Relay Network Beamforming Using Baseband Sample Weighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing relay networks face challenges in achieving range extension, anti-jam capability, and low probability of intercept/detection due to issues like jamming, terrain obstacles, and network congestion, which complicate computational processing and coordination.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of relay devices that perform aggregate channel estimation and relay of baseband samples without decoding, using frequency-dependent phase or gain weighting functions, and adaptive algorithms for beamforming and beamnulling, enabling simplified network operations and improved bandwidth efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If relay devices perform full decoding and computational processing of signals, then signal quality and error correction are improved, but device complexity and computational processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential channel estimation function from the full decoding process. Instead of completely decoding and processing signals, the relay device performs a simplified operation to estimate channel characteristics using control signals, thereby reducing computational complexity while maintaining sufficient signal quality for relay transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing only the necessary channel estimation operations rather than complete signal decoding. The relay device processes control signals to obtain channel estimates but does not fully decode and process the entire signal stream, thus reducing processing requirements while achieving the necessary relay function.
2Length of stationary object
If relay devices perform aggregate channel estimation and beamforming, then range extension and signal quality are improved, but network coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the channel estimation operations of multiple relay devices into a coordinated aggregate process. By combining the estimation results from multiple relays and using a common weighting function, the system achieves beamforming effects that extend range while distributing the coordination complexity across multiple devices rather than requiring a single complex controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by adjusting weighting functions based on estimated channel characteristics. The relay devices modify transmission parameters such as phase and amplitude weighting to optimize signal combining, thereby extending communication range while using relatively simple parameter adjustments rather than complex coordination algorithms.
3Reliability
If relay devices use frequency-dependent weighting functions, then signal quality and beamforming capability are improved, but processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical signal processing with frequency-domain mathematical operations. By transforming the signal processing task into frequency-domain weighting function application, the system achieves sophisticated beamforming and signal quality improvement through relatively simple mathematical operations rather than complex time-domain processing.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods may include one or more devices associated with a relay network. In some examples, a relay device may be configured to determine, based at least partly on a control signal received from a destination device on a first carrier frequency, channel estimates for a channel between the relay device and the destination device. The device may determine, based at least partly on the channel estimates, a weighting function for transmissions from the relay device to the destination device. The device may generate baseband samples based on a down-conversion, from a second carrier frequency to a baseband frequency, of one or more incoming RF signals and apply the weighting function to the baseband samples to generate weighted baseband samples. The device may generate an outgoing RF signal based on an up-conversion of the weighted baseband samples from the baseband frequency to the first carrier frequency.