Shared Baseband Processor for Multi-Bandwidth Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication devices struggle to operate efficiently across multiple bandwidths and protocols, such as UWB and 802.11n, due to the need for separate baseband processors and MAC sections, which increases complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilizes a shared baseband processor to generate and receive signals across different bandwidths by selecting alternate clock sampling frequencies, allowing for operation in both UWB and 802.11n modes with the same baseband and MAC sections, enabling flexible data rate adjustments and compatibility with various protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate baseband processors are used for different protocols (UWB and 802.11n), then each protocol can be optimized independently, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The baseband processor is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting both UWB and 802.11n protocols through a single unified architecture. The processor can dynamically configure its parameters (such as FFT size, subcarrier spacing, and sampling rate) to adapt to different protocol requirements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated processors for each protocol while maintaining optimized performance for both standards
Solution Approach 2:
The baseband processor employs dynamic reconfiguration capabilities that allow it to switch between different operational modes (UWB and 802.11n) by adjusting key parameters in real-time. This includes dynamically changing the sampling clock frequency, IFFT/FFT processing parameters, and resource allocation based on the active protocol, enabling a single processor to effectively replace multiple static processors
2Reliability
If multiple baseband processors are deployed for different bandwidths, then protocol-specific performance is maximized, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The baseband processor is designed as a universal platform that can handle both UWB and 802.11n protocols with a single hardware instance. By implementing protocol-agnostic signal processing pipelines with configurable parameters, the design achieves near-optimal performance for both protocols without requiring multiple specialized processors, thereby reducing manufacturing costs through component consolidation
Solution Approach 2:
The processor utilizes parameter reconfiguration to adapt to different protocol requirements. Key parameters such as sampling rate, IFFT size, subcarrier spacing, and resource block allocation can be dynamically adjusted based on whether the system is operating in UWB or 802.11n mode, allowing a single processor design to achieve protocol-specific optimization without requiring multiple hardware variants
3Device complexity
If a shared baseband processor is used for multiple protocols, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to handle protocol-specific optimizations is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The shared baseband processor incorporates dynamic reconfiguration mechanisms that enable it to switch between UWB and 802.11n operational modes by adjusting critical parameters in real-time. This includes dynamically changing the sampling clock frequency, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) processing parameters, and resource allocation strategies based on the active protocol, thereby maintaining optimized performance for each protocol while using a single shared hardware platform
Solution Approach 2:
The processor achieves protocol-specific optimization through parameter changes by allowing flexible configuration of key operational parameters. For UWB mode, parameters such as sampling rate and subcarrier spacing are adjusted to match UWB requirements, while for 802.11n mode, different parameter sets are applied. This parameter flexibility enables a single processor to effectively replace multiple protocol-specific processors without sacrificing performance
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for transceiving information via alternate bandwidths using a shared baseband processor. The transmission method selects clock sampling frequencies, for example a first clock frequency (l×F1), or a second clock frequency (k×F1), where k>l. Digital information is processed using the selected clock sampling frequency and a baseband signal is generated. Regardless of the clock sampling frequency selected, the baseband signal may have the same number of subcarrier frequencies. The baseband signal is converted into a radio frequency (RF) signal having a data rate responsive to a selected clock frequency, and transmitted. More explicitly, a first baseband signal is generated having a first data rate in response to selecting the first clock frequency. A second baseband signal having a second data rate greater than the first data rate, may be generated in response to selecting the second clock frequency.