Multiplexed CDMA and GPS searching

Searcher hardware is multiplexed to perform simultaneous searches in either an IS-95 CDMA mode or a GPS mode. In the IS-95 mode, the search hardware is time-multiplexed into a number of searcher time slices, each of which can generate a PN sequence to despread a data sequence. In the GPS mode, the search hardware is configured as a number of distinct GPS channels, each of which can generate a Gold code sequence for tracking a GPS signal from a particular GPS satellite. This configuration allows the searcher to perform multiple GPS signal searches simultaneously. Signal searching in both IS-95 and GPS modes is performed at significantly higher speeds compared to conventional searcher hardware. Moreover, the search hardware can be dynamically configured to operate in either the IS-95 or the GPS mode, eliminating the need for dedicated circuitry for each mode of operation.

FIELD

The invention relates to wireless communications and, more particularly, to signal searching in wireless communication devices.

BACKGROUND

Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication, such as voice and data communications. These systems may be based on a variety of modulation techniques, such as code division multiple access (CDMA) or time division multiple access (TDMA). A CDMA system provides certain advantages over other types of systems, including increased system capacity.

A CDMA system may be designed to support one or more CDMA standards such as (1) the “TIA/EIA-95-B Mobile Station-Base Station Compatibility Standard for Dual-Mode Wideband Spread Spectrum Cellular System” (the IS-95 standard), (2) the standard offered by a consortium named “3rd Generation Partnership Project” (3GPP) and embodied in a set of documents including Document Nos. 3G TS 25.211, 3G TS 25.212, 3G TS 25.213, and 3G TS 25.214 (the W-CDMA standard), (3) the standard offered by a consortium named “3rd Generation Partnership Project 2” (3GPP2) and embodied in a set of documents including “C.S0002-A Physical Layer Standard for cdma2000 Spread Spectrum Systems,” the “C.S0005-A Upper Layer (Layer 3) Signaling Standard for cdma2000 Spread Spectrum Systems,” and the “C.S0024 cdma2000 High Rate Packet Data Air Interface Specification” (the cdma2000 standard), and (4) some other standards.

Pseudorandom noise (PN) sequences are commonly used in CDMA systems for spreading transmitted data, including transmitted pilot signals. The time required to transmit a single value of the PN sequence is known as a chip time, and the rate at which the chips vary is known as the chip rate. CDMA receivers commonly employ rake receivers. A rake receiver is typically made up of one or more searchers for locating direct and multipath pilots from one or more base stations, and two or more multipath demodulators (fingers) for receiving and combining information signals from those base stations.

Inherent in the design of direct sequence CDMA systems is the requirement that a receiver must align its PN sequences to those of a base station. For example, in IS-95, each base station and subscriber unit uses the exact same PN sequences. A base station distinguishes itself from other base stations by inserting a unique time offset in the generation of its PN sequences (all base stations are offset by an integer multiple of 64 chips). A subscriber unit communicates with a base station by assigning at least one finger to that base station. An assigned finger must insert the appropriate offset into its PN sequence in order to communicate with that base station. An IS-95 receiver uses one or more searchers to locate the offsets of pilot signals, and hence to use those offsets in assigning fingers for receiving. Since IS-95 systems use a single set of in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) PN sequences, one method of pilot location is to simply search the entire PN space by correlating an internally generated PN sequence with different offset hypotheses until one or more pilot signals are located.

As the searcher correlates the PN sequence with each offset hypothesis, it records the resulting signal energy. Energy peaks appear for the offset hypotheses that result in recovery of the signal, while other offset hypotheses typically result in little or no signal energy. Multiple energy peaks may result from, for example, echoes produced when signals reflect from buildings and other objects.

PN sequences are also used in global positioning system (GPS) receivers for position location. GPS satellites transmit PN sequences to a GPS receiver, which uses the PN sequences to calculate the distance between the GPS receiver and the satellites. By calculating the distance from a number of satellites, the GPS receiver can use trilateration techniques to determine the location of the GPS receiver.

The PN sequences used in GPS receivers are known as Gold codes and have particularly good autocorrelation and cross-correlation properties. The cross-correlation properties of the Gold codes are such that the correlation function between two different sequences is low, enabling GPS receivers to distinguish between signals transmitted from different satellites. A GPS receiver typically employs a searcher that can generate the Gold code that is needed to track and lock onto the GPS signal from a particular GPS satellite.

