Super Regenerative Receiver Detection via RF Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems are ineffective in detecting and locating improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that utilize super-regenerative receivers due to their low unintentional electromagnetic emissions, which are difficult to distinguish from background noise.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a computing device to modulate a radio-frequency stimulation signal and process the response unintentional electromagnetic emissions (UEE) from super-regenerative receivers, employing cross modulation correlation and statistical self-similarity analysis to generate alert signals when specific thresholds are exceeded, enabling detection and location of these devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If super-regenerative receivers are used in low-cost devices, then device cost is reduced, but unintentional electromagnetic emissions become too weak to detect
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by transmitting RF stimulation signals to activate the SRR before detection, and by pre-processing the received emissions through correlation analysis with the stimulation signal. This allows the weak emissions from low-cost SRR devices to be amplified and distinguished from background noise, resolving the detection difficulty while maintaining device cost effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary RF stimulation signal as a mediator between the detector and the SRR device. This stimulation signal activates the SRR and produces cross-modulated emissions that carry detectable signatures. The correlation component acts as another intermediary that processes the weak emissions by comparing them against the known stimulation signal pattern, enabling detection of low-cost devices that would otherwise be undetectable
2Device complexity
If super-regenerative receivers without local oscillators are used, then device complexity is reduced, but unintentional emissions lack strong characteristic signals
Solution Approach 1:
The system transmits RF stimulation signals as a preliminary action to activate the SRR and induce characteristic cross-modulated emissions. The correlation component then performs preliminary processing by correlating the received emissions with the stimulation signal pattern, extracting detectable signatures from the weak emissions produced by the simple SRR structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for complex local oscillator circuits with an external RF stimulation signal approach. Instead of relying on the SRR to generate its own strong emissions through complex oscillation mechanisms, the system uses external stimulation to induce detectable cross-modulated emissions, substituting mechanical/electrical complexity with a simpler external excitation approach
3Device complexity
If conventional emission detection methods are used, then detection system simplicity is maintained, but detection of weak SRR emissions from IEDs fails
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by transmitting RF stimulation signals to activate potential IEDs before detection, and by pre-processing received emissions through correlation analysis. This preliminary stimulation and processing enables the detection system to reliably identify weak SRR emissions from IEDs that would be indistinguishable from background noise using conventional methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary correlation component that processes the weak emissions by comparing them against the known RF stimulation signal pattern. This intermediary processing step enhances the reliability of IED detection by extracting characteristic signatures from the weak cross-modulated emissions, enabling reliable detection without requiring a complex overhaul of the entire detection system
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 detects and locates super-regenerative receivers by identifying unique characteristics in unintentional emissions, providing enhanced detection capabilities and alert mechanisms for identifying and tracking IEDs.
Implementation Method 1
A super regenerative receiver (SRR) responds to the stimulation signal by generating an unintentional electromagnetic emission (UEE) signal having a self-quenched oscillation
Implementation Method 2
The cross modulated signal has a second modulation mode that is different from the first modulation mode
Data Source
AI summary
A super regenerative receiver detection system and method that includes a computing system that stores and executes a cross modulation correlation component to modulate a radio-frequency (RF) stimulation signal that is transmitted in an area using a modulating signal having a first modulating mode, and receive a response UEE signal from the area in which the response UEE signal includes a cross modulated signal emitted from a super regenerative receiver (SRR). The cross modulated signal having a second modulation mode that is different from the first modulation mode. Using this information, the cross modulation correlation component processes the received UEE signal to determine a cross modulation correlation level of a cross modulation signal relative to the modulating signal, and generates an alert signal when the determined cross modulation correlation level exceeds a specified threshold.