Software Defined Radio Architecture for Multi-Protocol Wireless Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless hardware in computing devices is often limited to supporting a specific wireless technology, lacking flexibility to adapt to different communication protocols and frequencies, which restricts their ability to communicate with diverse devices and networks.
Innovation Solution
A software defined radio architecture with a separate control plane and data plane allows for dynamic configuration and reconfiguration to support multiple wireless technologies by identifying and implementing functions in either software or hardware, enabling efficient communication across various protocols and frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless hardware is configured with predefined settings for specific wireless technologies, then communication reliability for those technologies is improved, but adaptability to support multiple wireless technologies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal radio architecture where a single radio hardware component can perform multiple wireless technology functions through software configuration. The radio is designed with configurable parameters including frequency ranges, modulation schemes, and protocol stacks that can be dynamically adjusted to support different wireless standards (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, WiMAX, etc.), eliminating the need for separate dedicated hardware for each technology while maintaining reliable communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic reconfigurability to the radio hardware through software-controlled parameters. The system can dynamically change operating frequencies, bandwidth allocations, modulation types, and protocol behaviors based on the required wireless technology. This dynamic adaptation allows the same physical hardware to reliably communicate across multiple standards without manual reconfiguration or hardware changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple radios are included to support different wireless technologies, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple dedicated radio components into a single universal radio that can perform all wireless technology functions through software. Instead of including separate physical radios for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and WiMAX, the system uses one configurable radio with a library of software modules that can be loaded to provide the required functionality, significantly reducing hardware complexity while maintaining full multi-technology support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate radio components into a single integrated radio system. By combining the hardware resources and control logic into one unified platform with software-defined functionality, the system achieves the same adaptability as multiple separate radios would provide, but with reduced component count, lower power consumption, and simplified device architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If software is used to configure radio parameters for different wireless technologies, then adaptability is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements pre-configured parameter sets and protocol stacks for various wireless technologies that are stored in the system's memory. When a specific wireless technology is needed, the system can rapidly load the pre-prepared configuration data and begin communication almost immediately. This preliminary preparation of configuration templates eliminates the need for time-consuming real-time calculation and setup of radio parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the software configuration process by implementing efficient parameter switching mechanisms. Instead of reconfiguring individual radio parameters one by one, the system uses pre-defined parameter sets that can be switched as a group. This allows rapid transitions between different wireless technologies by simply changing the active configuration profile, minimizing the time required for reconfiguration while maintaining full adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device with a software defined radio. The software defined radio has an architecture with separate components to provide control functions and data processing functions. The control components configure the data processing components so that the software defined radio provides desired operating characteristics. To facilitate programming the software defined radio to communicate according to one or more wireless technologies, the computing device may include a library of wireless technology specifications. By accessing a technology specification in the library, the control components can determine an appropriate configuration of the data processing components for a selected wireless technology. The data processing components may be hardware or software and, if hardware and software components are available to perform a data processing function, the control components may select between the hardware and software components depending on throughput, processor loading or other criteria.