Multiband Aggregation Receiver Architecture With Single-ADC Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multiband radio receiver architectures face scalability and cost-effectiveness issues in supporting a large number of multiband combinations within the sub-6 GHz RF range, as they are frequency band-specific and require multiple parallel RF-ADC branches, limiting flexibility and increasing logistical and hardware costs.
Innovation Solution
A frequency-agnostic multiband aggregation receiver architecture (FAMARA) that uses a second-stage mixer with configurable band-pass filter banks to select and down-convert signals, allowing for any multiband combination within a predetermined frequency range, reducing the need for multiple hardware units and enabling flexible frequency planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple parallel RF-ADC branches are used to support multiband combinations, then the receiver can handle multiple frequency bands, but the hardware complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal receiver architecture where a single RF-ADC branch can handle multiple frequency bands through software configuration. The band-pass filter bank and mixer stage are designed to be frequency-agnostic, allowing the same hardware to be reconfigured for different multiband combinations via software control of the local oscillator frequencies and filter selections, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated hardware branches
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters (local oscillator frequencies, filter center frequencies, and bandwidths) to support different multiband combinations without changing the hardware structure. By dynamically adjusting these parameters through software configuration, the system can adapt to various multiband scenarios including 3-band, 4-band, and other combinations within the sub-6 GHz range using the same physical components
2Reliability
If frequency band-specific architecture is used, then each band can be optimized, but the system cannot flexibly support all multiband combinations through software configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic reconfiguration capability where the receiver can switch between different frequency band configurations at runtime. The band-pass filter bank allows dynamic selection of different filter combinations, and the local oscillator frequencies can be dynamically adjusted to support various multiband scenarios, enabling the system to adapt to different operational requirements without hardware changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the frequency processing into independent selectable stages: a filter bank with multiple band-pass filters, a mixer stage with configurable local oscillators, and a digital signal processing stage. This segmentation allows each stage to be independently configured for different frequency bands while maintaining overall system coherence, enabling flexible multiband support through software control of each segment
3Productivity
If the number of receiver branches increases for M-MIMO configuration, then the system capacity increases, but scalability and cost-effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal receiver branch design that can be replicated for M-MIMO configurations without increasing per-branch complexity. Each branch uses the same frequency-agnostic architecture with configurable filter banks and mixers, allowing scalable deployment from 2 to 64+ branches while maintaining cost-effectiveness through standardized hardware designs that can be mass-produced
4Measurement precision
If band-specific filters are used in each branch, then band selection is precise, but the architecture cannot support arbitrary multiband combinations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses可调 band-pass filters whose center frequencies and bandwidths can be dynamically changed through software control. Instead of fixed band-specific filters, the system employs filters with adjustable parameters that can be reconfigured to match different frequency bands and combinations, allowing precise band selection while supporting arbitrary multiband scenarios through parameter adjustment rather than hardware changes
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 architecture supports a large number of multiband combinations with a single analog-to-digital converter, reducing hardware costs and logistical complexities, while maintaining flexibility and efficiency in frequency planning, thereby enhancing scalability and ease of deployment.
Implementation Method 1
a first mixer stage comprising a plurality of sections. Each section comprises a mixer configured to receive an input signal and mix the signal with a local oscillator (LO) signal
Implementation Method 2
a filter bank for routing the down-converted signal through a selected filter of a plurality of band pass filters. Each band pass filter has a bandwidth and a center frequency
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for frequency-agnostic multiband aggregation of received signals is disclosed for use in high capacity communication. The system includes two up-conversion mixer stages and one down-conversion mixer stage, with SAW filter banks or other band pass filter banks used to select frequency bands of interest for aggregation based on configurable multiband combination settings. The method provides for the design of optimal multiband aggregation configuration settings.