Guard Interval Detection in Multi-Carrier Receivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional guard interval detection mechanisms in multi-carrier receivers are inadequate in accurately determining guard interval lengths, especially in noisy signals with multipath and co-channel interference, and require complex circuit designs.
Innovation Solution
A guard interval detector comprising an auto-correlator, power density calculator, and maximum detector is used to generate correlation results, power density results, and determine the maximum value, allowing for accurate detection of guard interval lengths without complex circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional threshold-based guard interval detection is used, then the detection mechanism is simple to implement, but the detection accuracy deteriorates in noisy signals with multipath and co-channel interference
Solution Approach 1:
The detection process is segmented into three distinct functional blocks: auto-correlator, power density calculator, and maximum detector. Each block performs a specific function in the detection chain, allowing the system to achieve high accuracy through systematic processing rather than a single complex threshold-based mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical threshold-comparison approach with a signal processing-based detection mechanism using auto-correlation and power density analysis. This substitution enables accurate detection in noisy environments by exploiting signal statistical properties rather than simple amplitude thresholds.
2Measurement precision
If threshold value is set too low, then more points are examined, but too many false points are detected leading to inaccurate guard interval length estimation
Solution Approach 1:
The maximum detector analyzes the power density results across different delay values and identifies the maximum value, which provides feedback on the optimal guard interval length. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adjust its detection decision based on the actual signal characteristics rather than relying on fixed thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from fixed threshold amplitude to variable power density based on auto-correlation results. By transforming the detection criterion from a static threshold to a dynamic parameter derived from signal statistics, the system adapts to varying signal conditions without requiring manual threshold adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for guard interval detection in a multi-carrier receiver has been disclosed. According to the present invention, the apparatus and method are employed for determining a guard interval length of an input signal to be one of a plurality of available guard interval lengths. The apparatus of the present invention includes an auto-correlator, a power density calculator and a maximum detector. The auto-correlator is used to generate a correlation result in response to the input signal, and the power density calculator is used to generate a plurality of power density results in response the correlation result and the available guard interval lengths. The maximum detector is employed to generate a determination result in response to the maximum value of the plurality of power density results.