Antenna Delay Compensation for Centimeter Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current positioning technologies face challenges in achieving centimeter accuracy due to timing errors associated with signal transmission and reception delays, particularly in radio frequency chains and antenna phase centers, which are not accurately accounted for in existing calibration methods.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that measure frequency-variable delays associated with antenna impedance to estimate and compensate for total delay errors, allowing for precise reduction of transmission and reception timing errors by calculating and applying scaling factors to these delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If calibration/compensation of relative time delay between radio frequency chains is performed, then transmission and reception timing errors are reduced, but the delay due to signal propagation through the antenna radiator is not accurately accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total delay error into two distinct components: (1) the delay due to signal propagation through the antenna radiator (transmission direction), and (2) the delay due to signal propagation through the antenna radiator in the reception direction. By measuring and characterizing these components separately using reflected signals, the patent enables accurate compensation of each component independently, resolving the contradiction between achieving high timing accuracy and managing calibration complexity.
2Measurement precision
If frequency-variable delays associated with antenna impedance are measured and compensated, then positioning accuracy is enhanced, but additional measurement and processing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurements of the frequency-variable delays associated with antenna impedance using reflected signals before actual positioning operations. By pre-characterizing these delays and storing them for later compensation, the system achieves high positioning accuracy without requiring complex real-time measurements during positioning operations, thus resolving the contradiction between accuracy and processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses reflected signals to measure the frequency-variable delays and then applies this feedback information to compensate for the delays in subsequent transmissions and receptions. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically adjust for impedance variations and maintain high positioning accuracy while reducing the need for continuous complex measurements.
3Measurement precision
If antenna resonance induced delay is measured and compensated, then timing errors are reduced, but the complex impedance of the antenna must be characterized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of antenna resonance and complex impedance into a beneficial measurement opportunity. By measuring the reflected signal from the antenna, the system can characterize the frequency-variable delay caused by resonance and impedance variations. This previously problematic effect is transformed into a useful diagnostic signal that enables accurate compensation, resolving the contradiction between timing accuracy and measurement difficulty.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances positioning accuracy by effectively reducing timing errors, enabling centimeter-level precision in distance measurements and positioning, particularly in 3GPP specifications and other applications requiring high accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a frequency-variable first delay associated with reflection of a transmitted signal by a frequency-variable complex impedance of the first antenna
Implementation Method 2
frequency-variable complex impedance of the first antenna
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided that includes means for obtaining a total delay error that when added to a reference time equivalent to a reference distance between first and second antennas equals a difference between a transmission time of a signal sent via the first antenna and a reception time of the signal received via the second antenna; means for measuring a frequency-variable first delay associated with reflection of a signal from a frequency-variable complex impedance of the first antenna; means for measuring a frequency-variable second delay associated with reflection of a signal from a frequency-variable complex impedance of the second antenna; means for estimating a first portion of the total delay error associated with the first antenna in dependence upon at least the first delay; and means for estimating a second portion of the total delay error associated with the second antenna in dependence upon at least the second delay.