Delay circuit for the time delay of a radio-frequency signal and device for reducing interferences using said circuit

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing interference cancellation systems for radio communication systems are ineffective in eliminating broadband noise and high-speed communication signal interference due to limited frequency range and stability issues in phase and amplitude adjustments, leading to degraded communication quality.

Innovation Solution

A delay circuit with an all-pass filter and two anti-resonant circuits is used to linearize phase shift over a wide frequency range, allowing precise adjustment of phase, amplitude, and time shift of the compensation signal, enabling effective interference cancellation across a broader frequency band.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a conventional all-pass filter is used for delay circuit, then the phase shift is linearized over a narrow frequency range, but the frequency range for effective interference cancellation is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase shift linearityVSAvoidfrequency range
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple all-pass filter sections with different central frequencies (first all-pass filter section with central frequency f1, second all-pass filter section with central frequency f2) to create a composite delay circuit. This merging of multiple filter sections with overlapping frequency ranges extends the overall frequency range over which the phase shift remains linear, allowing effective interference cancellation across a broader spectrum while maintaining phase linearity in each individual section.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If the time delay between direct signal and transmitted signal is not precisely adjusted, then the cancellation effectiveness is reduced to approximately 30 dB, but adjusting time delay requires precise frequency-dependent control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecancellation effectivenessVSAvoidtime delay control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of central frequency for each all-pass filter section (f1, f2, etc.) to create overlapping frequency coverage. By selecting central frequencies such that f2 - f1 < 30% of f1, the filters work together to maintain consistent time delay characteristics across a wider frequency range, reducing the need for complex frequency-dependent time delay adjustment while achieving cancellation effectiveness greater than 30 dB.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If broadband noise is emitted by the transmitter, then interference occurs across the entire receiving frequency band, but conventional cancellation systems only work in a reduced frequency range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebroadband noise interferenceVSAvoidfrequency coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the broadband frequency range into multiple overlapping frequency bands, each handled by a dedicated all-pass filter section. The first all-pass filter section handles frequencies around f1, the second section handles frequencies around f2, and their overlapping coverage ensures continuous cancellation across the entire broadband range. This segmentation approach transforms a single wideband problem into multiple manageable narrowband problems that can be solved independently and combined.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Measurement precision

If amplitude and phase are perfectly adjusted at a central frequency, then cancellation is effective at that frequency, but frequency deviations of 50 MHz cause significant performance degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveamplitude and phase adjustmentVSAvoidfrequency tolerance
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a multi-functional delay circuit where each all-pass filter section serves multiple purposes: it provides phase linearity for its own central frequency while also contributing to the overall frequency coverage when combined with other sections. This universal approach allows the same circuit structure to handle multiple frequency ranges effectively, increasing frequency tolerance from ±50 MHz around a single frequency to a much broader range when multiple sections are combined.

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

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

The solution provides improved stability and constant delay over a wider frequency range, effectively eliminating interference between radio communication systems, particularly in scenarios with diverse communication protocols like LTE and Tetrapol, enhancing communication quality.

Implementation Method 1

an all-pass filter having a given central frequency configured to linearize the phase shift of the output signal with respect to the input signal as a function of the frequency over a first frequency range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase shift linearization:

Implementation Method 2

a first anti-resonant circuit having a first central frequency and a second anti-resonant circuit having a second central frequency, the all-pass filter and the two anti-resonant circuits being configured and arranged to linearize the phase shift of the output signal with respect to the signal d input as a function of frequency over a second frequency range including the first range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAnti-resonance:

Data Source

PatentEP3255806B1Delay circuit for the time delay of a radio-frequency signal and device for reducing interferences using said circuit
Publication Date: 2020.07.29 AIRBUS DS SLC
  • EP3255806B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3255806B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3255806B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The delay circuit (10) for the time shift of an input radio frequency signal (Vin), said delay circuit (10) comprising an all-pass filter (1) having a given center frequency (f0) configured to linearize the phase shift of the output signal (Vout) with respect to the input signal (Vin) as a function of frequency over a first frequency range (B1) and characterized in that it comprises a first anti-resonant circuit (2) having a first center frequency (f1) and a second anti-resonant circuit (3) having a second center frequency (f2), the all-pass filter (1) and the two anti-resonant circuits (2, 3) being configured and arranged to linearize the phase shift of the output signal (Vout) with respect to the input signal (Vin) as a function of frequency over a second frequency range (B2) including the first range (B1).