Code Signal Power Adjustment via Symbol Table Attenuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power adjustment methods for code signals, such as GPS signals, are limited by fixed output back-off levels in digital waveform generators, requiring cumbersome gain adjustments in the amplification chain, which detract from flexibility and are not suitable for arbitrary code combinations.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a symbol table generated by a ground station processor to determine code loss and adjust attenuators on a vehicle, allowing for flexible gain adjustment in digital waveform generators to match desired power levels, enabling autonomous reconfiguration of code signal power distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a digital waveform generator operates at a fixed optimized output back-off level, then the performance margin above quantization noise floor and spurious products is maintained, but the system loses flexibility for arbitrary code combinations and power redistributions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance marginVSAvoidflexibility for code combinations
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the previously fixed back-off level dynamic by allowing it to vary according to the specific code combination being transmitted. The system calculates an optimal back-off level for each code set based on the number of codes and their power distributions, enabling the DWG to adapt its operating point while maintaining performance margins.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operating parameters of the digital waveform generator by dynamically adjusting the output back-off level based on code combination characteristics. This allows the system to optimize performance for each specific code configuration rather than being constrained to a single fixed back-off value.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If gain adjustment is performed in the amplification chain following the DWG, then power redistribution for different code sets is achieved, but the system complexity increases and flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower redistribution capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the gain adjustment function from the analog amplification chain and relocates it to the digital domain. By performing power redistribution through digital signal processing before the DAC, the system eliminates the need for complex analog gain adjustments while maintaining full flexibility for power redistribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the mechanical/analog gain adjustment mechanism in the amplification chain with a digital software-based power control mechanism. This substitution reduces hardware complexity while increasing flexibility, as power adjustments are now made through digital parameter changes rather than analog component adjustments.

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

3Ease of operation

If pre-computed gain adjustment values are stored on-board the vehicle, then power adjustment is simplified, but the table becomes large and unwieldy reducing flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower adjustment simplicityVSAvoidtable size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calculations of the optimal back-off level and power distribution parameters when a code combination is selected, rather than relying on pre-computed tables. This allows the system to have simple lookup tables for code configurations while calculating power parameters on-demand, reducing table size while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3255459B1Power adjustment for code signals
Publication Date: 2021.07.07 THE BOEING CO
  • EP3255459B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3255459B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3255459B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Systems, methods, and apparatus for power adjustment for code signals (Code A, Code B) are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, a disclosed method for adjusting power for code signals comprises determining, by at least one processor, a code loss for the transmission of the code signals by using a symbol table. The method further comprises determining, by at least one processor, an amount of change in attenuation for at least one adjustable attenuator on at least one vehicle by using the code loss. Further, the method comprises adjusting an attenuation, for at least one adjustable attenuator, by the amount of change in attenuation.