QPSK Modulator Reconfiguration for BPSK Signal Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The development of application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) for modulating and spreading communication signals, particularly in third-generation wireless communication standards, is costly and time-consuming, and existing architectures face challenges in designing baseband processing architectures that are evolutionary and difficult to maintain.
Innovation Solution
The use of two QPSK modulators to generate a BPSK signal or combining signals with a higher order spreading factor to produce a lower order spreading factor signal, leveraging existing higher order modulator circuitry and ASICs, such as those with QPSK modulators, to create a lower order modulator or spreading factor without the need for costly ASIC development.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If custom ASICs are developed for specific modulation and spreading functions, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but development cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing QPSK modulator circuitry perform multiple functions by configuring it to generate both QPSK and BPSK signals. The same hardware infrastructure is used for different modulation schemes, eliminating the need for separate custom ASIC development for each modulation type while maintaining signal processing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of developing new custom circuitry for BPSK, the patent uses existing QPSK modulator designs as a template. By copying the QPSK circuit architecture and reconfiguring it through software control, the system achieves BPSK functionality without the time-consuming process of designing and manufacturing new custom ASICs.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate ASICs are developed for different modulation schemes (BPSK, QPSK, 16-QAM), then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal modulator architecture where a single QPSK modulator circuit can operate in multiple modes (QPSK, BPSK) depending on configuration. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated hardware for each modulation scheme, reducing device complexity while preserving modulation accuracy through precise digital signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically reconfigures the modulator behavior through software control rather than requiring static hardware design for each modulation scheme. The same physical circuit adapts its function based on control signals, allowing the system to switch between QPSK and BPSK operations without physical reconfiguration or additional hardware.
3Productivity
If higher order modulators (QPSK) are used, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic configuration to achieve different modulation orders from the same hardware. By controlling the QPSK modulator with specific input patterns and control signals, the system can operate at higher data rates when QPSK is needed, or simplify to BPSK when lower complexity is required, all without changing the physical circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters (modulation order, spreading factor) through software control rather than hardware modification. The same circuit infrastructure supports multiple parameter configurations, allowing the system to optimize between productivity and complexity based on operational requirements without increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a lower order modulator is provided using a number of higher order modulators. According to another embodiment, a signal having a lower order spreading factor is generated using circuitry for generating a number of signals with a higher order spreading factor.