Search time is an important metric in determining the quality of a CDMA or GPS system. Decreased search time implies that searches can be done more frequently. As such, a subscriber unit can locate and access the best available cell more often, resulting in better signal transmission and reception, often at reduced transmission power levels by both the base station and the subscriber unit. This, in turn, increases the capacity of the CDMA system, either in terms of support for an increased number of users, higher transmission rates, or both. Decreased search time is also advantageous when a subscriber unit is in idle mode. In idle mode, a subscriber unit is not actively transmitting or receiving voice or data, but is periodically monitoring the system. In idle mode, the subscriber unit can remain in a low power state when it is not monitoring. Reduced search time allows the subscriber unit to spend less time monitoring, and more time in the low power state, thus reducing power consumption and increasing standby time.

SUMMARY

In general, the invention facilitates high-speed signal searching by multiplexing searcher hardware to perform simultaneous searches. Various embodiments provide a searcher that can operate in at least two selectable modes. In an IS-95 mode, the searcher is time-multiplexed into a number of searcher time slices, each of which can generate a PN sequence to despread the same data sequence. In a GPS mode, the searcher is configured as a number of distinct GPS channels, each of which can generate a unique Gold code sequence for tracking a GPS signal from a particular GPS satellite. This configuration allows the searcher to perform multiple GPS signal searches simultaneously.

The invention may offer a number of advantages. Signal searching in both IS-95 and GPS modes can be performed at significantly higher speeds compared to conventional searcher hardware. For example, in the IS-95 mode, search speed may be increased by more than an order of magnitude. Search speed may also be significantly increased in the GPS mode. Moreover, the search hardware can be dynamically configured to operate in either the IS-95 or the GPS mode, eliminating the need for dedicated circuitry for each mode of operation.

In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a channel search method implemented in a spread spectrum system. Multiple independent searches are simultaneously executed. A demodulator of a wireless communication device is configured as a function of results from the independent searches.

The channel search hardware may be configured to operate in either a GPS mode or an IS-95 mode. In the GPS mode, a coherent accumulation result is generated as a function of the despread data. The demodulator is configured as a function of the coherent accumulation result. In the IS-95 mode, energy values are computed as a function of the coherent accumulation results. These energy values are used in generating non-coherent accumulation results, which are in turn used in identifying energy peaks. The energy peaks are sorted, and the demodulator is configured as a function of the sorted energy peaks.

Other embodiments are directed to processor-readable media and apparatuses. For instance, an example apparatus embodying the invention includes a channel search module configured to perform simultaneously executed independent searches in a GPS mode or an IS-95 mode. A modem demodulates a signal based on results from the searches.

Additional details of various embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects and advantages will become apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1is a block diagram illustrating an example wireless communication device (WCD)10having a channel search module12that facilitates high-speed searching of CDMA pilot channels and GPS channels. Channel search module12is multiplexed to perform simultaneous searches in one of a number of dynamically selectable modes, including, for example, an IS-95 CDMA mode and a GPS mode. In the IS-95 mode, channel search module12is time-multiplexed into a number of searcher time slices, each of which can generate a PN sequence to despread a data sequence. In the GPS mode, channel search module12is configured as a number of distinct GPS channels, each of which can generate a Gold code sequence for tracking a GPS signal from a particular GPS satellite. This configuration allows channel search module12to perform multiple GPS signal searches simultaneously. As a result, signal searching in both IS-95 and GPS modes is performed at significantly higher speeds compared to conventional searcher hardware. Moreover, the search hardware can be dynamically configured to operate in either the IS-95 or the GPS mode, eliminating the need for dedicated circuitry for each mode of operation.

As shown inFIG. 1, WCD10may include, in addition to channel search module12, a radio frequency transmitter/receiver14, a modem16, a subscriber identity module (SIM)18, a SIM interface20, a microprocessor22, and a radio frequency antenna24. Non-limiting examples of WCD10include a cellular radiotelephone, satellite radiotelephone, a PCMCIA card incorporated within a computer, a PDA equipped with wireless communication capabilities, and the like.

WCD10may be designed to support one or more CDMA standards and/or designs (e.g., the W-CDMA standard, the IS-95 standard, the cdma2000 standard, and the HDR specification). Modem16includes demodulator/decoder circuitry and encoder/modulator circuitry, both of which are coupled to transmitter/receiver14to transmit and receive the communication signals. SIM interface20includes circuitry that drives communication between modem16and SIM18.

