Smart Antenna Phase-Weighted Signal Combining for SNR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access points (APs) face challenges in maintaining high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) when receiving radio signals due to variations in signal intensity caused by the angle and distance of antennas, requiring frequent antenna adjustments or the use of diversity antennas, which still result in suboptimal SNR.
Innovation Solution
The use of smart antennas and a processor to receive and process radio signals, where the processor sums vectors with the same phase, determines a phase to generate weighing factors, and applies these to weigh subsequent signals, improving SNR by transforming signals with specific weighting factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If diversity antennas are used to receive radio signals, then signal intensity stability is improved, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antennas to simultaneously receive radio signals, merging their outputs through vector summation rather than selecting only one antenna. This allows the system to maintain signal intensity stability while preserving the signal-to-noise ratio by coherently combining signals from all antennas based on their phase relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of signal combination from simple selection (diversity switching) to weighted vector summation with phase adjustment. By adjusting phase and amplitude parameters of each antenna's signal before summation, the system achieves both stable signal intensity and high signal-to-noise ratio through constructive interference.
2Device complexity
If a single antenna is used to receive radio signals, then device complexity is reduced, but signal intensity varies requiring frequent adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary phase measurement and calculation of optimal weighting factors using training sequences before actual data transmission. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-establish the phase relationships and weighting factors needed for coherent combining, eliminating the need for frequent adjustments during operation while maintaining simple antenna hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system measures phase information from training sequences, calculates optimal weighting factors, and applies these weights to subsequent signal reception. This closed-loop feedback enables the system to adapt to changing channel conditions automatically without requiring manual intervention or complex hardware reconfiguration.
3Reliability
If antennas are moved to optimal positions, then signal intensity is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically moving antennas to optimal positions with an electronic signal processing approach. By using phase measurement and weighted vector summation, the system achieves optimal signal intensity through electronic adjustment of signal phases and amplitudes, eliminating the time-consuming mechanical movement of antennas while maintaining high signal intensity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for receiving radio frequency signals by using an access point. The access point contains a plurality of smart antennas and a processor. The method includes following steps: (a) using the plurality of smart antennas to receive first radio signals at a first time, the first radio signals including a plurality of vectors, each vector having a phase; (b) using the processor to sum up vectors having the same phase in the first radio signals received by the plurality of smart antennas respectively and to compare sums of the vectors having the same phase to find a first phase; (c) using the processor to weigh second radio signals received by the plurality of smart antennas at a second time according to the first phase and to sum up the weighed second radio signals.