Backscatter Reflector Reference Signaling for Channel Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backscatter communication systems suffer from poor channel estimation performance due to reliance on data packet headers for channel estimation, which degrades the accuracy of channel estimation and data demodulation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating reference signals into excitation signals in backscatter communication, allowing the reflector to reflect data and reference signals, enabling the receiver to estimate the channel more accurately by canceling out excitation signals, thereby improving channel estimation and data demodulation performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If channel estimation is performed using preamble sequence of data packet header, then channel estimation can be implemented, but channel estimation performance is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reference signal as an intermediary element between the excitation signal and the data signal. This reference signal carries channel information that enables accurate channel estimation without relying on the data packet header. The reference signal acts as a mediator that provides the necessary channel state information for both channel estimation and excitation signal cancellation, thereby improving both measurement precision and reliability simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding the reference signal in advance within the excitation signal before data transmission. This allows the receiver to perform channel estimation and excitation signal cancellation operations using the pre-positioned reference signal, rather than relying on post-processing of data packet headers. The reference signal is prepared and placed in the transmission signal beforehand to enable accurate channel characterization
2Measurement precision
If reference signals are incorporated into excitation signals, then channel estimation performance is improved, but signal structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reference signal with the excitation signal by embedding the reference signal directly into the excitation signal structure. This combining approach allows the reference signal to be transmitted along with the excitation signal without requiring separate transmission resources. The merged signal structure enables channel estimation while maintaining signal efficiency, as the reference signal components are integrated rather than added as separate elements
Solution Approach 2:
The excitation signal structure is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides energy for backscatter communication, carries the reference signal for channel estimation, and enables data transmission. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by having the excitation signal fulfill multiple roles rather than requiring separate signals for each function, thereby improving channel estimation performance without proportionally increasing signal structure complexity
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
The proposed method enhances channel estimation and data demodulation performance by accurately estimating the channel and reducing interference from excitation signals, leading to improved signal reception and demodulation.
Implementation Method 1
Backscatter communication is a technology in which energy may be obtained by receiving a radio signal through an antenna, and communication is performed by reflecting the radio signal received by an antenna end
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides a signal transmission method and apparatus, a reflector, and a receiver. In one example method, a reflector receives W excitation signals, where W exciters may be configured to carry data and a reference signal that are reflected by the reflector; and the reflector reflects data and L reference signals to a receiver, where the L reference signals are respectively carried in L excitation signals in the W excitation signals, where W and L are both integers greater than or equal to 1, and L is less than or equal to W.