Dual RF Transceiver Module with Shared Baseband Processor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile audio/video cameras and RF communications modules lack the capability to efficiently achieve multi-radio functionality in a compact form factor, limiting their ability to seamlessly communicate across different wireless networks and integrate with video and auto ID reading functionalities.
Innovation Solution
A dual RF transceiver module with a common baseband processor and image processor, supported on a compact flash card form factor, enabling communication across wireless LAN and WAN standards, and incorporating an auto ID reader for data sensing and processing, with shared digital signal processing circuitry for efficient data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate baseband processors are used for each RF transceiver, then each transceiver can be independently optimized, but the device complexity and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A single baseband processor is designed to handle multiple RF transceivers with different communication standards (802.11b/g for WLAN and GSM for cellular). The processor implements universal signal processing functions including FFT/IFFT, modulation/demodulation, and channel estimation for both wireless and cellular protocols, eliminating the need for separate dedicated processors for each transceiver type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the baseband processing functions for multiple RF transceivers into a single integrated processor. This merging approach consolidates previously separate processing paths into one unified unit that shares common resources such as the FFT engine, modulation/demodulation blocks, and channel estimation mechanisms, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple dedicated processors are allocated for different communication standards, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The baseband processor is designed as a universal platform that can dynamically switch between processing different communication standards (802.11b/g, GSM, CDMA) based on operational requirements. This multi-functionality allows the system to support multiple communication protocols without maintaining separate dedicated processors for each standard, thereby reducing overall power consumption while preserving communication reliability.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact form factor is used for the module, then portability is improved, but the integration of multiple RF transceivers and processing circuitry becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple RF transceivers and their associated baseband processing circuitry into a single compact module. This merging approach consolidates what would traditionally require separate discrete components into one unified unit with shared processing resources, enabling compact form factor while maintaining support for multiple communication standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The baseband processor serves as a universal platform that handles signal processing for multiple RF transceivers with different standards within the same compact module. This multi-functional design allows the limited space in a compact form factor to accommodate diverse communication capabilities without requiring separate dedicated processing units for each transceiver type.
4Device complexity
If shared baseband processor circuitry is used for multiple transceivers, then device complexity is reduced, but the processing capability for each individual radio may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The baseband processor is segmented into functional blocks that can be dynamically allocated to different RF transceivers. The processor includes separate functional units for FFT/IFFT, modulation/demodulation, channel estimation, and other signal processing tasks that can be independently configured and assigned based on which transceiver is currently active and what communication standard is being used.
Solution Approach 2:
The baseband processor implements dynamic resource allocation capabilities that allow it to adapt its processing resources based on real-time operational requirements. The processor can dynamically switch between handling different communication standards and can dynamically allocate processing power between multiple transceivers based on their individual needs, ensuring that signal processing capability is maintained despite the shared architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A video imager processor and two radio frequency transceivers are supported on a common support having a predetermined form factor, such as that of a Compact Flash card commonly utilized in mobile computers. Common digital processing circuitry is used for processing the baseband signal from the RF transceivers, making a highly integrated and compact arrangement.