In an embodiment of the invention, WCD10uses a CDMA protocol to transmit and receive signals with a base station via antenna24. Before communicating signals with the base station, WCD10must align its PN sequences to those of the base station. For example, in IS-95, each base station and subscriber unit uses the exact same PN sequences. Base stations are distinguished by unique time offsets in the generation of their PN sequences. WCD10communicates with a base station by assigning at least one finger to that base station. An assigned finger must insert the appropriate offset into its PN sequence in order to communicate with that base station. An IS-95 receiver uses channel search module12to locate the offsets of pilot signals, and hence to use those offsets in assigning fingers for receiving signals from the base station. Since IS-95 systems use a single set of in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) PN sequences, one method of pilot location is to simply search the entire PN space by using a correlator module26or, alternatively, modem16, to correlate an internally generated PN sequence with different offset hypotheses until one or more pilot signals are located.

WCD10can also operate in a GPS mode in which WCD10receives GPS signals and calculates the position of WCD10based on the received GPS signals. Before using GPS signals for position calculation, search module12must track and lock onto GPS satellites. Since GPS systems use a set of in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) PN sequences known as Gold codes, one method of GPS signal searching is to simply search the entire PN space by using a correlator module26or, alternatively, modem16, to correlate an internally generated PN sequence with different offset hypotheses until one or more GPS signals are located.

As correlator module26correlates the PN sequence with each offset hypothesis, channel search module12records the resulting signal energy. Energy peaks appear for the offset hypotheses that result in recovery of the signal, while other offset hypotheses typically result in little or no signal energy. The signal energy level may be expressed as a relative value, e.g., a scaled integer having a value between 0 and 65535. As described below, channel search module12maps the offsets to corresponding signal energy levels, and identifies one or more signal peaks having the greatest energy levels. While only one offset is used in the generation of a PN sequence for a particular base station, signal reflections or echoes may cause multiple energy peaks to occur. WCD10may use these echoes to facilitate recovery of the transmitted signal.

The operation of channel search module12is controlled by channel search software executed, for example, by microprocessor22. The channel search software defines a search window by specifying the offset at which channel search module12begins the search, as well as either an offset at which channel search module12ends the search or the size of the search window, i.e., the number of offsets to search. Channel search module12then applies the offsets in the search window to the CDMA signal as described above and reports the results to the channel search software. The channel search software then uses this information to configure modem16by, for example, assigning demodulation fingers corresponding to the located spreading codes. The channel search software may also use the search results for other purposes, such as determining the physical location of WCD10. Both assignment of demodulation fingers and position determination are improved by more accurate offset determination. For example, an accurate offset determination reduces the time needed for time-tracking. In addition, the location of WCD10can be determined more accurately. In W-CDMA devices, the offset determination may be used in an observed time difference of arrival (OTDOA) calculation to determine the position of WCD10.

The channel search software can dynamically configure channel search module12to operate in an IS-95 mode or a GPS mode. In the IS-95 mode, the main tasks of channel search module12are to compute correlated energies between the incoming baseband I-Q samples and locally generated PN sequences for a range of PN timing offsets, and to report the highest correlated energies, i.e., the peak energies and the corresponding PN offsets.

The correlation operation involves despreading incoming samples using a locally generated PN sequence, followed by summing or accumulating successive despread samples. Because both the incoming samples and the locally generated PN sequence consist of I and Q components, the despreading operation involves complex multiplication:
(SI+jSQ)(PNI−jPNQ),
where S and PN refer to the input samples and locally generated PN sequences, respectively, with the subscripts designating the I and Q quadrature components. The despread samples are first coherently accumulated and subsequently further non-coherently accumulated. Coherent accumulation refers to the accumulation of I and Q components individually. Non-coherent accumulation, on the other hand, refers to the accumulation of energies, i.e., I2+Q2, rather than individual I and Q components. Coherent accumulation yields a better signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) than non-coherent accumulation for the same accumulation length, but is more susceptible to frequency error. The coherent and non-coherent accumulation lengths are supplied to the channel search module12by microprocessor22as parameters. In addition to collecting correlated energy values for the range of PN offsets specified externally by microprocessor22, channel search module12sorts these energy values and reports only a specified number of peaks within the search window.

In the GPS mode, channel search module12still performs matched filtering of incoming samples, despreading using locally generated PN sequences, and coherent accumulation, as in the IS-95 mode. Non-coherent accumulation, however, is not performed. Instead, the coherent accumulation results are sent to microprocessor22through a direct memory access (DMA) interface. Because non-coherent accumulation is not performed, backend processes such as non-coherent accumulation, peak detection, and sorting are disabled in the GPS mode to conserve power.

