GNSS Receiver Single Analog Chain Multi-Constellation Signal Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current GNSS receivers face challenges in simultaneously receiving signals from multiple Global Navigational Satellite Systems (GNSS) constellations due to differences in signal structures and frequencies, leading to excessive power consumption and device complexity.
Innovation Solution
A GNSS receiver is configured to use a single analog reception chain that converts RF signals to digital IF signals, then separates signals from multiple constellations using a numerically-controlled oscillator (NCO) output signal, allowing for simultaneous reception and processing of signals from multiple GNSS systems with minimal circuitry and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate reception chains are used for each GNSS constellation, then signal reception capability is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple GNSS signal reception chains into a single unified receiver that can process signals from GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou constellations simultaneously. The receiver uses a single set of antennas, frequency synthesizers, and signal processing circuits to handle all four constellations, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining full multi-constellation reception capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver is designed with universal functionality to process signals from multiple GNSS constellations using the same hardware infrastructure. The frequency synthesizer can generate carrier frequencies for all four constellations, and the signal processing unit can handle different signal structures and modulation schemes, making the receiver adaptable to various GNSS systems without requiring separate dedicated chains for each constellation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate reception chains are used for each GNSS constellation, then signal reception capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple power-consuming reception chains into a single shared infrastructure. The frequency synthesizers, low-noise amplifiers, mixers, and digital signal processing units are shared resources that serve all four GNSS constellations, significantly reducing the total power consumption compared to having separate dedicated chains for each constellation.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver employs universal signal processing circuits that can be dynamically configured to process different GNSS constellations. The frequency synthesizer can be retuned to generate carrier frequencies for GPS L1, GLONASS L1, Galileo E1, and BeiDou B1 signals using the same hardware, eliminating the need for multiple parallel power-consuming signal paths.
3Measurement precision
If analog signal separation is performed before digital conversion, then signal processing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces analog signal separation circuitry with digital signal processing techniques. Instead of using complex analog filters and frequency converters to separate different GNSS constellations before digital conversion, the system performs frequency translation and signal separation entirely in the digital domain using software-based algorithms, thereby reducing hardware complexity while maintaining processing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver changes the state of signal processing from analog to digital domain. By performing frequency translation to intermediate frequencies and then applying digital filtering and correlation techniques, the system achieves accurate signal separation without requiring complex analog circuitry. The digital domain allows for flexible and precise signal processing through programmable algorithms.
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 simultaneous reception and processing of signals from multiple GNSS constellations, reducing bandwidth and power requirements while optimizing signal separation based on each system's characteristics, thereby enhancing positional accuracy and reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
translating the RF signal comprising transmissions from the multiple satellites in the plurality of satellite system constellations to an intermediate frequency (IF) signal comprising transmissions from the multiple satellites in the plurality of satellite system constellations by mixing the RF signal with a local oscillator-derived signal
Implementation Method 2
sampling the IF signal at a sampling rate fs to convert the analog IF signal to a digital IF signal
Implementation Method 3
separating out, for each satellite system, signals of satellites of the satellite system from the digital IF signal by mixing the digital IF signal with a numerically-controlled oscillator (NCO) output signal fNCO-GNSS
Data Source
AI summary
A method, receiver, and mobile terminal for simultaneously receiving and processing signals of multiple satellites from a plurality of navigational satellite system constellations are described. In the method, satellite signals from a plurality of navigational satellite systems are translated into an intermediate frequency and converted from analog to digital together, but then are separated out according to each navigational satellite system in the digital domain.