Software-Defined Radio Signal Processing Architecture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Software-defined radio devices face challenges in effectively implementing software-based signal processing while maintaining high processing rates and fidelity, particularly in converting analog to digital signals for effective operation.

Innovation Solution

A radio device comprising a hardware antenna, an analog-to-digital converter, and processors that execute processor-readable instructions to convert analog signals to digital signals and generate output instructions, enabling efficient software-based signal processing and reducing latency through a software-defined radio simulation system with an application engine and simulation engine.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If software-based signal processing is implemented in radio devices, then processing flexibility and adaptability are improved, but processing rate and signal fidelity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing flexibilityVSAvoidprocessing rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the signal processing architecture into distinct functional blocks including analog-to-digital conversion, digital signal processing, and software application layers. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, maintaining high processing rates in hardware while enabling flexible software-based signal processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the hardware processing components and software applications, which includes standardized interfaces and protocols. This intermediary enables software-based signal processing to access hardware capabilities efficiently, maintaining processing rate while improving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If software-based signal processing is implemented in radio devices, then processing flexibility and adaptability are improved, but signal fidelity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing flexibilityVSAvoidsignal fidelity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses precise copying mechanisms where digital representations of analog signals are created through high-fidelity analog-to-digital conversion. This copying process preserves signal fidelity while allowing software-based processing of the digital copies, preventing fidelity loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If user applications are hosted on the radio device, then device functionality and versatility are improved, but hardware complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidhardware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal hardware platform with standardized interfaces and processing capabilities that can support multiple different user applications. This multi-functionality approach allows the same hardware to perform diverse functions through software configuration, increasing versatility without proportionally increasing hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the radio device to self-configure and self-manage user applications through integrated processing units that can dynamically allocate resources and manage application execution. This self-service capability reduces the need for additional complex hardware management components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11025284B1Systems and methods for implementing user applications in software-defined radio devices

Publication Date: 2021.06.01 ROCKWELL COLLINS INC

AI summary

A radio device includes a hardware antenna, an analog-to-digital converter, and a processing circuit. The hardware antenna is configured to receive an analog signal corresponding to a radio frequency waveform. The analog-to-digital converter is configured to convert the analog signal to a digital signal corresponding to the radio frequency waveform. The processing circuit is configured to provide the digital signal corresponding to the radio frequency waveform to a first application; execute the first application using the digital signal to generate a first output instruction; execute an application programming interface to convert the first output instruction to a second output instruction; and execute the second output instruction.