Software-Defined Radio Terminal Using Standard Baseband API

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current radio applications require customized modules for each modem type, leading to significant manpower needs for optimization across various modem hardware, making it impractical to support multiple modem structures with existing technologies.

Innovation Solution

A software-defined radio terminal apparatus with a storage, compiler, and microprocessor that executes radio applications independently of the modem chip, using a standard baseband API to compile and load functional blocks for real-time control of the baseband accelerator, allowing for the distribution and installation of radio applications without modem-specific dependencies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If customized modules are developed for each modem type to enable radio applications to control modems, then radio applications can operate on specific modem models, but the device complexity and manpower requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradio application compatibilityVSAvoidcustomized module complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal standardized interface layer that enables a single radio application to control multiple different modem types without requiring customized modules for each modem model. This interface layer translates between the standardized control commands and modem-specific instructions, allowing one application to serve multiple modem varieties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary standardized interface layer between the radio application and the modem hardware. This interface acts as a mediator that converts standardized control commands into modem-specific instructions, eliminating the need for direct customization of radio applications for each modem type while maintaining full control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If different executable files are built for each modem to support radio applications, then specific modem models can be supported, but the manufacturing and distribution complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodem model supportVSAvoidapplication distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a single universal executable file that can run on multiple modem types by incorporating the standardized interface layer within the application itself. This eliminates the need to build and distribute separate executable files for each modem model, significantly simplifying the manufacturing and distribution process while maintaining broad modem compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If radio applications are optimized for all various kinds of modem hardware, then comprehensive modem support is achieved, but the development time and resources become impractical

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomprehensive modem supportVSAvoiddevelopment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the modem-specific adaptation logic from the radio application itself and places it in a separate standardized interface layer. This extraction allows the core radio application to remain unchanged and universally compatible, while the interface layer handles all modem-specific variations, making comprehensive modem support achievable without increasing development time for the application itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP2709341B1Software-defined radio terminal apparatus, and method for distributing and installing radio applications
Publication Date: 2019.11.06 INDUSTRY UNIVERSITY COOPERATION FOUNDATION HANYANG UNIVERSITY
  • EP2709341B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2709341B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2709341B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to the present invention, a software-defined radio terminal apparatus is a software-defined radio terminal apparatus which is adaptively constituted based on radio applications, and may comprise a storage unit, a microprocessor, and a baseband accelerator. The microprocessor reads, from the storage unit, a code, including a radio controller layer and a baseband driver layer, and executes the code, wherein the radio controller layer delivers a control command for controlling the baseband accelerator and information to be transmitted, from an upper layer to the baseband accelerator, and delivers the information received from the baseband accelerator to the upper layer, wherein the baseband driver layer provides interface between the radio controller layer and the baseband accelerator. In addition, the microprocessor is configured to load at least one functional block required for the implementation of a radio application from the storage unit to the baseband accelerator, and the functional block loaded to the baseband accelerator includes a baseband control functional block for controlling the baseband accelerator in real time.