WLAN Signal Processing Chip for Remote Baseband-RF Split

Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing number of antennas in wireless local area network (WLAN) access points (APs) leads to larger volumes and higher power consumption, posing challenges in reducing device size and energy efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A signal processing chip is designed to process WLAN signals from baseband to intermediate frequency in a digital domain, allowing for separate and remote deployment of baseband and radio frequency processing apparatuses connected via wired interfaces, reducing volume and power consumption by avoiding mirror signals and interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the number of MIMOs supported by the AP increases, then the data transmission rate is improved, but the volume and power consumption of the AP increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidvolume of the AP

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the wireless communication device into two separate functional modules: a baseband processing module and a radio frequency processing module. The baseband processing module handles digital signal processing tasks, while the radio frequency processing module manages analog radio frequency signals. This segmentation allows the device to support multiple MIMOs with higher data transmission rates while keeping each module's volume and power consumption manageable, as they can be optimized independently or distributed across multiple antennas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Speed

If the number of MIMOs supported by the AP increases, then the data transmission rate is improved, but the power consumption of the AP increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidpower consumption of the AP

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the wireless communication device into two separate functional modules: a baseband processing module and a radio frequency processing module. The baseband processing module handles digital signal processing tasks, while the radio frequency processing module manages analog radio frequency signals. This segmentation allows the device to support multiple MIMOs with higher data transmission rates while keeping each module's power consumption manageable, as they can be optimized independently or distributed across multiple antennas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces analog signal processing with digital signal processing in the baseband processing module. By using digital baseband signals instead of analog signals, the system achieves better signal quality and reduces interference while maintaining lower power consumption. The digital domain processing allows for more efficient algorithms and better resource utilization, contributing to reduced overall power consumption despite supporting multiple MIMOs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If analog baseband signal processing is used, then signal processing can be performed, but mirror signals and interference are generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal processing capabilityVSAvoidmirror signal and interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces analog signal processing with digital signal processing in the baseband processing module. By using digital baseband signals instead of analog signals, the system achieves better signal quality and reduces interference while maintaining lower power consumption. The digital domain processing allows for more efficient algorithms and better resource utilization, contributing to reduced overall power consumption despite supporting multiple MIMOs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11955996B2Signal processing chip and communications device

Publication Date: 2024.04.09 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A signal processing chip includes: a receiving module, configured to receive a WLAN analog baseband signal from a baseband chip; an analog-to-digital conversion module, configured to convert the WLAN analog baseband signal into a WLAN digital baseband signal; a processing module, configured to process the WLAN digital baseband signal into a WLAN analog intermediate frequency signal; and a sending module, configured to send the WLAN analog intermediate frequency signal to a radio frequency processing apparatus.