SNR and SPNR Estimation in Radio Receivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to effectively estimate the signal-to-thermal noise ratio (SNR) and signal-to-pulse noise ratio (SPNR) simultaneously in the presence of both broad-band additive Gaussian noise and pulse noise, which are crucial for adjusting receiver parameters in radio communication and navigation systems.
Innovation Solution
A system 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 filters noise components to calculate SNR and SPNR, allowing for parameter adjustments in receivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing SNR estimation systems are used, then thermal noise can be estimated, but pulse noise cannot be simultaneously estimated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the noise estimation process into separate functional modules: a thermal noise estimation module that processes in-phase and quadrature components to estimate thermal noise power, and a pulse noise estimation module that detects pulse noise characteristics. This segmentation allows each module to specialize in estimating one noise type accurately while the other module operates independently, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision for one noise type and versatility across noise types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dual-functional estimation system where the receiver incorporates both thermal noise estimation capabilities and pulse noise estimation capabilities within a unified architecture. The system universally handles both noise types by processing signals through parallel estimation paths, enabling the same receiver to adapt to different noise environments without requiring separate specialized systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the receiver processes both thermal noise and pulse noise simultaneously, then comprehensive noise estimation is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thermal noise estimation and pulse noise estimation functions into a single integrated receiver architecture. Both estimation modules share common signal input paths and operate within the same processing framework, allowing comprehensive noise estimation without requiring completely separate independent systems. This merging reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate specialized receivers for each noise type.
Solution Approach 2:
The estimation system uses the received signal itself to generate noise estimates without requiring external calibration signals or additional hardware. Both thermal noise and pulse noise are estimated directly from the incoming signal containing these noise components, allowing the system to self-diagnose and adapt to the noise environment. This self-service approach avoids the complexity of external testing equipment and calibration procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus to measure signal-to-thermal noise ratio (SNR) and signal-to-pulse noise ratio (SPNR), the apparatus including a quadrature mixer, a pulse noise reduction unit, an SNR estimation unit and an offset compensation unit, connected in series, the quadrature mixer receiving the input radio signal and outputting an in-phase component and a quadrature component; a pulse noise separation unit, and an SPNR estimation unit connected series, the pulse noise reduction unit and the pulse noise separation unit inputting the in-phase and quadrature components; the SPNR estimation unit inputting a filtered in-phase component from the pulse noise reduction unit. The offset compensation unit outputs a current SNR. The SPNR estimation unit outputs a current SPNR. The pulse noise separation unit includes a first LPF, an impulse noise separator and an HPF, connected in series; and a second LPF, a pulse noise detection unit and an inverter, connected in series.