EP 1 303 933 B1 wg) mtn OAT TTT tice européen des brevets ay EP 1303 933 B1 (12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION (45) Date of publication and mention (61) Intel. ofthe rant of te patet Hoss r700%=00 26.04.2006 Bulletin 2006/17 (86) Intamational application number: (21) Application number: 01957208.6 PcT/us2001/22882 (22) Date of fing: 20.07.2001 (87) Intemational publication number: Wo 2002/009313 (31.01.2002 Gazette 2002/05) (64) COMMUNICATION TRANSMISSION IMPAIRMENT EMULATOR EMULATION VON UBERTRAGUNGSVERZERRUNG EMULATEUR DE DEGRADATION DE LA TRANSMISSION DE TELECOMMUNICATIONS. (G4) Designated Contracting State: + KAZAKEVICH, Leonid ATBECHCYDEDKESFIFRGBGRIEITLILU | Plainview, NY 11803 (US) Mc NLPTSETR + TYRA, Fryderyk Huntington Station, NY 11746 (US) (80) Posty: 21.07:2000 US 219094 P + REGIS, Robert 18.11.2000 US 712288 Huntington, NY 11743 (US) + SCHREIDER, Fred (43) Dete of pubicaton of epoticaton Commack, NY 11725 (US) 23.04.2003 Bulletin 2003117 (74) Representative: Frohwitter, Bernhard (60) Divisional application: Patent- und Rechtsanwailte, 0402681461 505 751 Possartstrasse 20 81679 Munchen (DE) (73) Proprietor: INTERDIGITAL TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION (66) Reterences cited: Wilmington, DE 19801 (US) US-A-5 539 72 US-A-5 751 766 US-A-5 794 128 (72) Inventors: + NOLAN, James Huntington, NY 11743 (US) Note: Within nine months from the publication ofthe mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted, Notice of opposition shall be filed in ‘a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been pald, (Art 99(1) European Patent Convention).EP 1303 933 B1 Description [0001] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Field ofthe Invention [0003] The present invention relates generally to analog and digital communication systems. More spectically, the invention relates to @ system and method for emulating signal impaiments which manifest themselves during signal conversion and transmission. [0004] Description of the Related Art [0005] _In simple terms, a communication system transmits information from a source toa destination. The information signal is transmitted from the source to the destination over an eppropriate medium which may be guided or unguided, comprising copper, optical fiber or alr and is commonly referred to as the communication channel. To use the channel for transportation, the information signal must be altered to match the characteristics ofthe channel which is referred to ‘as modulation. The recovery of the information-bearing signal is called demodulation. The demodulation step converts, the transported signal using the logical inverse of the modulation process. [0006] A prior art communication system is shown in Figure. 1. The communication system in Figure 1 shows a single direction communication inkfora data signal trom one location (user 1) toancther (user). Thepriorart systems comprises transmit modem, an up-converter or transmitter, a communication medium, a down-converter or recelver and areceive ‘modem. The transmit modem accepts a data input and produces @ modulated digital or analogbasebandoutput according tothe chosen modulation scheme. The modulateddataisinputto the transmitter where itis upconverted onto a predefined cartier frequency and output tothe communication medium. The receiver and receive modem perform a similar inverse ‘operation [0007] Deployed communication systems rarely are single access. Protocols such as time division multiple access (TDMA), carrer sense mutple access (CSMA), code division multiple access (CDMA) and frequency based protocols such as frequency division mutiple access (FOMA) and orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) allow access to the seme communication channel for more than one user. These techniques can be mixed together creating hybrid Varieties of mutiple access schemes such as time division duplex (TDD). The access protocol specified by a commu: nication system is typically executed after the data undergoes modulation [0008] Prior art modulation techniques that are in use are frequency modulation (FI), frequency shift keying (FSK%, phase shit keying (PSK), binary phase shift keying (BPSK) and differential phase shift keying (DPSK). The most com: ‘monly used high-speed methods for data modulation are quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) and quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK). These techniques vary a predefined carrier frequency amplitude and phase according to an input signal to transmit muliple bits per baud thereby using available bandwiath more efficiently [0003] To extend the possible range of data signal values, quadrature modulation assigns a symbol to represent more than two binary values. The concept of a symbol allows for a greater degree of transmitted information since the bit Content of each symbol dictates a unique pulse shape. Symbols, which encode x bits per symbol may represent a quantized version of an analog sample or digital data. Depending upon the number of symbols used, an equal number ‘of unique pulse or wave shapes exist. The number of data bits determine the combinations of amplitude and phese that define a constellation patter. [0010] Quadrature modulation is based on two lstinct carier waveforms that are orthogonal to each other. If wo waveforms are transmitted simultaneously and do not interfere with each other, they are orthogonal. Quadrature mod: ulation modulates two different signals into the same bandwidth creating a two-dimensional signal space as shown in Figure 2a. Two waveforms generally used for quadrature modulation are sine and cosine waveforms at the same frequency. The waveforms are defined as y(t) = a,cos(2aft) (ql) and sd) = asin2aft) 2) where f, isthe carier frequency of the modulated signal and a, and a, are the amplitudes applied to the cosine and sine signals respectively. By