P25 C4FM SINR Measurement via Fourth-Order Envelope Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems face challenges in accurately calculating the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) for P25 C4FM signals due to variations in out-of-band noise power measurements, which are affected by device temperature and inability to differentiate between in-band signal power and interference power.

Innovation Solution

The method involves oversampling P25 C4FM wireless signals, correlating them with a frame synchronization pattern, and calculating first, second, and fourth order envelope mean values to estimate SINR, refining the measurements using these values to obtain accurate signal and noise power measurements, thereby calculating a reliable SINR for P25 C4FM signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If out-of-band noise power measurement is used to calculate SINR, then the calculation method is simple, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to temperature variations and inability to differentiate signal from interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of calculation methodVSAvoidSINR measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the received signal into distinct components by analyzing different statistical properties. It separates the desired signal, interference, and noise by calculating fourth-order envelope mean values and utilizing the known frame synchronization pattern, allowing accurate differentiation of signal power from interference and noise power components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameters from simple out-of-band noise power to fourth-order envelope mean values and signal statistical properties. By measuring the fourth-order envelope mean value and comparing it with the squared second-order envelope mean value, the system accurately determines signal power while separately measuring noise power in the out-of-band region, achieving precise SINR calculation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If traditional SINR calculation methods are used, then the computational process is straightforward, but the reliability deteriorates due to inaccurate noise and signal power measurements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomputational process simplicityVSAvoidSINR measurement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical power measurement methods with statistical signal processing techniques. Instead of directly measuring signal and noise power, it uses fourth-order envelope mean value calculations and correlation with known frame patterns to statistically separate and measure different signal components, achieving reliable SINR measurement through mathematical transformation rather than direct physical measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Speed

If out-of-band noise power measurement is performed continuously, then real-time monitoring is achieved, but temperature sensitivity causes measurement instability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time monitoring capabilityVSAvoidmeasurement stability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent exploits the asymmetric statistical properties of different signal components. The fourth-order envelope mean value of the modulated signal has a specific relationship with the second-order envelope mean value that differs from noise characteristics. By measuring these asymmetric statistical moments and using the known frame synchronization pattern, the system can distinguish signal from noise even in real-time, achieving both speed and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP3706339B1Systems and methods for measuring wireless signal quality
Publication Date: 2021.09.29 PCTEL INC
  • EP3706339B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3706339B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3706339B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for calculating a SINR measurement for an oversampled P25 C4FM wireless signal received by P25 user equipment or a P25 receiver to determine whether a P25 network and the P25 user equipment or the P25 receiver have been successfully deployed. Some methods can include calculating a first order envelop mean value for the oversampled wireless signal, calculating a second order envelop mean value for the oversampled wireless signal, calculating a fourth order envelop mean value for the oversampled wireless signal, using the fourth order envelop mean value and the second order envelop mean value to estimate the SINR measurement, and using the first order envelop mean value and the second order envelop mean value to refine the SINR measurement.