Common Observation Receiver for Transceiver Nonlinearity Compensation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current transceivers in wireless communication networks face challenges in efficiently compensating for non-linearities and noise introduced by power amplifiers and mixers, with existing observation receivers being complex and costly, and requiring different components for transmitters and receivers that can interfere with each other.

Innovation Solution

A common observation receiver capable of switching between transmitter and receiver modes, using a mode switch, frequency shifting unit, and ADC to convert RF signal spectrums into baseband, allowing for feedback on both transmitter and receiver components, reducing component count and cost while maintaining performance across various radio access technologies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separate transmitter observation receiver (TOR) and receiver observation receiver (ROR) are used, then measurement precision for transmitter and receiver characteristics is improved, but device complexity and component count increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the previously separate TOR and ROR into a single shared observation receiver. This single receiver can be configured to observe either transmitter characteristics or receiver characteristics by selectively receiving either the TXRF signal spectrum or the RXRF signal spectrum, thereby reducing component count while maintaining measurement precision through dedicated observation capability for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The observation receiver is designed with multi-functionality to serve dual purposes: it can observe transmitter characteristics when receiving TXRF signal spectrum and can observe receiver characteristics when receiving RXRF signal spectrum. This universal design eliminates the need for separate dedicated receivers for each observation function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If separate local oscillators are used for TOR and ROR, then measurement precision is maintained, but interference between oscillators increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the local oscillators into a single shared unit that provides frequency reference for the single observation receiver. This eliminates mutual interference between separate local oscillators while maintaining measurement precision through proper frequency management and selective signal processing based on whether the receiver is observing transmitter or receiver characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate TOR and ROR with different local oscillators are used, then adaptability to different observation needs is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single observation receiver is designed to be universally adaptable to different observation needs by selectively receiving either TXRF signal spectrum for transmitter observation or RXRF signal spectrum for receiver observation. This multi-functional design provides the same adaptability as separate dedicated receivers but with reduced complexity through shared components including the local oscillator and signal processing chain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables efficient compensation for non-linearities and noise in transceivers, reducing component costs and power consumption, and improving dynamic range and gain adjustments across different radio access technologies like GSM, UMTS, LTE, and WLAN.

Implementation Method 1

The mixer is arranged to frequency shift the selected one of the TXRF signal spectrum and the RXRF signal spectrum into a switched Intermediate Frequency, IF, signal spectrum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMixing: Heterodyne

Implementation Method 2

the mixer output is a downconverted version of the RF-signal of an intermediate frequency, i e the RF-signal spectrum is transferred into an IF (Intermediate Frequency) spectrum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAnalog-to-digital conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP3084972B1Method and apparatus for common observation receiver for transmitter and receiver
Publication Date: 2018.08.29 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3084972B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3084972B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3084972B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Method and arrangement in common observation receivers. In a method in a common observation receiver of a transceiver, a Transmitter Radio Frequency, TXRF, signal spectrum is received 600, a Receiver Radio Frequency, RXRF, signal spectrum is further received 602. Furthermore, a switching scheme is determined 604 based on whether the type of the transmitter and the receiver is Frequency Division Duplex, FDD, or Time Division Duplex, TDD. Based on the switching scheme, the TXRF signal spectrum and the RXRF signal spectrum areswitched 606 into a switched baseband signal spectrum. By arranging a common observation receiver in a radio transceiver, and observing radio frequency signal spectrums, the transceiver may acquire knowledge about nonlinearities and other irregularities of applied components.