Flexible RF Transceiver Mapping for Multi-Device Test Setups
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF measurement setups often lack sufficient signal paths, necessitating the coupling of multiple RF apparatuses, which increases cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A transceiver module with a baseband interface, RF interfaces, a switching unit, and a control unit that allows for flexible mapping of signal paths between an RF apparatus and multiple RF devices, enabling cost-effective expansion of signal paths without altering the RF apparatus hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple RF apparatuses are coupled to provide additional signal paths, then the number of available signal paths increases, but the cost and complexity of the measurement setup increases
Solution Approach 1:
A transceiver module is introduced as an intermediary device between the RF apparatus and multiple RF devices. The transceiver module includes a baseband interface connected to the RF apparatus, multiple RF interfaces connected to different RF devices, and a switching unit that dynamically routes baseband signals to appropriate RF interfaces. This intermediary solution allows one RF apparatus to control multiple RF devices without requiring multiple RF apparatuses, thereby increasing signal path quantity while maintaining setup simplicity and reducing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The transceiver module serves multiple functions: it acts as a baseband processor, an RF signal generator, a signal router, and a device controller all in one unit. By making the transceiver module universal and multi-functional, the system replaces the need for multiple specialized RF apparatuses, thus increasing the number of available signal paths without proportionally increasing system complexity or cost.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple RF apparatuses are coupled to provide additional signal paths, then the number of available signal paths increases, but the cost of the measurement setup increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transceiver module merges the functions of multiple RF apparatuses into a single integrated device. By combining baseband processing, RF signal generation, signal routing, and device control capabilities into one transceiver module, the system achieves multiple signal paths without the cost penalty of purchasing and integrating multiple separate RF apparatuses. This merging approach directly addresses the cost issue while maintaining the desired increase in signal path quantity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the RF apparatus hardware is adapted to provide additional interfaces, then the number of connectable RF devices increases, but the hardware adaptation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the additional interface functionality from the RF apparatus itself and places it in a separate transceiver module. Instead of modifying the RF apparatus hardware to add more interfaces, the transceiver module is connected to the existing RF apparatus via a baseband interface and provides multiple RF interfaces to connect to additional RF devices. This extraction approach increases adaptability while avoiding expensive hardware modifications to the original RF apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The transceiver module acts as an intermediary that extends the connectivity of the RF apparatus without requiring modifications to the RF apparatus itself. The module receives baseband signals from the RF apparatus through the baseband interface and provides multiple RF output interfaces to connect to multiple RF devices, thereby increasing the number of connectable devices without incurring hardware adaptation costs.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a transceiver module for connecting an RF apparatus with one or more RF devices. The transceiver module comprises a baseband interface which is connectable to the RF apparatus for bidirectional communication of baseband signals, one or more RF interfaces, wherein each one of the RF interfaces is connectable to one of the RF devices, and a switching unit configured to convert baseband signal received at the baseband interface into one or more RF signals and to forward said RF signals to at least one of the RF interfaces according to a flexible mapping and vice versa. The transceiver module further comprises a control unit configured to control the switching unit, and a control interface which is connectable to the RF apparatus to receive control commands from the RF apparatus, wherein the control unit is configured to adapt the flexible mapping of the switching unit based on the received control commands.