Wireless Phase-Stable Signal Transmission via Laser Path Length Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless transmission of complex signals in dynamic environments, such as flying platforms, faces challenges due to continuous changes in the transmission path length, causing phase shifts that are difficult to correct, especially in high-frequency and antenna near-field measurements.

Innovation Solution

A device and method that synchronizes the transmission of electrically complex signals with simultaneous distance measurement, using laser technology to modulate signals parallel to the distance measurement section, allowing for precise correction of phase shifts through electrical phase shifters or post-processing calculations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wireless transmission is used for moving platforms, then mobility and measurement flexibility are improved, but phase stability deteriorates due to continuous path length changes

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemobilityVSAvoidphase stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously measures the actual path length using distance measurement devices and feeds this information back to the signal transmission device. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts the phase of the transmitted signal through electrical phase shifters or post-processing calculations to compensate for path length changes, thereby maintaining phase stability while enabling wireless mobility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the phase parameter of the transmitted signal dynamically based on the measured path length. By adjusting the phase shift in real-time according to the actual distance between transmitter and receiver, the system compensates for path length variations and maintains stable phase relationships in the transmitted complex signals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If wired transmission is used, then phase stability is maintained, but mobility and measurement flexibility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase stabilityVSAvoidmobility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces distance measurement devices as an intermediary between the transmitter and receiver. These devices continuously monitor the path length and provide information that enables phase compensation, allowing the system to achieve both wireless mobility and phase stability that would otherwise be incompatible

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If path length changes are not corrected, then transmission simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission simplicityVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary measurement of the path length using distance measurement devices before and during signal transmission. By knowing the actual path length in advance and during transmission, the system can pre-calculate or dynamically adjust phase corrections, ensuring measurement precision is maintained without requiring complex real-time processing during the actual measurement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach ensures accurate and stable wireless transmission of complex signals, maintaining measurement integrity even with changing path lengths, enhancing measurement capabilities for large antenna systems and installations with high antenna density.

Implementation Method 1

The ground-based device (1) measures the length of the transmission path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

measure the length of the transmission path from the ground-based facility (1) to the moving platform (5)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 3

the electrical measurement signal is modulated onto a free-space laser beam and transmitted optically

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical modulation:

Implementation Method 4

transmitted optically parallel to the distance measurement section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFree-space optical transmission:

Implementation Method 5

the device (2) is the source or receiving part for the (high-frequency) measurement or reference signal to be transmitted

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection:

Data Source

PatentEP2124405B1Assembly and method for wireless transmission of phase-critical signals in variable length alteration of the transmission path
Publication Date: 2018.08.29 AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACE GMBH
  • EP2124405B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a device comprising a device for measuring the length of a transmission path to a moving platform (5) and a device for transmitting complex measurement or reference signals, wherein at least components of the device for transmitting complex measurement or reference signals are arranged next to at least components of the device for measuring the length of the transmission path to a moving platform (5) in such a way that the changes in the length of the transmission path are always the same for both devices.