BER BLER Measurement via Baseband Data Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for testing bit error rate (BER) and block error rate (BLER) in high-speed wireless communication systems, such as those adhering to CPRI and DigRF standards, are inefficient and require dedicated hardware or time-consuming software processing, especially for next-generation wireless broadband standards like LTE (4G).
Innovation Solution
A method and system that segment baseband data from a device under test, determine processing parameters for an initial data segment, and apply these parameters to subsequent segments for efficient BER/BLER calculation using a conventional signal analyzer, reducing processing time and resource requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional software processing methods are used to calculate BER and BLER, then the measurement can be performed without dedicated hardware, but the processing time becomes very long and results are unreliable under low bit error rate conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the baseband data into multiple segments and processes them in parallel using multiple processing threads or cores. This segmentation allows the system to handle large volumes of data efficiently by distributing the processing load, thereby reducing overall processing time while maintaining accurate BER/BLER calculations even under low error rate conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary processing of the first data segment to determine processing parameters (such as synchronization information, timing offset, frequency offset) before using these parameters to process subsequent data segments. This preliminary action establishes a template for efficient batch processing of remaining segments, significantly reducing total processing time compared to processing each segment independently.
2Productivity
If dedicated test apparatus is used to process large amounts of baseband data at high speed, then BER and BLER can be measured efficiently, but the cost increases and such apparatus is not available to manufacturers who do not manufacture RECs or BBICs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables conventional signal analyzers and general-purpose computers to perform BER/BLER measurements by implementing a processing system that can handle the high data rates of modern wireless standards (CPRI, DigRF, LTE). This universal approach allows existing equipment to perform specialized measurements without requiring dedicated test apparatus, making the capability available to all manufacturers regardless of whether they produce RECs or BBICs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a software-based processing model that replicates the functionality of dedicated test apparatus. By implementing the processing logic in software that can run on conventional equipment, the system copies the essential measurement capabilities of specialized hardware, achieving similar productivity without the associated cost and complexity constraints.
3Productivity
If the first data segment is processed to determine processing parameters, then subsequent data segments can be processed more efficiently using stored parameters, but additional processing steps are required for the initial segment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent accepts that the first data segment requires additional processing to establish processing parameters (synchronization, timing offset, frequency offset), but this preliminary action enables significantly faster processing of all subsequent segments. The time investment in the first segment is amortized over the processing of many subsequent segments, resulting in net time savings and improved overall processing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Once the processing parameters are determined from the first data segment, the system maintains continuous processing of subsequent segments using these established parameters without interruption or re-initialization. This continuous action maximizes throughput by eliminating repeated setup overhead, making the initial processing investment pay off through sustained high-speed processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for determining a measure of error of a device under test (DUT). The method includes storing baseband data received from the DUT in a storage device, segmenting the baseband data into multiple data segments, determining processing parameters for one data segment of the plurality of data segments, and storing the determined processing parameters for the one data segment. The method further includes retrieving additional data segments of the multiple data segments from the storage device, and processing the additional data segments using the stored processing parameters for the one data segment. The measure of error of the DUT is determined based at least in part on data from the processed additional data segments.