Hardened SIM Module for Outdoor Broadband CPE
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Solution Overview
Problem
Previous generations of fixed wireless services for broadband access in areas without wired connections were unpopular due to expensive equipment, high installation costs, proprietary technology, and low data rates, with outdoor CPE installations facing harsh environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A customer premises equipment (CPE) wireless architecture combining satellite and RF antennas, with an outdoor broadband unit that includes a hardened subscriber identity module (SIM) and LTE connectivity, reducing equipment and installation costs by using a single coaxial line for both satellite TV and LTE services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If CPE is installed outdoors to provide wireless broadband service, then service coverage is improved, but the equipment is exposed to harsh environmental conditions that reduce reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by implementing a hardened SIM card design that anticipates and protects against harsh outdoor environmental conditions. The SIM card is constructed with robust materials and sealed enclosures to cushion against temperature extremes, moisture, and physical stress before these conditions can damage the component, thereby maintaining equipment reliability while enabling outdoor installation for expanded service coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible shells and thin films by using sealed protective enclosures and conformal coating materials on the SIM card. These flexible protective layers conform to the SIM card structure while providing environmental protection, allowing the equipment to withstand outdoor conditions without compromising reliability while maintaining the compact form factor needed for outdoor CPE installations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional separate equipment is used for satellite TV and LTE broadband, then service functionality is complete, but equipment cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the SIM card module directly into the satellite CPE equipment, combining previously separate functions (satellite TV reception and LTE broadband connectivity) into a single unified device. This integration eliminates the need for separate outdoor equipment installations, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining complete service functionality for both satellite TV and broadband internet.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing the CPE equipment to perform multiple functions through the integrated SIM card module. The single device provides both satellite TV service and LTE broadband connectivity, making the equipment versatile and multi-functional. This approach reduces the number of separate devices needed while ensuring complete service functionality for customers in remote areas.
3Reliability
If SIM card is permanently fixed to printed circuit board via soldering, then connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing traditional mechanical soldering processes with alternative connection methods for the SIM card module. Instead of requiring complex soldering operations, the design uses mechanical attachment methods such as press-fit connectors or snap-fit mechanisms that achieve reliable electrical and physical connections while significantly simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing production costs.
Data Source
AI summary
An outdoor broadband unit may be connected to an external portion of a customer premises. The outdoor broadband unit may include a radio frequency (RF) antenna to receive communications from a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) network and a printed wiring board. The printed wiring board may include an integrated circuit (IC) chip to implement a subscriber identity module (SIM) to provide services for the LTE network. The IC chip may be soldered to the printed wiring board and have a rated temperature range corresponding to an industrial grade or military grade integrated circuit. The IC chip may provide authentication services for the SIM using a hypertext transfer protocol secure (HTTPS) connection. The printed wiring board may further include a control module to implement an air interface for the LTE network. A radome may contain the RF antenna and the printed wiring board.