Synchronizing Multiple Transmitters Using GPS Time Reference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terrestrial transmission systems face interference and reception issues due to overlapping coverage areas and time delays, causing signal interference and echo problems that conventional solutions fail to fully address, particularly in areas shadowed by natural or man-made features.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that synchronize the carriers and data signals across multiple transmitters using a globally common time reference, such as a GPS signal, to ensure identical data transmission and minimize interference by adjusting time offsets and carrier phases, thereby optimizing signal reception and reducing echo effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple transmitters are used to extend coverage area, then the coverage area is improved, but signal interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary synchronization of transmission timing using a common reference signal before actual data transmission. Each transmitter adjusts its transmission schedule based on calculated time offsets, ensuring that transmissions are coordinated in advance to minimize interference while maximizing coverage area.
2Area of stationary object
If transmitters are placed in overlapping coverage areas, then coverage is extended to shadowed areas, but interference in overlapping regions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates and applies time offsets to transmissions from different transmitters before they are sent. This preliminary timing coordination ensures that signals in overlapping coverage areas are transmitted at different times, reducing interference while maintaining extended coverage to shadowed regions.
3Device complexity
If transmission timing is not synchronized, then device complexity is reduced, but echo and interference problems worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a common reference signal as an intermediary that all transmitters use to synchronize their transmissions. This reference signal acts as a mediator that coordinates timing across multiple transmitters without requiring complex direct communication between them, thereby reducing system complexity while eliminating echo and interference problems.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for synchronizing multiple transmitters is disclosed. A global time reference is used to synchronize the arrival of data from a plurality of transmitters in a receiver station. In one embodiment, the global time reference is provided by a GPS satellite, and may also be used to synchronize the carriers of the signals received at the receiver station from each of the plurality of transmitters