Vehicle RF Receiver Module for ASK and FSK Signal Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing RF receiver modules in vehicles face challenges in efficiently handling multiple types of RF signals, such as ASK and FSK modulated data, due to the need for separate hardware and multiple physical wires, which increases costs and leads to user dissatisfaction.

Innovation Solution

A receiver module that uses an RF integrated circuit to separate and prioritize ASK and FSK modulated data, selecting the appropriate signal for output over a single transmission line based on predetermined criteria, including priority, to ensure accurate data transmission to a vehicular controller.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate receivers are used for each signal type (ASK and FSK), then signal reception capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal reception capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal receiver architecture that can handle both ASK and FSK modulation types using a single receiver unit. The receiver incorporates a modulation type detection mechanism that automatically identifies the incoming signal type and switches to the appropriate demodulation mode, eliminating the need for separate dedicated receivers for each signal type while maintaining full signal reception capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The receiver employs dynamic switching between different demodulation modes based on real-time detection of the incoming signal characteristics. The system continuously monitors the signal and adapts its demodulation approach by switching between ASK and FSK modes as needed, allowing a single receiver to dynamically handle multiple signal types that would traditionally require separate static receivers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple physical wires are used to transmit different signal types, then data transmission capability is improved, but ease of manufacture and installation worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple signal transmission channels into a single physical wire by implementing time-division multiplexing and protocol-based signal differentiation. Different signal types (ASK and FSK) are transmitted over the same physical medium at different times or with different protocol identifiers, allowing the system to maintain full data transmission capability while reducing the number of physical wires from multiple to one, thereby significantly improving ease of manufacture and installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If a single wire is used to couple RF receiver modules to the vehicular controller, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability to handle multiple signal types worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidsignal type handling capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver incorporates preliminary signal analysis and modulation type detection capabilities that operate before the actual data demodulation process. By detecting and identifying the modulation type (ASK or FSK) in advance, the system can prepare the appropriate demodulation parameters and switch to the correct mode, enabling a single wire connection to handle multiple signal types without requiring separate dedicated hardware paths for each signal type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2794365B1Apparatus and method for receiving signals in a vehicle
Publication Date: 2017.06.14 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC
  • EP2794365B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2794365B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2794365B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

At a vehicle, a first signal is received and the first signal is of an ASK-compliant modulation type. A second signal is received and the second signal is of a FSK-compliant modulation type. Based upon a set of predetermined criteria, one of the first signal and the second signal is selected, the predetermined criteria at least in part indicating a priority as between ASK-compliant and FSK-compliant communications. The selected signal is transmitted to a vehicular controller over a single transmission line.