Software-Configurable Wireless Modem Antenna Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless WWAN modems require multiple hardware units with different antenna port configurations to accommodate various frequency bands, leading to logistical challenges, increased design and verification efforts, and higher certification costs.
Innovation Solution
A wireless modem device with software-configurable multiple antenna ports, allowing a single hardware unit to support various antenna configurations through software-controlled switches and RF multiplexers, enabling flexibility in frequency band allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hardware units with different antenna port configurations are created, then various antenna configurations can be supported, but logistical challenges, design effort, verification efforts, and certification costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single wireless modem hardware unit that can be dynamically reconfigured to support multiple antenna port configurations (4-antenna and 6-antenna modes) through software control. The same physical hardware performs different functions by reconfiguring internal switches and RF multiplexers, eliminating the need for multiple specialized hardware units while maintaining full compatibility with various antenna port requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic reconfigurability where the antenna port configuration can be changed at runtime through software commands. The modem can switch between 4-antenna and 6-antenna configurations based on operational requirements, making the system adaptable without physical reconfiguration or multiple hardware variants
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hardware units are created for different antenna configurations, then user requirements can be met, but manufacturing and logistics become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal modem platform that manufactures only one hardware design capable of serving all antenna configuration needs. This single platform approach simplifies production lines, inventory management, and supply chain logistics while still providing customers with the required antenna port flexibility through software configuration
3Device complexity
If a single hardware unit with software configurable antenna ports is used, then device complexity is reduced, but software control mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical approach of having multiple hardware variants with a software-based reconfiguration system. Instead of manufacturing different hardware units, the system uses software-controlled switches and RF multiplexers to dynamically configure antenna ports, substituting physical diversity with digital control
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless modem device. The device includes a plurality of transceivers, a plurality of antenna ports, a plurality of RF multiplexers, and a plurality of switches. Each transceiver is configured to process a radio frequency (RF) signal in a specific frequency band. Each antenna port is coupled to one of a plurality of antennas. Each RF multiplexer is configured to split an RF signal received via a common port of the RF multiplexer to one of frequency-specific ports of the RF multiplexer based on a frequency band of the RF signal and combine RF signals received via the frequency-specific ports into the common port, wherein the common port of each RF multiplexer is coupled to one of the antenna ports. Each switch is configurable by software to couple one of the transceivers to one of the antenna ports.