Reconfigurable GNSS RF Front End with Dynamic Oscillator Sharing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current RF front ends for global navigation satellite systems lack the flexibility to dynamically reconfigure RF chains and local oscillators, limiting their ability to support multiple GNSS constellations and frequencies, which restricts their multi-constellation and multi-band capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The RF front end comprises a plurality of RF chains and local oscillators, with reconfiguration means that allow dynamic connection changes between frequency mixers and local oscillators, enabling each frequency mixer to be connected to any local oscillator and allowing for sharing of local oscillators between multiple RF chains, thereby supporting various GNSS signals and frequencies without requiring significant adjustments in the signal conditioning stage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed configuration of RF chains and local oscillators is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to support multiple GNSS constellations and frequencies is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of RF chains by enabling each frequency mixer to be connected to any local oscillator through reconfiguration means. This allows the system to adapt its configuration dynamically to support different GNSS constellations and frequencies, transforming a static system into a flexible, reconfigurable one that can optimize its performance for various signal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal RF front end where frequency mixers can serve multiple functions by being connected to different local oscillators. Each frequency mixer can process signals for different GNSS constellations and frequencies by switching its connection to the appropriate local oscillator, making the system multi-functional without requiring separate dedicated chains for each signal type.
2Use of energy by moving object
If multiple local oscillators are always connected to power source, then the signal processing capability is maintained, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic or conditional power management for local oscillators based on the currently active GNSS constellation and frequency requirements. The reconfiguration means selectively connect only the necessary local oscillators to the power source at any given time, rather than keeping all oscillators continuously powered. This allows the system to maintain full signal processing capability when needed while significantly reducing power consumption during operation.
3Reliability
If dedicated RF chains are used for each GNSS signal, then the reliability of signal reception is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple RF chain functions into shared components by allowing frequency mixers to be connected to multiple local oscillators. This consolidation enables a smaller number of RF chains to handle multiple GNSS constellations and frequencies through reconfiguration, reducing the total number of dedicated chains needed while maintaining reliable signal reception across different systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic reconfiguration capability that allows the same RF chain to be dynamically assigned to different GNSS signals based on current operational requirements. This dynamic allocation ensures reliable signal reception for the active constellation while allowing the system to switch between different signal sources without requiring permanent dedicated chains for each potential signal.
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 configuration enhances the RF front end's ability to process signals from multiple GNSS constellations and frequencies, improving its robustness and adaptability for applications like reflectometry and interference detection, while also optimizing power usage by disconnecting unused local oscillators from the power source.
Implementation Method 1
The electrical signal resulting from the wave captured by an antenna is split in two branches. Each branch filters the received electrical signal so as to keep one GNSS signal... The single branch is then connected to a frequency mixer, which depending on the GNSS signal that is present in the electrical signal, that is, L1 or L2, a sinusoidal signal with the corresponding frequency is mixed to down-convert the signal in frequency.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2
AI summary
An RF front end for global navigation satellite systems comprising: a plurality of RF chains comprising M RF chains, each RF chain at least comprising an antenna, a low-noise amplifier, and a frequency mixer; and a plurality of local oscillators comprising N local oscillators. The RF front end further comprises reconfiguration means configured to connect each of the M frequency mixers to any of the N local oscillators, and to change at least one established connection between a frequency mixer and a local oscillator into a connection between the frequency mixer and a different local oscillator. A method for reconfiguring an RF front end for global navigation satellite systems.