Multichannel Receiver Gain Control for Near-Far Signal Saturation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless networks, the near-far problem occurs where a receiver is overwhelmed by stronger signals from closer transmitters, leading to signal saturation and overpowering of weaker signals from farther transmitters, necessitating costly adjustments at the transmitters rather than the receiver.

Innovation Solution

A multichannel receiver with N channel circuits, each equipped with a band pass filter and gain control feedback circuit, adjusts signal power relative to a reference voltage to equalize signal strengths across different channels, preventing saturation and ensuring all signals are within the receiver's operating range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the power of transmission is increased to maintain sufficient energy per bit as range is increased, then signal strength at receiver is improved, but energy consumption and interference to other signals increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal strengthVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver dynamically adjusts the gain parameter of each channel circuit based on the received signal strength. The gain control feedback circuit continuously monitors the signal level and modifies the amplification factor to maintain optimal signal-to-noise ratio without requiring increased transmission power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The gain control feedback circuit implements a closed-loop control system where the receiver measures the actual signal strength and noise level, then automatically adjusts the channel gain to compensate for varying transmission distances and power levels, eliminating the need for high-power transmissions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If the number of bits transmitted per unit time is decreased to maintain sufficient energy per bit, then energy consumption is reduced, but data transmission rate decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoiddata transmission rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver divides the incoming signal into N separate channel circuits, each processing a specific frequency band or signal stream independently. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple data streams, maintaining high overall throughput while each individual channel can operate at lower power levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The multichannel receiver architecture provides a universal solution that can handle multiple signals with different power levels and data rates simultaneously. Each channel circuit is designed with adjustable gain and bandwidth parameters, allowing the system to adapt to various transmission requirements without sacrificing overall productivity.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional single-channel receiver is used, then device complexity is low, but it cannot handle multiple signals with different power levels effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal handling capabilityVSAvoidreceiver structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver is segmented into N independent channel circuits, each capable of processing one signal independently. This modular architecture provides adaptability to handle multiple signals with different characteristics while keeping each individual channel relatively simple in design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple channel circuits are merged into a single integrated receiver system that shares common components such as the antenna interface, power supply, and control logic. This combining approach provides multichannel capability while avoiding the complexity of N separate receiver systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If gain control feedback circuit is added to each channel, then signal equalization across channels is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal reception reliabilityVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each channel circuit incorporates a gain control feedback loop that automatically adjusts the channel gain based on the received signal strength. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable signal reception across all channels by compensating for variations in transmission distance and power, while the automated control eliminates the need for manual adjustment complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The gain control feedback circuit implements self-adjustment within each channel, automatically monitoring its own signal level and modifying its gain parameter accordingly. This self-service capability ensures reliable operation without requiring external intervention or complex centralized control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 allows for efficient reception of multiple signals from various transmitters without significant modifications, supporting a wide range of frequency bands and handling power differences of over 100 dB, thereby reducing costs and operational complexities compared to conventional single-channel systems.

Implementation Method 1

isolating a first signal in the waveform using a band pass (BP) filter in a first channel circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBand pass filtering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 2

gain control (GC) feedback circuit configured to adjust a signal provided by the BP filter with respect to a reference voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFeedback control: Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS7796714B2Multiple signal receiving
Publication Date: 2010.09.14 POWERWAVE COGNITION INC
  • US7796714B2 patent drawing
  • US7796714B2 patent drawing
  • US7796714B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In one aspect, the invention is a multichannel receiver. The multichannel receiver includes a first channel circuit of N channel circuits. The first channel circuit includes a band pass (BP) filter and a gain control (GC) feedback circuit configured to adjust a signal provided by the BP filter with respect to a reference voltage.