Intel White Paper Simplifies Simultaneous Multi-Mode RRH Hardware Design
Summary
Engineered for next-generation wireless deployment, this guide details complex solutions for Multi-mode Remote Radio Heads (RRHs). It addresses the technical challenges of supporting simultaneous operation across diverse standards (e.g., MC-GSM, WCDMA, LTE) using programmable FPGA platforms. The whitepaper explores simplified digital IF processing architectures, highlighting crucial design trade-offs between modular and duplicated DUC approaches. Ideal for telecom engineers and infrastructure OEMs building universal, future-proof base stations that require cost-effective, standardized upgrades.
Page 1 Text Content
White Paper
Simplifying Simultaneous Multimode RRH Design
RRH technology with support for simultaneous operation of multiple air-interface protocols is an emerging end-product requirement. The diverse modulation formats and sampling rates between standards such as MC-GSM, WCDMA, and LTE make designing common building blocks, including DUCs and DDCs, challenging. This white paper explores potential filter-chain architectures to simplify simultaneous multimode digital IF processing design, and highlights the productivity and resource utilization tradeoffs between a modular DUC approach and a duplicated DUC approach for a multimode MC-GSM/WCDMA/LTE design.
Introduction
An alo g F
Multimode basestations capable of supporting multiple standards such as MC-GSM, WCDMA, Wi MAX, and LTE offer numerous benefits for both operators and infrastructure OEMs.
The benefits to operators include:
Flexible use of available spectrum via inlay deployment of new networks such as LTE Reduction of capital expenses by reusing existing basestation equipment and making only software or board level upgrades for deploying new networks Reduction of operating expenses by reusing cell sites (saves on rental costs), reusing remote radio heads (RRHs)
(saves on installation costs), and reusing backhaul Di git al IF
Ability to future-proof networks and reduction of long-term total cost of ownership
The benefits to infrastructure OEMs include:
Reduction of R&D expenses via universal basestation approach for multiple standards Simplification of product line management Ability to quickly adapt to evolving standards and bug fixes via programmable hardware Ability to differentiate from competition and charge a premium for future-proof equipment
While separate cost-optimized channel cards can be added to the basestation cabinet to deploy the modem functionality for various standards, upgrading tower-mounted RRHs with corresponding standard-specific cards is not a desirable solution for operators from an operating expense standpoint. Hence, a universal RRH capable of supporting multiple standards via only software upgrades is an emerging market requirement. The emergence of MC-GSM deployment using multicarrier-power amplifier (MC-PA) technology also enables the multimode RRH trend. Recent changes in spectrum regulations make it possible to use MC-PAs and digital intermediate frequency (IF) processing to deploy multiple GSM carriers, as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1. MC-GSM Digital IF Processing With MC-PA Technology
Baseband DAC PA Baseband
Baseband DAC PA Baseband Baseband DAC PA
Baseband DAC PA Baseband
Single-carrier power amplifier Multi-carrier power amplifier
MC-PAs and digital IF architectures predominantly are used for developing multicarrier 3G basestations, including WCDMA and CDMA2000. With MC-GSM moving to a similar architecture, it is now possible to build multimode RRHs that support MC-GSM, WCDMA, and LTE. Going forward, RRHs may require various levels of multimode support for:
WP-01097-1.0 March 2009, ver. 1.0
Page Summary Contents For Intel White Paper Simplifies Simultaneous Multi-Mode RRH Hardware Design
Manual Details
| Brand | Intel |
|---|---|
| Pages | 13 |
| File Size | 1.14 MB |
| Published | June 05, 2026 |
Enter the captcha to get the download link:
Frequently Asked Questions
What wireless standards can a multimode RRH support?
It is capable of supporting MC-GSM, WCDMA, and LTE.
Can I update the RRH without physical replacements?
The system enables flexibility through software upgrades, allowing for reprogramming in the factory or remotely in the field.
Is simultaneous operation and reconfiguration possible?
Yes, the RRH supports both simultaneous multimode operation and run-time reconfiguration for varying traffic demands.
What hardware platform is suitable for implementing this design?
State-of-the-art FPGAs, such as Altera Stratix IV GX, offer high-performance platforms for multicarrier systems.