Frequency-Domain Filtering for Radio Frequency Offset Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Frequency offset in radio signals causes inter-subcarrier-interference, degrading receiver performance and increasing erroneous decoding decisions, particularly in multi-carrier systems.

Innovation Solution

A method for estimating and correcting frequency offset using real-valued algebraic coefficients computed based on a specific relation between the frequency offset estimate and filter coefficient index, reducing computational complexity and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If frequency offset estimation and correction is performed using conventional complex-valued filter coefficients, then decoding accuracy is improved, but computational complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoding accuracyVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter type of filter coefficients from complex-valued to real-valued algebraic numbers. This parameter transformation maintains the essential filtering function while dramatically reducing computational complexity. The real-valued coefficients are computed using a specific relation (Equation 6) that avoids complex arithmetic operations, thereby reducing power consumption and computational burden while preserving sufficient decoding accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs simplified real-valued filter coefficients that are computationally cheaper and can be rapidly computed and discarded after use. These coefficients replace expensive complex-valued coefficients, enabling faster processing with reduced computational resources. The coefficients are computed on-demand using a straightforward algebraic relation rather than requiring complex mathematical operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Measurement precision

If frequency offset estimation and correction is performed using conventional complex-valued filter coefficients, then decoding accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoding accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the filter coefficient parameter from complex-valued to real-valued algebraic numbers, which significantly reduces the computational operations required. Real-valued arithmetic requires fewer CPU cycles and less energy consumption compared to complex-valued arithmetic. This parameter change maintains adequate filtering performance while dramatically reducing power consumption in mobile radio receivers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes complex mathematical operations with simpler algebraic computations. By replacing complex-valued filter coefficient computations with real-valued algebraic relations, the system reduces the mechanical/computational burden on the processor, thereby reducing power consumption. The substitution maintains the essential function of frequency offset correction while using energetically cheaper computational operations.

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

3Measurement precision

If frequency offset estimation is performed without upper limit constraint, then estimation accuracy is improved, but computation stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency offset estimation accuracyVSAvoidcomputation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a preliminary upper limit constraint to the frequency offset estimate before using it to compute filter coefficients. This preliminary action prevents the estimate from taking on excessively large values that would cause numerical instability in subsequent computations. By pre-limiting the estimate range, the system ensures stable and reliable coefficient computation while maintaining sufficient estimation accuracy for practical applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4277218B1Frequency offset estimation and reduction
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY
  • EP4277218B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4277218B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4277218B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

This document discloses a solution for reducing a frequency offset. According to an aspect, a method comprises: acquiring a signal distorted by the frequency offset; estimating a frequency offset estimate describing the frequency offset; computing coefficients for a frequency-domain filter on the basis of a relation between the frequency offset estimate and a combination of the frequency offset estimate and an index of the frequency-domain filter; and performing frequency-domain filtering of the signal by using the computed coefficients.