convention, the cosine carrier is called the in-phase, real component /of the signal and the sine carrier is the quadrature, imaginary component Q of the signal. Linear combinations ofthe form a, cos(2nt.f) + a,EP 1303 933 B1 sinf2xtt (where a, and a, are real numbers) generated from the two basic waveforms define symbols in the modulation alphabet. The symbols can be represented as complex numbers, ay + ja, where jis defined as j= 1-1 [0011] A QAM symbol consists of atleast one sample from both the in-phase J and quadrature Q signals. Signal ‘amplitude is indicated by the cistance from the origin; phase by the angular cistance around the unit circle. After the data is assembled as symbols, the symbols are further processed in accordance withthe access protocol chosen for the communication system. [0012] |The above processing is typically performed in a modem. Afterwards, a predefined carrie frequency is mod: ulated wth the baseband output from the modem, amplified and ansmttedin the communication medium Upconversion is required when the channel requencies are above baseband frequencies. Transmission through a medium is accom: plished by converting the modem oufputsignel amplitude, frequency or phase to an operating region between 108 10 108 Hz using radio frequency empifiers, 108 to 101" Hz using microwave frequency ampiiiction and 10" to 1016 Hz using optical frequency ampitieation. Reception af the communication transmission Is by downconversion. [0013] Modulation schemes that rely upon phase must overcome the inevitable problem of phase synchronization. Forproper signaling the and Qchannels should have the same gain when processing both received channels, keeping the Fand @ channels uncorrelated. Mismatched signal gains or magitudes between the uncoreated /and Q channels create errors when processing. Phase diferences other than 90 degrees between the carrer waveform signals cause spillover between individual channels and simitary resultin degraded performance. However, during carrier modulation (upconversion, transmission through the commurication channel and carer demodulation (downconversio),signl impairmens occur. [0014] _Signalimpaiments which manifest themselves during the conversion processes are gain and phase variations inthe separate and Q channels. This is due in part tothe plurality of electronic mixers, ites, A/D converters, etc, «employed inthe design of up and downconverters. Each component contributes its own variation in specied value due to temperature, manufacturingtolerances and other factors unt the variations taken as a whole significant ec signal integrty. Amplitude and phase imbalance between the and @ channels resut inthe constellation distortions shown in Figures 2b and 2c, decreasing overal signal-to-noise ratio (SNF) [0015] Of these impairments, amplitude and phase impairments ae near distrions. Other significant near impair ‘ments which maniest themselves in a data signal during carir frequency modulation and demodulation comprise: carir frequency offset, caused by local (receiver oscilator dit carier phase noise, impressed on the data signal by active devices inthe signal path; communication channel bandwidth aberrations, causedby unintentional fitering; group delay variation and carter amplitude imbalance. [0016] Non-linear impairments are another adverse byproduct. Non-linear distortions are characterized by changes in output gain or phase which vary in dependence upon te input signal magnitude, The two major signal impairments include: amplitude to-ampltude (AM-AM) dstorioncausedby non-ineartes inthe overall amplifier gain ransferfunction ‘and ampitude-to:phase distortion (AM-PM conversion) distortion caused by amptude dependent phase shifts [0017] In adation to the impaimments brought about by up and downconversion, the communication media, whether {ulded or unguided, is under the influence of obstacles, attenuation and wave rellections. These perturbations affect, signal level by many d8 and continualy change in a mobile communication opereting environment. The propagation characteristics vary widely depending upon whether & communication inks fixed or mobile, the condition of the prop gation path and the compostion of the medium tse [0018] Wile designing and prototyping new communication systems, manufacturers routinely and thoroughly test the baseband modulation/demoddlation components and the up/dovinconversions to and from the transmission channel operating frequencies. To validate a modem hardware design, prorat test techniques comprise signal generators, EyJNo (ttioof carr orbit energy o noise energy) generators and meters, channel emulators, ete. However, thismethod «does not include the conversion components. [0019] The prior art testing method suffers from two fundamental disadvantages. Fist, the method is nat capable of ‘evaluating a design at the baseband signaling frequencies since upldownconwersion and transmission channel impal ‘ments are dificult to separate fron algorithmic o other systemic deficiencies. Second, the prior art does not provide a ‘medemto-conversion and vansmission medium evaluation interface prior to integration with actual hardware. {0020} Accordingly, there exists a need fora system and method thet allows forthe evaluation of e complete transmit ‘modem-1o-teceive modem system by simulating in the baseband impairments in signal quelty manifested during signal conversion and within the transmission medium. [oot] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0022] The present invertion is a system and method that emulates a pluralty of signal impairments created by transmission components and media that are employed in typical communication systems. During baseband signal upconversion, transmission through a commurication channel, and downconversion, various linear and non-linear dis tortons manifest themselves inthe communication signal, The present