Parallel Communication Links for Baseband and RF Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital interfaces for baseband and radio frequency processing in modems face challenges in meeting Bit Error Rate (BER) requirements, with payload data transmissions being subject to transmission errors due to radio channel effects like fast fading and interference, while control plane data has lower BER requirements, leading to inefficient energy consumption and link quality degradation.
Innovation Solution
A parallel communication interface is introduced that separates payload and control data on different links, using a common clock link for synchronization, payload links for data transmission without headers, and a control link for link management information, allowing for adaptive BER and power consumption optimization based on data transmission rates and error ratios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If payload data and control data are transmitted on the same digital interface, then the interface structure is simple, but the Bit Error Rate requirement cannot be met due to radio channel effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the digital interface into separate payload data links and control data links. Payload data is transmitted on dedicated payload links while control data (including link management information) is transmitted on separate control links. This segmentation allows different BER requirements to be applied to different data types, improving overall reliability while maintaining manageable interface complexity through structured separation.
2Reliability
If high BER standards are applied to all data transmissions, then link quality is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quality standards to different parts of the data transmission system. Control data links maintain high BER standards to ensure reliable link management and synchronization, while payload data links can operate with relaxed BER requirements since payload data is protected by higher-layer protocols. This local differentiation of quality requirements optimizes energy consumption while maintaining necessary link quality for critical functions.
3Reliability
If protocol headers are added to payload data for link management, then transmission reliability improves, but overhead increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts link management functions from the payload data transmission path and places them on separate control links. Control links carry link management information, synchronization signals, and coordination data without requiring payload headers. Payload data can be transmitted in a headerless format on dedicated payload links, maximizing transmission efficiency while reliability is maintained through the separate control channel that manages the connection.
Data Source
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AI summary
Examples provide a baseband processing device, a radio frequency device, a baseband processing apparatus, a radio frequency apparatus, a modem, a radio transceiver, a mobile terminal, methods and computer programs for baseband processing and for radio frequency processing. A baseband processing device (10) is configured for a mobile communication modem (100) and to process a baseband representation of a radio frequency signal. The baseband processing device (10) includes an interface (12) configured to exchange payload data and control data with a radio frequency device (50). The interface (12) includes a plurality of parallel communication links to the radio frequency device (50). A clock link (12a) is configured to communicate a clock signal common to the baseband processing device (10) and the radio frequency device (50). A control link (12b) is configured to communicate control data. One or more payload links (12c) are configured to communicate payload data between the baseband processing device (10) and the radio frequency device (50).