Programmable SD-FEC Modem Architecture Across Communication Standards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current integrated circuits (ICs) lack the flexibility to adapt to various communication standards and technologies, as they are typically hardwired and not easily updatable for different applications, limiting their configurability and efficiency in modern communication systems.
Innovation Solution
A software-defined modem is implemented within an IC, featuring a hardwired outer transceiver with a soft decision forward error correction (SD-FEC) circuit that is programmable to use multiple code types, coupled with an inner transceiver implemented in programmable circuitry, allowing for configuration across various applications and standards such as 5G NR, DOCSIS, and cable modems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a modem is implemented with hardwired circuitry for specific communication standards, then the reliability and performance for that specific standard is improved, but the adaptability to different communication standards deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The modem is divided into two distinct segments: an outer transceiver implemented in hardwired circuitry for reliable signal processing, and an inner transceiver implemented in programmable logic for flexible configuration. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function optimally while collectively providing both reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner transceiver is designed as a universal programmable component that can be configured to support multiple communication standards and protocols. By making this portion universally adaptable through programming, the modem can serve different applications without sacrificing the performance of the hardwired outer transceiver.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a modem is implemented entirely in programmable circuitry, then the adaptability to different applications is improved, but the performance and reliability for specific communication standards deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The modem is divided into two distinct segments: an outer transceiver implemented in hardwired circuitry for reliable signal processing, and an inner transceiver implemented in programmable logic for flexible configuration. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function optimally while collectively providing both reliability and adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If communication standards are implemented using softwired logic, then the ease of updating and reconfiguration is improved, but the speed and processing efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The modem is divided into two distinct segments: an outer transceiver implemented in hardwired circuitry for reliable signal processing, and an inner transceiver implemented in programmable logic for flexible configuration. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function optimally while collectively providing both reliability and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A modem includes an outer transceiver including a soft decision forward error correction (SD-FEC) circuit, wherein the SD-FEC circuit is hardwired and programmable to perform at least one of encoding or decoding data using a code type selected from a plurality of different code types, and an inner transceiver coupled to the SD-FEC circuit, wherein the inner transceiver is implemented in programmable circuitry.