Bias-Compensated Attenuation for Microwave Rain Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication networks using commercial microwave links face challenges in accurately estimating rain-induced attenuation due to the use of quantized signal measurements, which introduce errors and lead to over-estimation of rain, resulting in unnecessary bandwidth reduction and potential disconnection issues.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates a bias-compensated attenuation difference using quantized minimum and maximum signal levels to estimate rain attributes, allowing for accurate rain monitoring and dynamic power control in microwave links, thereby optimizing link budget calculations and transmission parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If quantized signal measurements are used to monitor microwave links, then bandwidth and storage space are saved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to quantization errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing step that calculates attenuation values from quantized signal measurements and applies bias compensation. This intermediary calculation layer transforms the quantized measurements into more accurate rain attenuation estimates without requiring higher precision raw measurements, thus resolving the contradiction between using quantized data and achieving precise rain monitoring.
2Quantity of substance
If extreme quantized signal values are logged in pre-set intervals, then storage space and bandwidth are reduced, but rain estimation accuracy deteriorates due to lossy transformations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where bias values are calculated from historical data and test periods, then fed back into the rain attenuation calculation process. This feedback loop continuously refines the accuracy of rain estimates using the available quantized measurements, compensating for the lossy transformations introduced by quantization and sparse logging intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calculations of bias values during test periods free of rain, before actual rain events occur. These pre-calculated bias values are then applied during rain monitoring to improve accuracy. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare correction factors in advance, enhancing rain estimation accuracy without requiring more storage space during actual rain events.
3Device complexity
If quantized minimum and maximum signal levels are used, then device complexity is reduced, but rain monitoring precision deteriorates due to quantization-induced bias
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter being monitored from raw quantized signal levels to derived attenuation values with bias compensation. By transforming the data into a different parameter space (attenuation difference with bias correction), the system maintains simplicity in measurement while improving precision in rain estimation, effectively resolving the contradiction between simple monitoring and accurate rain detection.
Data Source
AI summary
Computerized method and system for estimating a rain attribute on microwave communications, the estimation being carried out by: obtaining quantized minimum and maximum levels of received signals and transmitted signals over a microwave link during a period; subtracting the quantized maximum level of received signals from the quantized minimum level of transmitted signals to provide a minimal attenuation value; subtracting the quantized minimal level of received signals from the quantized maximal level of transmitted signals to provide a maximal attenuation value; calculating an attenuation difference related to the period by subtracting the minimal attenuation value from the maximal attenuation value; calculating a bias compensated attenuation difference based on the attenuation difference, and bias value related to the microwave link; and calculating the rain attribute, including the average rain during the period, based on the bias compensated attenuation difference.