Highly configurable radio frequency (RF) module
The disclosed embodiments relate to a communication device ( 200 ) that implements a subset of feature choices selected from a complete set of feature choices. An exemplary embodiment comprises at least one common hardware component ( 210 ) common to any subset of feature choices, and a base ( 102 ) that is adapted to accommodate installation of at least one optional hardware component ( 221 ) associated with at least one feature of the complete set of feature choices.
1. A method of manufacturing a radio frequency receiver module, said method comprising the steps of:
providing a base;
determining a first feature choice for the radio frequency receiver module, the first feature choice comprising one of:
an antenna;
a receiver; and
a stack of digital information;
selectively installing or omitting a first optional hardware component on the base dependent upon the determining step;
ascertaining a second feature choice for the radio frequency receiver module, the second feature choice comprising one of:
an audio format;
a ribbon cable connector;
a market in which the radio frequency receiver module will operate;
a memory size; and
a radio frequency connector; and
selectively installing or omitting a second optional hardware component on the base dependent upon the ascertaining step.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the audio format comprises SPDIF audio format or I2S audio format.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the ribbon cable connector comprises a J100 ribbon cable connector or a J101 ribbon cable connector.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the market in which the radio frequency receiver module will operate comprises a geographic area to which the module is to be delivered.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the memory size comprises a size of a memory device that is electrically connected to the baseband processor.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the radio frequency connector comprises a connector that is adapted to receive an RF signal from an antenna.