SDR Module Configuration via Remote Local Characteristics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication devices face interference and configuration challenges due to the runtime flexibility of software-driven solutions, which can impact other processes and require compatibility with older hardware-based implementations, leading to reduced communication performance and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize software-defined radio (SDR) modules to configure communication resources based on remote and local characteristic information, allowing for dynamic configuration of communication links between devices, including initialization channels, remote characteristic information exchange, and local determination of configuration settings to minimize interference and optimize communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If software-driven solutions are used to provide runtime flexibility in wireless communication devices, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity and interference with other processes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a configuration manager as an intermediary component that mediates between the software-driven radio modules and the hardware resources. This manager abstracts the complexity of runtime reconfiguration by providing a standardized interface and handling the coordination of resource allocation, thereby enabling adaptability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional modules: hardware-based radio modules, software-defined radio modules, and a configuration manager. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized and managed, reducing the complexity burden of runtime flexibility by localizing configuration operations to the software layer without affecting hardware stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If software-defined radio modules are used to emulate hardware-based radios, then adaptability is improved, but communication performance and reliability may deteriorate due to interference with other processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration where software-defined radio modules can be reconfigured at runtime based on communication requirements. The configuration manager dynamically allocates and deallocates resources, adjusting the operational state of radio modules to optimize performance for current tasks while maintaining reliability through controlled transition mechanisms that prevent interference with active communications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the configuration manager monitors the operational status and performance metrics of radio modules. Based on this feedback, the manager adjusts configuration parameters and resource allocation to maintain communication performance, preventing degradation that could result from runtime reconfiguration activities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hardware-based radio modules are replaced with software-based solutions, then device functionality is improved, but compatibility with older implementations and interference management become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal configuration interface that allows both hardware-based and software-defined radio modules to operate through a common management framework. This universal interface ensures compatibility with older hardware-based implementations while enabling the enhanced functionality of software-based solutions, as the configuration manager can handle both types of modules through standardized commands and protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for configuring communication resources that are at least partially based upon reconfigurable software modules. An apparatus may utilize a plurality of transports for communication, wherein the transports are supported by one or more radio modules. The one or more radio modules may comprise hardware-based radio modules and software-defined radio (SDR) modules including a reconfigurable software element that allows the radio module to emulate the functionality of multiple hardware-based radios. In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, SDR modules in an apparatus may formulate a communication configuration for use in communicating with another apparatus based on remote characteristic information (e.g., information corresponding to the apparatus with which communication is desired) and local characteristic information pertaining to the apparatus.