IR-UWB Device Dynamic Synchronization Symbol Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional IR-UWB systems using a fixed number of synchronization symbols for channel estimation are not optimal, leading to unused symbols and potential SFD reception failures due to late termination of synchronization symbol integration beyond the SHR field.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that dynamically integrate synchronization symbols until the SFD field is identified, allowing for automatic termination and optimizing the number of symbols used for channel estimation, thereby improving SNR and avoiding SFD reception failures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a fixed number of synchronization symbols is used for channel estimation, then the signal-to-noise ratio scaling is predictable and computation complexity is low, but a substantial number of available synchronization symbols are left unused for channel estimation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel response measurement accuracyVSAvoidchannel response statistics computation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed number of synchronization symbols to a dynamic determination approach. The system now adaptively determines the number of synchronization symbols to integrate based on the actual signal acquisition position within the synchronization period. This allows the channel estimation process to utilize the optimal number of symbols available, improving measurement precision without requiring complex real-time optimization algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using the signal acquisition position information to adjust the number of synchronization symbols used for channel estimation. The system monitors where synchronization is achieved within the synchronization period and feeds this information back to control the integration process, ensuring that the maximum available symbols are utilized while maintaining predictable SNR scaling and manageable complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If a fixed number of synchronization symbols is integrated, then computation complexity is low, but SFD reception failure occurs when synchronization occurs later within a synchronization period

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel response statistics computation complexityVSAvoidSFD reception reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the integration window for synchronization symbols based on the detected signal acquisition position. When synchronization occurs later in the synchronization period, the system extends the integration to include all available symbols before the SFD field, ensuring reliable detection. This dynamic approach maintains low computation complexity by using simple position-based control logic rather than complex optimization algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of synchronization symbol count from a fixed value to a variable determined by the signal acquisition position. This parameter change allows the system to adapt the integration window size based on operational conditions, improving SFD reception reliability while keeping the computational approach simple and efficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If more synchronization symbols are integrated for channel estimation, then channel response measurement accuracy improves, but integration may go beyond the synchronization header field

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel response measurement accuracyVSAvoidsymbol integration boundary precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from the signal acquisition detection process to control the symbol integration boundary. By monitoring the signal strength and acquisition position in real-time, the system dynamically determines when to stop integrating synchronization symbols, ensuring that integration stops precisely at the boundary of the synchronization header field. This feedback mechanism maximizes the use of available symbols while preventing over-integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing signal acquisition detection and position determination before finalizing the channel estimation process. This preliminary step provides critical information about where to terminate symbol integration, allowing the system to maximize symbol utilization while maintaining precise boundary control. The preliminary detection results guide the subsequent integration process to achieve both goals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3799318B1Wireless device and method for operating wireless device
Publication Date: 2023.06.21 NXP BV
  • EP3799318B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3799318B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3799318B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of a method and a device are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method for operating an impulse radio ultra-wideband (IR-UWB) device is disclosed. The method involves acquiring a signal, integrating one or more synchronization symbols in a synchronization field of the signal to determine an initial channel impulse response (CIR) measurement, and detecting whether a start-of-frame delimiter (SFD) field of the signal is identified during integration. When the SFD field of the signal is identified, the method further involves ceasing integration of the one or more synchronization symbols, scaling the initial CIR measurement, and determining a final CIR measurement based on the scaled CIR measurement. When the SFD field is not identified, the method further involves incrementing a counter configured to count the number of the one or more synchronization symbols integrated, and continuing integration of the one or more synchronization symbols until the SFD field is identified.