Half-Duplex RF Pulse Waveform for Integrated Sensing and Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication networks operating in half-duplex mode face challenges in integrating effective communication and sensing, particularly with monostatic radars, due to limitations in duty cycle efficiency and interference between sensing and communication signals.
Innovation Solution
The design of a radio frequency (RF) pulse signal waveform that balances communication data transmission and sensing capabilities, optimizing the duty cycle and frame structure to ensure efficient resource allocation and accurate sensing performance, while minimizing interference and signal overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a half-duplex node transmits and receives using the same physical resources, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but the node cannot simultaneously transmit and receive causing duty cycle limitations for sensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sensing cycles with alternating active and passive phases. During active phases, the half-duplex node transmits RF pulse signals for sensing; during passive phases, it receives reflected signals. This periodic alternation enables sensing operations in half-duplex mode while maintaining acceptable duty cycle efficiency without requiring full-duplex capability
Solution Approach 2:
The RF pulse signal waveform is designed to serve dual purposes: carrying communication data and enabling sensing operations. The same waveform structure is used for both communication and sensing, allowing the half-duplex node to perform multiple functions with a single signal design, thereby improving productivity without increasing device complexity
2Productivity
If the same RF signal is used for both communication and sensing, then resource utilization is improved, but interference between sensing and communication signals occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensing cycle into distinct active and passive phases, and structures the RF pulse signal with separate signaling portions and data portions. The signaling portion carries sensing-related parameters while the data portion carries communication data. This segmentation reduces interference by separating sensing and communication functions within the same signal framework
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes in the waveform design, including adjustable pulse widths, duty cycles, and frequency characteristics. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves better separation between sensing and communication signal components, reducing mutual interference while maintaining efficient resource utilization
3Measurement precision
If the RF pulse signal duty cycle is increased to improve sensing performance, then sensing accuracy is improved, but communication resource availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the duty cycle based on sensing requirements and communication traffic conditions. The duty cycle is not fixed but can be adapted in real-time, allowing the system to optimize sensing accuracy when needed while maintaining communication resource availability during normal operation. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by making the duty cycle flexible rather than static
4Adaptability or versatility
If sensing operations are integrated into half-duplex communication networks, then system versatility is improved, but interference and signal overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the RF pulse signal to simultaneously serve communication and sensing functions. The same signal carries both data and sensing information, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensing signals. This multi-functionality approach improves system versatility while minimizing additional signal overhead, as the sensing capability is embedded within the existing communication signal framework
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 efficient integration of communication and sensing in half-duplex networks, improving sensing performance and resource utilization, and reducing interference, thereby enhancing overall system performance.
Implementation Method 1
senses a reflection of the RF pulse signal reflected from an object
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are provided for integrated communication and sensing. For example, an electronic device may transmit a radio frequency (RF) pulse signal in the active phase of a periodic sensing cycle, and sense in the passive phase of the sensing cycle, a reflection of the RF pulse signal reflected from an object. The RF pulse signal is defined by a waveform for carrying communication data between electronic devices. The sensed RF pulse signal is at least a portion of the transmitted or reflected RF pulse signal, wherein the portion is equal to or greater than a threshold value for the object being within a sensing range of the first electronic device. The electronic device may also receive a communication signal from another electronic device during the passive phase.