Multipath Combiner for Wireless Packet Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in rapid packet detection and synchronization due to multipath interference, frequency hopping, and channel variability, which affect reliable communication link establishment and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A method that includes producing a signal match indication and a multipath combined signal to detect peaks, enabling accurate symbol timing and channel length estimation, and using a multipath combiner to mitigate the effects of multipath interference, allowing for efficient packet detection and synchronization across multiple bands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional packet detection methods are used, then the detection process is simpler, but detection reliability deteriorates due to multipath interference and channel variability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacket detection reliabilityVSAvoiddetection process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple signal processing operations including matched filtering, multipath combining, and peak detection into a unified detection framework. The multipath combiner merges signals from multiple paths constructively, while the matched filter correlates received signals with expected packet structures, achieving reliable detection despite channel variability and multipath interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediate processing stages including a multipath combiner that acts as a mediator between the received signal and the peak detector. This intermediary structure processes the signal through multiple stages (matched filtering, multipath combining, threshold comparison) to achieve reliable detection while managing complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If symbol timing and channel length estimation are performed accurately, then communication link establishment improves, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesymbol timing precisionVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary channel length estimation and symbol timing acquisition during the packet detection phase using the preamble structure. By estimating channel length early based on the known packet preamble format, and acquiring symbol timing through peak detection in the matched filter output, the system prepares synchronization parameters before data reception, reducing processing time during actual communication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the packet structure into distinct segments including preamble, header, and data portions. The preamble contains synchronization symbols that are processed separately for timing and channel estimation, allowing these measurements to be performed on a dedicated segment without affecting overall processing speed. This segmentation enables parallel processing of different packet components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If multipath interference is mitigated, then packet detection accuracy improves, but system complexity increases due to additional processing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacket detection accuracyVSAvoidsignal processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful multipath interference into a beneficial effect by using a multipath combiner that constructively combines signals from different paths. Instead of trying to eliminate multipath effects, the system exploits the known packet structure and timing information to align and combine multipath components, transforming the interference into enhanced signal strength and improved detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes processing parameters dynamically based on channel conditions and packet structure. The matched filter uses variable correlation thresholds, the multipath combiner adjusts combining weights based on estimated path delays, and the peak detector adapts its search window based on symbol timing estimates. These parameter adjustments enable accurate detection while managing processing complexity through adaptive rather than exhaustive processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8306161B2Robust packet detection, symbol timing, channel length estimation and channel response estimation for wireless systems

Publication Date: 2012.11.06 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC

AI summary

A method in accordance with an embodiment of the invention includes producing a first signal match indication based on at least one match indication indicative of a match between at least one signal received in at least one band and a reference signal. The method also includes producing a first signal multipath combined signal based upon the first signal match indication, and detecting a first peak in the first multipath combined signal.