Voice-to-Radio Test Device for Timestamped Delay Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for testing air traffic control radios converting voice-based signals into radio signals lack efficiency and accuracy in delay estimation, particularly for radios supporting the EUROCAE ED137B/C standard.
Innovation Solution
A test device and method that generates a voice-based test signal with a predefined audio pattern, transmits it to the DUT, receives and demodulates the converted signal, and uses time stamps to estimate the delay by subtracting the transmission and detection times, optionally correcting for demodulation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a test device uses time stamps to measure delay between transmission and reception of voice-based signals, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring synchronized timing mechanisms and signal processing capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces time stamps as an intermediary mechanism to mark specific moments in the signal transmission and reception process. These time stamps serve as mediators that enable precise delay measurement without requiring complex direct comparison mechanisms between transmission and reception events.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or manual delay measurement methods with an electronic/digital time stamping system. This substitution uses software-based timing and digital signal processing to achieve precise delay estimation, reducing mechanical complexity while improving measurement precision.
2Productivity
If the test device automates the delay estimation process without manual interaction, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation may worsen due to increased automation complexity and setup requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The test device is designed to perform delay estimation autonomously without requiring manual intervention during the measurement process. The system automatically generates test signals, records time stamps, processes the received signals, and calculates delays, enabling self-service operation that improves productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary configuration of the test device with pre-programmed test signal generation and automated processing algorithms. This preliminary setup enables the device to automatically execute delay estimation tasks without manual interaction during operation, improving productivity while keeping the initial setup manageable.
3Measurement precision
If the test device uses predefined audio patterns with frequency changes to generate time stamps, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of information increases due to signal processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic frequency changes in the predefined audio patterns as a structured approach to generate time stamps. These periodic variations occur at known intervals and frequencies, enabling precise time stamp generation while maintaining systematic signal processing that minimizes information loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes controlled parameter changes (frequency variations) in the test audio patterns as a mechanism to generate time stamps. By systematically varying frequency parameters at predefined moments, the system achieves precise time stamp accuracy while the structured nature of these parameter changes helps preserve signal integrity and minimize information loss.
Data Source
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AI summary
A test device (10) for estimating a delay caused by a device under test (19), DUT, converting a voice-based signal into a radio signal, comprising a generating unit (11) configured to generate a voice-based test signal comprising a predefined audio pattern, a transmitting unit (12) configured to transmit the voice-based test signal to the DUT (19), a receiving unit (13) configured to receive and/or demodulate as a receive signal, a test radio signal from the DUT (19) having converted the voice-based test signal into said test radio signal, and a processing unit (14) configured to associate a first time stamp with the corresponding time of transmission of the predefined audio pattern transmitted by the transmitting unit, to detect the predefined audio pattern with respect to the receive signal, to set a second time stamp if the predefined audio pattern is detected, and to estimate the delay based on the first time stamp and the second time stamp.