Multi-Core Baseband Processor Integrating Multiple Radio Access Technologies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multiple-standard base stations require separate resources for each Radio Access Technology (RAT), leading to high costs, particularly for mature CDMA RATs, where further cost reduction is difficult, necessitating a more efficient digital baseband unit that integrates multiple RATs.
Innovation Solution
An advanced digital baseband processor integrates multiple RATs using shared processing resources, such as a multi-core processor operating in Asymmetric or Symmetric Multi-Processing modes, with shared network connectivity, baseband transport, and physical resources, along with a unified Operations, Administration, and Maintenance architecture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate resources are used for each RAT in a multiple-standard base station, then each RAT can be supported independently with dedicated processing, but the cost and device complexity of the digital baseband unit increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate RAT processing resources into a unified digital baseband unit with shared processing elements. Multiple RATs (CDMA, GSM, WCDMA, LTE, WiMAX) are integrated into a single baseband processor that uses common hardware resources including DSP cores, memory, and processing units, eliminating the need for separate dedicated cards for each RAT while maintaining independent support for all technologies
Solution Approach 2:
The digital baseband unit is designed as a universal platform that can simultaneously support multiple different RATs through a single multi-functional processor. The system uses a multi-core processor architecture where different cores or processing modes can handle different RAT protocols, allowing one device to perform multiple functions that previously required separate dedicated hardware for each RAT type
2Productivity
If separate dedicated cards are used for each RAT, then each RAT receives dedicated processing power, but the overall cost of the base station increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple dedicated RAT processing cards into a single integrated baseband unit. Instead of purchasing and installing separate hardware cards for CDMA, GSM, WCDMA, LTE, and WiMAX, the system uses one consolidated digital baseband processor that handles all these technologies, reducing the total component count and overall system cost while maintaining full processing capability for each RAT
Solution Approach 2:
The baseband processor is designed as a universal multi-functional platform that can handle multiple RAT protocols simultaneously. The system uses a multi-core processor architecture where different cores or processing modes can handle different RAT protocols, allowing one device to perform multiple functions that previously required separate dedicated hardware for each RAT type
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate processing units are used for different RATs, then each RAT can be processed independently, but the number of components and interconnections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate processing units into a single multi-core processor platform. Instead of having independent hardware cards for each RAT with separate power, memory, and control circuits, the system integrates all these functions into one unified baseband unit with shared resources, reducing the total number of components while maintaining the ability to process multiple RATs independently through software or firmware configuration
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-core processor for use in an advanced digital baseband processor for a base station in a cellular communications network is described. The multi-core processor comprises a plurality of processor cores, wherein at least a subset of the plurality of processor cores support a plurality of radio access technologies. The processor further comprises two or more baseband interfaces configured to provide baseband connectivity to two or more modems i) external to the multi-core processor and ii) associated with a different one of the plurality of radio access technologies.