Channel Simulator Path Loss Calibration via Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current channel simulators require significant time and effort for path loss calibration across multiple base stations and terminals, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors due to the complexity of calibrating P×Q paths, especially when connections are released or measurements are not exact.

Innovation Solution

A calibration method that simplifies the process by dividing path loss into ADC and DAC components, allowing for the calculation of calibration matrices as P×1 and Q×1 vectors, reducing the complexity to P+Q paths and enabling rapid calibration by adjusting amplifier gains and attenuator settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If path loss calibration is performed for all P×Q paths in a large-capacity channel simulator, then calibration accuracy is improved, but calibration time and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepath loss calibration accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the P×Q path loss calibration problem into two independent parts: (1) calibration of P base station paths, and (2) calibration of Q terminal paths. By dividing the calibration into separate base station-side and terminal-side operations, the total calibration complexity is reduced from O(P×Q) to O(P+Q), significantly reducing calibration time while maintaining accuracy through the relationship: measured_path_loss = base_station_calibration + terminal_calibration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary reference signal mechanism where a known reference signal is transmitted through each path and measured at the opposite end. This intermediary reference signal serves as a mediator to establish the calibration relationship between base stations and terminals without requiring direct calibration of all P×Q path combinations, enabling efficient two-sided calibration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conventional calibration methods are used for large-capacity simulators, then calibration completeness is improved, but operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration completenessVSAvoidcalibration operation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration operation is segmented into independent base station calibration and terminal calibration procedures. Each base station is calibrated separately against reference terminals, and each terminal is calibrated separately against reference base stations. This segmentation transforms a complex P×Q matrix calibration operation into simpler P+Q independent calibration operations, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining completeness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service calibration where base stations and terminals automatically perform calibration measurements using embedded reference signals and processing logic. The calibration procedure is automated through the channel simulator's control unit, which automatically transmits reference signals, collects measurements, calculates calibration values, and applies corrections without requiring manual intervention for each path, thereby simplifying operation while ensuring complete calibration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3098984B1Calibration method for channel simulator
Publication Date: 2019.02.06 INNOWIRELESS
  • EP3098984B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3098984B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3098984B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A calibration method for a channel simulator is applied to a large-capacity channel simulator having the interfaces of P base stations and Q terminals so that path loss calibration for P×Q paths is more rapidly and easily performed.