Signal Power Variation Analysis for Interference Source Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Locating external sources of interference in telecommunication networks is challenging due to the variety of possible sources and their ability to interfere from great distances, making current techniques inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A system using an omnidirectional antenna and a GPS antenna, connected to a spectrum analyzer and a computing device, measures signal power variations to iteratively estimate the location of an interference signal source, allowing for quicker identification and mitigation of interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional direction finding antennas are used to locate interference sources, then measurement precision can be achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a software-based virtual antenna array that replicates the functionality of physical direction-finding antennas through signal processing algorithms. The system creates virtual reception points by processing signals from a single physical antenna, eliminating the need for complex physical antenna arrays while maintaining location accuracy through computational methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical antenna array system with an electronic/software-based system. Instead of using multiple physical antennas arranged in specific geometries, the invention uses signal processing algorithms to achieve direction-finding capabilities, substituting mechanical complexity with computational processing.
2Reliability
If traditional hunting methods are used to locate interference sources, then thorough search can be conducted, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary location estimation using signal power measurements and geographic information before conducting a thorough search. By initially identifying the general area of interference sources through automated power-based location algorithms, the system narrows down the search area, making the subsequent thorough detection more efficient and reducing overall time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors signal power levels and uses this feedback to iteratively refine location estimates. By processing power measurements from multiple locations and updating the estimated interference source positions in real-time, the system efficiently converges on accurate locations without requiring exhaustive manual searching.
3Measurement precision
If signal power measurements are taken at multiple locations, then location accuracy improves, but loss of time increases due to iterative repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a limited number of strategic power measurements at key locations rather than exhaustive measurements at every possible point. By selecting representative measurement locations that provide maximum information about interference source locations, the system achieves sufficient accuracy without the time cost of complete spatial sampling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter being measured from direct spatial scanning to signal power analysis. Instead of moving through space systematically, the invention measures signal power at different locations and uses these power variations to infer source locations, transforming a spatial problem into a power-analysis problem that can be solved more efficiently.
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 approach reduces the time required to locate and eliminate interference sources, improving network performance and reducing customer downtime by narrowing the geographic range of potential sources, and is more cost-effective than traditional direction finding antennas.
Implementation Method 1
using a first antenna configured to receive a signal from the interference signal source
Implementation Method 2
using a second antenna arranged proximate to the first antenna and configured to receive global positioning system (GPS) signals
Data Source
AI summary
A method of estimating a location of an interference signal source includes using a first antenna configured to receive a signal from the interference signal source and using a second antenna arranged proximate to the first antenna and configured to receive global positioning system (GPS) signals. An initial trend in variation in power of a received signal from the interference signal source is determined relative to a position of the second antenna, wherein upon determining the initial trend, the initial trend is a current trend. In an iterative manner, the second antenna is directed to be repositioned and a current trend in the peak measurement in power is observed until an estimate of the location of the interference signal source is determined.