invention models a plurality of known linear and non-linear distortions to dynamically evaluate the performance of the transmit and receive modems without requiring ‘empirical evaluation by using a combination of digital hardware and software for accurate, repeatable test. variety ofEP 1303 933 B1 linear and non-linear distortion characterisios are impressed on a modulated baseband data signal between transmit and receive modems to effect thorough testing and optimization of modem performance regardless of the modulation technique and access protocol used and without requiring actual transmission frequency components andor the physical ‘communication channel medium. The communication transmission emulator comprises transmit modules, receive mod: ules and communication media modules. The transmission emulator is configurable to allow a single channel commu: nication simulation; a full duplex communication simulation; a common base station receiver with mute users trans: rifting simulation and base station transmitter with multiple users receiving simulation, all configurations with or without ‘media impairment modules, The communication media modules simulate multipath signal distortions, signal fading and delayforachosen medium. Dependingupon the simulation, each module type and number can be inaividually configured, ‘adding a plurality of near and non-linear impairments to the baseband signal along with delay components to evaluate ‘and optimize modem design [0023] Accordingly, itis an object of the Invention to digitally model the transmission components and communication ‘media of a communicetion system. [0024] tis another object ofthe invention to simulate impairments caused by non-ideal transmitters, receivers and ‘communication meaia in a communications system. [0025] Other objects and advantages ofthe system and method will become apparent to those skilled inthe art after reading the detailed description ofthe preferred embodiment. [0026] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0027] Figure 1 is a simplified block ciagram of an exemplary, prior art communication system. [0028] Figure 2a is a quadrature modulation constellation pattern with equal amplitude and phase, [0029] Figure 20 is a quadrature modulation constellation pattern showing amplitude imbalance. [0030] Figure 2c Is a quadrature modulation constellation pattem showing phase imbalance, [0031] Figure 3 is a block diagram of the present invention, [0032] Figure 4a is a block diagram of a single channel transmission simulation using the present invention, [0033] Figure 4bisa block diagram of a dualchannel transmission with media impairments using the present invention [0034] Figure 4c is a block diagram of a muit-user, multiple access transmission with media impairments simulation using the present invention. [0035] | Figure 4dis 2 biock diagram of a multi-user, multiple access transmission with extemal radio frequency channel impairments simulation using the present invention. [0036] Figures Sa -Scis a transmit and receive module linear impairment emulation menu. [0037] Figure 6 is a transmit and receive module non-linear impaiment emulation menu. [0038] Figure 7 is a control signal impairment emulation menu, [0039] Figures 8a and ab is a media module impaliment emulation menu [0040] Figure 9 is an exemplary plot of /and Q signal vectors. [0041] Figure 10 is a system diagram of an amplitude imbalance impairment model. [0042] Figure 11a isa system diagram of a carier phase offset impairment model. [0043] Figure 11b isa plot showing resultant phase impairment. [0044] Figure 12 is a systern diagram of a carrier phase and frequency offset impairment model [0045] Figure 13 is a system diagram of a phase noise impairment model [0046] Figure 14 is a systern diagram of a transmitreceive noise impairment model. [0047] Figure 15 is a system diagram for a modem noise impairment model. [0048] Figure 16 is a system diagram of a group delay impaliment model using all pass fers. [0049] Figure 17 is a system diagram of a bandwiath limitation impairment model using low pass fiers, [0050] Figure 18 ie a system diagram ofa de cari offset impalment model [0051] Figure 19 ie a system diagram of a TPC impairment model [0052] Figure 20 is a syste diagram of an AGC impairment model [0053] Figure 21a isa system diagram of an AM to AM distortion impairment model [0054] Figure 21 is a plot showing AM to AM distortion components, [0055] Figure 21cis a plot showing ampltfier output compression [0056] Figure 22a isa system diagram of an AM to PM distortion impairment model [0057] Figure 22b isa plot showing AM to PM distortion components. [0058] Figures 238 and 23b is a detalled eystem block diagram of a tranemit module ofthe present invention, [0059] Figures 24a and 24b is a detailed system block diagram of a receive module of the present invention. [0060] Figure 25 is a systern diagram of a programmable fading impairment model [0061] Figures 26a and 26b is a detalled system block diagram of a communication media module of the present invention. [0062] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0063] The embodiments will be described with reference to the drawing figures where like numerals represent IkeEP 1303 933 B1 elements throughout [0064] Shown in Figure 3 is the communication transmission emulator of the present invention 31. The emulator 31 ‘comprises a frame 33 and three addressable, configurable module groups: 1} tranemit channel modules 35, 96, 35,2) receive channel modules 37;, 37, ..37,, and 3) communication channel media modules 99;, 39,, 3% .. 39, Each transmit 95;, 35,,... 95, and receive 37;, 37>... 37, channel module has an external input I, Iq and output ©, (Og, respectively, for receiving a signal from or Sending to the modulation and demodulation systems of modems under test. Transmit modules 95,, 35>, .. 