CPRI Transmission Node Mask Register Multiplexing

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems using the Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI), there is a high software overhead in propagating reset requests and link status information across nodes in a daisy chain configuration, making it difficult to maintain synchronization with data transmission and potentially leading to communication system failures if nodes become unresponsive.

Innovation Solution

A transmission node with a mask bits generating unit that stores original and new mask bits in registers, using a mask switching block to multiplex these bits and an activation block to synchronize their output with the CPRI frame structure, allowing efficient propagation of reset requests and link status information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If software is used to propagate reset requests and link status information in CPRI daisy chain nodes, then the system can maintain flexibility and control, but software overhead increases and synchronization becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol flexibilityVSAvoidsoftware overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces software-based control with hardware-based mask register control. The mask bits in hardware registers directly control the forwarding behavior of reset requests and link status information, eliminating the need for complex software processing and synchronization logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The hardware mask registers automatically control the forwarding decisions without requiring software intervention. The system self-manages the propagation of control signals through hardware logic that reads mask bits and automatically forwards or blocks signals based on the mask configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If software manages mask bit updates within basic frame duration, then frame synchronization can be maintained, but the tight timing constraint increases software complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe synchronizationVSAvoidsoftware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces software timing management with hardware-based frame synchronization. The mask bits are updated through hardware registers that are automatically synchronized with the CPRI frame structure, eliminating the need for software to manage tight timing constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mask bits are pre-configured in hardware registers before the frame transmission begins. This preliminary configuration allows the hardware to automatically apply the correct mask settings for each frame without requiring real-time software intervention during the critical transmission window.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a node becomes unresponsive, software-based reset propagation may fail to reach subsequent nodes, but hardware-based propagation ensures automatic forwarding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereset propagation reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces software-based reset propagation with hardware-based propagation. The hardware mask registers and forwarding logic ensure that reset requests are automatically forwarded through the daisy chain without depending on software responsiveness, guaranteeing reliable propagation even when nodes experience software failures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If mask bits are updated dynamically by software, then adaptability is improved, but synchronization with data transmission becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemask update flexibilityVSAvoidsynchronization accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces software-based mask updates with hardware-based updates synchronized to the CPRI frame structure. The mask bits are updated through hardware registers that are automatically aligned with frame boundaries, ensuring both flexibility and precise synchronization without software intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9031056B2Wireless communication apparatus and method

Publication Date: 2015.05.12 NXP USA INC

AI summary

A transmission node for use in a wireless communication network includes a first register for storing a set of first mask bits, a second register for storing a set of second mask bits, and a mask switching block for multiplexing the set of first mask bits and the set of second mask bits and outputting the set of third mask bits. The transmission node further includes a CPRI unit with an auxiliary interface for receiving the set of third mask bits. An activation block is connected between the CPRI unit and the mask switching block for causing the mask switching block to output the set of second mask bits based on data in a current frame in the CPRI unit.