Multi-Antenna Wireless Transceiver Self-Diagnosis Using Multipath Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless data communication systems with multiple antennas face challenges in accurately diagnosing antenna malfunctions due to electrical coupling and crosstalk, leading to false indications of proper functioning despite potential antenna failures.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a self-diagnosis system with multipath detectors to differentiate between signals received via antennas and internally coupled signals, using multipath detection algorithms to identify and distinguish between valid antenna signals and internally coupled signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional signal reception methods are used in multi-antenna wireless systems, then the system can receive signals, but electrical coupling and crosstalk cause false indications of proper functioning even when antennas fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the received signal into multiple potential paths (direct antenna path, coupled paths through other antennas, reflected paths) and analyzes each path separately using multipath detection algorithms. This allows the system to identify which path carries the actual transmitted signal versus which paths are spurious couplings, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and measurement precision in antenna malfunction detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multipath detection algorithms as an intermediary mechanism between signal reception and malfunction determination. These algorithms act as a mediator that analyzes signal characteristics, propagation paths, and antenna coupling effects to distinguish between valid signals and spurious coupled signals, preventing false malfunction indications while maintaining accurate detection.
2Reliability
If antenna coupling effects are present in the system, then signal transmission occurs, but false positive malfunction indications occur due to inability to distinguish coupled signals from valid signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors received signals, compares them against expected signal characteristics and known coupling patterns, and adjusts its diagnosis accordingly. The multipath detection algorithms provide feedback about signal paths and coupling effects, enabling the system to distinguish valid signals from spurious ones and improve diagnosis accuracy without requiring excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in signal characteristics (amplitude, phase, timing, frequency content) across different reception paths to identify and differentiate between valid signals and coupled signals. By analyzing how signal parameters vary across multiple antennas and paths, the system can detect malfunction patterns without requiring overly complex analysis mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
A wireless data communication radio includes a first transceiver configured to be coupled to a first antenna, and a second transceiver configured to be coupled to a second antenna. The second transceiver includes a multi-path detector. The wireless data communication radio transmits a radio signal via the first transceiver, receives the radio signal at the second transceiver, and determines, by the multi-path detector, that the radio signal, as received by the second transceiver, was transmitted by the first antenna and received by second antenna.