Dual Core Modem Multi-Channel Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart utility network (SUN) systems face limitations in bandwidth and communication capacity due to the use of single-channel modems, which restricts network performance without the need for additional hardware components or significant cost increases.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dual core processor with a single RF antenna and transceiver to enable multi-channel signal processing, allowing for simultaneous detection and processing of multiple channels using a dual channel modem architecture, which supports different modulation schemes and symbol rates across channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single-channel modem is used in SUN systems, then device complexity and hardware costs are kept minimal, but network bandwidth and communication capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the single-channel modem into multiple parallel processing channels within a dual-core processor architecture. Each core independently processes a separate channel, enabling multi-channel communication capabilities while maintaining a unified hardware platform. This segmentation allows the system to achieve higher network bandwidth without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-core processor is designed to perform multiple functions - it can process multiple channels simultaneously, support different modulation schemes (FSK, OFDM), and maintain backward compatibility with legacy single-channel devices. This multi-functionality enables the modem to adapt to various communication requirements while using a single hardware platform, effectively increasing bandwidth without requiring separate specialized hardware for each function.
2Productivity
If multiple hardware components are added to increase bandwidth, then network communication capacity improves, but hardware costs and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple channel processing functions into a single dual-core processor unit. Instead of using separate hardware modems for each channel, both channels are integrated into one processor with shared RF front-end components. This merging approach increases communication capacity while avoiding the proportional increase in hardware components that would result from using separate modems for each channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-core processor serves as a universal platform that can handle multiple channels, different modulation schemes, and both legacy and modern communication protocols through software configuration rather than requiring dedicated hardware for each function. This multi-functionality allows the system to expand capacity without adding corresponding hardware complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If legacy single-channel devices are integrated into the network, then network compatibility is maintained, but overall network throughput is constrained by single-channel bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-core modem is designed with universal compatibility to communicate with both legacy single-channel devices and modern multi-channel devices. It can dynamically adapt its operation mode, functioning as a single-channel modem when communicating with legacy devices while utilizing multiple channels simultaneously when communicating with modern devices, thereby maintaining compatibility while maximizing throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional (single-channel) communication mode to a multi-dimensional (multi-channel) mode. When communicating with legacy devices, it operates in the traditional single-channel dimension, but when communicating with modern devices, it expands into multiple parallel channel dimensions, effectively increasing network throughput while maintaining backward compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for multiple channel modem and preamble detection. In an example arrangement, a system includes a plurality of communication nodes coupled to one another via an over the air interface, at least one of the communication nodes including an antenna for transmitting and receiving signals on the over the air interface; a radio transceiver coupled to the antenna for receiving signals and having an output for transmitting signal samples; and a dual core processor coupled to the radio transceiver, the dual core processor comprising a first CPU and a second CPU, the first CPU configured to process signals for a first channel within the signal samples received from the radio transceiver, and the second CPU configured to process signals for a second channel within the signal samples received from the radio transceiver. Methods and additional apparatus are also disclosed.