Multiband Satellite Receiver Shared Chain

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current multifrequency GNSS receivers face complexity, size issues, and redundancy in reception chains due to duplication of resources, which increases costs and complicates integration.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves communalizing certain high-frequency components and using switches to share resources across multiple frequency channels, allowing for efficient processing of multiple frequencies with reduced redundancy and complexity, while maintaining performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dedicated high frequency chains are used for each frequency band, then reception reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereception reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a shared high frequency chain that can process multiple frequency bands (L1, L2, L5, E5a, E5b, E6) through a single reception path. The universal chain includes shared components such as the low noise amplifier, mixer, and intermediate frequency processing stages, which can be configured to handle different frequency bands, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reception reliability across multiple bands

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic switching mechanisms that allow the single high frequency chain to be reconfigured for different frequency bands as needed. The system can dynamically select which frequency band to process at any given time, enabling the same hardware resources to serve multiple functions and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If multiple dedicated reception chains are implemented, then resistance to interference is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to interferenceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal reception chain that can be dynamically allocated to different frequency bands, reducing the number of physical components needed while maintaining the ability to receive multiple bands simultaneously or sequentially, thereby lowering manufacturing costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple dedicated reception chains into a single shared chain by combining common components (low noise amplifier, mixer, intermediate frequency processing) that can handle multiple frequency bands, reducing component count and manufacturing complexity while preserving interference resistance through software-defined frequency selection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If frequency-specific components are duplicated, then reception precision is improved, but receiver size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereception precisionVSAvoidreceiver size
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a compact universal reception chain where components serve multiple frequency bands, dramatically reducing receiver size compared to having separate dedicated chains for each band, while maintaining precision through software-based signal processing and dynamic configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a nested architecture where the single high frequency chain is contained within a unified receiver structure, with frequency-specific processing logically nested within the shared hardware resources, optimizing space utilization and reducing overall receiver volume

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Adaptability or versatility

If dedicated chains for each band are used, then adaptability is improved, but loss of substance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidloss of substance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a highly adaptable universal reception chain that can process any of the supported frequency bands (L1, L2, L5, E5a, E5b, E6) using the same physical components, eliminating the need to manufacture and dispose of multiple dedicated chains, thereby reducing material consumption while maintaining full adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 approach reduces the complexity and cost of multifrequency receivers, enables miniaturization, and improves precision and resistance to interference by allowing efficient switching between frequencies, thereby enhancing the availability and accuracy of signal reception.

Implementation Method 1

a first stage of amplification comprising at least one low-noise amplifier delivering a first signal filtered from the signal received by the receiver

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAmplification:

Implementation Method 2

a third stage comprising a mixer and at least one local oscillator allowing the transition from a received frequency to a first intermediate frequency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency mixing:

Implementation Method 3

a fourth amplification and filtering stage comprising at least one adjustable amplifier making it possible to amplify the filtered signal at the output of the mixer and carried by the first intermediate frequency and at least one filter making it possible to filter the first intermediate frequency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 4

a third stage comprising a mixer and at least one local oscillator allowing the transition from a received frequency to a first intermediate frequency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOscillation:

Data Source

PatentEP2239858B1Multiband receiver for satellite navigation
Publication Date: 2012.03.14 THALES SA
  • EP2239858B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2239858B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2239858B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The receiver has a high frequency receiving chain including a receiving unit with an amplification stage having a low noise amplifier (31) that delivers signal filtered from received radiocommunication signal. The receiving unit has a received frequency processing stage provided with a switch (S1) that delivers the filtered signal alternatively in two paths, based on received frequency. The processing stage has an adjustable amplifier (A6) that amplifies the filtered signal. The processing stage has another switch (S2) that delivers the filtered signal towards a mixer (34).