PIM Source Positioning Using Network Scanning Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional PIM source positioning methods are limited in scope and often introduce additional interference, failing to accurately and cost-effectively identify passive inter-modulation sources in both open and closed structures without relying on external devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a network device to sequentially send downlink signals with different frequencies, receive uplink PIM signals, and analyze them to determine the PIM source within a scanning area, using precoding and weight matrices to enhance accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If passive inter-modulation source positioning method is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the inter-modulation signals generated naturally by non-linear components in the network as the positioning source, eliminating the need for dedicated active signal sources. The existing network infrastructure serves dual purposes: normal communication and inter-modulation source generation for positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
A reference signal is introduced as an intermediary that interacts with the inter-modulation signal through correlation processing. This reference signal acts as a mediator that enables the receiver to extract positioning information from the complex inter-modulation environment without requiring direct knowledge of all network parameters.
2Device complexity
If traditional active signal source positioning is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to signal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful inter-modulation interference, which was traditionally considered noise to be eliminated, into a useful positioning signal. By treating the inter-modulation signal generated by non-linear components as the positioning source, the system transforms a detrimental effect into a beneficial resource for accurate positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of trying to eliminate inter-modulation signals as interference, the patent inverts the approach by using these signals as the primary positioning source. The methodology shifts from suppressing inter-modulation to exploiting it for positioning information extraction.
3Measurement precision
If multiple signal sources are deployed for positioning, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the communication signals serve multiple functions: they simultaneously perform normal communication tasks and generate inter-modulation signals for positioning. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated positioning signal sources, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning function is merged with the existing communication signal transmission. The inter-modulation signals are generated as a byproduct of normal communication operations through non-linear components, combining positioning and communication functions into a single energy-efficient system.
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
This approach effectively identifies and suppresses PIM sources, improving communication system performance and radio resource utilization without external devices, applicable to various wireless communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
a passive inter-modulation source positioning method... multiple signals passing through a non-linear component generate inter-modulation signals
Data Source
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AI summary
This application provides a passive inter-modulation source positioning method and an apparatus, and relates to the field of wireless communications technologies. The method includes: A network device sequentially performs a scanning process on each of a plurality of scanning spots by using the following steps: sending a plurality of downlink signals with different frequencies for a first scanning spot by using a transmit antenna, and receiving an uplink PIM signal for the first scanning spot by using a receive antenna, where the first scanning spot is any one of the plurality of scanning spots, and the uplink PIM signal is generated by excitation by any at least two of the plurality of downlink signals; and the network device determines a PIM source from the plurality of scanning spots based on uplink PIM signals respectively corresponding to the plurality of scanning spots. In this way, the PIM source can be positioned by using the network device without relying on an external device.