Single Receiver Chain Multiplexing L1 and L2 GNSS Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional GPS and GNSS receivers require two separate hardware receiver chains for L1 and L2 bands, consuming more power and increasing hardware costs, necessitating a solution to multiplex these signals on a single receiver chain.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for multiplexing L1 and L2 GNSS signals on a single hardware receiver chain using a control signal to alternate between the two bands, with a local oscillator generating different frequencies for each band, and a mixer and de-multiplexer to process and separate the signals, allowing for efficient power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate hardware receiver chains are used for L1 and L2 bands, then signal reception capability is improved, but power consumption and hardware cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate hardware receiver chains into a single shared receiver chain that time-multiplexes between L1 and L2 band signals. The receiver chain is alternately assigned to process L1 signals during first time periods and L2 signals during second time periods, eliminating the need for duplicate hardware components while maintaining the capability to receive both band signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic time-multiplexing where the single receiver chain is periodically assigned to L1 band during first time periods and L2 band during second time periods. This periodic switching allows the receiver to systematically process both bands over time without requiring simultaneous hardware resources for each band.
2Reliability
If two separate hardware receiver chains are used for L1 and L2 bands, then signal reception capability is improved, but hardware cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate hardware receiver chains into a single shared receiver chain that time-multiplexes between L1 and L2 band signals. The receiver chain is alternately assigned to process L1 signals during first time periods and L2 signals during second time periods, eliminating the need for duplicate hardware components while maintaining the capability to receive both band signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The single receiver chain is designed with universal functionality to process both L1 and L2 band signals. By configuring the receiver chain to operate in different modes (L1 mode during first time periods, L2 mode during second time periods), it performs multiple functions that previously required separate dedicated hardware chains.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a single hardware receiver chain is used for both L1 and L2 bands, then power consumption is reduced, but signal reception quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic time-multiplexing where the single receiver chain is periodically assigned to L1 band during first time periods and L2 band during second time periods. This periodic switching allows the receiver to systematically process both bands over time without requiring simultaneous hardware resources for each band.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous signal reception by maintaining the receiver chain in an active state throughout operation, merely switching its frequency assignment between L1 and L2 bands. The continuous operation without idle periods between band switches ensures that signal reception quality is maintained while still achieving power savings from using a single hardware chain.
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 reduces power consumption and hardware costs by enabling the reception of both L1 and L2 signals on a single receiver chain, maintaining signal quality and reducing idle time, thus improving battery life and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
generating a first oscillator signal from a local oscillator (LO) during the first period and a second oscillator signal from the LO during the second period
Implementation Method 2
mixing, during the first period, the first GNSS signal from an antenna with the first oscillator signal to result in a first down converted signal
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatus and methods in a mobile device to multiplex two global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signals on a single hardware receiver chain are presented. The GNSS signals may come from a common GNSS system on two bands of two different GNSS systems overlapping on a common band. A duty cycle of the GNSS signals may be based on a harmonic being within one of the first band and the second band. The duty cycle may be based on signal quality, such as indicating a jammed or non jammed signal. The duty cycle may be of unequal proportions and less than 100% such that the receiver chain is idle for a percentage of time.