Satellite ADS-B Receiver Simulation for Signal Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional terrestrial ADS-B systems face challenges in monitoring air traffic over vast areas due to infrastructure limitations, and satellite-based systems face difficulties in receiving ADS-B messages due to increased propagation distance, Doppler shifts, and higher volumes of messages, leading to lower signal-to-noise ratios and interference.

Innovation Solution

A simulation environment is developed to model the communications channel and assess the likelihood of successful ADS-B message reception by satellite-based receivers, using simulated RF transmission data and position data to determine the feasibility of message extraction, incorporating noise reduction techniques and intelligent resource management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If satellite-based receivers are used to monitor air traffic over vast areas, then coverage area is improved, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates due to increased propagation distance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidsignal-to-noise ratio

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs signal processing parameters including coherent integration time, processing gain, and beamforming weights to compensate for the degraded signal-to-noise ratio caused by satellite-to-aircraft propagation distance, thereby maintaining reliable message extraction despite the vast coverage area

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing stage that models the communications channel and applies noise reduction techniques between the satellite receiver and the final message extraction, effectively bridging the gap between large coverage area and acceptable signal quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If satellite-based receivers operate in high air traffic density areas, then message volume increases, but interference increases leading to lower reception quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemessage volumeVSAvoidinterference

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the desired ADS-B message signal from the mixed RF transmissions by modeling the communications channel and applying signal processing techniques that separate the target signal from interfering messages, enabling selective extraction despite high message volume

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful interference from multiple simultaneous transmissions into useful information by using the known structure and timing of ADS-B messages to identify and extract desired signals from the interference-laden environment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Area of stationary object

If conventional terrestrial ADS-B systems are used, then infrastructure requirements are reduced, but coverage area is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidinfrastructure requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables satellite-based receivers to perform multiple functions including wide-area coverage, message extraction, and interference mitigation, replacing the need for extensive terrestrial infrastructure while maintaining ADS-B surveillance capabilities

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

This simulation environment enables the assessment of ADS-B system performance under real-world conditions, improving design and configuration of satellite-based systems to enhance message reception and coverage, particularly in areas with high air traffic density and resource constraints.

Implementation Method 1

The satellite-based receiver may define one or more beams for receiving the anticipated RF transmissions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBeamforming:

Implementation Method 2

satellite-based systems face difficulties in receiving ADS-B messages due to increased propagation distance, Doppler shifts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDoppler effect: Doppler Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10659145B2Simulating reception of transmissions

Publication Date: 2020.05.19 AIREON LLC

AI summary

In one implementation, a method includes receiving simulated RF transmission data indicative of anticipated RF transmissions from a plurality of transmitters, wherein individual anticipated RF transmissions carry corresponding messages, and simulated position data indicative of an anticipated position of each of the plurality of transmitters. The method further includes modeling characteristics of a communications channel expected between a satellite-based receiver and at least some of the transmitters, wherein the satellite-based receiver is configured to define one or more beams for receiving anticipated RF transmissions. The method additionally includes determining a likelihood of the receiver successfully extracting one or more components of a message from one of the anticipated RF transmissions based on at least the simulated RF transmission data, the simulated position data, and the modeled characteristics of the communications channel.