Spherical Cavity RF Antenna Diversity for Multi-path Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
In data communication systems, multi-path signals cause interference and noise due to phase differences in environments where signals travel different paths to the receiver antenna, leading to reduced signal-to-noise ratios.
Innovation Solution
A system with an outer shell and inner spherical cavity, featuring dual transmit and receive antennas with frequency matching, and a receiver that combines signals based on signal-to-noise ratios to mitigate interference, using a combiner to select or weight signals for improved reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single receive antenna is used in a spherical cavity, then the device complexity is reduced, but the signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates due to multi-path interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple receive antennas (first and second receive antennas) to receive signals through different paths in the spherical cavity. The receiver processes and combines these multiple signals to achieve diversity gain, thereby improving signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining manageable system complexity through systematic signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs redundant antenna systems where multiple antennas create copies of the signal reception function. The first and second receive antennas both receive copies of the transmitted signal through different multi-path routes, and the receiver selects or combines these copies to overcome interference and improve reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple receive antennas are deployed, then the signal-to-noise ratio is improved through diversity reception, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver is designed with multi-functionality to handle signals from multiple antennas. It can perform both signal combination and signal selection operations, adapting its processing mode based on channel conditions. This universal design allows the system to improve signal-to-noise ratio through diversity reception while managing complexity through integrated signal processing capabilities.
3Reliability
If signal combination based on signal-to-noise ratio is implemented, then the interference from multi-path signals is reduced, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver implements dynamic signal processing where the combination or selection of antenna signals is adjusted in real-time based on measured signal-to-noise ratios. The system dynamically adapts its reception strategy by evaluating the quality of signals from different antennas and selectively combining or choosing the optimal signal path, thereby reducing interference while managing processing complexity through adaptive algorithms.
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
The system effectively reduces interference from multi-path signals, enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio and ensuring reliable data transfer by combining redundant signals constructively, even when one antenna is blocked or has a lower signal quality.
Implementation Method 1
at least one transmit antenna configured to radiate signals at a transmit frequency
Implementation Method 2
the receiver is configured to determine the signal to noise ratio of a first signal received at the first receive antenna and the signal to noise ratio of a second signal received at the second receive antenna; and to combine the first and second signals based on the respective signal to noise ratios such that interference due to multi-path signals in the spherical cavity is reduced
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprises an outer shell having an inner spherical cavity and an inner sphere located in the spherical cavity. The inner sphere comprises a sensor; at least one transmit antenna; and at least one transmitter coupled to the sensor and to a respective one of the at least one transmit antenna. The system also comprises a first receive antenna located in the spherical cavity; a second receive antenna located in the spherical cavity; and a receiver located outside of the outer shell. The receiver is configured to determine the signal to noise ratio of a first signal received at the first receive antenna and the signal to noise ratio of a second signal received at the second receive antenna; and to combine the first and second signals based on the respective signal to noise ratios such that interference due to multi-path signals in the spherical cavity is reduced.