Description:Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of wireless communication systems, specifically to multi-protocol communication hardware platforms integrated into a single system-on-chip (SoC) for smartphones and handheld devices. The invention particularly addresses architectures that consolidate LoRa, Radio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 4G LTE, 5G NR (Sub-6 and mmWave), GPS/GNSS, and satellite communication systems, with secure cloud compute offloading capabilities and beamforming controllers, thereby enabling advanced connectivity and device efficiency.

[0002] This invention pertains to the domain of integrated circuit design, mobile device communications, wireless networking, cloud-connected AI, and beamforming hardware. It is applicable to industries such as consumer electronics, smart city infrastructure, telecommunications, public safety networks, and mobile IoT systems.

It further relates to systems that support dynamic radio arbitration, secure compute offloading with attestation, and AI workload distribution across edge and cloud infrastructure, optimized for ultra-thin, foldable, wearable, or embedded form factors.

[0003] The invention seeks to overcome limitations arising from separate, multi-chip radio modules and to enable sleek, scalable, and secure smartphone hardware capable of integrating future connectivity standards and services without relying on speculative technologies like energy harvesting or neuromorphic processors, ensuring a near-term manufacturable solution.

Background of the Invention

[0004] The proliferation of smartphones in the past decade has revolutionized personal communications, access to information, and wireless connectivity. Contemporary smartphones typically integrate multiple radio interfaces including cellular (3G, 4G LTE, and increasingly 5G), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS modules. These radios are generally implemented through discrete or semi-integrated chipsets, often sourced from multiple vendors and connected via peripheral interfaces to a central application processor system-on-chip (SoC).

[0005] With the emergence of advanced applications such as cloud-connected AI services, direct satellite-based communication for non-terrestrial networks (NTN), and the growing adoption of IoT devices using protocols like LoRa (Long Range) and Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), the demand for smartphones capable of managing heterogeneous, long-range, low-power, and high-bandwidth protocols within a unified platform has increased substantially.

[0006] Conventional smartphone SoCs integrate cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS transceivers either internally or via external front-end modules. However, integration of LoRa and direct satellite-band transceivers is rare in commercial smartphone SoCs due to constraints in die area, power management, and protocol incompatibility.

[0007] Furthermore, advanced use-cases such as real-time AI inference, intensive baseband signal processing, and large data analytics often exceed the compute capabilities of handheld devices, requiring cloud or edge compute offloading. Existing offloading systems typically rely on software-based security protocols without hardware-based attestation, exposing such operations to potential data tampering, privacy risks, or unauthorized cloud services.

[0008] Another significant challenge is the need for precise beamforming capabilities, particularly for mmWave 5G NR bands and future satellite communication links. These require active antenna systems capable of electronically steering beams to maintain reliable, high-throughput, or long-range connections in the presence of device mobility, interference, and power constraints. Traditional beamforming architectures, designed for infrastructure equipment or vehicular systems, are unsuitable for integration into sleek, battery-powered smartphones.

[0009] While some prior systems have proposed integrating IoT radios or mmWave modules into mobile hardware, these solutions are often either impractical due to power constraints, infeasible for mass-market 7 nm or 12/16 nm CMOS processes, or reliant on speculative technologies such as energy harvesting or neuromorphic compute elements.

[0009A] Current commercial SoCs from industry leaders (e.g., Qualcomm Snapdragon X70, MediaTek Dimensity 9200, or Apple A17 Pro) lack native support for LPWAN protocols such as LoRa and are not equipped for hardware-based secure compute delegation. Moreover, no known solution integrates AI-based protocol arbitration, quantum-resistant security, and beamforming control in a single SoC intended for mass-market CMOS production nodes. Existing attempts often rely on software-defined implementations or require external modules, increasing latency, cost, and power footprint.

[0009B] Existing market-leading mobile chipsets, such as Qualcomm Snapdragon X70 or MediaTek Dimensity 9200, do not support integrated LoRa or secure attestation-based cloud offload. Their AI acceleration is confined to local inference without delegation safeguards, limiting their suitability for privacy-sensitive or compute-intensive applications. This invention addresses such limitations through integrated LPWAN, AI-driven arbitration, and cryptographically secured cloud compute execution.

[0010] There remains, therefore, an unmet need for a practical, manufacturable, cost-sensitive, and scalable integrated SoC platform for smartphones capable of supporting multi-protocol wireless communication including LoRa, wake-up radios, secure compute offloading, and beamforming for 5G and satellite communications — while remaining compatible with commercial semiconductor fabrication processes and supporting cloud-centric AI/ML compute delegation.

