Software-Programmable Radio Architecture for Multi-Carrier Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cellular radio architectures are inflexible and costly due to their reliance on static channelizing approaches, requiring multiple hardware platforms to support various global cellular standards and frequency bands, which leads to high maintenance and upgrade costs, especially in automotive applications where standards evolve rapidly.
Innovation Solution
A software-programmable cellular radio architecture utilizing delta-sigma modulators and multiplexers to enable simultaneous signal processing across multiple frequency bands, allowing for software updates to adapt to changing standards and extending the lifespan of radio hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a static channelizing approach with multiple disparate radio front-end and baseband processing chips is used, then support for multiple cellular standards and frequency bands is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal radio front-end architecture where a single reconfigurable radio unit can operate across multiple frequency bands and cellular standards (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G) by dynamically reconfiguring its parameters through software control, eliminating the need for multiple standard-specific hardware platforms
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic reconfigurability where the radio front-end can adapt its operating characteristics in real-time through software-defined parameters, allowing seamless transition between different cellular standards and frequency bands without physical hardware changes
2Reliability
If dedicated hardware tuned for specific RF frequency bands is installed, then reliable operation at the intended frequency is achieved, but adaptability to changing cellular standards is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter reconfigurability where the radio system maintains reliable operation at any frequency band by dynamically adjusting operational parameters (frequency, bandwidth, modulation schemes) through software control, allowing the same hardware to reliably adapt to new cellular standards as they emerge
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple static channelizing components including narrow-band filters and duplexers are used, then signal processing for specific bands is optimized, but system flexibility and upgradeability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical narrow-band filters and duplexers with software-defined filtering and frequency separation techniques, allowing the same hardware to be reconfigured for different frequency bands and standards through digital signal processing, thereby maintaining signal processing optimization while enabling system upgradeability
4Reliability
If separate radio platforms are maintained for each cellular standard, then support for each standard is ensured, but maintenance and upgrade costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal radio platform that consolidates support for multiple cellular standards (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G) into a single hardware system, where software updates can enable or disable support for different standards as needed, dramatically reducing the number of radio platforms, components, and suppliers required
Data Source
AI summary
A apparatus for dynamically modifying filter characteristics of a delta-sigma modulator in order to receive and transmit radio frequency signals over a wide frequency range. The system is used for wide bandwidth radio system designed to adapt to various global radio standards and, more particularly, to a cellular radio architecture that employs a combination of a single circulator, programmable band-pass sampling radio frequency (RF) front-end and optimized digital baseband that is capable of supporting all current cellular wireless access protocol frequency bands.