Base Station Signal Scanning for Local Oscillator Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cellular coverage measurement methods rely on GPS signals for frequency and timing references, which are unreliable indoors and in areas without GPS coverage, limiting the ability of scanners to maintain stable frequency and timing synchronization over long periods.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that utilize the strongest signal from base stations as a frequency and timing reference, using a software-defined radio to scan for signals and employ a loop filter for stable frequency tracking, even in the absence of GPS signals, allowing for reliable operation indoors or in GPS-denied environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If GPS signals are used for frequency and timing reference, then frequency and timing synchronization can be obtained, but the system cannot operate reliably in GPS-denied environments such as indoors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency and timing synchronization reliabilityVSAvoidoperational capability in GPS-denied environments

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses base station signals as an intermediary reference source to replace GPS signals in GPS-denied environments. The receiver scans for base station signals and uses the strongest signal as a frequency and timing reference, enabling continuous operation without GPS dependency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes its reference signal source based on GPS availability. When GPS is unavailable, it transitions to using base station signals as the reference, changing the operational parameters to adapt to different environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the receiver scans for base station signals to find a reference signal, then it can operate without GPS, but the scanning process increases time and computational resources required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to operate in GPS-denied environmentsVSAvoidtime required for signal scanning and reference acquisition

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver performs partial scanning by focusing on finding the strongest base station signal rather than exhaustively analyzing all possible signals. This partial action approach reduces the time and computational resources needed while still achieving reliable frequency and timing synchronization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary scanning to quickly identify and lock onto the strongest base station signal before beginning detailed coverage measurements. This preliminary action reduces the overall time required by establishing the reference signal early in the measurement process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9629110B2Wireless communication apparatus and method performing signal scanning to determine the strongest signal useable for stabilizing a local oscillator

Publication Date: 2017.04.18 KEYSIGHT TECH SINGAPORE (SALES) PTE LTD

AI summary

Apparatus and method are provided. The solution comprises controlling (202) a receiver to scan for signals transmitted by one or more base stations; determining (204) the strongest signal of the signals found during scanning and utilizing (206) the strongest signal as a reference signal for the receiver.