95, have an external input for receiving a transmit power control TPC signal from the modulation portion of a modem and receive modules have an extemal input for receiving an automatic gain contro! [AGC signal from the demodulation portion of a modem. The data and control signal inputs and outputs are selectable for either analog or digital compatibility. The digtal format chosen for the emulator 31 allows for multiplexed or separate and Qmmutt-bit data streams with any modulation scheme that can be modeled in a two-dimensional signal space. For analog signal sources and outputs, the signals will be processed through intemal A/D and D/A converters, respectively. ‘Themodules may be assembled from discrete components, eld programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application spectic integrated circuits (ASICs) and the lke [0065] Each transmita5,, 35,,.. 95, andrecelve 97,,97,...97, channel module receives a programmable frequency up dt, 412, 41, of down 43, 43p,.. 43, converter, respectively for coupling with an extemal channel communication ‘medium. The operation ofthe external communication media is beyond the scope ofthis disclosure. [0066] To accommodate a plurality of modem testing simulations, a virtual spitteicombiner 45 soft couples each resident transmit 95,, 35... 95,, receive 37;, 37>, .. 37q, and media 39,, 39,, 39,,.. 39, module in user defined simulations. Since the prefered embodiment of the present invention 31 is modular in construction, the number of ‘modules, module types and rf up/down converters may vary. Alternate embodiments of the invention 31 may have a fixed number of madules and variations in module packaging, The emulator 31 is powered from an ac mains source with the line current reduced by an internal power supply adjustable for the country of use (not shown) [0067] A microprocessor 47 with collateral RAM 49 and ROM 51 communicate with each transmit channel 35, 35,, 35, receive channel 37,875, .. 87, and communication channel media 38,, 39», 99, ..99,,module over adedicated communication bus $3. The microprocessor 47 recognizes and acknowledges each resident module with a unique ‘address. Onboard system configuration is performed by a user navigating through a plurality of menus using a pointing device 65, olaty pulserS7 and switch options with impairment menus displayed on a high resolution 89 display. Coupled to the microprocessor 47 and communication bus S3 is a buffer 61 that is coupled to extemal connectors 63a,0,¢ that are sized in matching correspondence with a serial RS-232 point-to-point interface, and IEEE-488 and USB communi cation buses, Other bus architectures known to those skied inthis art may be used. The communication buses 63a,b, provide a data highway between the emulator 31 and a users computer 65, or LAN or WAN (not shown) for remote system configuration. [0068] The personal computer 65 running @ Mac OS®, Linux® , Windows® or lke operating environment executes fan installed application program 67 required for remote simulation configuration, emulation module configurtion and performance monitoring, The computer 65 handshakes and interrogates the emulator 31 via the communication bus 63 . When launched, the program 67 presents a graphic user interface or GUI 69 allowing a user access to assemble @ simulationby choosing the type and number of modules, configure each module andprovide sottinterconnection between ‘emulator 31 components. Madule configuration comprises choosing specific impairment models ora given module type and entering impairment values by opening a series of dialog boxes having data entry areas and racio buttons, the GUI £69 prompting the user for information that the user fil in as-required. The impairment values are loaded into respective ‘memory locations resident on the modules in-use. The user may also configure the emulator 31 using the command set valle from the display 59. To control and provide repeatable tests, various testing simulations and module configu: ration parameters may be archived for later retrieval [0069] The application program 67 aisplays a menu from which the user selects the type and number of modules for 2 simulation, With the pointing device 55, clicking on a module icon (type) wil open a dialog box showing allowable configuration options and a user controlled parameter lst. The GUI 69 additionally provides an intuitive method for soft interconnection and configuration of each module type, and after configuration, acts as a control panel forthe emulator 31 that visually replicates actual communication hardware. The testing simulation is aocompaniedwith realtime empirical performance measurement and trending [0070] A.user first determines a simulation layout. Example simulations are shown in Figures 4a, b,c and d. Figure 4a shows the emulator 31 coupled to first modem modulator and to a second modem demodulator simulating a single channel, single access transmission with user selectable impairments in the transmitter and receiver. Figure 4b shows the emulator 31 coupled to frst modem and a second modem simulating a ull duplex, single access transmission with selectable transmitter, receiver and media impairments, Figure 4c shows amultple access, multiple user uplink reception simulation between three remote modems communicating with a base station modem with transmitter, receiver and ‘media impaliments. Figure 4d shows a mutiple access, multiple user uplink reception simulation between three remote ‘modems communicating with a base station modem using the programmable frequency Hf up/downconverters 413,41,EP 1303 933 B1 41g, 43, with an external air interface emulator for frequency related multiple access protocols. Other simulation con- figurations are possible. [0071] The user assembles the emulator 31 with the various module types that are required for a desired simulation and couples the modems under test to the appropriate inputs and outputs on the transmit channel 