Multipath Searcher Using Segmented PN Code Correlation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multipath searchers in wireless communication systems require numerous correlators to detect multipath components, leading to high circuit complexity and manufacturing costs due to the adverse multipath interference caused by obstructions and geographical features.
Innovation Solution
A multipath searcher is designed with a pseudo noise (PN) code generator and a correlation module that includes a reduced number of correlators, where each correlator correlates input data with PN code sequences spaced by specific periods, and a sorting module to determine multipath correlations within a search range, effectively reducing hardware requirements and manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If many correlators are employed to detect multipath components over a wide search range, then the detection capability and reliability are improved, but the circuit complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The multipath search range is segmented into multiple sub-ranges, with each correlator responsible for detecting multipath components within a specific sub-range. This segmentation allows the system to maintain comprehensive detection capability while reducing the number of correlators needed compared to a conventional approach that would require one correlator for every possible time offset position
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of organization by grouping correlators according to their assigned sub-ranges and implementing a hierarchical structure with range assignment logic. This dimensional reorganization transforms the flat many-to-many mapping problem into a structured many-to-few mapping, reducing overall system complexity
2Reliability
If many correlators are employed to detect multipath components over a wide search range, then the detection capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the search range and assigning specific sub-ranges to individual correlators, the system reduces the total number of correlators required. This directly lowers component count, Bill of Materials (BOM) cost, and manufacturing complexity while preserving detection capability through the coordinated operation of fewer, specialized correlators
3Device complexity
If a reduced number of correlators is used, then the circuit complexity and manufacturing cost are reduced, but the ability to detect multipath components over a wide search range may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Each correlator is designed as a universal component capable of detecting multipath components across its assigned sub-range. The correlators perform identical correlation operations but on different time offset ranges, allowing the system to maintain detection capability across the entire wide search range while using fewer identical, standardized components
Solution Approach 2:
The range assignment logic pre-configures which correlator handles which sub-range before the actual multipath detection begins. This preliminary organization ensures that when multipath components arrive, the appropriate correlator is already prepared and positioned to detect them, eliminating the need for dynamic reconfiguration and maintaining detection reliability
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for determining multipath correlations among a search range of input data, and a method thereof. The multipath searcher comprises a pseudo noise (PN) code generator, a correlator, and a data combiner. The PN code generator generates a first PN code corresponding to a first multipath component of the input data, postpones a first period based on the search range, then generates a second PN code corresponding to a second multipath component of the input data. The correlator is coupled to the PN code generator, and correlates the input data with the first PN code and the second PN code to produce a first correlation and a second correlation. The data combiner is coupled to the correlator, receives the first and the second correlations to determine a primary multipath component with a higher correlation thereto.