In the IS-95 mode, channel search module12can perform four independent searches simultaneously. Each independent search can work with a different set of parameters including window size, coherent and non-coherent accumulation lengths, and PN offset. For example, the search window size can range from 1 chip to 128K chips. The coherent and non-coherent accumulation lengths may range from 8 to 8K chips and from 1 to 64 chips, respectively. Each independent search is called a slice, as it is performed by time-multiplexed searcher hardware rather than dedicated hardware. That is, the same searcher hardware is used to perform all of the searches in a time-multiplexed manner.

In the GPS mode, channel search module12can simultaneously search eight satellite paths in a C×2 mode, a C×4 mode, or a C×8 mode. Searching the satellite paths in the C×8 mode yields more precise position location than searching in the C×2 mode or the C×4 mode, but with a narrower range. For this reason, the C×8 mode is sometimes referred to as a fine search. The C×4 and C×2 modes are respectively referred to as medium and coarse searches. Each path can have an independent PN offset, but all searches are performed in the same mode. In the GPS mode, each GPS channel continues performing coherent correlation on different PN offsets until the GPS channel is stopped by microprocessor22. As correlation is completed, results of the correlation are transferred to a memory associated with microprocessor22via a DMA interface before the results are overwritten by new correlation results. The coherent integration length may range from 1024 chips to 8K chips.

FIG. 2is a block diagram illustrating an example implementation of channel; search module12, according to an embodiment of the invention.FIGS. 3-17illustrate various components of channel search module12.FIG. 18is a flow diagram depicting an example mode of operation of channel search module12.FIGS. 19-21are timing diagrams illustrating certain timing relationships within the mode of operation illustrated inFIG. 18.

A search session is initiated when microprocessor22specifies a set of search parameters via control registers (350). Channel search module12then receives I/Q data samples (352) at an input40. A front-end module42decimates and rotates the I/Q data samples to remove any large frequency offsets (354). Next, a matched filter44despreads the rotated data (356) using PN sequences generated by a PN generator module46. Generation of the PN sequences, as well as other operations of channel search module12, is controlled by a timing and configuration control module48.

A coherent accumulator, including a coherent RAM control module50and a coherent RAM52, performs coherent accumulation on the rotated data to obtain I and Q sums (356). In the GPS search mode, the coherent accumulation results are provided to microprocessor22and may be used to configure demodulator16.

In the IS-95 mode, on the other hand, a squarer module54computes partial energy values based on the coherent accumulation results (362). These partial energy values are non-coherently accumulated (364) by a non-coherent accumulator, which includes a non-coherent RAM control module56and a non-coherent RAM58. A peak detector60then analyzes the non-coherent accumulation results to identify a set of energy peaks (366), which are sorted (368) by a sorting module62. Sorting module62outputs the sorted energy peaks (370) to microprocessor22, which may use the sorted energy peaks to configure demodulator16.

As described above, a search session is initiated when microprocessor22specifies a set of search parameters via control registers (350). These search parameters include, for example, the searcher mode (IS-95 or GPS), the searcher slice number, the window size, the coherent and non-coherent accumulation lengths, PN polynomials, a Walsh number, a PN state, a corresponding PN count, a target PN position, a frequency offset, an energy threshold, and one or more peak detector modes. The roles of these search parameters are described below in connection withFIGS. 2-17. For example, the PN count value, the PN state, and the PN polynomials are used to configure a PN generator for the specified searcher slice.

After microprocessor22specifies the search parameters, channel search module12receives input (352), either from received I/Q data samples or from an optional front-end sample random access memory (RAM). The I/Q data samples are received at input40ofFIG. 2and can originate from a number of sources. These sources may include, for example, gain-adjusted I/Q data, center band I/Q data, lower band I/Q data, or higher band I/Q data from antenna24or another antenna. The I/Q data samples are then decimated and rotated by front-end module42to remove any large frequency offsets (354).FIG. 3illustrates an example implementation of front-end module42. Front-end module42can be configured to operate either in the IS-95 mode or in the GPS mode. In the GPS mode, a matched filter80performs matched filtering on the I/Q data samples. A multiplexer82provides the filtered I/Q data samples to code Doppler adjustment modules84in the GPS mode. Code Doppler adjustment modules84, described in detail below in connection withFIG. 4, compensate for Doppler effects attributable to the high speed at which signal sources, i.e., the satellites, are moving relative to WCD10. A multiplexer86provides the Doppler-compensated data to decimators88, which perform Cx8 to Cx4 and Cx8 to Cx2 decimation and present the decimated data on Cx4 and Cx2 output lines, respectively. Multiplexers90select either the Cx4 or Cx2 decimated signal or the Cx8 undecimated signal for each active channel, according to a decimation rate control signal, and present the selected signals to rotator modules92, described in detail below in connection withFIG. 5. Rotator modules92perform front-end rotation on the selected signals to compensate for frequency errors and output the rotated data on outputs labeled PATH1-PATH8.FIG. 3depicts only the outputs labeled PATH1and PATH8.

