Phased Array Interference Suppression for Aircraft Altimeters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sensor interference from distributed wireless transceiver nodes in aircraft systems can corrupt altimeter signals, preventing accurate altitude determination during critical phases like landing, due to shared frequency bands and lack of effective interference mitigation methods.
Innovation Solution
A system that maps the three-dimensional layout of transceiver nodes and adjusts phase shifts to create destructive interference at critical sensors, using a phased array approach with phase shifters and controllers to minimize electromagnetic interference, ensuring reliable sensor operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If distributed wireless transceiver nodes operate in shared frequency bands, then communication coverage and functionality are improved, but sensor interference and signal corruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by calculating and applying phase shifts to transmitting nodes before interference occurs at the sensor. The controller computes the required phase shifts based on node positions and sensor location, then adjusts each node's transmission phase in advance to create destructive interference at the sensor location, preventing signal corruption before it happens.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by creating spatially selective interference patterns. Different phase shifts are applied to different transmitting nodes based on their specific spatial relationships to the sensor. This creates a localized null in the aggregate electromagnetic radiation pattern specifically at the sensor location, while maintaining normal communication functionality in other areas.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If phase shifts are adjusted to create destructive interference at critical sensors, then interference suppression is improved, but system complexity and control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs multiple functions using a single integrated system. It simultaneously manages normal communication coordination and interference mitigation, calculates three-dimensional positions of all nodes, determines required phase shifts, and adjusts transmitting nodes all through one controller. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated interference cancellation hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the three-dimensional positions of transmitting nodes and adjusting phase shifts dynamically. The controller receives position information, recalculates the required phase shifts based on current node configurations, and updates the transmitting nodes in real-time to maintain effective interference suppression as the system state changes.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If three-dimensional mapping and phase shift estimation are implemented, then interference mitigation effectiveness is improved, but computational requirements and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing the three-dimensional map of node positions and the sensor location. This spatial configuration data is prepared in advance, allowing the controller to quickly compute phase shifts when needed without performing full three-dimensional mapping calculations in real-time, significantly reducing processing delays.
4Productivity
If multiple transceiver nodes transmit simultaneously, then network productivity and data rate are improved, but signal interference and corruption at sensors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies parameter changes by modifying the phase parameter of transmitting nodes based on their spatial positions and the sensor location. By dynamically adjusting phase values for each node, the system enables simultaneous transmissions to proceed while creating a controlled interference pattern that results in a null at the sensor location, thereby maintaining both high network productivity and signal integrity.
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 system effectively suppresses interference at critical sensors, enhancing the reliability of altimeter functions and other sensitive wireless communications by creating a null in the aggregate electromagnetic radiation pattern, thereby improving data integrity and reducing signal corruption.
Implementation Method 1
phase shifts are estimated for transmissions from the nodes to produce net destructive interference at the critical sensor
Implementation Method 2
An aggregate electromagnetic signal from the nodes is sensed at the critical sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
A system (10) has a plurality of transmission-capable nodes (16). A method is provided for suppressing interference at a critical sensor (14) situated within this system (10). The system (10) is first three-dimensionally mapped. Next, phase shifts are estimated for transmissions from the nodes (16) to produce net destructive interference at the critical sensor (14), based on the three-dimensional mapping of the system (10). An aggregate electromagnetic signal from the nodes (16) is sensed at the critical sensor (14). The phase shifts are then adjusted based on the sensed aggregate electromagnetic signal.