[0011] The present invention addresses these deficiencies and introduces an innovative system-on-chip architecture that overcomes the limitations of prior art by integrating diverse communication protocols, cloud offload security, phased-array beamforming control, and ultra-low-power wake-up radio functionality into a consolidated, commercially manufacturable silicon platform suitable for flagship and mid-range smartphones.

Summary of the Invention

[0012] This invention introduces a robust, manufacturable SoC platform, engineered for real-world scalability and grounded in present-day fabrication capabilities. Its core architectural elements — outlined in Figures 1 through 5 — reflect a careful integration of protocol diversity, secure compute offload, and dynamic RF orchestration.

[0013] In one aspect, the invention provides an SoC incorporating a plurality of radio transceivers including, but not limited to, LoRa (LPWAN, sub-GHz), 4G LTE-Advanced, 5G NR (including Sub-6 GHz and mmWave, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.x, GNSS/GPS, and satellite communication transceivers. These transceivers interface with a common digital baseband processing unit, which performs modulation/demodulation, channel coding, encryption, and protocol-specific signal processing operations.

[0014] In another aspect, the SoC further integrates a mobile-optimized phased-array beamforming controller configured to electronically steer antenna beams for 5G mmWave and satellite communication bands, improving link quality, range, and interference rejection within the size and power limitations of a smartphone device.

[0015] The invention also provides an ultra-low-power wake-up receiver (WURx) integrated into the SoC, configured to monitor a pre-designated wireless channel (such as LoRa or BLE) for wake-up packets or beacons. Upon detection of a valid wake-up signal, the WURx triggers activation of the main SoC transceivers, thereby enabling long standby periods with negligible power consumption.

[0016] Additionally, the invention incorporates a secure compute-offloading engine implemented as a hardware enclave within the SoC. This engine incorporates its own processor, secure memory, cryptographic accelerators, and attestation modules. It manages authenticated delegation of compute-intensive tasks, such as AI inference or baseband decoding, to cloud or edge servers, ensuring hardware-verified trust and privacy for sensitive operations.

[0017] In preferred embodiments, the system is implemented in a 7 nm FinFET CMOS process for flagship smartphones, with an alternative 12/16 nm process variant suitable for cost-optimized mid-tier or startup-produced devices. Both variants maintain the same logical architecture while differing in transistor density, power consumption, and optional feature configurations.

[0018] The invention further provides a protocol fusion framework wherein higher-layer software seamlessly controls and arbitrates among multiple radios, enabling applications to access heterogeneous wireless services (LoRa, Wi-Fi, 5G, Satellite) without requiring discrete hardware modules or external chipsets.

[0019] The integrated SoC architecture disclosed herein offers significant advantages over prior art, including reduced bill-of-material (BOM) cost, enhanced device compactness, improved standby battery life, secure cloud computing integration, and support for future non-terrestrial and IoT network deployments, while remaining feasible for near-term mass manufacturing using existing silicon fabrication processes.

In additional embodiments, the SoC architecture includes a protocol arbitration engine configured to dynamically switch between LoRa, 5G, Wi-Fi, and satellite interfaces based on application quality-of-service, latency, energy availability, or connectivity conditions. This functionality is supported by on-chip AI models or preconfigured policies, enabling intent-aware networking.

The secure compute-offloading engine supports delegation of AI/ML inference workloads including large language models (LLMs), convolutional neural networks (CNNs), or sensor fusion pipelines. These tasks are offloaded via cryptographically verified channels to edge or cloud infrastructure conforming to NIST, FIPS, or HIPAA privacy standards.

The SoC may be deployed in thin-slab, foldable, drone-mounted, or autonomous robotic endpoints, supporting non-terrestrial emergency networks, remote industrial environments, and regulatory-compliant health or military deployments.

[0019A] In additional embodiments, the invention is applicable to emerging device classes including autonomous drones, ultra-thin slab phones, AR glasses, head-mounted displays, foldable devices, and wearable medical diagnostics units. The system-on-chip architecture is engineered for forward compatibility with future connectivity standards including Terahertz (THz) wireless for 6G, AI-powered radio link arbitration, and post-quantum cryptographic (PQC) security protocols. These advancements ensure long-term deployment feasibility across terrestrial, aerial, and space-based networks.

[0019B] In an additional embodiment, the invention integrates an RF front-end reuse mechanism utilizing dynamic matrix-switching logic. This allows programmable reassignment of shared analog front-end modules (LNAs, PAs, mixers) to different radio basebands depending on active protocol, frequency band, and antenna configuration. This reconfigurable analog routing reduces die area and improves cost-efficiency, especially in chiplet-based or cost-sensitive deployments.

