Software-Defined Radio Switching Between AIS and ORBCOMM
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current AIS and ORBCOMM radios operate on different frequencies and protocols, requiring separate radios for vessels to use both systems, leading to increased costs and limited communication range for Class B AIS radios due to restricted transmission power.
Innovation Solution
A software defined radio that can detect and process both AIS and ORBCOMM signals, switching between modes as needed to maintain regulatory duty cycles, allowing for combined AIS and ORBCOMM functionality in a single device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate AIS and ORBCOMM radios are used, then communication functionality is complete, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The radio system is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting both AIS and ORBCOMM communication protocols within a single device. The system can dynamically switch between AIS mode (operating at 162.025 MHz with GMSK modulation) and ORBCOMM mode (operating at 148-150 MHz with SDPSK modulation), eliminating the need for separate dedicated radios for each protocol while maintaining full communication capabilities of both systems
2Length of moving object
If Class B AIS transmission power is increased, then communication range is improved, but bandwidth overload occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts transmission parameters including power level and modulation scheme based on the selected protocol and environmental conditions. For AIS communications, it maintains the 2-watt power limit to prevent bandwidth overload while optimizing other parameters such as antenna gain and signal processing to extend effective communication range within regulatory constraints
3Ease of manufacture
If a single radio supports multiple protocols, then device complexity increases, but manufacturing cost decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hardware diversity (multiple physical radios) with software versatility (multiple protocol support in one radio). By implementing protocol-specific algorithms in software rather than requiring separate hardware units, the system reduces manufacturing costs and device count while managing software complexity through modular architecture that handles AIS and ORBCOMM protocols through distinct processing paths
Data Source
AI summary
A single software defined radio handles both AIS and ORBCOMM communications. A software defined software defined radio detects incoming signals and resolves whether they are AIS or ORBCOMM signals. The signal is directed to a processor in which an algorithm is selected in correspondence with the type of signal which has been recognized. The algorithm extracts intelligence when receiving or encodes intelligence when transmitting. The present software defined radio switches from the ORBCOMM mode to the AIS mode automatically as required in order to maintain a mandatory duty cycle in both the AIS and ORBCOMM modes as defined by regulations, and provides user configurable communications capabilities over both the AIS and ORBCOMM networks in a low-cost, integrated, hardware implementation.