Abstract: A compact radio core engine (CE) module uniquely small in size and power consumption, in which only two circuit boards provide all the modem and transceiver functions needed for modern military radios. A modem circuit board has modem devices and a first connector mounted on the board, and a radio frequency (RF) circuit board has RF devices and a second connector mounted on the board. A module frame has an interior wall, and a side wall about the periphery of the interior wall. The modem and the RF circuit boards are positioned on opposite sides of the interior wall, and the connectors on the two boards mate with one another through an opening in the interior wall to exchange operating data and signals between the devices on the boards. The modem circuit board is seated entirely within a recess formed by the interior and the side walls of the frame.

Abstract: A compact communications radio core engine (CE) module includes a modem circuit board having a first connector, and a radio frequency (RF) circuit board having a second connector configured to mate with the first connector of the modem circuit card. A module shell is constructed and arranged to contain the modem and the RF circuit boards in such an orientation so that the second connector of the RF circuit board can operatively engage the first connector of the modem circuit card.