Radio Transmitter Receiver Clock Synchronization Error Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Radio transmission systems in intelligent consumption meters face challenges with interference, energy efficiency, and precise time synchronization, leading to reduced communication quality and increased costs due to manufacturing tolerances and interference from other devices in shared frequency bands.

Innovation Solution

A method that uses a radio transmitter and receiver with a shared clock generator for determining carrier frequencies and sampling rates, allowing for error compensation in transmission times and frequencies, enabling energy-efficient operation and improved communication robustness by calculating a time correction factor based on estimated errors and using this factor for wake-up times during sleep modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If different crystals are used in transmitter and receiver, then frequency and time deviations occur due to manufacturing tolerances, but communication reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuse of different crystalsVSAvoidcommunication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the frequency reference functions by having the receiver use the transmitter's crystal frequency as its reference instead of relying on a separate local crystal. This eliminates the frequency and time deviations caused by manufacturing tolerances between different crystals while maintaining communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a synchronization signal as an intermediary that carries the transmitter's crystal frequency information to the receiver. This mediator allows the receiver to align its timing and frequency reference with the transmitter, resolving the reliability issue without requiring identical crystals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If radio transmission uses shared frequency bands, then interference from other devices increases, but cost and complexity of dedicated frequencies increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuse of shared frequency bandsVSAvoidinterference from other devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic transmission of synchronization signals at specific intervals. This periodic action creates structured communication windows that reduce random interference from other devices in the shared frequency band while maintaining cost-effectiveness of using standard ISM bands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback mechanisms where the receiver detects and reports interference conditions, allowing the transmitter to adjust transmission parameters dynamically. This feedback loop reduces the impact of interference from other devices while continuing to use shared frequency bands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If precise time synchronization is required, then system robustness against interference decreases, but time accuracy improves

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime synchronization accuracyVSAvoidsystem robustness
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary synchronization by establishing time and frequency references before actual data transmission begins. This preliminary action ensures precise time synchronization while allowing the system to recover from interference during subsequent transmissions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates redundancy and error correction mechanisms in advance of potential interference events. By cushioning against expected interference through pre-planned error correction codes and redundant synchronization signals, the system maintains both time accuracy and robustness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Use of energy by moving object

If consumption meters use sleep mode for energy saving, then communication responsiveness decreases, but energy efficiency improves

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidcommunication responsiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic wake-up cycles where consumption meters exit sleep mode at predetermined intervals to exchange synchronization signals and data. This periodic action maintains energy efficiency while ensuring communication responsiveness at regular intervals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables consumption meters to autonomously manage their sleep-wake cycles based on received synchronization signals and local timing references. This self-service approach optimizes energy consumption while maintaining communication availability without requiring continuous active monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3579624B1Method for operating a wireless transmission system, and arrangement of a wireless transmission system
Publication Date: 2023.06.28 DIEHL METERING SYSTEMS GMBH
  • EP3579624B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3579624B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3579624B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating a radio transmission system with a radio transmitter (S) and at least one radio receiver (E), wherein the radio transmitter (S) comprises at least one transmitter timer (ZS), in particular a clock, and transmits a packet and/or a subpacket and/or a plurality of packets successively for the transmission of data, wherein the carrier frequency and the transmission times of the data and/or the carrier frequency and the sampling rate of the data and/or the transmission times of the data and the sampling rate of the data depend on the transmitter timer (ZS), in particular a clock, and the radio receiver (E) comprises at least one receiver timer (ZE), in particular a clock, with timing means for determining transmission times and/or for determining carrier frequencies and/or for determining sampling rates, wherein the radio receiver (E) calculates an error based on the received data,The invention estimates, in particular, a carrier frequency error and/or a sampling rate error and/or an error in the transmission time and determines a timing error from this, whereby a timing correction factor is determined for compensation based on the timing error. Furthermore, the invention relates to an arrangement of a radio transmission system which is operable according to the method.