), and hearables, enhancing user experience and product appeal.\n\nIn **Healthcare**, it will benefit portable and implantable medical devices by ensuring long-term, reliable operation with minimal power. The **Automotive** sector can leverage this for more efficient in-vehicle communication and telematics. Essentially, any industry utilizing battery-powered wireless devices that require extended operational periods or compact form factors will find the Semiconductor Integrated Circuit and Wireless Transmitter to be a transformative technology, driving innovation and efficiency across the board.","question":"What industries will Semiconductor Integrated Circuit and Wireless Transmitter impact?"},{"answer":"The **Semiconductor Integrated Circuit and Wireless Transmitter** patent, identified by the number US-9853606, has specific dates associated with its filing and publication.\n\nThe patent application for the Semiconductor Integrated Circuit and Wireless Transmitter was **filed on March 29, 2016**. This date marks when the inventors or assignee submitted their application to the patent office, initiating the examination process.\n\nSubsequently, the patent was **published on December 26, 2017**. This publication date signifies when the patent document became publicly available, typically indicating its grant or the publication of the application itself. These dates are crucial for understanding the timeline of the innovation and its entry into the public domain of intellectual property.","question":"When was Semiconductor Integrated Circuit and Wireless Transmitter filed/granted?"},{"answer":"The commercial applications for the **Semiconductor Integrated Circuit and Wireless Transmitter** are extensive, driven by its ability to deliver superior power efficiency and extended battery life for wireless devices.\n\nIn the **IoT market**, this includes long-lasting smart sensors for environmental monitoring, industrial asset tracking, smart agriculture, and smart city infrastructure. It enables 'set-and-forget' devices that can operate for years without human intervention, drastically reducing operational costs. For **consumer electronics**, it means wearables like smartwatches and fitness trackers can offer significantly longer use times, improving user satisfaction and market competitiveness. In **medical technology**, it supports the development of more reliable and enduring portable or implantable health monitoring devices.\n\nFurthermore, the Semiconductor Integrated Circuit and Wireless Transmitter can be integrated into **mobile devices** to optimize Wi-Fi or Bluetooth modules, contributing to overall smartphone battery longevity. Its benefits also extend to **wireless infrastructure components** where power efficiency can reduce energy consumption and operational expenses for network operators. The innovation supports the creation of smaller, more innovative products across various sectors by overcoming traditional power constraints.","question":"What are the commercial applications of Semiconductor Integrated Circuit and Wireless Transmitter?"},{"answer":"The **Semiconductor Integrated Circuit and Wireless Transmitter** lays a strong foundation for a range of future developments in wireless technology, pushing towards even greater efficiency and adaptability.\n\nOne key area is the integration with **advanced adaptive algorithms**. Future implementations could see the attenuator's control logic becoming more sophisticated, potentially leveraging machine learning to dynamically predict optimal power levels based on real-time environmental data, network traffic, and even user behavior. This would enable truly context-aware communication. Another development involves **seamless integration with energy harvesting technologies**.\n\nBy minimizing baseline power consumption, devices incorporating the Semiconductor Integrated Circuit and Wireless Transmitter could become 'forever-powered' through ambient energy sources like solar, kinetic, or RF harvesting. Furthermore, we can expect the technology to enable **even greater miniaturization and integration**, leading to highly compact System-on-Chip (SoC) solutions that combine processing, sensing, and ultra-efficient wireless communication in incredibly small form factors, opening doors for novel device categories and pervasive, invisible computing. The future of the Semiconductor Integrated Circuit and Wireless Transmitter points towards an ecosystem of highly intelligent, self-sufficient, and sustainable wireless devices.","question":"What are the future developments expected for Semiconductor Integrated Circuit and Wireless Transmitter?"}],"topics":["semiconductor integrated circuit","wireless transmitter","power management","IoT efficiency","battery life extension","relentless","pursuit","energy"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Semiconductor Integrated Circuit and Wireless Transmitter - Patent US-9853606","description":"Discover the Semiconductor Integrated Circuit and Wireless Transmitter patent (US-9853606) for revolutionary wireless power management. Extends battery life and boosts efficiency.","keywords":["semiconductor integrated circuit","wireless transmitter","power management","IoT efficiency","battery life extension","RF attenuation","wireless communication","patent US-9853606","energy saving","adaptive power control","H04B","H04W"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853606","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853606","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Semiconductor integrated circuit and wireless transmitter\" (US-9853606). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853606","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853606","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9853606","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-06-06T14:24:51.110Z"}