Signal Generator Frame Timing for Network Synchronization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing signal generators, particularly in jamming systems, lack synchronization with synchronization signals, leading to disrupted or regenerated output signals.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for generating an output signal with active and dummy periods, adjusting the duration of dummy periods to synchronize with a synchronization signal, using a driving input and synchronization signal to reduce offset errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mute period is overlaid on the output signal from a signal generator, then synchronization with the synchronisation signal is achieved, but the output signal is disrupted or regenerated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization accuracyVSAvoidoutput signal continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and pre-positioning the mute period within the frame structure before signal generation. The driving input is configured to include a mute period at a predetermined position, allowing the signal generator to naturally produce gaps without disrupting the output signal continuity. This resolves the contradiction by preparing the synchronization structure in advance rather than overlaying it post-generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the output signal into distinct frames, each containing active periods and dummy periods with predetermined mute periods. By dividing the continuous signal into discrete segments with built-in synchronization points, the system achieves reliable synchronization without causing signal disruption or regeneration, as each segment independently maintains its integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If multiple signal generators operate in close proximity, then coverage and jamming effectiveness are improved, but signal interference between generators increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejamming coverageVSAvoidsignal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by configuring multiple signal generators to operate in synchronized frames with regular active and dummy periods. Each generator transmits jamming signals in coordinated time intervals rather than continuously, allowing periodic silence periods where generators can receive and synchronize. This periodic rhythm reduces mutual interference while maintaining effective jamming coverage during active periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a common synchronisation signal as an intermediary that mediates between multiple signal generators. This external reference signal coordinates the operation of all generators, ensuring they transmit and receive in a harmonized manner. The synchronisation signal acts as a mediator that prevents direct interference between generators by establishing a shared temporal framework for their operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the output signal is continuously transmitted, then jamming effectiveness is maintained, but synchronization with other network entities becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejamming effectivenessVSAvoidnetwork coordination capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the signal transmission模式 dynamic rather than static. Each frame contains both active periods (for jamming) and dummy periods (for synchronization and reception), allowing the system to adapt between transmission and reception states. This dynamic switching within a structured framework maintains jamming effectiveness during active periods while enabling synchronization and network coordination during dummy periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses periodic action to alternate between jamming transmission and synchronization reception in a regular cycle. By implementing periodic frames with predetermined mute periods, the system maintains continuous jamming coverage over time while periodically enabling synchronization capabilities. This periodic alternation resolves the contradiction by ensuring both functions are fulfilled at different intervals rather than requiring simultaneous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3767850B1A signal generator
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 BAE SYSTEMS PLC
  • EP3767850B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3767850B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b
  • EP3767850B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Disclosed is a method of producing an output signal from a signal generator, comprising: determining a driving input to the signal generator, the driving input for driving the signal generator to provide a predetermined output signal, wherein the output signal includes at least one frame, the at least one frame comprising an active period and a dummy period and wherein the active period and dummy period are determined by the driving input. Also disclosed is a method of producing an output signal from a signal generator, comprising: receiving a synchronisation signal; obtaining an input signal for controlling the signal generator to generate an output signal comprising at least one frame wherein the at least one frame comprises at least one active period and at least one dummy period; producing the output signal comprising a series of frames; and, synchronising the output signal with the synchronisation signal by varying a duration of the at least one of the dummy period or active period.