Digital Signal Tracking Across Frequency Bins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Detecting and tracking frequency-modulated signals with unknown bandwidth and modulation type is challenging in receiver applications, especially in the presence of noise and interfering signals, as existing methods often require prior knowledge of signal characteristics and are prone to interference.
Innovation Solution
A digital signal tracking system using a filter bank, such as a discrete time Fourier transform (DTFT), separates input signals into frequency bins, dynamically selects the best bins based on signal-to-noise and interference ratios, and stitches together data from multiple bins to create a composite signal, allowing for tracking across time and frequency without prior knowledge of signal characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wide bandwidth filter is used to capture the entire frequency modulation range, then the signal can be captured, but interference is introduced and processing gain is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wide frequency spectrum into multiple narrow frequency bins using a filter bank. Each bin has a narrow bandwidth that reduces interference and increases processing gain, while the collection of bins collectively covers the entire frequency modulation range. This segmentation allows the system to capture FM signals without the drawbacks of a single wide bandwidth filter.
2Measurement precision
If traditional detection methods are used, then prior knowledge of signal characteristics is required, but this limits detection of unknown signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic tracking of signals across multiple frequency bins over time. Instead of relying on fixed prior knowledge of signal characteristics, the system adaptively follows signals as they move through frequency bins, automatically adjusting to unknown bandwidth and modulation types. This dynamic approach enables detection of signals without requiring advance knowledge of their characteristics.
3Reliability
If narrow bandwidth filters are used, then processing gain is increased, but the signal may move between bins during modulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous tracking of signals by monitoring their presence across multiple consecutive frequency bins over time. The system stitches together signal segments from different bins to reconstruct the complete signal, ensuring continuity despite the signal moving between narrow bins during frequency modulation. This continuous action preserves signal integrity while maintaining the benefits of narrow bin processing gain.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are provided for tracking of signals. A methodology implementing the techniques according to an embodiment includes filtering a first segment of an input signal, associated with a first time interval, into a first plurality of frequency bins. The method also includes detecting a signal of interest (SOI) in one of the first plurality of frequency bins. The method further includes filtering a second segment of the input signal, associated with a second time interval, into a second plurality of frequency bins. The method further includes determining movement of the SOI from a first frequency bin, of the first plurality of frequency bins, to a second frequency bin, of the second plurality of frequency bins. The method further includes tracking the SOI based on the movement determination. In some cases, the method further includes creating a composite signal based on the tracking over multiple frequency bins and multiple time intervals.