Modular RF assemblies are described for radio networks. The modular RF assemblies include a number of replaceable elements for simplified maintenance and upgradability. In particular, the modular RF assemblies include a control assembly which includes electronics, an RF antenna assembly that includes one or more RF antennas, and a mounting plate. The RF antenna assembly is removably mounted to the control assembly, and the control assembly is removably mounted to the mounting plate. During a maintenance operation and/or an upgrade operation, the control assembly and/or the RF antenna assembly may be replaced to resolve a defective component, to modify the orientation or type of the one or more RF antennas, to change the type of wireless spectrum used for the radio network, etc.

Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of vehicular systems including distributed active antennas, adaptive cellphone evolution (e.g., via a smartphone, mobile device, user equipment, etc.) and/or integrated access and backhaul. In exemplary embodiments, a distributed antenna system includes a central unit onboard a vehicle. The central unit includes a transceiver configured to operate in a cellular network. The central unit also includes an analog to digital converter/digital to analog converter coupled to the transceiver. Four active antennas are onboard the vehicle. Each active antenna includes an analog to digital converter/digital to analog converter and is configured to communicate with the central unit digitally. A link connects each of the active antennas to the central unit. The link is configured to transmit signals digitally and support at least 10 Gbps of bandwidth between the central unit and the active antennas.

Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of vehicular systems including distributed active antennas, adaptive cellphone evolution (e.g., via a smartphone, mobile device, user equipment, etc.) and/or integrated access and backhaul. In exemplary embodiments, a distributed antenna system includes a central unit onboard a vehicle. The central unit includes a transceiver configured to operate in a cellular network. The central unit also includes an analog to digital converter/digital to analog converter coupled to the transceiver. Four active antennas are onboard the vehicle. Each active antenna includes an analog to digital converter/digital to analog converter and is configured to communicate with the central unit digitally. A link connects each of the active antennas to the central unit. The link is configured to transmit signals digitally and support at least 10 Gbps of bandwidth between the central unit and the active antennas.

The disclosure relates to a circuit arrangement for transmitting uplink and downlink signals between at least one terminal device and at least one antenna, wherein the circuit arrangement comprises a signal coupler for providing a decoupled uplink or downlink signal, a device for providing a reference signal of adjustable frequency, a mixer for mixing the decoupled signal and the reference signal and a filter device for low-pass or bandpass filtering of the mixed signal, wherein the circuit arrangement comprises an evaluation device for evaluating the filtered signal, wherein, depending on the adjusted frequency of the reference signal and on at least one signal property of the filtered signal, a frequency band or channel in which the transmitted signal is being transmitted can be identified, and also to a method for identifying a frequency band or channel.

A modular control device for a vehicle comprises: a base frame mounted on the vehicle; and an upgrade frame detachably mounted on the base frame. A first printed circuit board (PCB), on which a base block for providing an interface with devices in the vehicle is implemented, is mounted on the base frame. A second PCB having a memory and a main processor is mounted on the upgrade frame.

A modular control device for a vehicle comprises: a base frame mounted on the vehicle; and an upgrade frame detachably mounted on the base frame. A first printed circuit board (PCB), on which a base block for providing an interface with devices in the vehicle is implemented, is mounted on the base frame. A second PCB having a memory and a main processor is mounted on the upgrade frame.

Distributed radio frequency (RF) communication systems for automotive are disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, an RF communication system for an automobile includes an RF module located close to an antenna to satisfy a specified output power with small insertion loss. Additionally, the baseband processor is placed remotely from the RF module in a different area of the automobile to provide a lower temperature environment. Additionally, the RF module communicates with the baseband processor in a digital format eliminating the need for higher cost cabling (for instance, due to higher noise immunity arising from using digital signaling) and using digital transfer cabling, which can already be present in the automobile for other purposes. The RF module can include an RF front-end (RFFE) and a transceiver used for providing frequency conversion, for instance, between RF and baseband.

Distributed radio frequency (RF) communication systems for automotive are disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, an RF communication system for an automobile includes an RF module located close to an antenna to satisfy a specified output power with small insertion loss. Additionally, the baseband processor is placed remotely from the RF module in a different area of the automobile to provide a lower temperature environment. Additionally, the RF module communicates with the baseband processor in a digital format eliminating the need for higher cost cabling (for instance, due to higher noise immunity arising from using digital signaling) and using digital transfer cabling, which can already be present in the automobile for other purposes. The RF module can include an RF front-end (RFFE) and a transceiver used for providing frequency conversion, for instance, between RF and baseband.

A modular mobility base for a modular autonomous bot apparatus transporting an item being shipped including a mobile base platform, a component alignment interface, a mobility controller, a propulsion and steering system, and sensors. The component alignment interface provides an alignment channel into which another modular component can be placed and secured on the platform. The mobility controller generates propulsion control signals for controlling speed of the modular mobility base and steering control signals for navigation of the modular mobility base. The propulsion system is connected to the platform and responsive to the propulsion control signal. The steering system is connected to the mobile base platform and is responsive to the steering control signal to cause changes to directional movement of the modular mobility base. The sensors are disposed on the platform provide feedback sensor data to the mobility controller about a condition of the modular mobility base.

A modular mobility base for a modular autonomous bot apparatus transporting an item being shipped including a mobile base platform, a component alignment interface, a mobility controller, a propulsion and steering system, and sensors. The component alignment interface provides an alignment channel into which another modular component can be placed and secured on the platform. The mobility controller generates propulsion control signals for controlling speed of the modular mobility base and steering control signals for navigation of the modular mobility base. The propulsion system is connected to the platform and responsive to the propulsion control signal. The steering system is connected to the mobile base platform and is responsive to the steering control signal to cause changes to directional movement of the modular mobility base. The sensors are disposed on the platform provide feedback sensor data to the mobility controller about a condition of the modular mobility base.