Technical description

Fraunhofer IIS developed a hardware and software platform that allows for highly configurable repeaters or remote antenna units. The platform consists of the following modules:

FPGA-Einheit

FPGA unit: The FPGA unit based on the Virtex4FX technology by Xilinx is being used as centerpiece for the software platform. 16 bit or 32 bit parallel interfaces provide up to twelve RF frontend modules, which makes the platform ideal for multi-band and multi-standard applications. Up to 20 fast serial interfaces allow for application as remote antenna units with digital optical connection.

RF front-end module

Various RF frontend modules are available, which are dedicated to specific frequency bands (GSM900, GSM1800, UMTS) but also suited for universal broadband applications. With only minor modifications they can be adapted to other frequency ranges (e. g. North America or LTE).

A firmware framework custom tailored to the platform facilitates ready digital signal processing implementation. The scientist can turn his full attention on custom-made signal processing components. The framework has been designed to support the great flexibility of the modular hardware.

Controller

The embedded PowerPC takes on the monitoring and configuration of the platform. Embedded Linux is implemented on the processor. Configuration is possible via remote access or locally via web interface. Alarm messages are delivered via radio connection according to the X711 protocol.

Application

Remote antenna units will more and more replace classic installations with base stations with integrated RF frontends. To name but a few advantages:

The antenna unit can be installed very closely to the antenna, minimizing the signal power attenuation between amplifier and antenna. This guarantees substantial savings in energy costs as the amplifier has to generate significantly less signal power.

Their compact design makes the antenna units nearly invisible in most antenna installations. The larger base station can be set up anywhere within a 30 km distance.

RF cables from the base station to the antenna mast, as intended among others for multiple antenna applications (e. g. MIMO) in the mobile communication standard LTE, impose significant costs. The RF cables can now be replaced by one single optical connection.

Repeater will continue to play a decisive role in future small cell networks in order to provide mobile radio services in areas of low coverage and to improve cell-edge performance. Rail passenger services increasingly make efficient use of the mobile application of repeaters.

Offer

Fraunhofer IIS has the expertise and experience required to offer complete, custom-made system solutions. Product integration is based on a license agreement cut to suit your specific business model.

We are more than happy to work with you to create the perfect custom hard- and software and to further develop prototypes to meet all your requirements.

Based on our long-term experience in the area antenna and mobile communications technology we are in the position to give an independent evaluation of your ideas and to discuss the most suitable approach. Fraunhofer will guide you through the entire development process to ensure measurable and sustainable success for new strategic solutions.

An R&D contract or license agreement grants access to know-how as well as hardware and software.