Multi-Antenna AGC Glitch Correction Using Branch Correlation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-antenna communication systems face performance degradation due to glitches introduced by non-ideal transient responses of automatic gain control (AGC) in attenuators, which current glitch suppression schemes fail to completely eliminate.

Innovation Solution

Implement a glitch-free AGC solution using time and spatial correlation of multiple antenna branches, compensating data contaminated by glitches with data not affected by glitches through minimum mean-squared error (MMSE) estimation and asynchronous AGC triggering/release across branches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If AGC is employed to regulate the dynamic range of received signals in multi-antenna systems, then the dynamic range is extended, but glitches are introduced due to non-ideal transient responses of attenuators

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic rangeVSAvoidglitches
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of glitches into a beneficial process by using the glitchy signal to identify and locate affected samples, then replacing them with corrected values. The harmful transient response is transformed into a detectable event that triggers a correction mechanism, ultimately improving signal quality while maintaining the dynamic range extension benefit of AGC.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary correction mechanism between the AGC attenuator and the final signal processing. This intermediary layer detects glitches, identifies affected samples, and replaces them with corrected values from alternative signal paths or previous/next valid samples, thereby mediating between the AGC's dynamic range control and the glitch-free signal requirement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If current glitch suppression schemes are used, then some glitch effects are reduced, but glitches are not completely eliminated and performance degradation persists

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglitch suppressionVSAvoidperformance degradation
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors for glitch events, identifies affected samples, and applies corrections based on the detected glitch patterns. This closed-loop approach ensures that glitches are not just suppressed but completely eliminated, with the system adapting to different glitch scenarios and maintaining optimal performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or simple electronic glitch suppression methods with a sophisticated digital signal processing approach. Instead of using hardware-based attenuation or filtering that may not completely eliminate glitches, the system uses digital detection, identification, and replacement of affected samples, achieving complete glitch elimination while maintaining signal integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If AGC trigger/release points are implemented to control attenuation stages, then dynamic range management is achieved, but transient response non-ideality causes performance deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic range controlVSAvoidperformance deterioration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary correction actions at the exact moments when AGC trigger or release events occur. By detecting these transition points and pre-processing or immediately correcting the affected samples, the system prevents performance deterioration before it can impact overall system reliability, while maintaining the ease of dynamic range control provided by AGC trigger/release mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4032195B1Method and apparatus for multi-antenna communication
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP4032195B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4032195B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4032195B1 patent drawingFigure 2C

AI summary

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for multi-antenna transmission. The method which may be performed by a communication device comprises determining first correlation information in response to interference to data on a first subset of multiple antenna branches of the communication device. The first correlation information may indicate at least correlation between the data on the first subset of the multiple antenna branches and data on a second subset of the multiple antenna branches which is not affected by interference. The method further comprises correcting the data on the first subset of the multiple antenna branches, based at least in part on the first correlation information.