Non-regenerative Relay Synchronization for Signal-to-Noise Ratio

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Solution Overview

Problem

In non-regenerative relay systems, the lack of synchronization in phase and timing among relay signals results in insufficient signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at the reception side due to cancellation of signal amplitudes, as different phase rotation amounts and delay times are applied to relay signals, causing them to arrive at different times and phases at the reception station.

Innovation Solution

A communication system that includes a controller to determine and apply a synchronized delay time and phase rotation amount to relay signals based on radio propagation characteristics, ensuring that relay signals from multiple relay stations arrive at the reception station simultaneously and in the same phase, thereby enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio by squaring the signal power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If non-regenerative relay is performed without synchronization control, then relay communication can be implemented with simple relay station structure, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates due to phase and timing misalignment of relay signals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelay station structureVSAvoidsignal-to-noise ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the delay time and phase rotation amount of relay signals based on propagation characteristics. The controller calculates optimal delay times and phase rotation amounts to compensate for path differences, ensuring synchronized arrival of relay signals at the reception station while maintaining simple non-regenerative relay structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If delay time and phase rotation amount are adjusted for each relay station, then signal amplitude cancellation is prevented and SNR is improved, but system complexity increases due to synchronization control requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal-to-noise ratioVSAvoidsynchronization control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the controller acquires propagation characteristics between transmission station, relay stations, and reception station. Based on this feedback information, the controller calculates and adjusts delay times and phase rotation amounts for each relay station to achieve synchronized signal arrival and prevent amplitude cancellation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If relay signals are transmitted without coordinated delay and phase adjustment, then transmission timing is simple and fast, but signal amplitudes cancel each other out resulting in insufficient SNR at reception

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission timing efficiencyVSAvoidsignal-to-noise ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and setting appropriate delay times and phase rotation amounts for each relay station before signal transmission. The controller determines these parameters based on propagation characteristics, ensuring that relay signals are properly synchronized and phased before being relayed, thus preventing amplitude cancellation while maintaining efficient transmission timing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4329216A1Communication system, method, relay station, and control device
Publication Date: 2024.02.28 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP4329216A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4329216A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4329216A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A communication system (100A) includes a transmission station (2), a reception station (4), one or more relay stations (3) configured to relay a first signal from the transmission station (2) to the reception station (4) without demodulating or decoding the first signal, and a controller (11, 32). The controller (11, 32) is configured to acquire a first delay time and a first phase rotation amount to be provided to the first signal in relay by a first relay station (3) so that one or more relay signals of the first signal arrive at the reception station (4) at the same time and in the same phase after a first time length from a head of a slot in a radio frame and to cause the first relay station (3) to provide the first delay time and the first phase rotation amount to the first signal.