Configurable Radio Unit for Baseband Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless communication base stations require additional FPGA circuitry to facilitate communication between proprietary baseband processors and radio units, which increases complexity and costs.
Innovation Solution
A configurable radio unit that processes information using a CPRI framer module and protocol pump module, allowing it to communicate directly with proprietary baseband processors without an intervening FPGA, by generating container frames with adjustable sizes and stuffing bits to accommodate non-standard communication schemes and clock rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If FPGA circuitry is used to facilitate communication between proprietary baseband processors and radio units, then communication compatibility is improved, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the FPGA circuitry from the communication interface between baseband processors and radio units. By eliminating this intermediate conversion layer, the system achieves direct communication while reducing hardware complexity and costs, while still maintaining compatibility through standardized CPRI interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal CPRI-based interface that can handle multiple communication schemes and proprietary baseband processors without requiring scheme-specific custom circuitry. This standardized interface provides multi-functionality across different wireless technologies (LTE, 5G, WiMAX, etc.), eliminating the need for separate FPGA-based converters for each scheme
2Ease of manufacture
If standard CPRI interface is used for communication, then manufacturing standardization is improved, but adaptability to non-standard communication schemes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration capabilities in the radio unit that allow it to adapt to different communication schemes and sample rates after manufacturing. The system can dynamically adjust protocol parameters, frame structures, and data rates to match non-standard schemes while maintaining the standardized CPRI physical interface, thus achieving both standardization and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter change mechanisms that allow the radio unit to modify operational parameters such as sample rates, frame lengths, and data formats to accommodate different communication schemes. By changing these parameters dynamically, the system maintains compatibility with standardized CPRI interfaces while adapting to proprietary or non-standard communication requirements
3Manufacturing precision
If protocol pump module extracts bits from CPRI basic frames, then data extraction precision is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing lookup tables that map CPRI frame structures to desired communication scheme formats. During operation, the system uses these pre-computed tables to quickly extract and reformat data without performing complex real-time calculations, thus achieving precise data extraction with minimized processing delays
Data Source
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AI summary
In a base station, a configurable radio unit allows for communication with a baseband processor that satisfies a CPRI standard while allowing personalization and customization by the end user in order to prevent undesired usage and/or access by other users/competitors. The radio module is programmable to allow for specific designation of the location, lengths, and types of signal and control information within CPRI basic frames. By being configured to allow for the adjustment of these parameters, the radio module can be commonly and mass produced while allowing for end users of the processors to personalize their use without additional hardware components, such as FPGA circuits. In addition, by generating a container frame, the radio module can allow for asynchronous communication between the CPRI standard and an employed communication scheme.