SDR VHF Receiver for UAV Flight Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radio receivers for navigational signal flight inspection, particularly for UAVs, face challenges in meeting the size, weight, and power (SWaP) requirements while ensuring accuracy, stability, and reliability to meet ICAO standards, as existing SDR systems are not precise or stable enough for simultaneous operation of VOR, LOC, and GS channels.
Innovation Solution
A VHF-VOR/ILS receiver module is developed using SDR technologies and advanced signal processing algorithms, incorporating a single wideband antenna and independent-tuned radio channels, capable of simultaneous operation of VOR, LOC, and GS, with a lightweight and low-power design suitable for UAV deployment, and integrated with GPS for improved stability and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If current inspection equipment is used on sUAS, then the payload can carry the equipment, but the flight time is limited to only 15-20 minutes due to weight and power requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the receiver design by transitioning from traditional hardware-based architectures to software-defined radio (SDR) implementation. This allows the receiver to meet ICAO accuracy standards while reducing weight and power consumption to levels suitable for sUAS deployment, enabling flight times of 2+ hours.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/electronic receiver components with software-based signal processing. By implementing navigation signal processing algorithms in software rather than dedicated hardware, the system achieves the same measurement precision with significantly reduced SWaP, allowing prolonged sUAS operation.
2Reliability
If SDR systems are used to reduce weight and power, then SWaP requirements are met, but accuracy and stability are insufficient for ICAO standards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the receiver functionality into modular software components that can be independently optimized. By dividing the signal processing into separate functional blocks (signal acquisition, tracking, measurement), each can be finely tuned to meet ICAO accuracy requirements while maintaining overall system efficiency and low power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms in the software signal processing chain, where measurement results are continuously monitored and used to adjust processing parameters. This feedback loop ensures measurement accuracy meets ICAO standards while the software optimization maintains low power consumption and weight.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple radio channels operate simultaneously, then complete navigation functionality is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal software-based receiver architecture that can process multiple navigation signal types (VOR, ILS, GLS) through the same hardware platform. The software is designed to handle different signal formats and processing requirements, enabling multi-channel operation without proportionally increasing hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple signal processing functions into a single integrated software platform. Instead of having separate hardware receivers for VOR, ILS, and other navigation aids, the system combines all processing in unified software modules running on a common processor, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full multi-channel capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument landing system comprises: a wideband antenna configured to receive signals in a VHF band; and a receiver coupled to the wideband antenna and configured to implement SDR functions to analyze the signals for a flight inspection. A UAS comprises: an instrument landing system comprising: a wideband antenna configured to receive signals in a VHF band; and a receiver coupled to the wideband antenna and configured to implement SDR functions to analyze the signals for a flight inspection. A method comprises: receiving, using a wideband antenna, signals in a VHF band; and implementing, using a receiver coupled to the wideband antenna, SDR functions to analyze the signals for a flight inspection.