Radio Node Measurement Using Coherent Signals and Phase Coherence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio measuring methods for determining distance and time offset between radio nodes are limited in accuracy and flexibility, particularly when dealing with multiple nodes and complex propagation media, as they often require precise synchronization and are not efficient in handling multiple paths and interference.
Innovation Solution
A method involving at least three radio nodes, where two nodes form a cell and an extra node operates in receive or transmit mode, using coherent transmission signals and multiple carrier frequencies to determine transfer functions and time offsets, allowing for high-resolution distance measurements and flexible node operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple radio nodes are used for distance measurement, then measurement versatility is improved, but device complexity and synchronization requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides radio nodes into two functional groups: cell nodes (at least two nodes that form a measurement cell) and extra nodes (one or more additional nodes). This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple nodes without requiring all nodes to participate in every measurement cycle, thereby reducing synchronization complexity while maintaining measurement versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
Each radio node is designed with universal functionality to operate in both transmit mode and receive mode. Nodes can dynamically switch roles during measurement cycles, with cell nodes performing both transmission and reception, while extra nodes can exclusively receive or transmit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated hardware for each role, simplifying device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If precise synchronization is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and time expenditure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic measurement cycles with structured transmit and receive phases. Each measurement cycle includes specific time slots where cell nodes transmit reference signals and other nodes receive them. This periodic structure enables precise time offset determination between nodes without requiring continuous synchronization, reducing both time expenditure and complexity compared to continuous synchronization approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The system determines time offsets autonomously during the measurement process without requiring external synchronization references. Each node uses the periodic transmission and reception of reference signals to self-determine its time offset relative to other nodes, eliminating the need for complex external synchronization infrastructure and reducing measurement time.
3Measurement precision
If additional data exchange is performed, then measurement accuracy is improved, but time expenditure and loss of information increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple measurement objectives into a single integrated measurement cycle. By having cell nodes transmit reference signals that are received by both cell and extra nodes simultaneously, the system obtains multiple measurement data points (transfer functions and time offsets between different node pairs) in one coordinated exchange, eliminating the need for separate data exchange cycles and reducing overall time expenditure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the received reference signals to determine transfer functions and time offsets, which are then used to correct and improve subsequent measurements. This feedback mechanism allows the system to achieve high measurement accuracy through iterative refinement without requiring excessive data exchange, as each cycle builds upon previous measurements to improve precision.
4Measurement precision
If phase coherence is maintained across measurement cycles, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes phase coherence preliminarily by having all radio nodes synchronize their carrier frequencies and phase references before entering measurement cycles. This preliminary action ensures that reference signals transmitted during measurement cycles maintain consistent phase relationships across all nodes, enabling precise transfer function determination without requiring complex real-time phase adjustment mechanisms during the actual measurements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for radio measuring applications, wherein at least two radio nodes operate at least once in a transmit mode and in a receive mode and form a cell and at least one radio node operates as an extra radio node works exclusively in a receive or transmit mode, each radio node has a timer and a further data interface, to initiate the measurement cycle, an initial signal with a first carrier frequency is transmitted by one of the radio nodes and received by at least one radio node of the cell, during the measurement cycle at least one radio node of the cell transmits a response signal with a further carrier frequency and the response signal is received by at least one radio node.