Base Station Frequency Correction for Node Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bidirectional data transmission systems between base stations and nodes face limitations in range and data transmission rate due to frequency deviations caused by quartz tolerance, leading to inefficient data packet synchronization and reduced channel capacity.

Innovation Solution

The system adjusts the base station transmission frequency based on the determined deviation of the node's frequency generator, allowing for precise synchronization and increased channel capacity by tuning the base station transmission frequency to the node reception frequency, thereby reducing the need for complex frequency generators and filters in nodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If nodes use fixed frequency generators with quartz tolerance, then device complexity is reduced, but frequency deviation causes data packet overlap and reduces channel capacity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenode frequency generator complexityVSAvoidchannel capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The base station measures the frequency deviation of each node's transmission and feeds back correction information to the node. The node uses this feedback to adjust its frequency generator, ensuring accurate synchronization without requiring complex pre-calibration hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The base station performs frequency deviation measurement and calculation before data transmission. By determining the actual frequency offset in advance and communicating correction values to nodes, the system prevents timing conflicts before they occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If buffer time is added between time slots to prevent data overlap, then reliability is improved, but data transmission rate decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata packet synchronizationVSAvoiddata transmission rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the mechanical approach of adding buffer time slots with a frequency-based solution. By measuring and correcting frequency deviations, the system achieves reliable synchronization without requiring additional time buffers, thus maintaining high data transmission rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If nodes use narrow reception filters to increase sensitivity, then detection precision is improved, but frequency deviation causes signal loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal reception sensitivityVSAvoidsignal reception reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The base station provides feedback information about each node's frequency deviation. Nodes use this feedback to adjust their transmission frequency to match the base station's expected frequency, ensuring that narrow reception filters can effectively capture signals without losing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Productivity

If base station adjusts transmission frequency to match node reception frequency, then data transmission rate is improved, but base station device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidbase station frequency adjustment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base station autonomously measures the frequency deviation of each node's transmission and calculates the necessary correction values. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex external synchronization equipment while achieving high data transmission rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3684114B1Concept for bi-directional data transmission between a base station and a node
Publication Date: 2023.11.08 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV
  • EP3684114B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3684114B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3684114B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a base station with bidirectional data transmission to a node. The base station has a device for receiving a data packet transmitted by the node at a node transmission frequency, wherein the node transmission frequency is derived from a frequency generator of the node. Furthermore, the base station has a device for determining the node transmission frequency based on the received data packet and for determining a deviation of the node's frequency generator based on a frequency deviation between the determined node transmission frequency and a target node transmission frequency assigned to the node.Furthermore, the base station has a device for sending a data packet to the node with a base station transmission frequency, wherein the device for sending the data packet is configured to adjust the base station transmission frequency based on the detected deviation of the node's frequency transmitter.