Virtual Multi-Antenna DoA Estimation for Single-Antenna PNT
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication devices without multiple antennas face challenges in determining the direction of arrival (DoA) of RF signals, which affects global navigation satellite system (GNSS) positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) performance, particularly in mitigating multipath and non-line-of-sight signals and anti-spoofing.
Innovation Solution
A UE equipped with a single omni-directional antenna calculates the DoA of RF signals by obtaining measurements at different time instances, determining the distance traveled, and using these measurements to emulate the functionality of multiple antennas, thereby improving PNT performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single antenna is used in wireless communication devices, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to determine direction of arrival (DoA) of RF signals deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from spatial dimension (multiple antennas) to temporal dimension (multiple time instances) to achieve DoA determination. By measuring RF signals at different time instances and calculating the distance traveled by the UE between these instances, the system emulates the functionality of multiple antennas using a single antenna, thereby resolving the contradiction between device complexity and measurement precision.
2Reliability
If multiple antennas are deployed to improve PNT performance, then positioning accuracy is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the multiple-antenna system by using temporal measurements to emulate spatial diversity. The single antenna system captures RF signals at multiple time instances, processes these measurements to calculate distance traveled, and thereby reconstructs the DoA information that would traditionally require multiple simultaneous antennas, achieving enhanced PNT performance without increasing physical device complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple antennas are used to mitigate multipath and non-line-of-sight signals, then signal reliability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of a single antenna system by introducing temporal variability (measurements at different time instances) to achieve the anti-interference capabilities traditionally associated with multiple antennas. This approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while improving the system's ability to distinguish line-of-sight signals from multipath and non-line-of-sight interference through time-based signal characterization.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of wireless communication at a UE is disclosed herein. The UE obtains, via an antenna of the UE, a first indication of a first measurement of at least one RF signal at a first time instance. The UE obtains, via the antenna, a second indication of a second measurement of the at least one RF signal at a second time instance. The UE calculates a distance traveled by the UE between the first time instance and the second time instance. The UE calculates a DOA of the at least one RF signal based on the first measurement, the second measurement, and the distance traveled by the UE between the first time instance and the second time instance. The UE outputs a third indication of the calculated DoA of the at least one RF signal.