5G NR CCDU Architecture for Lower-Cost gNodeB Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G gNodeB architectures separate Centralized Unit (CU) and Distributed Unit (DU) physically, leading to increased costs, complexity, and reliability issues due to separate boards, temperature, vibration, and interface dependencies.
Innovation Solution
A combined Centralized and Distributed Unit (CCDU) system integrated on a single PCB, incorporating a network-enabled controller, clock synchronizer, and radio unit, supporting both CU and DU functionalities, with components like Soft-Decision Forward Error Correction (SD-FEC) and thermal management, operating over a wide temperature range and providing site alarms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If CU and DU are physically separated on separate boards, then functionality is distributed, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines CU and DU functionalities into a single integrated base station unit, eliminating the need for separate physical boards and the F1 interface between them. This merging approach maintains functional distribution through software virtualization while reducing hardware complexity and integration costs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If CU and DU are physically separated, then modular functionality is achieved, but reliability decreases due to more interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating CU and DU in a single physical unit, the patent eliminates the F1 interface and reduces the number of external connections required. This reduces vulnerability to interface failures while maintaining modular functionality through virtualization and software-based separation of concerns.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate boards are used for CU and DU, then functional separation is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates CU and DU into a single base station hardware platform, reducing the number of physical components, interfaces, and assembly steps required. This integration lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining functional separation through software virtualization and containerization techniques.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate units are deployed, then functional specialization is achieved, but temperature control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating CU and DU in a single thermal envelope, the patent simplifies thermal management to a unified system rather than requiring separate cooling solutions for multiple discrete units. Functional specialization is maintained through software partitioning while thermal control becomes more efficient with a consolidated heat dissipation strategy.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an efficient hardware architecture for an ORAN compliant internal structure of a gnodeB (gNodeB) comprising of a combined centralized unit and a distributed unit (CCDU) for a 5G basement application required for processing Level 1, 2 and 3 scheduling in a network. The CCDU design may provide the functionality of a CU and a DU with single unit and can operate over wide temperature range. A single board approach of the CCDU make the CCDU more reliable and less costly. The CCDU can support different kinds of synchronization and can provide site alarms over dry contacts to equip with external alarm device.