Adaptive Multipath Signal Combining for Fading Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital radio communication systems face challenges in receiving signals due to multipath effects, where signals are distorted and energy is distributed in undesired directions, leading to fading and signal degradation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that adaptively combine multipath signals by generating weight values to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the combined signal, using channel sub-processor logic and adaption and combining logic to apply weights to signals received via different paths, thereby reducing signal degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If signals are received via multiple paths, then signal energy is increased, but signal quality deteriorates due to distortion and fading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different weight values to different multipath signals based on their individual quality characteristics. Each path's signal is weighted according to its specific distortion and fading properties, allowing the system to leverage the strength of each path while compensating for its weaknesses through adaptive weighting.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts weight values as parameters of the received signals change over time. The weight values are updated based on current signal conditions including distortion levels and fading characteristics, enabling the system to adapt to varying channel conditions and maintain optimal signal quality.
2Reliability
If adaptive weighting is applied to multipath signals, then signal quality is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically computing and updating weight values based on the actual signal conditions. The adaptive weighting mechanism monitors signal quality metrics and autonomously modifies the weights without external intervention, reducing the need for complex manual configuration or external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors the quality of received signals and uses this information to adjust weight values. This closed-loop approach allows the system to learn from signal conditions and optimize performance automatically, reducing the need for overly complex deterministic control structures.
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
The solution effectively mitigates multipath effects by optimizing the SNR of the combined signal, increasing the chances of recovering the original signal data and extending radio link margin.
Implementation Method 1
The effects of multipath are determined by the linear superposition (addition) of the multiple electromagnetic waves (or more precisely, electromagnetic fields) at the receiver antenna
Implementation Method 2
According to an objective function, the method adaptively generates a first weight value and a second weight value so that a combined signal to noise ratio (SNR) of the combined signal is maximized
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for optimally combining multi-path signals is presented. A first signal is received that traveled a first path from a transmitter to a receiving location and a second signal is received that traveled a different second path from the transmitter to the same receiving location. The paths are different so that the first and second signals contain the same signal data but the first signal has a first distortion that is different than a second distortion in the second signal. According to an objective function, the method adaptively generates a first weight value and a second weight value. The first and second weight values are applied to the respective first and second signals to produce respective first and second weighted signals. The first and second weighted signals are linearly combined producing a combined signal with a combined signal degradation.