In one embodiment, front-end module42includes eight code Doppler adjustment modules84, eight decimators88, eight multiplexers90, and eight rotator modules92. In this way, front-end module42supports up to eight channels, each of which can have its own decimation rate and rotator frequency. Out of space considerations,FIG. 3depicts two sets of Doppler adjustment modules84, decimators88, multiplexers90, and rotator modules92.

Referring again toFIG. 3, when front-end module42operates in the IS-95 mode, only one channel is active. Multiplexers82and86pass the unfiltered I/Q data samples directly to a decimator88, which performs Cx8 to Cx2 decimation on the data samples and outputs the decimated data to a rotator module92. Rotator module92performs front-end rotation on the decimated data and outputs the rotated data on the output labeled PATH1.

FIG. 4illustrates an example implementation of a code Doppler adjustment module84. As described above, the I/Q data samples must be adjusted to compensate for code Doppler effects resulting from the high speed at which the signal sources, namely, the satellites, are moving relative to WCD10. Code Doppler adjustment module84has an eight-tap shifter100and combinatorial logic 102 for generating interpolated samples to achieve Cx16 resolution.

During initial setup, microprocessor22ofFIG. 2sets the initial tap-pointer position as a function of the Doppler condition, either advanced or retarded. Once the search has begun, microprocessor22can adjust for Doppler effects by sending an advance or retard command to move the pointer to shifter100half a tap either backward or forward, respectively. Moving the pointer has the effect of advancing or retarding the data by 1/16 of a chip. Because of the finite size of shifter100, a sequence of advance or retard commands may cause the pointer to move outside the bound of shifter100, resulting in an “off-the-cliff” event. In this event, the pointer is moved from one end to the other end of shifter100, resulting in an advance or retard of 15/16 of a chip. If the off-the-cliff event was triggered by a retard command, the pointer is moved so as to cause a 15/16 chip advance. Conversely, if an advance command triggered the off-the-cliff event, the pointer is moved so as to cause a 15/16 chip retard. In either case, reset and adjust logic 104 generates an ADVANCE_PN command or a RETARD_PN command to advance or retard the PN sequence by one chip. For example, if the pointer is moved to cause a 15/16 chip retard, reset and adjust logic 104 generates an ADVANCE_PN command to advance the PN sequence by one chip. As a result, the net effect is a 1/16 chip advance or retard. The output of code Doppler adjustment module is provided to decimator88ofFIG. 3via a multiplexer106.

FIG. 5depicts an example implementation of a rotator module92. Rotator module92receives input samples at an input110. The input samples can originate either from a front-end sample RAM (not shown) or from decimator88. A rotator112may be applied to correct a large frequency offset before the input samples are provided to matched filter44ofFIG. 2.

The input signal to rotator module92may be a 4-bit offset two's complement number for each dimension (I and Q), representing values from −7.5 to 7.5. Rotator module92generates a 6-bit two's complement number for each dimension on an output114. The output represents a rotation phase represented as a 6-bit number, such that one least significant bit (LSB) corresponds to an angle of π/32 radians (4.1625°).

A phase integrator116controls the rotator phase. Microprocessor22provides the frequency offset via an input118. A logic gate120and a multiplexer122allow microprocessor22to bypass phase integrator116via a control input124, enabling microprocessor22to program the phase offset directly. When phase integrator116is not bypassed via control input124, a summer126and a latch128accumulate and store frequency offsets received via input118. The output of phase integrator116is provided to rotator112.

InFIG. 5, M denotes the bitwidth of phase integrator116and L denotes the bitwidth of the frequency input. If TRrepresents the phase integrator update interval in seconds, the frequency fLSBrepresented by one LSB of the input to phase integrator116can be expressed as:

fLSB=12M⁢TR
and the maximum frequency offset fMAXin each of the positive and negative directions can be expressed as:

fMAX=2L-1⁢fLSB=12M-L+1⁢TR
M and L are selected so as to accommodate a variety of phase integrator update intervals. In this way, phase integrator116can support both fine resolution and high Doppler frequencies. In one embodiment, M and L are selected to support a maximum Doppler frequency of ±4500 Hz. For example, values of 21 and 16 may be selected for M and L, respectively. The following table lists TR, fLSB, and fMAXfor various modes of operation.

