Spread Spectrum Communication via Pseudo-Random Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing communication infrastructure, including wire and fiber landlines, cellular networks, and satellite systems, is insufficient to meet the growing demand for communication access, especially in remote areas, and is costly due to the need for complex and expensive tracking mechanisms for satellite communication systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that use high-altitude platforms (HAPs) and satellites to establish communication connections by modifying communication signals with pseudo-random noise spreading codes, allowing transmission below thermal noise levels, thereby reducing the need for expensive bandwidth leasing and simplifying antenna systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional satellite communication systems use mechanical or electronic steering mechanisms for tracking satellites, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical steering mechanisms with electronic beam steering using phased array antennas. The system uses electronic phase shifters to control the direction of communication beams without any moving mechanical parts, thereby maintaining tracking capability while eliminating mechanical complexity and associated failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a signal processing intermediary layer that uses pseudo-random noise spreading codes and signal multiplication to enable communication below thermal noise levels. This intermediary processing allows reliable communication without requiring high-power transmitters or complex physical tracking mechanisms.
2Reliability
If satellite communication systems use high-power transmitters to overcome thermal noise, then communication reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the signal parameters by spreading the communication signal across a wider bandwidth using pseudo-random noise codes. This parameter transformation allows the signal to be transmitted at lower power levels below thermal noise, while the spreading code enables the receiver to recover the original signal through correlation processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic pseudo-random noise spreading sequences that are known to both transmitter and receiver. The receiver uses these periodic sequences to correlate with incoming signals, effectively filtering out thermal noise and recovering the transmitted information at low signal-to-noise ratios.
3Productivity
If existing communication infrastructure is expanded to meet growing demand, then communication capacity is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing communication infrastructure universal by enabling a single communication channel to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The spread spectrum technique allows the same frequency band to be used for multiple communications below thermal noise levels, effectively multiplying the capacity of existing infrastructure without additional hardware investments.
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 enhances communication network capacity, reduces operational costs, and provides reliable communication services to underserved areas by utilizing existing equipment and minimizing interference with other signals.
Implementation Method 1
modifying a communication signal by multiplying the communication signal with a pseudo random noise spreading code
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A method (500) for modifying a communication signal (S1) for transmission from a source to a destination includes identifying, by data processing hardware (118, 118a, 118b, 118g), a target platform (200, 300) for communication with a communication device (110, 200). The method includes establishing a communication connection between the target platform and the communication device and identifying an available communication channel (22) for communicating data between the target platform and the communication device. The method also includes modifying a communication signal (SI) by multiplying the communication signal with a pseudo random noise spreading code (S2). The method also includes causing transmission of the modified communication signal (S3) from the communication device to the target platform through the available communication channel. The modified communication signal is transmitted below a thermal noise of the available communication channel.