Digital Radio Module Modular Architecture Multi-Band Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radio communication apparatuses are bulky, energy inefficient, and costly due to the need for multiple analogue RF transmitters and receivers for different frequency bands and standards, leading to complex and expensive multi-layer printed circuit boards with high power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A digital radio module with a modular architecture comprising configurable digital transmitter and receiver sub-modules, each with multiple chains, allowing operation across a wide frequency range and multiple standards, reducing the need for multiple analogue components and simplifying board layout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple analogue RF transmitters and receivers are used for different frequency bands and standards, then the radio communication apparatus can operate across multiple bands and standards, but the apparatus becomes bulky, energy inefficient, and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal digital radio module that can operate across multiple frequency bands and standards (GSM, LTE, WCDMA, etc.) using a single reconfigurable platform. The digital signal processing architecture allows the same hardware to be dynamically configured for different standards and bands through software control, eliminating the need for separate analogue RF chains for each standard.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes reconfigurable digital signal processing parameters to adapt the radio module for different frequency bands and standards. By changing digital filtering characteristics, sampling rates, and processing algorithms, the system can dynamically switch between GSM, LTE, WCDMA and other standards without physical reconfiguration, thereby reducing hardware complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple analogue RF transmitters and receivers are implemented, then multi-band operation is achieved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces analogue RF processing with digital signal processing throughout the signal chain. By performing filtering, modulation, and signal conditioning in the digital domain rather than using analogue RF circuits, the system achieves multi-band operation with significantly reduced power consumption, as digital processing is more energy-efficient than high-power analogue RF amplification and filtering.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple complete RF transmitters/receivers in the analogue domain are used, then multi-band transmitters/receivers can be implemented, but manufacturing cost increases due to bulky design and low energy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate RF transmitter and receiver functions into a single integrated digital radio module. By combining multiple frequency band处理能力 and standard support within one reconfigurable platform, the system reduces the total number of discrete components, simplifies assembly, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining full multi-band capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If additional transmitter and/or receiver chains are added to enable operation at other frequency ranges and standards, then frequency range coverage is expanded, but the apparatus becomes bigger and board complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal digital processing platform that can dynamically reconfigure to support different frequency ranges and standards. Instead of adding separate physical chains for each standard, the system uses a single reconfigurable digital architecture that can be software-defined to operate in GSM, LTE, WCDMA, or other modes, thereby expanding frequency coverage without increasing physical footprint.
Data Source
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AI summary
A digital radio module (100) comprises a modular architecture for use in a multi- band multi-standard radio communication apparatus. The digital radio module (100) comprises one or more digital transmitter sub modules (1011 to 101X) each digital transmitter sub module comprising a plurality of digital transmitter chains (1031 to 103N), and one or more digital receiver sub modules (1051 to 105Y), each digital receiver sub module comprising a plurality of digital receiver chains (1071 to 107M). Each of the digital transmitter sub modules (1011to 101X) and digital receiver sub modules (1051 to 105Y) comprises a respective control unit (109) for individually configuring each digital transmitter sub module and digital receiver sub module such that the digital radio module (100) is operable to transmit and/or receive multiple different carrier frequency signals in one or more different modes of operation.