Configurable Correlator for Joint Timing and Frequency Synchronization

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing signal processing systems require different correlators for various communication protocols, leading to increased cost, size, and complexity due to incompatibility, which complicates joint timing and frequency synchronization and demodulation.

Innovation Solution

A configurable correlator with multiple taps that can be configured for different functions, such as time and frequency synchronization and demodulation, using either all taps or subsets, and capable of operating in the phase or complex domain to compare signals with multiple reference waveforms, allowing for compatibility with various modulation schemes like CPFSK and DSSS.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If different correlators are used for different communication protocols, then protocol-specific performance is improved, but device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol-specific performanceVSAvoidcorrelator complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single configurable correlator that can be dynamically reconfigured to support multiple communication protocols (DSSS, CPFSK, and other modulation schemes) through programmable logic. This universal correlator replaces multiple dedicated correlators, reducing device complexity and size while maintaining protocol-specific performance through software-defined configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The correlator employs dynamic reconfiguration capabilities where the hardware structure and processing parameters can be changed in real-time to adapt to different protocols. The configurable architecture allows the same physical correlator to be dynamically transformed to match the specific requirements of each communication protocol being processed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple dedicated correlators are implemented, then support for multiple protocols is improved, but hardware size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-protocol supportVSAvoidhardware size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single configurable correlator that can be dynamically reconfigured to support multiple communication protocols (DSSS, CPFSK, and other modulation schemes) through programmable logic. This universal correlator replaces multiple dedicated correlators, reducing device complexity and size while maintaining protocol-specific performance through software-defined configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functionality of multiple separate correlators into a single integrated configurable correlator unit. By combining the correlation processing capabilities for different protocols into one shared hardware resource with reconfigurable logic, the patent reduces the overall hardware footprint while maintaining support for multiple communication standards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If protocol-specific correlators are used, then processing accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal correlation accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single configurable correlator that can be dynamically reconfigured to support multiple communication protocols (DSSS, CPFSK, and other modulation schemes) through programmable logic. This universal correlator replaces multiple dedicated correlators, reducing device complexity and size while maintaining protocol-specific performance through software-defined configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains high correlation accuracy across different protocols by dynamically changing the operational parameters of the configurable correlator. The system adjusts filtering characteristics, correlation window parameters, and processing algorithms based on the selected protocol, ensuring measurement precision is preserved while using a single cost-effective hardware platform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9991930B2Configurable correlator for joint timing and frequency synchronization and demodulation

Publication Date: 2018.06.05 NXP USA INC

AI summary

At least one embodiment of a correlator comprising a plurality of correlator taps is configurable to provide synchronization and symbol modulation for a plurality of modulation systems. Among other uses, at least one embodiment of the correlator can provide a coarse symbol timing value. In response to determining the coarse symbol timing value, a receiver can receive a signal. Among other uses, at least one embodiment of the correlator can provide a carrier frequency offset (CFO) estimate. In response to determining the CFO estimate, a receiver can receive a signal.