Modular RF Transceiver for Flexible MIMO Configurations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radio transceivers are limited in supporting a wide range of MIMO configurations, as they often require equal numbers of transmitters and receivers, restricting flexibility and configuration options.

Innovation Solution

A modular RF transceiver design featuring a frequency synthesizer module and multiple transmitter and receiver modules, where each module is arranged adjacently and connected for data, local oscillator, and power supply, allowing for flexible configurations and easy integration of different numbers of transmitters and receivers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional radio transceiver design is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot support a wide range of MIMO configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for MIMO configurationsVSAvoidtransceiver structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transceiver is divided into separate functional modules: a frequency synthesizer module and multiple transmitter/receiver modules. Each module can be independently configured and arranged adjacently on the die, allowing flexible MIMO configurations without requiring a complete redesign of the entire transceiver structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frequency synthesizer module generates a single local oscillator signal that can be distributed to and used by multiple transmitter and receiver modules simultaneously. This universal signal source enables the same synthesizer to support various MIMO configurations by simply changing which transmitter/receiver modules are activated and how they are arranged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple transmitter and receiver modules are added to support various MIMO configurations, then the adaptability increases, but the development time for new products increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMIMO configuration optionsVSAvoiddevelopment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the transceiver into standardized modules, new MIMO configurations can be achieved by simply rearranging and reconfiguring existing modules rather than developing entirely new circuits. This modular approach significantly reduces development time for supporting new configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transceiver architecture allows dynamic reconfiguration of the number and arrangement of transmitter and receiver modules. Control logic can programmatically enable or disable specific modules and adjust their adjacencies to match different MIMO requirements, providing flexibility without requiring physical redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If transmitter and receiver modules are grouped into transceiver blocks, then the manufacturing is simplified, but the number of possible configurations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule integrationVSAvoidconfiguration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The design further segments the traditional transceiver block into separate transmitter modules and receiver modules that can be independently arranged. This finer granularity of segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity through standardized interfaces while dramatically increasing configuration flexibility by allowing any number of transmitters and receivers to be adjacently arranged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This design enables support for various MIMO configurations, reduces development time for new products, and minimizes interference by allowing physical arrangement of modules for optimal performance.

Implementation Method 1

The frequency synthesizer module is arranged to generate a local oscillator signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic signal generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Each transmitter module and receiver module is arranged to mix at least one respective input signal with the local oscillator signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal mixing: Heterodyne

Implementation Method 3

Each local oscillator signal buffer is also arranged to amplify said local oscillator signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal amplification: Magnetic Amplifier

Data Source

PatentUS9622293B2Modular radio transceiver

Publication Date: 2017.04.11 NORDIC SEMICONDUCTOR

AI summary

A modular Radio Frequency transceiver includes a frequency synthesizer module arranged to generate a local oscillator signal. At least one transmitter module and/or at least one receiver module are arranged adjacent to the frequency synthesizer module. Each transmitter module and receiver module is arranged to mix at least one respective input signal with the local oscillator signal. Adjacently arranged modules are electrically connected to each other with respect to at least data signals, the local oscillator signal and a power supply.