Multi-Antenna Radio Navigation Receiver with Signal Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single-antenna receivers in satellite radio-navigation systems, such as those used in space launchers, face signal masking issues due to the vehicle's fuselage, leading to signal loss and suboptimal performance, and existing solutions do not adequately address temporary signal losses or optimize signal-to-noise ratios.
Innovation Solution
A device with a plurality of antennas arranged on the circumference of the fuselage, each with a dedicated reception chain including demodulation means, code and carrier loops, and interconnection mechanisms to switch between channels based on signal quality, ensuring continuous operation and optimal signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single antenna is used on the fuselage, then the device complexity is reduced, but signal reception reliability deteriorates due to masking by the fuselage body
Solution Approach 1:
The single antenna is segmented into multiple antennas (at least two) distributed around the fuselage circumference. Each antenna serves as an independent reception element, ensuring that when one antenna is blocked by the fuselage, others remain accessible to satellite signals, thereby maintaining reliable signal reception while reducing overall system complexity compared to more elaborate antenna arrays.
2Reliability
If an annular antenna is used around the fuselage circumference, then signal reception reliability is improved by avoiding masking, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates due to non-optimal signal construction
Solution Approach 1:
The annular antenna is segmented into multiple discrete antennas positioned around the fuselage. Each antenna produces an independent signal output that is processed separately through dedicated demodulation chains, allowing optimal signal construction from each element rather than combining signals from a single non-optimal annular structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal processing transitions from a single-dimension annular antenna output to multi-dimensional independent signal streams from multiple antennas. Each antenna's signal is demodulated and processed independently, adding spatial dimensionality to the signal reception and enabling selection of the best signal quality from multiple sources.
3Reliability
If multiple antennas with separate demodulation chains are used, then signal reception reliability is improved by compensating for masking, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reception system is segmented into multiple independent reception chains, each handling signals from a specific antenna. This modular segmentation allows each chain to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system reliability through diversity, balancing the increased complexity with proportional gains in robustness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters by switching between different reception chains based on signal quality assessment. When one antenna experiences masking or signal loss, the system transitions to using signals from other antennas, adjusting the operational state to maintain optimal performance despite the multi-chain configuration.
4Measurement precision
If signals from multiple antennas are combined, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but the system cannot handle temporary signal loss on individual antennas
Solution Approach 1:
The signal processing system is made dynamic by implementing real-time monitoring and switching capabilities between multiple reception chains. Instead of static signal combining, the system actively assesses signal quality from each antenna and dynamically selects or switches between chains, enabling adaptation to temporary signal losses while maintaining optimal signal-to-noise ratio through selective signal utilization.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances performance by maintaining signal reception and optimizing signal-to-noise ratios, even when one antenna is masked, by exploiting diversity in demodulation channels and correcting for optical path differences, ensuring reliable navigation data.
Implementation Method 1
A GNSS receiver can be used on any type of vehicle to determine information about its position, its speed
Implementation Method 2
demodulation means comprising multiplication means in phase with a local carrier
Implementation Method 3
time correlation means with a local code and means for integrating the correlated signal
Implementation Method 4
the carrier loop comprising a phase discriminator
Implementation Method 5
an NCO digital control operator capable of delivering a local carrier phase
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
AI summary
The device has receiving channels (200, 300) comprising interconnection units (208, 308) for interconnecting inputs of a digital checking operator (226) of a loop. Each receiving channel operates to open the loop when the signal transmitted by a satellite is not received by an antenna. A selecting unit (400) selects a measurement time (T1) for delivering the signal by the receiving channel operative in a closed state of the loop, which presents the signal to noise ratio resulted from a highest reception antenna gain.