35,, 35, ..95,, and recelvechannel37,,37p,..97,modules, Using ether the computer 65 or dsplay9, the user establishes softconnections with the virtual splitericombiner 45 between chosen modules completing the simulation configuration [0072] Using the pointing device, the user opens a dialog box for each madule type. Transmit 95,, 95, ..95, and receive 37;, 37, «37, modules emulate linear and non-linear distortions of mixers, amplifiers, fters, ete. Using the pointing device, the user chooses the radio impairments tobe included inthe simulation and enters the parameter values, for each desired impairment model. Opening a fiter dialog box used in an impairment type allows the user to specify characteristics and parameters such as type, slope, 3dB points, phase offset, group delay, ete. General performance parameters such as sensitivity, ! and @ amplitude, signal levels, sampling frequency, rf bandwidth, flter bandwidths, fiter response, and output signal ecaling, etc, are selected similery for each module used in the simulation. Media 39,, 392, 39,,...29, channel modules are frst configured forthe transmission interface type; i. e., unguided or guided, then the configuration parameters for desired impairment models. The same method is used to enter the configuration pa: rameters for each mecia module as described above. In this manner, the user assembles a digital emulation of trans: rmitters, communication media and receivers, encompassing a complete communication path from transmit modem baseband frequencies to receive modem baseband frequencies. [0073] The application program 67 creates a database which allows the user to store setup parameters and emulation dala forlater use, and assists in the analysis of each simulation by trending chosen parameters. The program also allows the userto dynamically atera simulation in progress by adjusting the impairments or eemoving them from the signal path [0074] Shown in Figures Sa, b and, 6 and 7 are linear, non-linear and control signal menus of the digital impairment ‘models performed in the transmit 35 and receive 37 channel modules. Figures 8a and 8b show a menu of the cigitl impairment mode's performed in the communication media modules 39, [0075] With reference to Figures 5a, b and c, 6 and 7, the emulator allows for either static or dynamic impairment simulations. lmpaitment values enteredin the impairment model variables remain constant unless changed. fa dynamic testis desired for a particular impairment, the impairment variable itself is varied according to predefined waveforms chosen by the user. [0076] Dynamic tests allow for carierdata recovery and gain control loop response testing since feedback control loops are embedded in typical DSP modem designs. Control loops include carrer phase recovery loops for ! and Q rotation in coherent demodulation designe, symbol timing recovery, pn code tracking loops in direct sequence spread spectrum systems and automatic gain control (AGC) and transmit power contol (TPC) loops. Dynamietestsalso simulate impairments commonly found in frequency hopping systems and other discontinuous multiple access modulation pro: tocols such as TOMA, Bluetooth® , etc. Fr example, whenever a frequency hop occurs in a frequency hopping system, the carrier wil be at a new frequency and phase, with a new carrier frequency offset after a brief carrer frequency and phase transient interval. These changes occur periodically in a frequency hopping eystem and can be simulated with Periodic waveforms modulating the impairments, (for example, by modulating the carrier frequency offset impairment variable) [0077] Once a communication system is simulated and put through the aforementioned dynamic tests, the response ccan be observed. For example, a parameter value or metric located in a digital signal processor used in a test modem can be observed, orhaveits history logged andifild orlaterretrievaland examination. Observation canalsobe performed through external test equipment such as storage oscilloscopes and logic analyzers, coupled tothe emulator inputs and ‘outputs when performing a simulation which may be used in conjunction with the emulator 31, Parameters such as instantaneous phase error or phase variance, inside of the system's tracking loop, can be measured to evaluate the behavior of a pn-code tracking loop or on an rf carter derotation control laop in response to the chosen stimulus. [0078] To dynamically verity performance of the various control loops and to check overall modem response, the ‘emulator applies stimullin the form of impairment variables modulated as sine waveforms, swept sine waveforms, square waveforms for step response testing, sawtooth waveforms for ramp response testing, impulse responses and other ‘composite waveforms known to those skilled in ths art. The plurality of waveforms are generatedby a processor onboard each tranemit and receive module programmed vie software and are themselves totaly configurable. The dynamic impairments can be chosen for applicable impaitment types from the menus shown on Figures 5a, b and c, 6, and 7a and 7b. The dynamic simulation measurements are analyzed to very that the individual modem control loops achieve their designed performance and to provide further control oop optimization [0079] Transmit and Recelve Module Linear Impairment Models [0080] Amplitude Imbalance [0081] To accurately simulate amplitude imbalance without introducing other adverse affects to the signals, total signal power is altered from a constant value. Shown in Figure 9 is a plot ofthe ideal spacial relationstp between / and Q signal vectors in a two dimensional signal space and their resultant power vector S. The sum of vectors /and Q yieldsEP 1303 933 B1 vector S; Let ISI equal the radius ofa unit cree (1), then I=S 00s 6, and O=Ssin 8. Therefore, S= (2 +Q), or S=P+g @) viking, 1 ae [isa 4) [0082] Amplitude imbelance is modeled