Unlicensed Spectrum Converter Using Translation Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing RF chip sets for unlicensed spectrum communication systems is costly and time-consuming due to the need for custom development for each frequency band, unlike licensed spectrum systems where millions of units are sold, justifying the expense.
Innovation Solution
A translation layer and agile Radio Front End (RFE) system that converts 3GPP compliant LTE or 5G baseband processors to operate in unlicensed spectrum bands by mapping Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Numbers (EARFCN) to unlicensed frequencies, allowing existing licensed spectrum RF chip sets to be used across various unlicensed bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If custom RF chip sets are designed for each unlicensed spectrum band, then communication performance is optimized, but development cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal RF chipset architecture that can operate across multiple licensed and unlicensed spectrum bands. The baseband processor and RF front end are designed with configurable parameters that allow them to adapt to different frequency bands without requiring custom design for each band, thus reducing development cost and time while maintaining communication performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by configuring the RF chipset with adjustable frequency parameters, power levels, and protocol settings that can be dynamically modified to suit different spectrum bands. This allows a single chipset design to serve multiple purposes across licensed and unlicensed bands without requiring physical redesign.
2Device complexity
If licensed spectrum RF chip sets are used for unlicensed spectrum, then development cost is reduced, but frequency band compatibility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic configurability to the RF chipset, allowing it to adapt its operating parameters in real-time based on the target frequency band. The system can dynamically adjust frequency synthesis, power amplification, and baseband processing parameters to maintain optimal performance across licensed and unlicensed spectrum bands using a single chipset design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an intermediary translation layer that maps licensed spectrum protocols and parameters to unlicensed spectrum requirements. This translation mechanism enables seamless operation of licensed spectrum RF chipsets in unlicensed bands by adapting control signals, frequency mappings, and communication protocols without requiring custom hardware design.
3Manufacturing precision
If custom RF chip sets are designed for each frequency band, then frequency-specific optimization is achieved, but manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the RF chipset into modular components with standardized interfaces. The baseband processor, RF front end, and frequency synthesis modules are designed as independent, interchangeable units that can be configured for different frequency bands through software or firmware settings rather than physical redesign, significantly reducing manufacturing time while maintaining frequency-specific optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
An unlicensed spectrum communication converter system and method allows 3GPP compliant integrated circuits (LTE, 5G) to be used in a unlicensed spectrum band communication system. In one implementation, each of the unlicensed spectrum base station and unlicensed spectrum user equipment (UE) may include a translation layer. The unlicensed spectrum communication converter system and method may be used with various unlicensed spectrums including, for example, television whitespace (TVWS) unlicensed spectrum, citizens broadband radio service (CBRS) and Wi-Fi (including all UNII bands from UNII-1 to UNII-8).