SNR and SPNR Estimation Apparatus for Radio Receivers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems fail to effectively estimate signal-to-thermal noise ratio (SNR) and signal-to-pulse noise ratio (SPNR) simultaneously, as existing methods are not designed to handle the combined effects of thermal and pulse noise in radio communication and navigation systems.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a quadrature mixer, pulse noise reduction unit, SNR estimation unit, offset compensation unit, pulse noise separation unit, and SPNR estimation unit, connected in series, which separates and measures the SNR and SPNR by using low pass filters, impulse noise separators, high pass filters, and detection units to filter and calculate the noise ratios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing SNR estimation methods are used, then thermal noise can be estimated, but pulse noise cannot be estimated simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the noise estimation process into separate parallel paths: one path estimates thermal noise using traditional methods, while another path estimates pulse noise using pulse detection units and impulse noise separators. This segmentation allows each path to specialize in detecting specific noise types without interference, thereby achieving both accurate SNR estimation and comprehensive noise type coverage simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal noise estimation system that can handle multiple noise types (thermal noise and pulse noise) through a single integrated apparatus. The system uses multiple estimation units that work in parallel, with each unit designed to detect specific noise characteristics, thereby achieving multi-functionality that covers both thermal and pulse noise estimation within one system.
2Reliability
If the receiver adjusts parameters to mitigate thermal noise, then SNR improves, but performance degrades under pulse noise conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the separate noise estimation units continuously monitor both thermal and pulse noise levels, and this information feeds back to the receiver parameter adjustment system. This allows the receiver to dynamically adapt its parameters based on the dominant noise type detected, maintaining reliable performance whether thermal noise or pulse noise is the primary interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic parameter adjustment by continuously estimating both thermal and pulse noise levels separately. Based on the real-time noise conditions, the receiver can dynamically change its operating parameters such as filter bandwidth and integration time, optimizing performance for the current noise environment whether it be thermal or pulse dominated.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus to measure signal-to-thermal noise ratio (SNR) and signal-to-pulse noise ratio (SPNR) includes a pulse noise reduction unit, an SNR estimation unit and an offset compensation unit; a pulse noise separation unit, and an SPNR estimation unit. Pulse noise separation unit includes (i) a first low pass filter (LPF), an impulse noise separator and a high pass filter (HPF), connected in series; and (ii) a second LPF, a pulse noise detection unit and an inverter. Pulse noise detection unit includes two channels, each with a high pass filter, an absolute value calculation unit, a low pass filter, a comparator, a pulse generator. The channels connect to OR gate, which outputs a pulse detection signal. Pulse noise reduction unit and pulse noise separation unit input in-phase and quadrature components. The SPNR estimation unit inputs a filtered in-phase component. The offset compensation unit outputs SNR, and the SPNR estimation unit outputs SPNR.