DSRC Signal Detection in C2X Modules Under AM Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting DSRC signals in 'C2X' and 'Car2Car' communication systems face inefficiencies due to interference from other amplitude modulation systems in the same frequency band, leading to suboptimal detection accuracy and sensitivity.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a DSRC signal detector within the C2X/C2Car communication module, utilizing an amplitude demodulator, microcontroller, and optional components like low noise amplifiers and RMS/log detectors, allows for precise detection of DSRC signal properties such as preamble, frame length, start/end flags, and data rate, enhancing sensitivity and reducing interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple diode envelope detector is used for DSRC signal detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to interference with other amplitude modulation systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection device complexityVSAvoidDSRC signal detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The detection device is segmented into multiple functional blocks: a first detector for initial signal detection, a second detector for verification, and a microcontroller for processing. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simplicity in individual components while achieving high precision through coordinated operation of multiple detectors, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A microcontroller acts as an intermediary between the detectors and the final detection decision. The microcontroller receives signals from multiple detectors, processes them according to predefined criteria, and makes the final determination of DSRC signal presence. This intermediary enables the system to achieve high measurement precision by integrating information from multiple sources without requiring each individual component to be overly complex.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If detection sensitivity is increased to detect weaker DSRC signals, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional filtering and processing components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal detection sensitivityVSAvoiddetection device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection device is designed with multi-functionality where the same basic detector components serve multiple purposes: detecting signal presence, measuring signal strength, and providing data for processing decisions. The microcontroller performs multiple functions including signal analysis, interference detection, and final determination. This universality allows the system to achieve high sensitivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The detection system employs self-service mechanisms where the microcontroller automatically analyzes detector outputs, compares them against predefined thresholds, and makes detection decisions without external intervention. The system self-regulates by using the same detection components to both gather data and perform verification, reducing the need for additional separate processing hardware while maintaining high sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If multiple detection criteria are applied to verify DSRC signal properties, then the measurement precision improves, but the loss of time increases due to additional processing steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal property detection accuracyVSAvoidsignal detection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing detection criteria and thresholds in the microcontroller before actual signal detection occurs. The microcontroller is pre-programmed with the specific criteria for identifying DSRC signals, including expected signal characteristics and interference patterns. This preliminary preparation allows the detection process to proceed quickly by simply comparing incoming signals against pre-set criteria rather than performing complex real-time analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The detection process employs skipping by rapidly evaluating multiple detection criteria in sequence, skipping unnecessary verification steps when obvious patterns are detected. The microcontroller efficiently processes detector outputs by immediately accepting or rejecting signals based on clear-cut criteria, and only performs more thorough analysis when initial rapid assessment is inconclusive. This rushing through of obvious cases minimizes detection time while maintaining precision for ambiguous signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

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

This approach enables efficient and accurate detection of DSRC signals, improving the reliability of 'C2X' and 'Car2Car' communication by minimizing interference and leveraging existing vehicle communication infrastructure, thus optimizing communication nodes.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing an amplitude demodulator, microcontroller, and optional components like low noise amplifiers and RMS/log detectors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAmplitude demodulation:

Implementation Method 2

optional components like low noise amplifiers and RMS/log detectors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLow noise amplification:

Implementation Method 3

optional components like low noise amplifiers and RMS/log detectors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRMS detection:

Data Source

PatentUS10615830B2Method for detecting a DSRC signal in a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.04.07 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
  • US10615830B2 patent drawing
  • US10615830B2 patent drawing
  • US10615830B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The application relates to a device and to a method for detecting a Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC) signal in a motor vehicle, in particular having a module with a “C2X” communication system and/or “Car2Car” communication system of a motor vehicle, wherein after amplitude demodulation of a received signal, one or more properties of the received signal are examined by a protocol detector.