by generating a disparity between the respective and Q signal gains. The ‘emulator models amplitude imbalance as shown in Figure 10. Since total instantaneous power is P,=lIP+10P, ‘and in order to Keep the total power constant after an imbalance is applied, the /and Q imbalances are defined as I (imbalance) = (V2) sin(aretan(10#")), and 6) Q (imbalance) = (v2) cos(arctan(10")), © where * xcontrols the imbalance. For x= 0, the amplitude imbalance between the land Qsignalsis zero (xis entered as dB). [0083] Carrier Phase Imbalance [0084] _Carierphase imbalance is modeled by inserting a phase difference other than 90° between the /and Qssignal ‘components. The emulator implements phase imbalance as shown in Figure 11a. Let [, Sin(ot), ‘andEP 1303 933 B1 Q=Q, cos(wt), where |T| and | Q|= [0085] and Qrepresont examples of signals tha are appiedto the input ofthe phase imbalance modo wth A equal to the phase eror ‘erm, I'=Icos(4) + Q sin(A) I, sin(at) cos(4) + Q, cos(cot) sin(A) in(wt + A); and ” Q' = Qcos(4) +I sin(4) = Q, cos(af) cos(A) + I, sin(wt) sin(A) = cos(wt - A). 8) [0086] Figure 1 1b shows the effect of the phase imbalance error term A on the and Q vectors. [0087] Carrier Frequency Offset and Carrier Phase Offset [0088] Frequency offset is modeled by altering the frequency of the carrer signal by constantly rotating the / and Q signals with a frequency offset signal X. The emulator implements frequency offset as shown in Figure 12. I=1,sin (2), and Q=Q, cos(wt), Tr cos(4) + Q sin(A) = I, sin(at) cos(4) + Q, cos(at) sin(A) = sin(ot + A) = sin ((@ +X) 0), and 0)EP 1303 933 B1 Q' = Qcos(A) - Isin(A) = Q, cos(wt) cos(A) - J, sin(wt) sin() cos(at +4) os((w +X) 2). (10) [0089] The phase offset component is A and the frequency offset component is X and If and i@l = 1 [0090] Carrier Phase Noise [0091] Carrier phase noise is modeled by introducing a random noise component to each signal. The emulator imple- ‘ments phase noise as showin in Figure 13. A pseudo noise (pn) generator having a Gaussian distribution adds noise similar to that generated in semiconductor, (0) with I land 1O pnsignal = where x() is a random variable with a Gaussian cistrbution, and I=1,sin(o?), and Q=Q,cos(ot), I= Icos(4) + Q sin(A) I, sin(«t) cos(A) + Q, c0s(ct) sin(A) sin(t + A), and ay Q' = Qcos(A) - Isin(A) Q, cos(wt) cos(A) - I, sin(wt) sin(A) = cos(wt + A). (a2) [0092] The /and Qsignals will be constantly phase modulated by the pn signal A [0093] Transmit/Receive Noise [0094] Transmit (or receive) noise is modeled by Introducing @ random noise component to the noise floor of each | and Q signal. The emulator implements transmit/receive noise as shown in Figure 14. An adaltive white Gaussian noise ‘source adds a miscellaneous noise component. [0095] Modem Noise [0096] Modem noise is modeled by introducing a random noise component to each J and Q signal. The emulator implements transmitreceive noise as shown in Figure 18, An additive white Gaussian noise source adds @ miscellaneous noise component. [0097] Bandwicth Group DelayEP 1303 933 B1 [0098] Bandwidth group delay variation is modeled with pass band fiters having a flat response but with variable phase. The emulator implements group delay as shown in Figure 16, [0099] Bandwieth Limitations [0100] _Bandwiath limitations are modeled using a finite impulse response (FIR) fiter, infinite impulse response (IIR) ‘orcombinationfiter to create variable cut-off frequencies and manipulate frequency response. The emulatorimplements bandwidth imitations as shown in Figure 17. [0101] Carrier Leakage [0102] Carrier leakage is modeled by adding a Vac offset componentto the /and Q signals. The emulator implements carrier imbalance as shown in Figure 18 [0103] Control Signal [0104] Control signal impairments are modeled by first converting a log-gain contol signal to a linear-gain signal and ‘secondly, processing through a non-linearity function shown in Figures 19 and 20. [0105] Transmit and Recelve Module Non-Linear Impairment Models [0106] Amplitude Modulation (AM) to Amplitude Modulation (AM) [0107] AM to AM distortion is modeled using a programmable coefficient of non-linearity. The emulator implements AM to AM distortion as shown in Figure 21a. The resultant signal constellation is shown in Figure 21 b. The outer perimeter of the box represents an uncompressed ¥@ vector moving through different phase angles with constant ‘amplitude. When impairment variable k is changed to a value compressing the signal, the vector length is shortened. ‘Tris action creates the smaller ‘television screen’ shaped box within. As the magnitude of the vector changes, the phase remains constant. This impairment is implemented using Equation 18 as shown in Figure 20a, or, in an alternative ‘embodiment, asa look-up-table (LUT). The LUT implements the Equation, er, contains a predetermined set of values, to allow modeling of any arbitrary AM-AM distortion. I'=1(1-k(P + Q)), and (3) Q'=O(-kKe+O%Y, (4) where I=Asin(@t) Q=A cos (wt), where A is a constant. [0108] Since F is approximately equal to GP, Equations 13 and 14 reduce to the folowing form: I= 1-2. as) [0109] | Apiototthis equation s shown in Figure 2tc for k= 1/12, [0110] Amplitude Modulation (AM) to Phase Modulation (PM) [0111] _AMt0 PM distortion is modeled using a programmable coefficient of non-linearity. The emulator models AM to PM distortion as shown in Figure 22a where ks the programmable coefficient of non-linearty. The constellation shown in Figure 220 represents a signal vector with no impairment rotating through different phases, As the input signal level inoreases, the vector will increase in magnitude and stato rotate in acounter-clockwise direction, inaicating an increase in phase. ifthe AM-AM impairment is of, there will be no change in length. This impairment is implemented using Equations 17 and 18 as shown in Figure 22a, or, in an alternative embodiment, as @ LUT. The LUT implements the Equations, or, contains a predetermined set of values to allow modeling of any arbitrary AM-PM distortion, 1.5. This atypical amplifier compression curve. 