GNSS Simulator RF Signal Calibration via Phase Inversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current techniques for aligning RF signals in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) simulators are manual, time-consuming, and introduce significant measurement uncertainty, limiting flexibility and opportunities for user system reconfiguration and in-field upgrades.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that automatically calibrate RF signals by detecting RF power, iteratively shifting the phase of test RF signals relative to reference RF signals until minimum power is reached, and inverting the test RF signal to be in-phase with the reference signal, using integrated circuit components and control logic to align RF signals across multiple system outputs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual alignment techniques are used for RF signals, then measurement precision can be achieved, but time consumption and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidcalibration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-calibration by automatically detecting RF power levels and adjusting phase shifters without requiring external test equipment or manual intervention. The control logic autonomously iterates through phase adjustments to achieve optimal signal alignment, eliminating the need for operator involvement in the calibration process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment procedures with an automated electronic control system. Instead of physically adjusting components by hand, the system uses electronic phase shifters and control logic to automatically align RF signals, substituting mechanical operations with electronic automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual alignment techniques are used for RF signals, then alignment can be performed, but device complexity and measurement uncertainty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment operationVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates the need for external test equipment from the calibration process. By integrating all necessary calibration functions within the existing system components (RF power detectors, phase shifters, and control logic), the solution removes external dependencies and simplifies the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If manual alignment techniques are used, then initial calibration can be performed, but flexibility for reconfiguration and in-field upgrades is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal alignment reliabilityVSAvoidsystem reconfiguration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic calibration system that can adapt to different operational scenarios. The automated control logic can be reconfigured for different GNSS constellations and frequency bands, allowing the system to maintain reliable signal alignment while accommodating changes in operational requirements through software reconfiguration rather than hardware modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration system is designed with universal applicability across multiple GNSS constellations and frequency bands. The same automated calibration mechanism serves multiple functions and scenarios, enabling the system to maintain reliable alignment while being adaptable to different operational configurations without requiring separate calibration procedures for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 automated initial and in-field calibration of GNSS simulators, supporting flexible changes in GNSS constellation type/frequency and facilitating in-field upgrades by reducing calibration time and measurement uncertainty.

Implementation Method 1

RF power of a combined RF signal is detected

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRF power detection:

Implementation Method 2

a phase of the test RF signal is iteratively shifted relative to the reference RF signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase shifting:

Implementation Method 3

The test RF signal is inverted to be in-phase with the reference RF signal when the combined RF power reaches the minimum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal inversion:

Data Source

PatentUS11294068B2RF signal system outputs calibration

Publication Date: 2022.04.05 SPIRENT COMMUNICATIONS PLC

AI summary

A method is provided for calibrating a test platform including a plurality of system outputs to align RF signals generated by the system outputs. RF power of a combined RF signal is detected, where the combined RF signal is from a reference RF signal generated by a reference system output in the plurality of system outputs and a test RF signal generated by a test system output in the plurality of systems outputs. A phase of the test RF signal is iteratively shifted relative to the reference RF signal until the detected RF power reaches a minimum. The test RF signal is inverted to be in-phase with the reference RF signal when the combined RF power reaches the minimum. A system is also provided for calibrating a test platform including a plurality of system outputs to align RF signals generated by the system outputs.