The outputs of rotator modules92are provided to a matched filter44. Matched filter44despreads the data (356) by four independent PN offsets within a Cx2 period to yield four pairs (I-Q) of despread results.FIG. 6depicts an example implementation of matched filter44. A shift register130receives rotated I/Q data from front-end module42ofFIG. 2. A PN buffer132and a despreader134perform PN despreading on the data from shift register130. PN buffer132may be implemented as a 64-bit buffer. An adder tree136generates a 24-bit sum (12-bit I and 12-bit Q) each Cx8 cycle.

Matched filter44can operate in the IS-95 mode or the GPS mode. In the IS-95 mode, shift register130is implemented as a 128-stage, 64-tap shift register. Each stage is 12 bits wide to accommodate 6-bit I and 6-bit Q data from front-end module42. The data is shifted into shift register130at Cx2 rate. Shift register130presents output on 64 taps, each Cx1 apart, i.e., one tap per chip time. The 64 data points are despread by 64 PN bits in PN buffer132. Adder tree136generates a 24-bit sum (12-bit I and 12-bit Q) each Cx8 cycle.

FIG. 7illustrates matched filter44operating in the IS-95 mode. The outputs of rotator modules92ofFIG. 3shift through shift register130, implemented as D latches140, at a Cx2 rate. Shift register130performs serial-to-parallel conversion. At any time, there are128half-chip parallel I/Q samples available at the output of shift register130. Half of the parallel samples that align to the chip boundary are correlated by PN and Walsh codes by despreaders142. Adder tree136, implemented as a 64-to-1 adder tree, performs a 64-chip partial coherent accumulation and sums the correlated samples. This process is known as matched filtering.

Because the incoming samples from rotator modules92shift through shift register130at a Cx2 rate, the contents of shift register130remain unchanged during four Cx8 cycles. The hardware is capable of completing the correlation and partial coherent accumulation within one Cx8 cycle. Accordingly, the hardware can use the remaining three Cx8 cycles to perform three additional matched filtering as long as a new set of PN and Walsh codes is provided each cycle. In this way, channel search module12can implement four independent time-multiplexed searchers.

Shift register130allows a minimum 64-chip partial coherent accumulation period. As described below, the use of coherent RAM allows coherent accumulation of any multiple of 64 chips. In order to allow the coherent accumulation length to be set with a finer resolution, adder tree136includes a gating mechanism so that the addition is performed over a length shorter than 64 bits. The gating can be performed in increments of eight chips such that 8×N (N having a value between 0 and 7) despread chips from the left are gated off within adder tree136. The gating mechanism can also be used to shut down matched filter44temporarily to conserve power when the search window size is not a multiple of 64 chips.

In the GPS mode, matched filter44is partitioned into eight channels. That is, shift register130is partitioned into eight 16-stage, 8-tap shift register banks. Each channel also has an 8-bit PN buffer. Each channel receives rotated data from a different path of front-end module42. For each channel, the eight data points are despread by 8 PN bits in PN buffer132. Adder tree136generates a 24-bit sum (12-bit I and 12-bit Q) each Cx8 cycle.

FIG. 8illustrates matched filter44operating in the GPS mode. The operation of matched filter44in the GPS mode is similar to the operation in the IS-95 mode. Unlike in the IS-95 mode, however, shift register130is divided into eight sub-units or channels150, each receiving different rotated data and PN codes, in the GPS mode. Each channel150can be selectively turned on or off individually to conserve power.

Each channel150includes a channel shift register152, a QPSK despreader154, and an adder sub-unit156. Channel shift register152is a portion of shift register130that implements a 16-stage, 8-tap shift register and receives rotated data from an associated path of front-end module42. Despreaders154perform QPSK despreading on the data from channel shift registers152. Each despreader154can perform QPSK despreading with a different PN code. Adder tree136ofFIG. 6is divided into eight adder sub-units156, each of which outputs one I/Q pair matched filter result per Cx8 cycle.

