Digital Wireless System Simulator Using Probabilistic Signal Impairment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing system simulators for testing wireless devices require complex and costly analogue signal faders to simulate varying signal-to-noise ratios, which are inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A system simulator that uses a probabilistic approach with an uplink signal impairment unit to randomly qualify data blocks as erroneous based on a predetermined probability value, eliminating the need for complex analogue circuitry and allowing for realistic simulation of signal degradation without analogue fading mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex analogue signal faders are used to simulate varying signal-to-noise ratios, then realistic signal degradation can be achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical analogue signal processing system (signal faders with attenuators and mixers) with a digital processing system. The uplink signal impairment unit uses digital signal processing to simulate signal degradation by randomly marking data blocks as erroneous based on probability values, eliminating the need for complex analogue circuitry while maintaining simulation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from physically modifying signal parameters (amplitude, noise levels) in the analogue domain to modifying data block status parameters in the digital domain. By changing the parameter representation from continuous analogue values to discrete data block error markers, the system achieves the same simulation goal with reduced complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If dedicated signal faders with analogue components are implemented, then precise signal-to-noise ratio control is possible, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual model of signal degradation effects through the uplink signal impairment unit, which copies the statistical characteristics of real wireless channel errors without physically reproducing the analogue signal path. By using probability values to model error patterns, the system achieves precise SNR control effects through software algorithms rather than expensive analogue components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex analogue signal faders with inexpensive digital processing logic. The uplink signal impairment unit uses simple probability-based marking of data blocks, which is computationally cheap and can be implemented in software or simple digital logic, dramatically reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining functional equivalence.
3Adaptability or versatility
If analogue signal processing is used to simulate fading, then continuous signal variation is achieved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the analogue signal processing mechanism with a digital data block processing mechanism. Instead of continuously varying signal amplitudes and noise levels through analogue circuits, the system processes discrete data blocks and applies error markings based on probability, achieving fading simulation effects through digital logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the continuous analogue signal into discrete data blocks for processing. By treating the signal as a sequence of independent data blocks rather than a continuous waveform, the system can apply probabilistic error marking to each block, simplifying the processing while maintaining the statistical characteristics of signal fading.
Data Source
AI summary
A system simulator for simulating a wireless system for testing a wireless device under test comprises an uplink signal receiver for receiving an uplink signal generated by the wireless device under test and providing data blocks embedded in the uplink signal, and an uplink signal impairment unit that based on a predetermined probability value sets the data blocks provided by the uplink signal receiver as valid or erroneously received.