Direction Finding With Iterative Signal Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional direction finding techniques require prior knowledge of the number of signals occupying a specific frequency or the number of emitters to determine the bearings of radio signals, which is often not available in practice.
Innovation Solution
A direction finding method using at least two antennas, receivers, analog-to-digital converters, and an analysis circuit that iteratively isolates and determines the bearings of useful signals without prior knowledge of the number of signals, employing machine-learning techniques to identify and remove signal data corresponding to useful signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional direction finding techniques are used, then the bearing of radio signals can be determined, but prior knowledge of the number of signals occupying a frequency is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary signal separation and identification before bearing determination. The direction finding algorithm first separates mixed signals from multiple emitters, identifies the number of active emitters, and then proceeds with bearing calculation for each signal, eliminating the need for prior knowledge of signal count
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing stage between signal reception and bearing determination. This intermediate algorithm acts as a mediator that analyzes the received mixed signals, determines the number of occupying signals, separates individual signal components, and then enables bearing measurement without requiring advance knowledge of signal count
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of emitters is unknown, then the system can operate in unknown environments, but conventional direction finding algorithms cannot determine bearings accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The direction finding algorithm performs self-identification of the number of emitters and self-separation of signal components without external input about signal count. The system automatically determines these parameters from the received mixed signals itself, enabling operation in unknown environments while maintaining bearing determination accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from fixed-parameter algorithms (requiring known signal count) to adaptive algorithms that dynamically determine parameters. The system estimates the number of emitters and signal characteristics from the received data, adapting to unknown environments by deriving parameters from the signals themselves rather than requiring them as input
Data Source
AI summary
A direction finding method of determining bearings of radio signals by a direction finding system is described. Further, a direction finding system for determining bearings of radio signals is described.