Single Radio AoA Positioning with Switched Antenna Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for estimating the Angle of Arrival (AoA) and distance of radio frequency signals face challenges such as backward compatibility issues, high cost, large footprint, and high power consumption, particularly in multi-radio solutions, and reliance on constant or predetermined patterns in single-radio solutions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a wireless device with a single transceiver that uses switching circuitry to couple to multiple antennas, allowing phase differences to be estimated simultaneously across different antennas, thereby eliminating the need for constant patterns and reducing complexity and power consumption, while achieving accurate AoA and distance estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multi-radio solutions are used for AoA and distance estimation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines AoA estimation and distance estimation functions into a single radio system. The receiver uses multiple antennas with phase difference measurement for AoA estimation, while simultaneously using time difference of arrival (TDoA) measurement for distance estimation, eliminating the need for separate multi-radio systems and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single radio system is designed to perform multiple functions: receiving RF signals for both AoA estimation (using phase difference across multiple antennas) and distance estimation (using TDoA measurement). This multi-functional approach replaces dedicated multi-radio solutions while maintaining measurement precision.
2Device complexity
If single-radio solutions are used for AoA estimation, then device complexity is reduced, but reliance on constant or predetermined patterns is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous RF signal reception and processing for both AoA and distance estimation without requiring the system to switch between different operational modes or patterns. The single radio continuously measures phase differences across multiple antennas and performs TDoA measurements, eliminating the need for constant or predetermined transmission patterns while maintaining operational flexibility.
3Measurement precision
If multiple antennas are used for phase difference measurement, then AoA estimation accuracy is improved, but footprint and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple antennas into a single integrated receiver system that performs both phase difference measurement for AoA estimation and TDoA measurement for distance estimation. By combining these functions in one receiver rather than using separate systems, the patent reduces overall device footprint while maintaining the benefits of multiple antenna phase difference measurement.
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 enables accurate AoA and distance estimation with reduced Bill-Of-Materials (BOM), footprint, and power consumption, comparable to single-radio solutions, without the complexity of multi-radio systems and without relying on predetermined patterns, thus improving position estimation in wireless connectivity applications.
Implementation Method 1
determining a set of second phase values of the RF signal received through a plurality of auxiliary antennas during a plurality of time intervals... estimating a position associated with a source of the RF signal... based on a first phase difference of the RF signal between the first antenna and the second antenna and a second phase difference of the RF signal between the first antenna and the third antenna
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques by a wireless to estimate the position of a remote device are disclosed. A main receiver of the wireless device may determine multiple first phase values of the RF signal received through a first antenna during multiple time intervals. An auxiliary receiver may determine multiple second phase values of the RF signal received through an array of auxiliary antennas during the multiple time intervals. Each of the second phase value may correspond to the RF signal received through one antenna of the array during one of the time interval. The wireless device may determine an oscillator offset between a local oscillator of the main transceiver and a local oscillator of the auxiliary receiver. The wireless device may estimate an angle of arrival (AoA) of the RF signal or a distance based on the multiple first phase values and the multiple second values by compensating for the oscillator phase offset.