Reconfigurable terminals: An overview of architectural solutions

Key technical aspects concerning the realization of a reconfigurable user t erminal based on software-defined radio technology are discussed in this ar ticle. These include functionalities such as mode monitoring, mode switchin g, adaptive baseband, and software download. The implications of these func tionalities and the need for related entities within the network are also d iscussed. The concepts presented here form part of the 5th Framework IST Eu ropean Research project Transparent Reconfigurable Ubiquitous Terminal (TRU ST). It is the intention of this article to present the technical achieveme nts of the TRUST project together with an overview of the potential complex ity in the realization of a reconfigurable user terminal.