Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying signal sources in a multi-source signal. Levels of signal components transmitted by each of the co-channel base stations in the area under test in a wireless network are measured and associated with the appropriate (originating) base station in the presence of co-channel and adjacent-channel interference without interrupting service by sensing and responding to received, variable, patterns.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for processing wireless signals collected from a plurality of cellular base stations by a plurality of drive test units of a drive test system The method includes the steps of a first process within at least one of the plurality of drive test units processing and storing wireless signal samples in real time to identify and measure signals from the plurality of cellular base stations, the first process forming a target list of signals that could be identified and measured, a second process that processes the signals in near real time and a third process that processes signal offline. The first, second and third processes may share information irrespective of where executed, whether executed on a single drives test unit or multiple drive test units.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and a device for communicating a signal over a power line. One embodiment may comprise a length of power cable that comprises a center conductor substantially surrounded by an insulator. A concentric conductor is disposed external to the insulator over a first portion of the cable. A coupling conductor may be disposed concentrically around a second portion of the cable external to said insulator and having a first end and a second end. The concentric conductor is absent in a manner to form a gap between the concentric conductor and the first end of said coupling conductor. A transceiver cable is coupled to the first end of said coupling conductor and a common mode choke may be disposed substantially around the entire circumference of a portion of said coupling conductor. Finally, the second end of the coupling conductor may be coupled to ground through a convenient neutral conductor.

Abstract: The invention describes a method and a device for communicating a signal over a power line. One embodiment may comprise a length of MV power cable that comprises a center conductor substantially surrounded by an insulator. A first concentric conductor is disposed external to the insulator over a first portion of the cable. A second concentric conductor that may have a length related to the wavelength of one or more carry frequencies of the data signals is disposed external to the insulator over a second portion of the cable and external to the insulator. A first gap is formed where the cable is exposed between the first concentric conductor and a first end of the second concentric conductor. A transceiver for communicating data signals over the MV power cable may be coupled to the first end of the second concentric conductor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for uniquely identifying signal sources in a multisource signal. True levels of signal components transmitted by each of the co-channel base stations in the area under test in a wireless network are measured and associated with the appropriate (originating) base station in presence of co-channel and adjacent-channel interference without interrupting service. The present invention is based on an “area-measurement” approach and relies on relative time-of-arrival (RTOA) measurements of the signal components impervious to the existence of the phase drift between the scanner and base stations.

Abstract: Co-channel interference in a wireless network is identified and quantified. Rather that using color code identification, a more reliable identification property of each co-channel component of the received composite signal is used, namely, the time of arrival of a known part of a signal. Detection and timing measurement is performed even in presence of stronger signals by focusing selectively on bursts having fixed contents (e.g., the FCCH burst used in GSM for frequency correction). The repetitive measurements of the time-of-arrival of each of the interfering components of the signal during a drive test enables determination of the geographical location of the interfering co-channel base stations.

Abstract: A test scanner located where it does not directly receive GPS signals relies on a second device, a reference transmitter with a GPS receiver, to provide time information. The reference transmitter has an internal GPS synchronized clock and a pilot transmission pattern that serves as a marker. The reference transmitter is positioned within close proximity to the test scanner. The reference transmitter periodically receives GPS signals and sets its reference internal clock accordingly. This reference transmitter transmits its highly recognizable signal with time synchronization information. The test scanner, able to distinguish between the reference pilot and base station pilot signals, receives the marked signal and uses the timing information to set the test scanner's internal clock. The test scanner can then perform a pilot scan of one or more CDMA base station pilot channels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus tests CDMA signal propagation and coverage. A pn scan is first made of the pilot channel to be measured. The signal to total power ratio, Ec/Io is calculated. A frequency scan is made of the reception frequency close in time to the pn scan. The frequency scan results are used to identify and quantify any interference adjacent and coincident with the CDMA channel of interest. The power of the interfering transmissions are weighted, interfering signals with frequencies close or within the CDMA channel of interest are given heavier weights. Removing weighted value of the interfering signals modifies and reduces the value of Io. An adjusted Ec/Io is calculated to reflect the modified Io value, thus resulting in an approximation of the Ec/Io value at the transmission site. The sources of interference can be reported to the CDMA carrier for remedial attention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for uniquely identifying signal sources in a multisource signal. True levels of signal components transmitted by each of the co-channel base stations in the area under test in a wireless network are measured and associated with the appropriate (originating) base station in presence of co-channel and adjacent-channel interference without interrupting service. The present invention is based on an “area-measurement” approach and relies on relative time-of-arrival (RTOA) measurements of the signal components impervious to the existence of the phase drift between the scanner and base stations.

Abstract: A test scanner located where it does not directly receive GPS signals relies on a second device, a reference transmitter with a GPS receiver, to provide time information. The reference transmitter has an internal GPS synchronized clock and a pilot transmission pattern that serves as a marker. The reference transmitter is positioned within close proximity to the test scanner. The reference transmitter periodically receives GPS signals and sets its reference internal clock accordingly. This reference transmitter transmits its highly recognizable signal with time synchronization information. The test scanner, able to distinguish between the reference pilot and base station pilot signals, receives the marked signal and uses the timing information to set the test scanner's internal clock. The test scanner can then perform a pilot scan of one or more CDMA base station pilot channels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing CDMA signal propagation and coverage is disclosed. A pn scan is first made of the pilot channel to be measured. The signal to total power ratio, Ec/Io is calculated. A frequency scan is made of the reception frequency close in time to the pn scan. The frequency scan results are used to identify and quantify any interference adjacent and coincident with the CDMA channel of interest. The power of the interfering transmissions are weighted, interfering signals with frequencies close or within the CDMA channel of interest are given heavier weights. Removing weighted value of the interfering signals modifies and reduces the value of Io. An adjusted Ec/Io is calculated to reflect the modified Io value, thus resulting in an approximation of the Ec/Io value at the transmission site. The sources of interference can be reported to the CDMA carrier for remedial attention.

Abstract: RF digital information signals are interfaced with a medium voltage power line data channel. An interface circuit connects between the medium voltage and low voltage sides of a step-down power transformer. The interface circuit includes a metal oxide arrestor (MOV) and an opto-coupler. The MOV provides the needed capacitance and voltage rating without the bulk of a capacitor having similar capacitance and voltage rating. The opto-coupler provides an added margin of safety for coupling communications data while isolating the medium voltage power from the low voltage side of the transformer.

Abstract: Co-channel interference in a wireless network is identified and quantified. Rather that using color code identification, a more reliable identification property of each co-channel component of the received composite signal is used, namely, the time of arrival of a known part of a signal. Detection and timing measurement is performed even in presence of stronger signals by focusing selectively on bursts having fixed contents (e.g., the FCCH burst used in GSM for frequency correction). The repetitive measurements of the time-of-arrival of each of the interfering components of the signal during a drive test enables determination of the geographical location of the interfering co-channel base stations.