10EP 1303 933 B1 A=(F+OP/k, (16) I=1 sin (@t), and Q= 1 cos (wt) then, I'=Icos(A) + Q sin(A) = sin(wt) cos(A) + cos(ct) sin(A) in(wt + A), and a7) Q' = qcos(A) - Q sin(A) = cos(at) cos(A) - sin(t) sin(A) = cos(wt +A). (18) [0112] The impairment variable Cin Figure 22a controls the amount of insertion phase variation affecting the signal ‘The phase is offset by an amount proportional to the TPC signal level. [0113] Shown in Figures 28a and 230, and 24a and 2b is the execution of the above impairment models by the present invention 31 transmit channel 35 and receive channel 37 modules respectively. Referencing Figures 23a and 280, data signal outputs and @ total power control (TPC) output from a transmit modem (not shown) assembled in simulation are coupled to the signal, lq and TPC inputs of a transmit module G5. The inputs |, |g ate coupled to a signal conditioner 101 for level adjustment or digitization if the input signal |, |g is in continuous time. The signal 103 is ‘output to a fter 105 which performs a high pass fier action blocking low frequency signal components. The fitered signal 107 is coupled to an addition processor 108 where the Gaussian noise addition (as modem noise) and cartier leakage impairments are performed, Gaussian noise Is generated by an onboard generator 111 having an output 112 ‘coupled tothe addition processor 109 and to a phase noise generator 115, After adatton impairments are performed, the output 117 is coupled toa fer 119 which performs the bandwiath limitation impairment. [0114] |The output 121 of thefiter 119 is coupled to rotation processor 128 which performs Jand Qrotation on symbol ‘components. The rotation processor 128 applies a fixed angular rotation between the / and Q components to effect phase imbalance; a continuous rotation to etfect frequency offset; a static rotation to effect phase offset; and a random + change in phase angle to effect phase noise. The rotation processor 123 output 125 is coupled to a phase shifter 127, Which applies the non-linear AM to PM and insertion phase variation impairments and is output 129 to a final gain processor 181 which performs the gain imbalance, AM to AM impairment and output signal conditioning. A power ‘measurement processor 151 calculates the instantaneous signal power (F + Q#) 153 for use by the gain processor 131 toperform the AM-AM and AN-PM impairments. The power measurement processor 151 also calculates the long term average power (of P+ CP) for display 59, 63 [0115] A stimulus generator 133 for producing the plurality ofwave shapes 135 for dynamic evaluation is coupled to the addition processor 109, rotation processor 123 and gain processor 131, Addltionally, a waveform generator 127 ‘generates signals 139 for calibration and module self diagnostics and demonstration purposes, Depending upon the simulation in progress, the impaired dgtal output, ig, 8 coupledto anf up-converter 4 for extemalchannel emulation, CF coupled to a media 39 o recelve 37 module vie the virtual spitericombiner 48. Performance measurements are ‘captured by a signal monitor 141 and waveform capture 143 for outputting onto the communication bus 3. Abus control interface 146 bidiectionally communicates wit the central microprocessor 47 vie the communicationbbus 83 downloading impairment variables and uploading performance measurements for display of storage. [0116] With architecture and function similar to the transmit madule 35, the receive module $7 shown in Figures 24a ‘and 24b accepts digital signals output from @ transmit 35 iy, iq; OF Media $8iz, lap module via the virtual combiner! 1"EP 1303 933 B1 splitter 45, or by rf down-converter 48 depending upon a given simulation. The digital input signals are coupled to a signal concitioner 201 and output 203 to an addition processor 205 where the Gaussian noise and carrier dc offset impairments are performed. Gaussian noise is generated by an onboard generator 207 having an output 209 coupled to the addition processor 208 and to a phase noise generator 211. The addition processor output 21S is coupled to a fit 215 for performing the bandwidth limitation impairment, The fiter output 217 is coupled to a rotation processor 219 hich performs phase offset, phase noise and frequency offset and phase imbalance impairments. After rotation 221, fa gain processor 223 performs AM-AM and gain imbalance impairments. The final process in the signal flow 225 is a fiter emulator 227, [0117] A power measurement processor 248 caleulates the instantaneous signal power? + GP) 245 for use by the {gain processor 223 to perform the AM-AM impairment, The power measurement processor 248 also calculates the long term average power (of P + CP) for display 59, 69. A stimulus generator 229 for producing the plurality of wave shapes 231 for dynamic evaluation is coupled tothe addition 205, rotation 219 and gain 223 processors. The impaired signal is output O,, Og 10 @ recelve modem demodulator (not shown). Performance measurements are captured by a signal ‘monitor 28 § and waveform capture 23 7 for outputting onto the communication bus 5 A bus control intertace 233, bilrectionaily communicates with the central microprocessor 47 via the communication bus 58 downloading impairment Variables and uploading performance measurements for display or storage. [0118] Shown in Figures 82 anda, mediachannelimpairment modules 39 emulate the impairments ofthe transmission ‘environment and nature of an application, Some simulations may be noisier than others or have noise attributes (impulse, fixed frequency, etc) that others do not; some media impairments are nota factor in all situations. For example, a fixed point to point communication system is less affected by multipath and fading