UWB Angle-of-Arrival Measurement With Anchor-Based Ambiguity Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultra-wideband (UWB) communication systems face challenges in accurately determining the angle of incidence of RF signals due to channel-induced noise and inefficiencies in power consumption, particularly in compact RFID tags, where prior art techniques for carrier and timing recovery are less than optimal and consume excessive power.
Innovation Solution
A method for determining the angle of arrival and bearing in a UWB communication system using a first and second transceiver, where each transceiver transmits and receives RF signals to calculate valid angles of arrival and bearings, and uses a ternary analog-to-digital converter to improve performance and reduce power consumption by simplifying circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If prior art techniques for carrier and timing recovery are used in UWB communication systems, then the system can achieve basic signal reception, but power consumption is excessive and measurement precision of angle of incidence is degraded due to channel-induced noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the angle of incidence determination process into multiple measurement stages, where initial coarse measurements are followed by refined measurements only when necessary. This segmentation reduces the overall power consumption by avoiding continuous high-precision measurements while maintaining adequate accuracy for the application
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of measurement precision based on operational conditions. The system adapts its measurement strategy by switching between different precision levels and activation states of the angle determination circuitry, optimizing the balance between power consumption and measurement accuracy in real-time
2Device complexity
If prior art techniques for carrier and timing recovery are used, then basic functionality is achieved, but the circuitry complexity and power consumption are excessive for compact RFID tags
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary circuitry components from traditional carrier and timing recovery systems. By removing redundant functional blocks and simplifying the signal processing chain, the design achieves lower complexity suitable for compact RFID tags while maintaining sufficient performance through optimized core functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by starting with a minimal functional requirement and adding only essential features, rather than starting with a complete traditional system and removing features. This inversion enables circuitry simplification while preserving the reliability needed for accurate angle determination in compact devices
3Measurement precision
If multiple possible valid angles of arrival are calculated, then measurement completeness is improved, but determining the correct angle becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where previously determined bearing information is used to constrain and guide subsequent angle calculations. This feedback approach reduces the solution space by eliminating geometrically impossible angles, thereby simplifying the determination process while maintaining measurement completeness and accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
In an RF system comprising a first transceiver (96) and a second transceiver (98), a first transmission, T1, by the first transceiver (96) allows the second transceiver (98) to determine two possible valid angles of arrival, ±θ1, of T1. A second transmission, T2, from the second transmitter (98) to the first transmitter (96) containing θ1 and a bearing, α1, of a known fixed anchor relative to the second transmitter (98), allows the first transmitter (96) to determine two possible valid angles of arrival, ±θ2, of T2. From θ1, α1, θ2, and a bearing, α2, of the known fixed anchor relative to the first transmitter (96), the first transceiver (96) can determine the valid angle of arrival of T2.