Multi-mode GNSS Signal Processing via Single Path Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing multi-band GNSS receivers require multiple signal paths to process different frequency bands, leading to increased circuit costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A signal processing apparatus that allocates local frequencies to process GPS, Galileo, and GLONASS RF signals through a single signal path, utilizing band-pass filters, local oscillators, mixing circuits, ADCs, and baseband processors to generate baseband signals, minimizing hardware costs and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple signal paths are used to process signals of different frequency bands, then the capability to support multiple positioning systems is improved, but the circuit cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single signal path that can process multiple frequency bands (GPS L1, L2, L5; GLONASS L1, L2; Galileo E1, E5a, E5b) by using a universal RF receiving circuit combined with selectable local oscillator frequencies. The same mixing circuits, IF processing stages, and baseband processors are reused across different frequency bands through dynamic frequency configuration, eliminating the need for separate dedicated signal paths for each positioning system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters (local oscillator frequencies, IF frequencies, baseband processing parameters) dynamically based on the selected positioning system and frequency band. By adjusting these parameters, a single hardware platform can adapt to process signals from GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo systems without requiring physical reconfiguration or additional dedicated circuits for each system.
2Device complexity
If a single signal path is used to process multiple frequency bands, then the circuit cost is reduced, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring different signals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal processing into distinct frequency stages: RF front-end filtering for specific bands, local oscillator frequency selection, mixing to intermediate frequencies, and baseband processing. Each stage handles specific frequency ranges, making the overall complex task of processing multiple bands manageable through systematic division into smaller, specialized sub-tasks that can be executed sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses intermediate frequency (IF) conversion as a mediator between the diverse RF input frequencies and the unified baseband processing stage. By converting all incoming signals from different frequency bands to a common IF range through selective mixing, the system creates an intermediate representation that simplifies subsequent processing and allows a single baseband processor to handle multiple frequency bands effectively.
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 allows for efficient processing of multiple GNSS signals with reduced hardware costs while maintaining accurate navigation information, supporting various positioning systems with improved noise immunity and performance.
Implementation Method 1
a band-pass filter, for filtering from the RF signal components uncovered by the multi-mode satellite positioning system to generate a filtered RF signal
Implementation Method 2
a local oscillator circuit, for generating a first oscillation signal and a second oscillation signal according to the operation mode
Implementation Method 3
a mixing circuit, for mixing the oscillator signal and the RF filtering signal to generate an IF signal
Implementation Method 4
an ADC, for performing an analog-to-digital-processing on the IF signal to generate a digital signal
Implementation Method 5
a baseband circuit, comprising a plurality of baseband processors, for correspondingly activating at least one of the baseband processors and performing a decoding processing on the digital signal to generate the baseband signal according to the operation mode
Data Source
AI summary
A signal processing apparatus for a multi-mode satellite positioning system includes a band-pass filter, a local oscillator circuit, a first mixing circuit, a second mixing circuit, an analog-to-digital converter and a baseband circuit. By properly allocating a local frequency, radio frequency (RF) signals of a Global Positioning System (GPS), a Galileo positioning system and a Global Navigation System (GLONASS) are processed via a single signal path to save hardware cost.