Distributed architecture wireless RF modem
View Patent ↗The present invention provides for a wireless radio frequency (“RF”) modem that plugs into a host computer and shares a central processing unit and memory with the host computer, wherein principal modem functions are distributed between the modem and the host computer. In one embodiment, the modem performs RF conversion, and the host computer performs baseband processing and protocol stack control. In another embodiment, the modem performs RF conversion and baseband processing, and the host computer performs protocol stack control.
1. A wireless radio frequency (RF) modem constructed to cooperatively operate with a host computing device having a memory, a central processing unit (“CPU”) for executing a protocol stack software program stored in the memory, and a baseband processing unit, the RF modem comprising:
an interface configured to physically couple the RF modem to the host computing device, the interface further configured during a receive mode to feed a modulated baseband signal generated by the RF modem to the host computing device, such that the baseband processing unit in the host computing device is enabled to covert the modulated baseband signal into a plurality of bits of data including protocol data and true data, and the CPU in the host computing device operating under the control of the protocol stack software program is enabled to separate the protocol data from the true data, the interface further configured during a transmit mode to feed a modulated baseband signal generated by the host computing device to the RF modem.
2. The RF modem of claim 1 , further comprising an RF head, wherein said RF head has at least one predetermined operating characteristic and wherein said RF modem further comprises an RF identification unit (“RFID”) coupled between said RF head and said interface, said RFTD operative to generate an identification signal that identifies said at least one operating characteristic of said RF head, said interface configured to feed said identification signal to said host computing device such that said host computing device is enabled to detect said identification signal and decode said at least one operating characteristic.
3. The RF modem of claim 2 , wherein said identification signal is an analog tone.
4. The RF modem of claim 2 , wherein said identification signal is a digital signal.
5. The RF modem of claim 2 , wherein one said operating characteristic of said RF head is an air standard used by said RF head.
6. The RF modem of claim 2 , wherein one said operating characteristic of said RF head is a frequency under which said RF head can operate.
7. The RF modem of claim 1 , wherein said host computing device is a personal digital assistant.
8. The RF modem of claim 7 , wherein said RF modem is dimensioned to fit within a cradle for said personal digital assistant.
9. The RF modem of claim 1 , wherein said host computing device is a laptop computer.
10. The RF modem of claim 9 , wherein said RF modem is dimensioned to correspond to a PCMCIA personal computer card.
11. The RF modem of claim 1 , wherein said interface is located internal to said host computing device.
12. The RF modem of claim 1 , wherein said interface is located external to said host computing device.
13. A system for providing wireless data communications comprising:
(a) a detachable wireless radio frequency (RF) modem comprising an interface; and
(b) a host computing device physically coupled to said RF modem via said interface, said host computing device configured during said receive mode to receive a modulated baseband generated by said RE modem through said interface, to convert said modulated baseband signal into a plurality of bits of data including protocol data and true data, and to separate said protocol data from said true data, said host computing device further configured during said transmit mode to generate said modulated baseband signal for feeding to said RE modem through said interface.
14. The system of claim 13 , wherein said RF modem has at least one predetermined operating characteristic and wherein said RF modem further comprises an RF identification unit (“RFID”) coupled to said interface, said RFID operative to generate an identification signal that identifies said at least one operating characteristic of said RF modem, said interface configured to feed said identification signal to said host computing device such that said host computing device is enabled to detect said identification signal and decode said at least one operating characteristic.