Receiver Gain Control for Multi-Signal Wireless Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication networks, terminals face challenges in effectively performing automatic gain control (AGC) to manage varying signal strengths from different transmitters, which can lead to ADC clipping and signal degradation.
Innovation Solution
A terminal adjusts its receiver gain settings based on the characteristics of different signal types and expected power levels from peer terminals, using specific gain settings for peer discovery, paging, and data signals, and employing hopping functions to select resource blocks and determine optimal gain settings for each type of signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a terminal uses a single receiver gain setting for all signal types, then the device complexity is reduced, but signal reception quality deteriorates due to ADC clipping or insufficient amplification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic receiver gain adjustment by determining different initial receiver gain settings based on the types of signals expected in different time intervals. The terminal adapts the receiver gain dynamically according to signal characteristics (e.g., peer discovery signals, paging signals, data signals) rather than using a fixed gain setting, thereby maintaining optimal signal levels and preventing ADC clipping while managing complexity through structured gain selection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining the initial receiver gain setting in advance based on the types of signals expected in upcoming time intervals. The terminal predicts which signal types will be received and pre-configures the appropriate gain setting before the actual signal reception occurs, allowing for optimal gain selection without real-time complexity
2Reliability
If a terminal uses high receiver gain for weak signals, then weak signals are amplified adequately, but strong signals are clipped at the ADC
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selecting different receiver gain settings tailored to specific signal types and expected power levels. Instead of using a uniform high gain for all signals, the terminal determines appropriate gain settings locally for each signal type (e.g., peer discovery, paging, data signals), ensuring that weak signals receive sufficient amplification while strong signals are attenuated to appropriate levels, thereby preventing ADC clipping
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by adjusting the receiver gain parameter according to the types of signals expected and their predicted power levels. The terminal changes the gain parameter dynamically based on signal characteristics, selecting from different initial gain settings to match the expected signal strength, thus avoiding both insufficient amplification of weak signals and clipping of strong signals
3Reliability
If a terminal adjusts receiver gain frequently to optimize for different signal types, then signal reception quality improves, but the processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces processing time by performing preliminary determination of the initial receiver gain setting based on the types of signals expected in different time intervals. The terminal predicts upcoming signal types and pre-selects the appropriate gain setting before actual signal reception begins, eliminating the need for time-consuming real-time gain adjustments while maintaining optimal signal quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the receiver operation into distinct time intervals, each associated with specific signal types and corresponding initial gain settings. The terminal segments the reception process based on signal type (peer discovery, paging, data signals) and assigns appropriate gain settings to each segment, thereby simplifying the gain management process and reducing overall processing time through structured organization
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for performing automatic gain control (AGC) at a terminal in a wireless communication network are described. In an aspect, the terminal may use different receiver gain settings to receive different types of signals in different time intervals. The terminal may determine a receiver gain setting for each signal type and may use the receiver gain setting to receive signals of that signal type. In another aspect, the terminal may determine a receiver gain setting for a future time interval based on received power levels for peer terminals expected to transmit in that time interval. The terminal may measure received power levels of signals received from a plurality of terminals. The terminal may determine a set of terminals expected to transmit in the future time interval and may determine the receiver gain setting for the future time interval based on the measured received power levels for the set of terminals.