[0019C] As used herein, “matrix-switching logic” refers to a dynamically reconfigurable interconnect system that reroutes analog or mixed-signal RF chains (such as LNAs, PAs, or mixers) to different protocol-specific basebands based on software control, device state, or application requirements. This facilitates efficient silicon utilization and enables modular radio configuration without hardware rework.

[0019D] The AI arbitration engine includes an embedded scheduler that supports dual-priority time slicing. It dynamically allocates compute cycles between latency-sensitive radio arbitration tasks (e.g., proactive protocol switching) and general application-level inference tasks, based on runtime priority queues and application context.

[0019E] In a further enhancement, the protocol fusion engine employs energy-aware arbitration wherein it estimates the energy efficiency of each available communication protocol, prioritizing the most efficient protocol based on battery constraints and real-time performance demands. This enables smart energy budgeting, which is critical for thin battery devices or wearable platforms. The system continuously learns from prior connectivity conditions—like location history, signal strength variations, and motion patterns—to enhance future link predictions.

[0019F] The system’s digital twin leverages real-time data such as GPS, SNR trends, motion vectors, and environmental factors to simulate and predict link performance, enabling anticipatory protocol shifts and optimizing user experience.

[0019G] A distributed mesh routing protocol stack may optionally be instantiated across LoRa and satellite links, wherein endpoint devices autonomously exchange routing tables, link costs, and session metadata. This enables smartphone-class devices to form resilient peer-to-peer networks in the absence of centralized infrastructure, especially in rural or disaster environments.

[0020] The invention also contemplates alternative embodiments wherein additional transceivers or protocol support may be integrated or where beamforming controllers are extended to support uplink MIMO in sub-6 GHz bands, without departing from the core principles and inventive concept of the disclosed architecture. The architecture is designed for forward compatibility with anticipated 6G standards, including THz-band beamforming, metasurface-controlled waveguides, and quantum-resilient mesh overlay protocols.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0021] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments. The embodiments presented herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Wherever possible, like numerals refer to like components throughout the figures.

Overall SoC Architecture

[0022] Referring first to Figure 1 (block diagram of the integrated SoC), the invention provides a consolidated system-on-chip platform comprising a plurality of radio frequency (RF) front-end modules coupled to a shared digital baseband processor and a multi-core central processing unit (CPU) cluster. The integrated radios include 4G LTE-A, 5G NR Sub-6 GHz and mmWave, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.x, GNSS/GPS, LoRa (Long Range sub-GHz transceiver), and a satellite-band transceiver. (see Figure 1)

[0023] These RF front-ends are connected through dedicated analog front-end chains to programmable baseband processing engines implemented within the SoC’s digital logic region. Each RF module includes band-specific filters, low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), mixers, and analog-to-digital (ADC) or digital-to-analog converters (DAC), optimized for its operating frequency and modulation type.

[0024] A high-speed, reconfigurable digital baseband processing cluster performs channel estimation, demodulation, coding, encryption, error correction, and other protocol-specific operations. This digital cluster interfaces directly with the central CPU cluster via an internal network-on-chip (NoC) or equivalent high-speed data fabric.

Integrated LoRa Subsystem

[0025] The integrated LoRa transceiver operates in sub-GHz ISM bands, typically 433 MHz, 868 MHz, or 915 MHz depending on the regional regulatory domain. It includes a configurable CSS (chirp spread spectrum) demodulator implemented in the baseband processor, coupled with a narrowband RF chain for low-data-rate, long-range communication.

[0026] The LoRa transceiver enables the smartphone to directly interface with IoT sensor networks, asset trackers, or smart infrastructure without requiring external gateways. In one embodiment, LoRa operation is managed by a low-power controller during standby, enabling wake-on-packet functionality through the ultra-low-power wake-up receiver (WURx).

Ultra-Low-Power Wake-Up Receiver (WURx) Subsystem

[0027] The ultra-low-power wake-up receiver subsystem integrated into the SoC operates continuously in standby mode, monitoring a predefined sub-GHz or 2.4 GHz frequency band for the presence of a wake-up packet. In a preferred embodiment, this WURx is configured to detect LoRa preamble signals or BLE advertisement frames containing a specific wake trigger pattern.

[0028] The WURx comprises an ultra-low-power RF front-end, a narrowband bandpass filter, a low-complexity envelope detector, and a correlator module capable of identifying a predefined digital wake-up sequence. The detected packet is validated through a low-energy correlator circuit, which compares the packet header against a programmed wake signature stored in secure memory.

