External Frequency Converter for Wireless Signal Diversity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems with fixed center frequencies face challenges in implementing frequency diversity, particularly at the handset level, due to the need for multi-channel hardware which is not always feasible, leading to difficulties in supporting concurrent channels and higher throughputs.
Innovation Solution
An external add-on apparatus and method that enables frequency diversity by using external frequency converters to shift communication between nodes to different center frequencies, facilitating communication across various off-the-shelf equipment without requiring significant development efforts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multi-channel hardware is used to support frequency diversity and concurrent channels, then communication throughput and channel adaptation are improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external frequency converter as an intermediary device that bridges the base station and mobile station. This converter enables frequency diversity by shifting signals between different center frequencies without requiring multi-channel hardware at the mobile station. The external converter acts as a mediator that provides the necessary frequency conversion capability, allowing the system to support multiple concurrent channels while keeping the mobile device simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The frequency diversity function is segmented and distributed across multiple external frequency converters rather than being integrated into the mobile station's hardware. Each external converter handles specific frequency conversions for different channels, allowing the system to achieve frequency diversity without requiring complex multi-channel hardware at the mobile end. The segmentation enables flexible deployment where existing hardware can be enhanced externally.
2Adaptability or versatility
If frequency diversity is implemented using external frequency converters, then adaptability to different channels is improved, but synchronization complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The external frequency converter incorporates a synchronization detector that continuously monitors the received signal and provides feedback about synchronization status. This feedback mechanism enables the system to detect predetermined portions of the signal (such as cyclic prefixes or synchronization signals) and adjust the frequency conversion accordingly. The feedback loop ensures that the external converter remains synchronized with the base station's transmission, enabling reliable communication across different frequencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization detector performs preliminary detection of synchronization signals and predetermined signal portions before the main data transmission begins. By detecting these preliminary elements, the system can establish proper synchronization and timing relationships in advance, preparing the frequency conversion process for accurate operation during actual communication. This preliminary action reduces the complexity of real-time synchronization adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
Add-on apparatus dynamically enhancing frequency diversity of a main signal sent over an existing communication system, the system using a communication protocol to convey the main signal from a Tx end to an Rx end, the add-on apparatus comprising a Transmission Frequency Converter (TFC) at the Tx end operative while the system is transmitting the main signal, to at least once shift a given center frequency about which the system is transmitting, to at least one corresponding alternative center frequency, wherein the TFC and an Reception Frequency Converter at the Rx end share prior knowledge defining how each shift of the given center frequency is to be timed relative to at least one recognizable element within the known communication protocol and wherein the Transmission Frequency Converter is operative to use the prior knowledge to recognize the at least one recognizable element and to shift the center frequency accordingly.