Receiver Noise-Based Antenna Type Detection Without Extra RF Hardware
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna detection methods, such as those using antenna return loss, are expensive and time-consuming due to the need for additional components like a power measurement unit and RF transmitter.
Innovation Solution
A receiver with a processing unit that measures noise parameters over a frequency range to detect and determine the type of an antenna, optionally using external processing devices and indirect connections via signal-modifying elements, and correlates these parameters with antenna load characteristics for detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If antenna detection is performed using antenna return loss with a power measurement unit and RF transmitter, then antenna detection capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the antenna detection function from a separate dedicated detection system and integrates it into the existing receiver's processing unit. The processing unit measures noise parameters that are inherently present in the receiver's signal path, eliminating the need for separate power measurement units and RF transmitters. This extraction approach maintains detection capability while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing unit is designed to serve multiple functions: it processes received signals for normal operation and simultaneously measures noise parameters for antenna detection. By making the processing unit universal, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated detection hardware, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining full antenna detection capability.
2Measurement precision
If antenna detection is performed using antenna return loss with additional hardware components, then antenna detection accuracy is achieved, but time expenditure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing unit continuously measures noise parameters as part of its normal operation, so when antenna detection is needed, the measurements are already available or nearly available. This preliminary action eliminates the need for separate detection measurement steps, reducing time expenditure while maintaining detection accuracy through continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The noise parameter measurements are performed continuously during normal receiver operation rather than being interrupted for separate detection measurements. This continuous useful action ensures accurate detection data is always available without adding time delays, as the measurement process runs parallel to the receiver's primary function.
3Ease of operation
If noise parameter measurement is performed with the antenna connected to the receiver, then practical detection conditions are met, but measurement accuracy decreases due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The processing unit periodically switches between measuring noise parameters with the antenna connected and performing calibration measurements with the antenna disconnected or in a known state. This periodic action allows the system to maintain practical detection conditions while compensating for interference through calibration, thereby preserving measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the noise parameter measurements to adjust and calibrate the detection process. By continuously monitoring the noise parameters and comparing them against expected values or calibration data, the processing unit can compensate for interference effects and maintain accurate antenna detection even under practical operating conditions.
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
Ensures low-cost and time-efficient antenna detection by reducing complexity and eliminating the need for additional hardware, allowing for automatic and efficient receiver optimization.
Implementation Method 1
the processing unit is configured to measure at least one noise parameter, especially over a certain frequency range, with respect to the at least one antenna
Data Source
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AI summary
A receiver (10) is provided. Said receiver (10) comprises at least one port (11) for directly or indirectly connecting at least one antenna (16), and a processing unit (12) connected to the at least one port (11). In this context, the processing unit (12) is configured to measure at least one noise parameter, especially over a certain frequency range, with respect to the at least one antenna (16). In addition to this, the processing unit (12) is configured to correlate the correspondingly measured at least one noise parameter to at least one antenna load characteristic for detecting the at least one antenna (16) and/or for determining the corresponding type of the at least one antenna (16).