[0029] Upon successful validation, the WURx generates an interrupt or hardware wake-up event, activating the main RF transceivers and the CPU cluster. This enables the smartphone to remain in an ultra-low-power sleep mode while maintaining the ability to wake on-demand for incoming LoRa messages, BLE advertisements, or proprietary wake signals.

5G NR Subsystems (Sub-6 GHz and mmWave)

[0030] The 5G NR Sub-6 GHz subsystem operates across global 3GPP bands ranging from approximately 600 MHz to 7.125 GHz. It utilizes one or more direct-conversion RF front-ends coupled to programmable baseband processors capable of handling OFDMA modulation, channel coding, MIMO support, and carrier aggregation.

[0031] The mmWave 5G NR subsystem operates in licensed frequency ranges such as n257 (26 GHz), n258 (28 GHz), n260 (39 GHz), or equivalent. The RF front-end includes frequency synthesizers, beamforming-capable phased-array controllers, mmWave PAs, LNAs, and high-speed ADCs/DACs.

[0032] The digital baseband module incorporates FFT/IFFT units, channel estimation modules, and support for advanced 5G features like massive MIMO and beam management. The mmWave subsystem interfaces with the beamforming controller for dynamic beam steering.

Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.x Subsystems

[0033] The Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax) transceiver operates in both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz unlicensed ISM bands. It includes direct-conversion RF paths, OFDMA-capable baseband processors, and support for MU-MIMO uplink and downlink.

[0034] The Bluetooth 5.x transceiver shares the 2.4 GHz front-end with Wi-Fi, employing time-division duplexing (TDD) techniques to avoid interference. It supports BLE advertising, connection-oriented channels, and high-throughput (LE 2M PHY) operation.

GNSS/GPS Receiver

[0035] The integrated GNSS receiver supports multiple satellite constellations including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou. It includes LNA, SAW filters, downconversion mixers, and low-IF baseband processing chains.

[0036] The digital baseband performs PRN code correlation, signal acquisition, tracking loops, and position fix computations. Ephemeris decoding may optionally be offloaded to the secure enclave for enhanced privacy protection.

Satellite Communication Transceiver

[0037] A satellite-band transceiver is provided, operating in bands such as L-band (1–2 GHz) or S/C bands for emerging non-terrestrial networks (NTN). The RF front-end includes low-noise amplifiers, frequency synthesizers, and direct conversion receivers.

[0038] The baseband processor handles spread-spectrum modulation schemes (such as BPSK/QPSK with DSSS or CDMA). Uplink transmission is managed via phase-controlled PAs interfacing with the beamforming controller for antenna array steering.

Phased-Array Beamforming Controller

[0039] The beamforming controller is a digitally controlled module responsible for steering transmitted and received beams in the mmWave and satellite bands. It controls phase shifters associated with each antenna element in a 4×4 or 8×8 array. (see Figure 1)

[0040] Phase shifts are applied via digitally programmable phase control registers, dynamically updated by the beam management software stack based on feedback from link measurements.

[0041] The beamforming controller integrates lookup tables and weighting vector calculators to dynamically optimize beam directions, null placement, and sidelobe suppression, enhancing link budget in mmWave or NTN links.

Secure Compute-Offload Engine

[0042] A central novel aspect of the present invention is the integration of a secure compute-offloading engine within the SoC. This secure enclave is a dedicated hardware subsystem incorporating a secure processor, protected on-chip memory, cryptographic accelerators (AES, SHA, ECC, PQC), and hardware attestation modules. (see Figure 1)

[0043] The enclave establishes a hardware root of trust for all delegated compute operations. When the main CPU identifies a compute-intensive task suitable for offloading — such as AI inference, signal decoding, or real-time analytics — it securely transmits the offload request to the enclave.

[0044] The enclave generates an attestation token signed using a device-unique private key stored in secure hardware. This token accompanies the task delegation to an authenticated edge or cloud server over a secure network channel (e.g. via 5G or satellite link).

[0045] Upon receiving the remote result, the enclave verifies the authenticity and integrity of the result via digital signatures and pre-established trust chains before passing it to the main processor for use in application logic.

[0045A] AI-Assisted Radio Arbitration

The invention optionally integrates an on-chip AI inference accelerator for real-time radio link quality prediction and preemptive protocol handover decisions. The accelerator executes AI/ML models trained on link metrics, environmental variables, and user context to dynamically predict degradation events in LoRa, 5G, satellite, or Wi-Fi links, proactively initiating transceiver switches before service interruption occurs.