than a fast moving cellular service endures When changing location while maintaining contact with several base stations [0119] The media modules 39 are implemented using either a general purpose processor ora digital signal|processor, ora plurality of processors, The use of digtal signal processing is known to those sklled inthis at. The plurality of media ‘emulation models are storedin collateral memory with adjustment variables accessed in the same manner as the transmit 8 and receive 37 modules. Media impairments for unguided applications comprise value fluctuation such as envelope curve fading, (Rayleigh, Ricean, Nakagami, log-normal distributions and others), random FM noise, and dispersion of delay, location characteristics (logarithmic fluctuation) and distance characteristics models (Okumura, Longley-Rice and others). Impairments for quided applications comprise attenuation and delay. [0120] | Radiowaves in mobile communications are subjectto reflection, citfraction and scattering caused by the impact of obstacles and reflecting objects such as buildings, trees and undulations in the tern. The resultant multiple radio waves traveling different paths can interfere with each other, causing dramatic fluctuations in signal strength, This Is known as fading, [0121] Rayleigh and Ricean models characterize the mulipath phenomena that leads to intersymbol interference (1S!) caused by relative path delay. Since some of the waves arrive later than others, one version of an early data bit can actually arve at the receiver simultaneously with or even after a later data bit that came by a shorter, more direct path ‘Therefore, the fist bt interferes with subsequent bits. This form of ISI has a different underlying cause than !SI caused by time-smearing of bits as they pass through a bandwidth-limited channel [0122] Some communication media exhibit slow fading with propagation drifts over atime period of many symbols or bits, which results from atmospheric changes or tapagraphy-based change. Others have fast fading, with fast transitions {during one bit period or frame period and which can corrupta string of consecutive symbols. Neither fast nor siow fading is the same as impulse noise from lightning or the like. [0123] Media Module Impairment Models [0124] Rayleigh Fading [0125] For unguided applications, Raylelgh-noise- woven 3 | "2° | at } DEMOD ) 3) MoD RCV MODEM 4 }------- | DeMOD 34 Ie] 25EP 1303 933 B1 MODEM 4 MODEM 2 rf MoD ‘CHANNEL MODEM 3 [------~ EMULATOR DEMOD MODEM 4 DEMOD FIG. 4D 26EP 1303 933 B1 LINEAR IMPAIRMENTS MENU [> AMPLITUDE LL. gaLANCE (VARIABLE IN 8) DYNAMIC [-— SWEPT ~ rr wn ro M — 1 [— BANDWIDTH |—+ GROUP DELAY ( VARIABLE IN pS V. Hz) {. BANDWIDTH LIMITATIONS (VARIABLE IN dB V. Hz) }—> LPF ‘—+ HPF (de BLOCKING ) [—+ CARRIER | FREQUENCY OFFSET ( VARIABLE INHz) L_. DYNAMIC | SWEPT ~ — nn po M te |= de OFFSET (RECEIVER) ( VARIABLE IN dBm) DYNAMIC | sWePT ~ t— = MA Le FIG, 5A TO FIG. 58 arEP 1 303 993 Bt FROM FIG. 5A }-— LEAKAGE ( TRANSMITTER ) (VARIABLE IN dBm) DYNAMIC [> SWEPT ~ Ln meee Le L_. PHASE [-—+ INBALANCE ( VARIABLE IN DEGREES ) L_. pynamic DYNAMIC OYNAMIC L FIG. 5BEP 1303 933 B1 FROM FIG. 58 i [> MODEM (VARIABLE IN d8m/Hz) LL. DYNAMIC a ‘—. TRANSMITTER / RECEIVER (VARIABLE IN dBm /Hz) LL ownamte }-— SWEPT ~ r- aN FIG. 5c 29EP 1303 933 B1 NON-LINEAR IMPAIRMENTS MENU }—+ AMPLITUDE MODULATION TO AMPLITUDE MODULATION { VARIABLE IN dBc) DYNAttIC [— SWEPT ~ rt tM Lo |_. AMPLITUDE MODULATION TO PHASE MODULATION (TRANSMITTER ONLY) (VARIABLE IN dBc ) DYNAMIC. [— SWEPT ~ ne FIG.6 CONTROL SIGNAL IMPAIRMENTS MENU }-—* AGC ( RECEIVER ) }-—* NON -LINEARITY \. INSERTION PHASE, VARIATION ( VARIABLE IN DEGREES / dB ) ‘—+ TPC ( TRANSMITTER ) }-—* NON - LINEARITY ‘+ INSERTION PHASE, VARIATION ( VARIABLE IN DEGREES /d8) FIG.7 30EP 1303 933 B1 PROPAGATION IMPAIRMENTS MENU }-—- UNGUIDED }-—+ VALUE FLUCTUATION [= ENVELOPE CURVE FADING }-—* RAYLEIGH DISTRIBUTION [> RICEAN {+ LOG NORMAL DISTRIBUTION f—* NOISE — FA \—+ DELAY DISPERSION ‘— TIME AND DOPPLER |—+ LOCATION CHARACTERISTICS }—+ TOPOGRAPHY {_.. STRUCTURES |. DISTANCE CHARACTERISTICS MODELS [— OKUMURA. “—. LONGLEY -RICE. [— GUIDED }-— ATTENUATION \. FREQUENCY tL FIG. 8A TO FIG. 88 31EP 1303 933 B1 FROM FIG. 8A ‘—+ DELAY |-— DISPERSION —+ TIME OPTICAL }-— ATTENUATION ‘—+ FREQUENCY ‘—+ DELAY }-— DISPERSION — FIG, 88 32EP 1303 933 B1 FIG.9 ANPLITUDE IMBALANCE T SIGNAL {psin(arctan(10(i9))) | (IMBALANCE ) u k {gcos( arctan(10 (49) ) fH 7 8 (IMBALANCE) 2K FIG.10 33EP 1303 933 B1 tr leos(A) I cos(A) 4 Qsin(A) Err, SIGNAL cos(A) A-—*jsin/cos| Ss) sin(A) Isin(A) Q : FIG.I1A ent tasin(A) | Qasin (A) I FIG.11B 34 QEP 1303 933 B1 CARRIER PHASE OFFSET CARRIER FREQUENCY OFFSET FIG.12 cos GUASSIAN Noise source —_|S"/c0s a a 2 FIG.13EP 1303 933 B1 tr ADDITIVE WHITE GAUSSIAN TRANSMIT/ RECEIVE NOISE GENERATOR DENSITY: Q a FIG.1 4 I rv ADDITIVE WHITE oensty———— fovea NOISE GENERATOR a a FIG.15 36EP 1303 933 B1 ALL PASS FILTER (APF) ALL PASS FILTER (APF) FIG. 16 a SONTROL SIGNALS LOW PASS FILTER (LPF) LOW PASS FILTER (UF) FIG.17 }CONTROL SIGNALS pt Q FIG.18 CONTROL SIGNALS (DC OFFSET) 37EP 1303 933 B1 ANTI-LOG NON -LINEARITY me FUNCTION GENERATOR k ace——-| ANTI-Loc NON -LINEARITY FUNCTION (GENERATOR = K FIG. 20 38 AGCEP 1303 933 B1 FIG. 21 = Ds 242 TPC’ FOR TRANSMITTER (AGC' FOR eae bE " FIG. 218 —— 600e3 25003 0 26003 500e-3 6003; T 003. 200e3} I A av 2 oft = z = 20003! ay 40003 mS odes} ttt ttt L | | it 50083 25e3 es 50003 0 ‘TWE IN SECONDS 39EP 1303 933 B1 08 06 04 0.2 O02 04 06 08 10 12 14 1 FIG, 2ic realy Q TPC’ FOR TRANSMITTER (AGC" FOR’ RECEIVER) ‘TPC FOR TRANSMITTER (AGC FOR RECEIVER) FIG. 22A 40EP 1303 933 B1 FIG, 228 60003 -350e3 —-100e3 = 180e8 = 4003 600e3 200 e-3 | oe AMPLITUDE e 2006-3 -600e-3 t 600e3 —-350e3 =—-100e3 ~=— 15023 = 4003 TAME {N SECONDS: aEP 1303 933 B1 vb NOWWZIaVANIT « BOvaUaLN! - ‘TOULNOD uaMOd VE? ‘DIA i O. 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