Wireless Receiver Interference Mitigation via Fourier Transform Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless signal receivers face interference from both known and unknown electromagnetic signals, which can impact the operation and accuracy of position and velocity estimation processes in satellite positioning systems (SPS) and other wireless communication systems, and existing techniques are limited in effectively mitigating these interference signals in real-time.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a method that performs a Fourier transform on received signals to identify interference by measuring noise power levels, setting noise thresholds, and selectively activating programmable signal filters, such as notch filters, to mitigate both known and unknown interference signals, with dynamic real-time monitoring and calibration to adapt to changing operational modes and environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If programmable signal filters are activated to mitigate interference signals, then the reliability of signal reception is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal reception reliabilityVSAvoidreceiver system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary identification of interference signals through Fourier transform analysis and noise threshold comparison before activating filters. This preliminary detection mechanism allows the receiver to prepare filter configurations in advance based on detected interference patterns, improving reception reliability without requiring permanent complex filtering hardware for all possible interference types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The receiver employs dynamically configurable programmable signal filters that can be selectively activated and tuned based on real-time interference detection. The filter parameters (frequency, bandwidth, type) are adjusted dynamically according to the specific interference characteristics identified through spectral analysis, allowing the system to adapt to varying interference conditions without fixed complex hardware for every scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If real-time interference identification and mitigation is implemented, then the measurement precision of signal parameters is improved, but the loss of time for processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal parameter accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial processing by performing Fourier transform analysis only on selected signal portions and activating filters only when interference is detected above thresholds. This selective approach maintains measurement precision for critical signal parameters while avoiding full-spectrum continuous processing that would consume excessive time, thereby balancing accuracy with processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The receiver implements a feedback mechanism where interference detection results directly control filter activation and parameter adjustment. The system continuously monitors signal quality metrics and adjusts filtering operations in real-time based on detected interference levels, allowing rapid response to interference events while maintaining normal operation during clean signal conditions, thus minimizing overall processing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple programmable filters are used to mitigate both known and unknown interference, then the adaptability of the receiver is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference mitigation adaptabilityVSAvoidfilter system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver employs a set of programmable signal filters that can be configured to handle multiple types of interference signals through software control. Rather than implementing separate dedicated filters for each interference type, the system uses universal programmable filters that can be tuned via Fourier transform analysis to identify and mitigate both known and unknown interference patterns, achieving high adaptability without proportionally increasing hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach effectively identifies and mitigates interference signals, improving the accuracy and reliability of SPS signal reception and supporting position/velocity/time estimation processes by reducing unwanted electromagnetic interference, thereby enhancing the overall performance of wireless communication systems.

Implementation Method 1

a method may be employed in an electronic device having a receiver that is enabled to perform a Fourier transform operation with a received signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFourier transform:

Implementation Method 2

selectively generating one or more electronic signals to initiate operation of at least one programmable signal filter within the receiver to mitigate at least a portion of the interference signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentEP2510627B1Methods and apparatuses for identifying and mitigating interference in a wireless signal
Publication Date: 2014.03.12 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP2510627B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2510627B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2510627B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods and apparatuses are provided that may be implemented in various electronic devices and/or circuits to identify and mitigate to some extent various known and unknown interference signals that may appear in a received signal.