[0045B] Post-Quantum Key Negotiation Coprocessor

In one embodiment, a dedicated quantum-resistant key exchange coprocessor is integrated, capable of performing post-quantum cryptography (PQC) algorithms and negotiating quantum key distribution (QKD) for secure communication over satellite and terrestrial links, providing future-proof resilience against quantum computing threats. This arbitration is hardware-anchored, relying on secure enclave logic, ensuring that equivalent software-defined architectures without hardware-rooted enforcement are excluded from the claimed scope.

[0045C] Spectrum Anomaly Detection AI Engine

The SoC further incorporates a lightweight AI model tasked with detecting anomalies in ISM and satellite spectrum activity, including interference, jamming, and spoofing attempts. Detected anomalies trigger automatic beam steering, protocol shifts, or secure session renegotiations.

[0045D] Application Context-Aware Beamforming

The phased-array beamforming controller includes firmware routines capable of dynamically adjusting antenna beam characteristics based on the type of active application (e.g., video call, AI inference upload, file transfer). Beam patterns are optimized in real-time to maximize link budget for latency-sensitive or bandwidth-intensive sessions.

[0045E] AI-Augmented Protocol Arbitration

The SoC optionally includes a neural inference engine executing trained machine learning models that monitor link metrics such as signal strength, noise floor, SNR, latency, and historical congestion. Based on predicted degradation events in currently active protocols, including signal blockages or link degradation across LoRa, mmWave, or satellite channels, the engine proactively switches to alternative transceivers (e.g., satellite or Wi-Fi) before user experience is disrupted. This AI-based arbitration is context-aware, allowing dynamic switching decisions based on application type (e.g., video streaming, telemetry, voice call) and device motion.

[0045F] In another embodiment, the secure enclave includes a hypervisor-level memory management unit (MMU) that allows for secure multi-tenant operation. This capability enables shared use of the SoC across multiple isolated user spaces or applications — particularly useful in shared infrastructure such as mobile medical equipment, smart kiosks, or collaborative AR glasses. Each tenant receives a separate attestation key pair and memory region, enabling trusted cloud delegation without cross-contamination.

[0045G] The SoC incorporates a zero-trust boot architecture beginning at power-on reset. A one-time programmable (OTP) root of trust validates firmware signatures at each stage — including the radio stack, AI models, and device configuration profiles. The secure enclave serves as the trust anchor, ensuring that no unverified code is executed or loaded onto shared buses or communication interfaces.

[0045H] The AI inference accelerator supports modular neural execution through dynamic model loading. This architecture allows models such as speech recognition, object detection, and navigation inference to be securely downloaded, authenticated, and executed on-demand from trusted cloud sources. The secure enclave verifies each model's integrity before activation. This approach reduces on-device memory footprint while enabling context-optimized edge intelligence.

[0046] This architecture ensures that sensitive computations can be securely delegated without compromising user privacy or risking tampered results — a limitation in existing smartphones which rely solely on software-based cloud offload frameworks.

[0046A] Enablement Examples

- A beamforming update loop wherein real-time signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) feedback is used to adjust phase vectors for each antenna element in under 10 ms.

- A secure offload scenario where AI inference for medical imaging is encrypted on-chip, attested, sent via satellite band, and results verified before returning to the app layer.

- A protocol arbitration event triggered by a predicted 5G outage, causing automatic switchover to Wi-Fi or satellite link.

Power Management & Process Variants

[0047] The integrated SoC architecture includes a power management unit (PMU) controlling dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) for CPU, baseband, and RF domains. Idle radio subsystems can be selectively power-gated to conserve energy.

[0048] The ultra-low-power wake-up receiver remains powered in deep-sleep states, consuming micro-watts while monitoring the wake channel.

[0049] The SoC is implemented in two manufacturing process variants:

7 nm FinFET CMOS for flagship high-performance smartphones.

12/16 nm CMOS hybrid for cost-sensitive or mid-range smartphones, offering slightly reduced performance but full functional parity.

Industrial and Commercial Use-Cases

[0050] The SoC enables a smartphone to act as:

A long-range IoT gateway via integrated LoRa.

A direct NTN client via 5G satellite band support.

A beamformed mmWave 5G subscriber station for high-throughput applications.

A secure AI/ML inference terminal with hardware-verified cloud compute offloading.

An ultra-low-power IoT sensor hub waking via wake-up radios while in deep-sleep modes.

