Adaptive Antenna Switching Pattern for Angle of Arrival

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing direction finding algorithms, such as AoX algorithms, face accuracy issues due to settling delays in antenna switching patterns caused by inductive or capacitive elements, which affect the quality of I and Q signals used for angle of arrival calculations.

Innovation Solution

The method involves determining a preferred antenna switching pattern using neural networks trained with I and Q signals to minimize settling delays, allowing for more accurate angle of arrival calculations by selecting the optimal sequence of antenna elements for signal sampling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a conventional antenna switching pattern is used, then the signal acquisition process is simple and fast, but the settling delays caused by inductive or capacitive elements reduce the quality of I and Q signals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality of I and Q signalsVSAvoidsettling delays
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the antenna switching pattern adaptive rather than fixed. The system dynamically selects switching patterns based on real-time signal characteristics and angle of arrival estimates, allowing the multiplexer to optimize its switching behavior for each specific measurement scenario, thereby reducing settling delays while maintaining signal quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of the antenna switching pattern based on signal conditions. By adjusting the switching sequence and timing parameters according to the estimated angle of arrival and signal characteristics, the system optimizes the balance between settling time and signal quality, allowing faster acquisition without sacrificing measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the antenna switching pattern is optimized for accuracy, then the quality of I and Q signals improves, but the complexity of determining the optimal pattern increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of angle of arrivalVSAvoidcomplexity of switching pattern selection
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by using the estimated angle of arrival and signal quality metrics to inform subsequent switching pattern selections. The system continuously monitors measurement outcomes and uses this feedback to refine its pattern selection strategy, improving accuracy while managing complexity through intelligent reuse of previous results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-characterizing different antenna switching patterns and their performance characteristics under various conditions. This pre-computed information is stored and retrieved during operation, avoiding the need for complex real-time optimization while still achieving high accuracy through informed pattern selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If multiple antenna switching patterns are evaluated, then the accuracy of angle of arrival calculation improves, but the time required for signal acquisition increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of direction findingVSAvoidsignal acquisition speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by evaluating only a subset of possible antenna switching patterns rather than exhaustively testing all patterns. The system selects and evaluates only those patterns most likely to provide accurate measurements based on preliminary estimates, achieving high accuracy without the time penalty of complete evaluation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses periodic action by alternating between different antenna switching patterns in a structured sequence. This periodic evaluation allows the system to gather sufficient data for accurate angle of arrival calculation while maintaining a predictable and efficient acquisition timeline, balancing accuracy requirements with acquisition speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS11486957B2Dynamic switch pattern selection for angle of arrival
Publication Date: 2022.11.01 SILICON LABORATORIES INC
  • US11486957B2 patent drawing
  • US11486957B2 patent drawing
  • US11486957B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A device and method for improving the accuracy of angle of arrival and departure computations is disclosed. The device and method rely on manipulation of the antenna switching pattern to achieve an improved calculation of arrival angle. In one embodiment, the device calculates an estimate angle of arrival using conventional methods. The device then determines which of a plurality of different antenna switching pattern yields the more accurate results at this estimated angle of arrival. The AoA measurement is then repeated using the preferred antenna switching pattern. In another embodiment, the device captures the amplitude and/or phase of the signal from each antenna element. The device then sorts these antenna elements and defines a preferred antenna switching pattern based on the sort list. The AoA measurement is then performed using the preferred antenna switching pattern. In another embodiment, neural networks may be utilized to determine the preferred antenna switching pattern.