RF Phase Measurement for Accurate Angle-of-Arrival Packets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional AOA systems are limited by the need for a single dedicated section in message packets, which is not standardized, reduces data transmission time, and increases noise-induced errors, making them incompatible with certain communication protocols and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for determining AOA based on phase measurements from RF signals received by multiple antennas over an arbitrary length of a standard communications packet, using either a single commutated receiver or multiple phase-locked receivers, allowing for accurate phase measurement without compromising data packets and compatible with various communication protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single dedicated section is used for AOA computation in message packets, then AOA determination can be performed, but the data transmission time is reduced and noise-induced errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous phase measurement across the entire message packet duration rather than restricting measurements to a single dedicated section. By utilizing the full packet duration for phase comparison, the system achieves more accurate AOA determination without sacrificing data transmission time, as the phase measurement process occurs continuously throughout the packet rather than being confined to a brief dedicated interval.
2Measurement precision
If a single dedicated section is used for AOA computation, then phase measurement can be performed, but noise-induced errors are likely to increase due to larger processing bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
By performing phase measurements continuously across the entire message packet rather than in a single brief dedicated section, the system accumulates more measurement data points. This continuous measurement approach effectively increases the signal integration time, which improves the signal-to-noise ratio and reduces noise-induced errors in the AOA determination process.
3Measurement precision
If a single dedicated section is used for AOA computation, then AOA can be determined, but compatibility with communication protocols is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal phase measurement approach that works with any message packet structure regardless of the specific communication protocol being used. By measuring phase across the entire packet duration rather than requiring a protocol-specific dedicated section, the system achieves compatibility with multiple communication protocols while maintaining AOA determination capability.
4Productivity
If the single dedicated section is made shorter to preserve payload size, then data transmission is improved, but AOA determination becomes more error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by performing phase measurements continuously across the entire message packet duration rather than confining measurements to a shortened dedicated section. This approach allows the payload to maintain its full size and data transmission efficiency to be preserved, while simultaneously achieving accurate AOA determination through continuous phase comparison throughout the packet.
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
Enhances AOA determination accuracy by allowing phase measurement over arbitrary periods, ensuring compatibility with different communication protocols, and reducing noise-induced errors, thereby improving the reliability of angle of arrival calculations.
Implementation Method 1
AOA can be computed by comparing the phase of RF signals output from two antennas
Implementation Method 2
The RF signals may be representative of an electromagnetic wave received by the at least two antennas
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for determining an Angle of Arrival (AOA) for frequency modulated communications. The system may include first and second antennas spaced apart from each other by a distance, and configured to receive wireless communications in the form of a frequency modulated signal. The system may determine a phase difference between the received signals irrespective of the modulations in the signal, thereby facilitating determining an AOA.