[0051] These capabilities are applicable in emergency response systems, rural connectivity, defense and tactical communications, smart city infrastructure, vehicular communication, and conventional mobile consumer markets.

Expanded Use-Case Scenarios

[0051A] Furthermore, the invention enables integration into emerging form-factors such as ultra-thin slab phones, foldable glass panels, AR glasses, and embedded wearable modules. In a representative configuration, the SoC powers a credit-card-sized smartphone or ultra-thin slab device with no internal application processor — relying instead on secure, low-latency cloud compute offloading via the 5G NR mmWave or satellite transceivers. These cutting-edge devices achieve unmatched compactness and thermal efficiency by securely outsourcing compute tasks such as inference and XR rendering (AI inference, XR rendering, multi-modal translation) to trusted cloud backends while ensuring privacy via hardware attestation through the on-chip secure enclave.

[0051B] The invention also contemplates usage in AI-driven voice assistants, drones, next-gen satellite phones, and holographic communication terminals, where ultra-low power wake-up receivers and long-range LoRa connectivity allow event-driven activation, asset tracking, or rural deployment with minimal infrastructure. Integration of such capabilities into a single SoC creates an entirely new class of decentralized intelligent endpoints for the edge-cloud continuum.

[0051C] Smart Glasses and Wearable Integration

The system may also support, the SoC is integrated into augmented reality glasses and wearable devices, enabling direct NTN and LoRa connectivity, secure cloud AI offload, and adaptive beam steering in highly mobile use cases.

[0051D] Autonomous Vehicle and Drone Applications

The invention supports integration in drones and autonomous vehicles, providing long-range telemetry, NTN fallback, AI inference delegation, and secure mesh relay networking.

[0051E] In an additional use case, the SoC may be configured to support peer-to-peer mesh relay mode, allowing smartphone-class devices, AR glasses, or drones to form autonomous networks without centralized infrastructure. This enables decentralized communication using LoRa or satellite interfaces in disaster zones, rural environments, or under adversarial conditions (e.g., GNSS jamming). Such devices may act as relay nodes, secure routers, or intelligent gateways for other mobile endpoints.

[0051F] In another industrial deployment, the SoC is embedded in smart rural banking or point-of-sale (POS) devices where network availability is intermittent. The system uses the wake-up radio to trigger a secure LoRa or satellite-based transaction using onboard cryptographic enclaves for offline digital payment verification.

[0051G] The SoC can be integrated into defense-grade rugged smartphones that require tamper-resistant secure enclave execution and fallback communication via LoRa mesh and satellite relay in GPS-denied or infrastructure-less environments.

[0051H] In another embodiment, wildlife or environmental monitoring smartphones may activate the SoC's LoRa subsystem based on sensor triggers (e.g., temperature spike, motion) and send anomaly data to cloud inference via satellite fallback links.

Alternative and Future-Proof Embodiments

[0052] In an alternative embodiment, the beamforming controller may be extended to handle uplink phased-array transmission in sub-6 GHz 5G MIMO configurations.

[0053] The secure enclave can optionally support post-quantum cryptography algorithms such as Kyber and Dilithium for future network security compliance.

[0054] Additional low-power protocols such as NB-IoT or LTE-M may be integrated by adding protocol-specific firmware on existing baseband processors without altering RF front-ends.

[0054C] Terahertz Beamforming and Metasurface Control

In future configurations, the beamforming controller is extended to control THz antenna arrays and adaptive metasurface layers, enabling spatial multiplexing and beam steering for 6G and beyond.

[0054D] Context-Aware Multi-RAT Arbitration

The protocol fusion controller may incorporate AI-driven policy management for context-aware multi-radio access technology (RAT) arbitration, dynamically selecting optimal communication paths based on QoS, power constraints, link quality, and user/application context.

Broadened Scope to Anticipate Future Protocols

[0054A] The invention is forward-compatible with emerging communication protocols such as 6G Terahertz (THz) wireless, quantum-resistant networking stacks, and direct-to-orbit mobile mesh relays. In one embodiment, the beamforming controller is extended with adaptive THz antenna steering and metasurface control layers, enabling spatial multiplexing in future high-frequency links.

[0054B] The protocol fusion controller is also extensible to manage quantum key distribution (QKD) modules, context-aware radio arbitration, and intent-based multi-RAT selection—ensuring seamless transitions between terrestrial, aerial (drone-based), and space-based infrastructure.

Advanced Embodiments and Use Cases

[0055] In advanced embodiments, the SoC includes programmable analog front ends controlled by a matrix switch to allow dynamic reassignment of RF channels to various transceivers, increasing reuse and flexibility.

