RF Transceiver Self-Verification via Internal Signal Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for verifying the operation of radio frequency signal transmitting devices are expensive and complex, requiring external equipment and unable to perform tests during device operation without external tools.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that self-check the operation by defining a frequency range and emission power level, acquiring and comparing signal levels, and alerting on malfunctions within the device, using a module to select frequency bands, store maximum signal values, and compare against thresholds, allowing for in-situ operation validation without external equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If external verification equipment is used to control device operation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveverification precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses its own reception channel and processing units to verify its transmission operation. The reception channel receives the transmitted signal and the processing units analyze the signal characteristics (power level, frequency) to verify proper operation, eliminating the need for external verification equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The reception channel and processing units serve dual purposes: they receive external signals for normal operation and simultaneously perform self-verification of transmission function. This multi-functionality allows the device to conduct verification without dedicated external equipment.

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

2Measurement precision

If external verification equipment is used, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveverification precisionVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs self-verification using its existing reception channel and processing units, eliminating the need to purchase and deploy expensive external verification equipment. This self-service approach significantly reduces operational costs while maintaining verification capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If external verification systems are used, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation reliabilityVSAvoidoperation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The verification function is integrated into the device itself, automatically monitoring its own transmission operation. This eliminates the need for operators to manually connect and operate external verification equipment, simplifying the verification process while maintaining reliable self-monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3182626B1Method for verifying the correct operation by feedback of a radiofrequency transceiver device
Publication Date: 2018.08.29 THALES SA
  • EP3182626B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3182626B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3182626B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Method for checking the operation of a device including at least one transmitter able to transmit radio frequency signals and at least one receiver 5 characterized in that this comprises at least the following steps: * defining a frequency range [Fmin, Fmax] and a transmission-power-level value of a signal transmitted by the transmitter; e transmitting a signal Sp at a frequency and with a set power value; e acquiring, in the receiver of the device, during a given time window 10 and during one or more cycles, a plurality of signals Sp; using a max hold function that compares, within an acquisition cycle, the value of the received signal level to that acquired beforehand and that retains the signal of maximum value; retaining the values of the signals in each acquisition cycle and for a frequency range; 15 e comparing the maximum values of the powers to at least one threshold value and determining the number of frequencies at which the transmitted signal has a power value higher than at least the threshold value and comparing this value to a set value; and if the number of frequencies is lower than this value, transmitting a datum 20 indicating incorrect operation to a warning module. Figure 2 ClC) (0 co3 N cu~ 0 N~ Vt.