Multimode Signal Calibration for Interference Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multimode devices operating in noisy RF environments face interference challenges due to differences in radio access technologies, with existing solutions like software synchronization and RF filters being inadequate for completely suppressing interferences, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for calibrating signal transmission equipment with multiple subsystems, involving a calibration phase where one subsystem transmits a signal and another measures noise, recording the results in a data structure, and an iterative process to select the best transmission channel based on noise levels, allowing the device to choose optimal channels for operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If RF filters are used to suppress interference, then interference reduction is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveinterferenceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary measurement of interference levels during a calibration phase before actual operation. The second subsystem measures noise levels on multiple channels while the first subsystem transmits signals at predetermined power levels. These measurements are stored in a data structure for later use during operation, eliminating the need for complex real-time interference suppression hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a copy of interference characteristics by measuring noise levels on different channels and storing this information in a data structure. During operation, the system references this pre-measured data to select optimal channels, rather than using physical filters to block interference. This informational copy replaces the need for complex RF filtering hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Object-affected harmful factors

If RF filters are used to suppress interference, then interference reduction is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveinterferenceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses inexpensive software-based channel selection based on pre-measured interference data rather than expensive physical RF filters. The calibration measurements are performed once during manufacturing, and the resulting channel selection guidelines are stored as simple data structures that can be implemented through software, significantly reducing component costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If channel selection is based on fixed rules, then implementation is simple, but interference reduction efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidinterference reduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where interference levels are measured during calibration and stored in a data structure. During operation, the system references this pre-collected feedback data to make informed channel selection decisions. This approach combines the simplicity of pre-determined rules with the efficiency of data-driven optimization, as the feedback measurements are performed once during manufacturing and then reused during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple RF systems are integrated, then device functionality increases, but interference between systems increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary interference measurements during a calibration phase before the device enters operational mode. The second subsystem measures noise levels on multiple channels while the first subsystem transmits signals at predetermined power levels. These pre-measured interference characteristics are stored in a data structure and used during operation to select optimal channels, allowing multiple RF systems to coexist without requiring complex real-time interference management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9124323B2Interference reduction method
Publication Date: 2015.09.01 SEQUANS COMMUNICATIONS
  • US9124323B2 patent drawing
  • US9124323B2 patent drawing
  • US9124323B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for calibrating signal transmission equipment. The equipment includes at least two signal transmission subsystems, a first subsystem implementing a first signal transmission technology and a second subsystem implementing a second signal transmission technology. The method includes transmitting, by the first subsystem, a signal at a predetermined transmission power; measuring, by the second subsystem, an amount of noise perceived on at least one channel associated with the second subsystem; and recording, in a data structure, the amount of noise for the at least one associated channel.