[0056] The platform supports standards including 3GPP Release 17/18, IEEE 802.11ax, IEEE 802.15.4, and satellite protocols compliant with CCSDS or ETSI TS 103 744.

[0057] Post-quantum cryptographic support includes Kyber, Dilithium, and SPHINCS+, ensuring long-term cryptographic validity in regulated applications.

[0058] Real-world applications include:

HIPAA-compliant secure mobile diagnostics, where AI is run remotely on encrypted patient data.

Search-and-rescue drones with LoRa + satellite fallback and beam-steered communication.

Foldable or thin-slab phones with no onboard neural processor relying fully on cloud AI via secure delegation.

Mesh-deployed emergency communications supporting NIST/CISA interoperability.

[0059] Design-Around Prevention and future compatibility

The claimed architecture is applicable regardless of specific packaging (monolithic, chiplet, MCM), implementation logic (CMOS, FD-SOI, FinFET, SiGe), or interconnect (NoC, AMBA, RISC-V-based). Equivalent functionality via disaggregated subsystems or reconfigurable FPGA logic is encompassed. Any variant integrating the claimed functions — secure delegation, AI arbitration, dynamic radio switching, and beamforming — is considered within the scope.

[0059A] In an alternative embodiment, the SoC architecture may utilize a chiplet-based packaging layout, wherein individual transceivers (e.g., LoRa, mmWave, GNSS) and the secure enclave are implemented as separate dies interconnected via high-bandwidth die-to-die interfaces (e.g., UCIe or EMIB).

[0059B] Another variant replaces the integrated central processing unit with a modular RISC-V or ARM core complex, allowing custom instruction set extensions for signal processing, AI model execution, or PQC acceleration.

[0059C] FPGA-based configurations are also contemplated, wherein certain protocol logic blocks, such as wake-up signal matching or beamforming weighting engines, are reconfigurable via bitstream updates, enabling field deployment in dynamically changing radio environments.

[0059D] In all embodiments, equivalent functionality achieved through discrete modules, programmable logic, or reconfigurable network-on-chip (NoC) topologies are deemed within the scope of this invention.

[0059E] In further embodiments, the SoC supports 6G Terahertz (THz) operation through extension of the beamforming controller to handle frequencies between 100 GHz and 1 THz, and metasurface-based wavefront control. Additionally, it includes hardware acceleration for post-quantum cryptographic primitives such as Kyber, Dilithium, and SPHINCS+, providing resilience against future quantum adversaries and aligning with NIST standardization efforts.

[0059F] In further embodiments, the SoC may employ partial FPGA overlays to allow runtime reconfiguration of beamforming weights, anomaly detection filters, or protocol-specific logic blocks. This enables adaptive firmware deployments based on regulatory, geographic, or user-profile constraints.

[0059G] The platform is designed to avoid design-around through analog-digital cross-mapping. Key security, arbitration, and radio functions are distributed across tightly coupled analog matrix switches and secure digital cores — ensuring that emulation via software abstraction fails to deliver the claimed integrated behavior.

[0060]The invention encompasses alternative hardware architectures achieving substantially equivalent functionality. This encompasses a broad spectrum of implementations — including chiplet-based designs, hybrid analog-digital architectures, and FPGA-backed subsystems — provided they replicate the secure offloading, AI arbitration, and beamforming functionality as disclosed herein. Also within the scope are software-defined radio stacks running atop secure enclave-controlled execution environments, provided they replicate the functional flow of integrated secure compute offloading, dynamic beamforming, wake-up triggering, and AI-driven protocol arbitration.

Figure Descriptions:

Figure 1: Overall smartphone SoC block diagram showing CPU cluster, baseband, RF subsystems, beamforming controller, WURx, and secure enclave.

Figure 2: Internal layout of protocol fusion system unifying 5G, Wi-Fi, LoRa, BLE, GNSS, satellite.

Figure 3: Secure compute-offloading engine block diagram with attestation, encryption, RNG, and task delegation interface.

Figure 4: Beamforming subsystem showing phased-array controller interfacing with antenna elements.

Figure 5: Wake-up radio subsystem illustrating low-power receiver and wake-trigger signaling.

LEGAL AND TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES

Novelty

Inventive Step (Section 2(1)(ja))

Combines known elements (radios, beamforming, offload security) in a synergistic architecture.

Addresses manufacturability constraints (7 nm/12-16 nm CMOS), multi-band ISM integration, NTN compatibility — previously unaddressed.

