Modular SDR Hardware and Software for Mobile RF Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Software Defined Radio (SDR) technologies are not compatible with commercially available mobile device platforms, limiting their use to proprietary microelectronics and hardware.
Innovation Solution
A modular SDR system for mobile devices, comprising a hardware portion with an antenna and analog-to-digital converters, and software modules for processing RF signals, enabling flexible and low-cost deployment of RF capabilities on smartphones and tablets, with a user-friendly interface for tuning, recording, and transmitting multimedia content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional SDR technology is used, then RF signal processing capability is achieved, but compatibility with commercially available mobile device platforms is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The SDR system is divided into separate hardware and software components. The hardware portion includes only essential elements (antenna, ADC/DAC converters, interface) while the software portion handles complex signal processing functions, allowing the system to be implemented on commercially available mobile devices without requiring proprietary microelectronics
Solution Approach 2:
The software portion is designed to execute on standard mobile device processors, making the SDR system compatible with commercially available mobile device platforms. The modular architecture allows the same hardware to support multiple RF standards and functions through software updates
2Ease of manufacture
If proprietary microelectronics and hardware are used, then SDR functionality is achieved, but cost and deployment flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Complex signal processing functions are extracted from hardware and moved to software execution on mobile device processors. This reduces the quantity and complexity of hardware components needed, eliminating the need for proprietary microelectronics while maintaining full SDR functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses software to replicate complex RF processing functions that would traditionally require specialized hardware. By copying processing logic into software form, the system achieves the same functionality with standard mobile device components, improving ease of manufacture and deployment
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
Enables flexible and cost-effective RF capabilities on mobile devices, allowing for wideband capture and playback of RF signals, compatibility with various RF standards, and remote software updates, while maintaining performance across different environments and temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
the hardware portion includes an analog-to-digital converter to convert RF signals received at the antenna to digital signals to be processed by the software portion
Implementation Method 2
the hardware portion includes an digital-to-analog converter to convert digital signals from the software portion to analog signals for transmission by the antenna
Data Source
AI summary
A system for providing software defined radio on a mobile device includes a hardware portion including an antenna and an interface configured to connect to the mobile device; a software portion configured for execution on the mobile device, the software portion configured to receive and process RF signals received at the antenna.