FIG. 9illustrates an example implementation of adder tree136ofFIG. 6. Adder tree136is configured to support four modes of operation: IS-95, GPS Cx2, GPS Cx4, and GPS Cx8 modes. Adder tree136is subdivided into eight channels160, one of which is shown in detail inFIG. 9. Each channel160receives data from despreader134ofFIG. 6via a shift register162. Multiplexers164pass the data from shift register162to adders166when enabled by an enable signal. When the enable signal is not active, multiplexers164pass zeroes to adders166. One adder166generates the sum for the GPS Cx8 mode. In addition, adders166provide sums to two adders168, one of which generates the sum for the GPS Cx4 mode. Adders168in turn provide sums to an adder170, which generates the sum for the GPS Cx2 mode. The sums for the GPS Cx8, Cx4, and C×2 modes are provided to a multiplexer172, which outputs one of the sums based on a rate selection signal received at an input174. The selected sum is output both to an adder176and to a multiplexer178. Adder176sums the output of multiplexer172and similarly obtained outputs of multiplexers172in the other channels160. Multiplexer178outputs either the output of multiplexer172or adder176, depending on a mode selection signal received at an input180.

Accordingly, via appropriate selection signals provided to multiplexers172and178, adder tree136can support any of the IS-95, GPS Cx2, GPS Cx4, and GPS Cx8 modes. For example, selecting the IS-95 mode via input180causes multiplexer178to output the sum of all of the channels160as obtained by adder176. On the other hand, selecting the GPS mode via input180causes multiplexer178to output either the Cx2, Cx4, or Cx8 signal from multiplexer172, as specified by the rate selection signal received at input174.

The PN sequences used by despreader134ofFIG. 6are generated by PN generator module46ofFIG. 2.FIG. 10depicts an example implementation of PN generator module46, which includes a number of PN generators190that can be configured to generate PN sequences (both I and Q sequences) in either the IS-95 mode or the GPS mode. PN generator module46also includes a number of PN generators192that generate PN sequences in the GPS mode only, i.e., only I sequences. PN generator module46is programmed by microprocessor22. Once programmed, each PN generator190and each PN generator192slews to an assigned PN position. The slew amount may be calculated based in part on a reference count and represents the remaining number of chips by which a PN generator190or a PN generator192needs to be slewed to arrive at the target PN position. Once at the correct PN position, each PN generator190and each PN generator192generate PN bits at the steady rate of one bit per chip time, i.e., Cx1 rate.

PN vector modules194generate 64-bit PN vectors based on the outputs of PN generators190and192. Each PN vector module194is associated with one PN generator190and one PN generator192. The 64-bit PN vectors are provided to multiplexers196and to a multiplexer198. In the GPS mode, when 8 PN bits are accumulated in PN vector module194from a PN generator192, the 8 PN bits are loaded in parallel into an output buffer of PN vector module194for use in PN despreading for the next 8 chip time. Multiplexers196each select an 8-bit portion of the 64-bit PN vectors for output as individual channel PN vectors.

In the IS-95 mode, on the other hand, when 64 PN bits are accumulated in PN vector module194from a PN generator190or a PN generator192, the 64 PN bits are loaded in parallel into the output buffer of PN vector module194for use in PN despreading for the next 64 chip time. Multiplexer198selects one of the 64-bit PN vectors for output as a 64-bit I PN vector and another of the 64-bit PN vectors for output as a 64-bit Q PN vector in the IS-95 mode.

PN generator module46generates PN sequences based in part on control signals received from timing/configuration control module48.FIG. 11depicts an example implementation of timing/configuration control module48. A DSP interface200receives configuration and control information from microprocessor22and stores this information in a control/configuration register module202. Based on this information and on a reference time signal received by a GPS timing control module204, control/configuration register module202provides timing and configuration control signals to IS-95/GPS dual slice/channel control modules206and to GPS channel control modules208. In the IS-95 mode, IS-95/GPS dual slice/channel control modules206generate control signals for each time-multiplexed slice of channel search module12, and GPS channel control modules208are not used. In the GPS mode, on the other hand, IS-95 dual slice/control modules206and GPS channel control modules208generate control signals for each of the eight GPS channels of channel search module12.

The control signals generated by IS-95 dual slice/channel control modules206and by GPS channel control modules208are used to configure various searcher components into appropriate operational modes according to a prescribed time sequence. This time sequence may be determined as a function of, for example, the coherent and non-coherent accumulation lengths and the window size. A number of example time sequences are described below in connection withFIGS. 19-21.

After despreading, the output of matched filter44ofFIG. 6is provided to a set of coherent accumulators (358), which include coherent RAM control module50and coherent RAM52. I-Q sums are stored separately in coherent RAM52. Coherent RAM control module50retrieves and accumulates partial coherent accumulation results using coherent RAM52. In some embodiments, accumulation is performed using 16-bit saturation adders.

