Shared Baseband OFDM Architecture for Multi-Band Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multimode terminals face increased complexity and difficulty in reducing size due to the need for individually compatible hardware and complex control mechanisms across different communication modes, even when sharing some hardware.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus that uses orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol timing across multiple frequency bands, incorporating a filtering unit, controlling unit, down-converting unit, demodulating unit, and modulating unit to share hardware for baseband signal processing, with a design adapted to the widest frequency band for simplified structure and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hardware is individually compatible with respective communication modes, then compatibility with multiple frequency bands is achieved, but the number of components increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal baseband signal processing unit that can handle multiple frequency bands through software configuration rather than dedicated hardware for each band. The single baseband processing unit is designed to be frequency-agnostic, processing signals regardless of their specific frequency band, thereby achieving multi-band compatibility without increasing component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (frequency tuning, bandwidth settings) of the baseband processing unit to adapt to different frequency bands. By modifying control parameters rather than physical hardware configuration, the system achieves adaptability across multiple bands while maintaining a fixed, simple hardware architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hardware is individually compatible with respective communication modes, then compatibility with multiple frequency bands is achieved, but terminal size reduction becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The baseband processing unit is designed as a universal component that serves all frequency bands through software control. This eliminates the need for multiple separate baseband processing hardware sets, significantly reducing the terminal's overall volume while maintaining full multi-band compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the baseband signal processing functions for all frequency bands into a single integrated unit. By combining what would traditionally be separate hardware components into one shared unit, the terminal achieves compact size while preserving the capability to operate across multiple frequency bands.
3Reliability
If control is executed in each communication mode, then specific mode optimization is achieved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The baseband processing unit operates autonomously without requiring mode-specific control configurations. It automatically processes incoming signals regardless of which frequency band or communication mode is active, eliminating the need for complex control logic that would otherwise be required to switch between different processing modes for each band.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for simpler structure and control in processing baseband signals across multiple frequency bands, reducing hardware complexity and enabling efficient reception and transmission of signals with different frequencies and bandwidths.
Implementation Method 1
a filtering unit (corresponding to BPFs 9 described in the embodiment described below) including a plurality of BPFs associated with signals having the respective frequency bands
Implementation Method 2
a down-converting unit (corresponding to down-converter 7) that down-converts a filtered signal into a baseband signal while switching frequencies under control of the controlling unit
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus associated with a system that uses two or more discontinuous frequency bands. The communication apparatus includes a BPF (band pass filter) including a plurality of BPFs associated with signals having respective frequency bands; a controller that controls each unit to transmit/receive the signals having the respective frequency bands; a down-converter that down-converts a filtered signal into a baseband signal while switching frequencies under control of the controller; a receiver that performs predetermined reception processing under control of the controller; and a transmitter that performs predetermined transmission processing under control of the controller, and common hardware is used in communication in all frequency bands with respect to processing of the baseband signal.