Reconfigurable Satellite Receiver Paths for Multi-System Signal Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing satellite positioning system (SPS) receivers often face challenges in adaptability, as they are typically configured for specific systems and may not efficiently switch between different SPS signals, leading to interference and reduced navigation capabilities due to varying signal availability and quality.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that enable multiple receiver paths to selectively receive signals from different satellite positioning systems, allowing for adaptive operation by switching between signals based on availability and quality, using a controller to manage receiver configurations and optimize signal reception across various frequencies and frequency bands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dedicated receiver paths are used for specific SPS systems, then signal reception reliability is improved, but device complexity and inability to adapt to different SPS signals worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal reception reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability to different SPS signals
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver paths are designed to be multi-functional, capable of receiving signals from multiple different SPS systems (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, etc.) rather than being dedicated to a single system. This allows the same hardware infrastructure to adaptively serve multiple navigation systems, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically configures receiver paths based on the detected SPS signals and operational requirements. Receiver paths can be selectively enabled or disabled, and their configuration can be adjusted in real-time to match the available satellite signals, providing both reliability for current operations and adaptability for future signal types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If multiple dedicated receiver paths are provided for different SPS systems, then navigation accuracy is improved, but device complexity and hardware size worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenavigation accuracyVSAvoidhardware size
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of providing separate dedicated receiver paths for each SPS system, the invention uses universal receiver paths that can be configured to receive any SPS signal type. This reduces hardware complexity while maintaining the capability to achieve high navigation accuracy through multi-system signal processing.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple SPS receiver functions are merged into shared receiver path infrastructure. The system combines the signal reception capabilities for GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, and other systems into a unified hardware platform, reducing overall device complexity while preserving navigation accuracy through coordinated processing of multiple signal types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If receiver paths are reconfigured to receive different SPS signals, then adaptability is improved, but signal reception stability and reliability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to varying signal availabilityVSAvoidsignal reception stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver paths implement dynamic configuration where adaptation to different SPS signals occurs through controlled reconfiguration rather than static dedication. The system monitors signal availability and stability, and only reconfigures receiver paths when necessary and appropriate, maintaining stability during normal operation while providing adaptability when signal conditions change.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from signal quality monitoring and satellite visibility detection to control receiver path configuration. This feedback mechanism ensures that reconfiguration decisions are made based on actual signal conditions, maintaining reliability by avoiding unnecessary changes while enabling adaptability when signal availability varies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2370829B1Reconfigurable satellite positioning system receivers
Publication Date: 2014.12.17 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP2370829B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2370829B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2370829B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Methods and apparatus are provided for operatively enabling at least a first receiver path to receive a first signal associated with a first satellite positioning system (SPS), operatively enabling at least a second receiver path to receive a signal associated with at least one other SPS, and subsequently operatively enabling at least the second receiver path to receive a second signal associated with the first SPS.