RF Ranging via Phase Difference and Clock Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio systems face challenges in accurately determining distance between radio units due to the difficulty in synchronizing reference clocks, especially at high clock speeds, which is essential for phase-based RF ranging.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a method where a first radio unit (anchor) transmits a signal to a second radio unit (tag), allowing the tag to adjust its reference clock signal based on the received signal, and then transmits a pseudo-reflected signal, enabling accurate distance measurement by determining the phase difference between the original and pseudo-reflected signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If phase-based measurements are used to determine distance between radio units, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the requirement for tight clock synchronicity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reference signal as an intermediary carrier that transports timing information from the transmitting radio unit to the receiving radio unit. This reference signal serves as a mediator that enables the receiving unit to synchronize its clock without requiring complex direct synchronization mechanisms, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitting radio unit embeds timing information in advance within the reference signal before transmission. The receiving radio unit uses this pre-embedded timing information to adjust its clock signal, performing the synchronization action in advance before the actual distance measurement takes place, thereby simplifying the overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision
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
This approach eliminates the need for tight clock synchronicity between radio units, enabling accurate RF ranging using low-cost, low-power devices and is suitable for existing wireless communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
determine a distance between the first radio unit and the second radio unit based on a phase difference between the first radio signal transmitted by the first radio unit and the second radio signal received at the first radio unit
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure describe mechanisms for radio frequency (RF) ranging between pairs of radio units based on radio signals exchanged between units. An exemplary radio system may include a first radio unit, configured to transmit a first radio signal, and a second radio unit configured to receive the first radio signal, adjust a reference clock signal of the second radio unit based on the first radio signal, and transmit a second radio signal generated based on the adjusted reference clock signal. Such a radio system may further include a processing unit for determining a distance between the first and second radio units based on a phase difference between the first radio signal as transmitted by the first radio unit and the second radio signal as received at the first radio unit. Disclosed mechanisms may enable accurate RF ranging using low-cost, low-power radio units.