Radio Modem Interference Monitoring Using Built-in Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radio modem systems lack effective interference monitoring capabilities without specialized external equipment, making it difficult to detect and address signal issues during data transmission, especially in dedicated radio channels used for GNSS and LPS applications, where external devices are not justified due to cost and space constraints.
Innovation Solution
The method involves utilizing existing radio modem functionality to sample and process raw data signals before demodulation, delivering these samples to a user's device for analysis, allowing for real-time monitoring of primary and interfering signals without additional hardware, and providing auditory or graphical feedback to identify and correct signal issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If specialized external devices are used to monitor radio signals, then interference detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The radio modem is designed to perform both its primary data transmission function and interference monitoring function using the same hardware resources. The processor can switch between normal communication operations and signal analysis modes, making the device universal and eliminating the need for separate specialized monitoring equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The radio modem monitors its own transmitted and received signals for interference conditions using its built-in processor and audio output capabilities. This self-monitoring approach eliminates dependency on external specialized devices and enables the system to detect and report interference issues autonomously.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If specialized external devices are used to monitor radio signals, then interference detection capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radio modem integrates interference monitoring capabilities into its existing hardware architecture, allowing the same processor, memory, and audio components to serve both communication and monitoring functions. This eliminates the need for separate specialized monitoring devices and reduces overall system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the interference monitoring function with the existing radio modem data transmission function. By merging these capabilities into a single integrated system rather than using separate devices, the overall cost is reduced while maintaining effective interference detection.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If additional circuitry is integrated into GNSS equipment, then interference monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The radio modem uses its existing audio output capabilities and processor for interference monitoring, rather than adding dedicated monitoring circuitry. This multi-functional approach allows interference detection without requiring additional physical space or components in the integrated GNSS equipment.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If additional circuitry is integrated into GNSS equipment, then interference monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radio modem uses its own existing resources including processor, memory, and audio output capabilities to perform interference monitoring. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional dedicated monitoring circuitry and keeps the device complexity manageable.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus is provided for enhanced signal interference monitoring by sampling a signal of interest and using a representation of the sampled signal in combination with certain audio output capabilities to determine the nature of either the primary received data signal or the secondary interfering signals without requiring any specialized, dedicated external equipment, additional hardware and/or disturbing the primary functions of a radio modem.