Multi-Core RF Receiver Architecture for Dynamic Channel Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The 3.1˜10.6 GHz band is underutilized for multi-gigabit wireless communication due to ineffective conventional single carrier based analog modems and FCC's low equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP) limits, leading to low spectral efficiency and susceptibility to inter-symbol interference.
Innovation Solution
A dynamically scalable concurrent communication (DSCC) system with a multi-core RF device that concurrently downconverts multiple channels using a common amplifier and multiple receiver cores, each with a tunable local oscillator frequency, allowing dynamic channel selection and reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional single carrier based analog modem is used in the 3.1-10.6 GHz band, then the system is simpler to implement, but it is ineffective due to low spectral efficiency and susceptibility to inter-symbol interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the 3.1-10.6 GHz band into multiple narrowband channels (e.g., seven 1.2 GHz channels) that can be concurrently received. Each receiver core processes one channel independently, transforming a single complex broadband reception problem into multiple simpler narrowband reception problems that can be solved effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-carrier time-domain modulation to multi-carrier frequency-domain modulation. By spreading data across multiple frequency channels simultaneously, the system achieves higher spectral efficiency and immunity to inter-symbol interference through frequency diversity.
2Productivity
If multiple receiver cores are used to concurrently receive multiple channels, then spectral efficiency and data rate improve, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple receiver cores into a single integrated circuit device, sharing common components such as the RF front-end, local oscillators, and signal processing resources. This consolidation achieves high spectral efficiency through concurrent multi-channel reception while controlling overall device complexity through resource sharing.
Solution Approach 2:
Each receiver core is designed as a universal, tunable unit capable of receiving any channel within the 3.1-10.6 GHz band. The cores can be dynamically allocated to different channels based on traffic demand, allowing the system to adapt its complexity to actual needs rather than requiring fixed dedicated hardware for each channel.
3Productivity
If multiple receiver cores operate concurrently, then multi-gigabit data rates are achieved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic allocation of receiver cores to channels based on real-time traffic demand and channel conditions. When fewer channels require reception, fewer cores remain active, reducing power consumption. The system can scale its operational complexity from 1 to N active cores depending on the application requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system can selectively deactivate receiver cores when their corresponding channels are not in use, effectively discarding unnecessary power consumption. The cores remain intact and can be quickly reactivated when needed, maintaining the capability for high data rate transmission when required while minimizing power usage during low-demand periods.
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 efficient multi-gigabit wireless communication by reducing channel path loss, simplifying baseband complexity, and minimizing power consumption while allowing non-line-of-sight communication, effectively overcoming the limitations of the 3.1˜10.6 GHz band.
Implementation Method 1
A common amplifier is disposed on the substrate. The common amplifier is electrically coupled to a RF input terminal and outputs an amplified RF signal.
Implementation Method 2
Each core is configured to be tunable to a channel and to output at least one baseband output per channel. The integrated multi-core RF device is configured to concurrently receive one or more of a plurality of channels using a set of active receiver cores that is configured to concurrently down convert the each one of the plurality of channels to a corresponding down converted baseband signal.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated multi-core RF device includes a common amplifier which outputs an amplified RF signal. A common transmission line is configured to supply the amplified RF signal to a plurality of common transmission line distribution connections. Each receiver core of a plurality of receiver cores has a receiver core RF input coupled to one of the plurality of common transmission line distribution connections. Each core is configured to be tunable to a channel and to output at least one baseband output per channel. The integrated multi-core RF device is configured to concurrently down convert a plurality of channels to corresponding down converted baseband signals. The integrated multi-core RF device is configured to allow dynamic selection of the one or more of the plurality of channels over time. A method to recover a DSCC receiver IC is also described.