Industrial Applicability (Section 2(1)(ac))

Smartphone, IoT gateway, drone terminal, smart glasses, cloud-first slab phone, AI-assisted medical diagnostics, search/rescue drones, smart cities, and 6G NTN applications.

Section 3(k) Compliance

Claims directed to technical systems (SoC hardware, beamforming, secure hardware enclaves, radio subsystems) — not mere software algorithms.

Data Privacy & Crypto Compliance

Post-Quantum Crypto cores, FIPS/HIPAA/NIST-conformant offloading — unique regulatory-aligned SoC.

Enablement

Fully enabled by detailed hardware block descriptions, data flows, security workflows, supported frequency bands, and AI offload framework — allowing skilled engineers to implement without undue experimentation.

Forward-Looking Adaptability

Scope extensible to 6G Terahertz (THz), metasurface beam steering, quantum key management, and context-aware protocol arbitration for future networks. The architecture is designed for forward compatibility with anticipated 6G standards, including THz-band beamforming, metasurface-controlled waveguides, and quantum-resilient mesh overlay protocols.

, Claims:Claim 1 (Independent – System-on-Chip)

A multi-protocol system-on-chip (SoC) for portable computing devices, comprising:

a plurality of integrated radio transceivers configured to support LoRa, 4G LTE, 5G NR Sub-6 GHz, 5G NR mmWave, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, GNSS, and satellite communication;

a digital baseband processing unit operatively coupled to each transceiver;

an ultra-low-power wake-up receiver (WURx) configured to detect wake-up signals over at least one wireless protocol;

a beamforming controller operatively coupled to a multi-element antenna array for dynamic beam steering in mmWave and satellite bands; and

a secure hardware enclave comprising a dedicated processor, secure memory, integrated post-quantum cryptographic cores, and attestation logic for authenticated compute delegation for delegating compute tasks to external servers.

Claim 2 (Independent – Method for Secure Compute Offload)

A method of secure compute offloading in a mobile SoC, comprising:

identifying a compute-intensive task for offloading;

generating a cryptographic attestation token using the hardware enclave;

transmitting the task and token to a remote server via a wireless interface selected from LoRa, Wi-Fi, 5G, or satellite;

receiving the offloaded result from the remote server; and

verifying the integrity and authenticity of the result within the hardware enclave.

Claim 3 (Independent – Device Configuration)

A portable computing device comprising the SoC of Claim 1, wherein the device:

lacks an onboard application processor;

delegates all user-level compute operations to a cloud server via secure wireless offload; and

supports peer-to-peer mesh relay mode using LoRa or satellite interfaces.

Claim 4 (Dependent – Drone or Wearable Application)

The device of Claim 3, wherein the portable unit is a drone or wearable computing system operating in non-terrestrial networks with beam-steered mmWave and satellite connectivity managed via AI-based arbitration.

Claim 5 (Dependent – Beamforming Architecture)

The SoC of Claim 1, wherein the beamforming controller supports a 4×4 or 8×8 phased-array antenna and adjusts beam direction dynamically based on application context.

Claim 6 (Dependent – AI Inference Model Execution)

The SoC of Claim 1, wherein the AI engine executes modular neural network models for applications including voice recognition, object detection, and extended reality rendering, which may be securely loaded or unloaded over-the-air.

Claim 7 (Dependent – Secure Boot Process)

The SoC of Claim 1, wherein a zero-trust boot architecture validates firmware and radio stacks via one-time programmable (OTP) root-of-trust during power-on.

Claim 8 (Dependent – Fabrication Process Variants)

The SoC of Claim 1 is fabricated using either a 7 nm FinFET CMOS or a 12/16 nm FD-SOI CMOS process, and may be implemented in a monolithic or chiplet-based modular architecture.

Claim 9 (Dependent – Mesh Routing and Digital Twin Engine)

The SoC of Claim 1 further comprises a protocol fusion engine implementing:

a distributed mesh routing protocol stack over LoRa and satellite interfaces; and

a digital twin radio model emulator for predicting link degradation and optimizing protocol switching.

Claim 10 (Dependent – Wake-Up Receiver Use Cases)

The WURx of Claim 1 is configured to trigger wake-up from deep sleep upon reception of LoRa or BLE signals associated with medical alerts, wildlife movement, or point-of-sale activity.

Claim 11 (Dependent – Emergency or Tactical Network Use)

The SoC of Claim 1 is deployed in rugged smartphones, autonomous vehicles, or drones operating in GNSS-denied or infrastructure-less environments and utilizes LoRa mesh or satellite fallback for emergency communication.