FIG. 12is a block diagram illustrating the operation of coherent RAM control module50in the IS-95 mode. An accumulator210receives partial I and Q sums from matched filter44and adds these sums to data output by coherent RAM52. The output of accumulator210is provided to coherent RAM52via a multiplexer212. In this manner, accumulator210accumulates the I and Q sums. A timing and control module214enables squarer module54at the end of each coherent accumulation period, causing squarer module54to receive the coherent accumulation results from coherent RAM control module50for calculating energy values as the sum of the squares of the I and Q sums, i.e., I2+Q2. Squarer module54outputs the calculated energy values to non-coherent RAM control module56ofFIG. 2. In addition to enabling squarer module54at the end of each coherent accumulation period, timing and control module214also clears coherent RAM52by passing zero values to coherent RAM52via multiplexer212.

In the IS-95 mode, matched filter44may be limited to performing 64 chips of partial coherent accumulation. To facilitate coherent accumulation of more than 64 chips, coherent RAM52is configured to store the 64-chip partial sum for each of the 128 hypotheses, each separated in PN space by a half-chip. In particular, for every 64 chips, coherent RAM control module50determines whether the coherent accumulation window boundary has been reached. If so, coherent RAM control module50passes the accumulation result of the previous coherent accumulation window to squarer module54and then to non-coherent RAM control module56for non-coherent energy combining. If the boundary has not yet been reached, coherent RAM control module50reads the accumulation result of the previous coherent accumulation window out of coherent RAM52, adds this result to the current rotator output from matched filter44, and stores the sum in coherent RAM52.

Coherent RAM52preferably has a high throughput to facilitate reading, adding, and writing data during every cycle. If coherent RAM52is implemented as a single port RAM and both read and write operations are performed during every cycle, two accumulation results are preferably double-packed into each 64-bit word to achieve the high throughput. Alternating read and write operations every cycle achieves, on average, a single-cycle read and write throughput rate.

The size of the coherent integration window is preferably selected such that the pilot phase remains relatively stable over the entire coherent integration window. Otherwise, coherently combining of the pilot energy may result in loss of signal strength. This situation may necessitate the use of a second stage of non-coherent energy combining.

In the IS-95 mode, coherent RAM52maintains 128 hypotheses for each searcher. With double packing in each 64-bit RAM word, coherent RAM52is preferably configured to store 256 (64×4) 64-bit words.FIG. 13illustrates an example 256×64 configuration of coherent RAM52in the IS-95 mode. As shown inFIG. 13, the first 64-bit word, corresponding to address0, contains four 16-bit values representing the I- and Q- values of hypothesis X of searcher slice1and the I- and Q- values of hypothesis W of searcher slice0. The second 64-bit word contains the I- and Q- values of hypothesis Z of searcher slice3and the I- and Q- values of hypothesis Y of searcher slice2. The next two 64-bit words, corresponding to addresses2and3, contain the I- and Q- values of subsequent hypotheses W+1, X+1, Y+1, and Z+1 for searcher slices0-3.

FIG. 14is a block diagram illustrating the operation of coherent RAM control module50in the GPS mode. In the GPS mode, accumulators218receive partial I and Q sums from each of up to eight GPS channels. Accumulators218add these partial sums to data output by coherent RAM partitions220, which are subdivisions of coherent RAM52. Coherent RAM partitions220are configured as eight 32×64 RAM partitions, i.e., each storing 32 words of 64-bit length. The output of accumulators218is provided to coherent RAM partitions220via multiplexers222. In this manner, accumulators218accumulate the I and Q sums for each of up to eight GPS channels. Each sum represents a different path from matched filter44. A timing and control module224commands a DMA interface226to transfer the coherent sums to a processor memory at the end of each coherent accumulation period. In addition to controlling the transfer of coherent sums, timing and control module224also clears coherent RAM partitions220by passing zero values to coherent RAM partitions220via multiplexers222.

It is to be noted that the implementations shown inFIGS. 12 and 14represent alternate configurations of the same hardware. In particular, the configuration illustrated inFIG. 14is achieved by dividing the hardware shown inFIG. 12into eight partitions, one partition for each GPS channel. For example, as described above, coherent RAM52is configured as a 256×64 RAM in the IS-95 mode, but is configured as eight 32×64 RAM partitions in the GPS mode. Similarly, accumulators218ofFIG. 14are implemented by partitioning accumulator212ofFIG. 12.

Referring again toFIG. 18, if channel search module12is operating in the GPS mode, the complex outputs of the coherent accumulators are sent to microprocessor22from coherent RAM52when coherent accumulation is complete (360). On the other hand, if channel search module12is operating in IS-95 mode, partial energy values are computed from the complex outputs of the coherent accumulators (362). As described above in connection withFIG. 12, squarer module54computes the partial energy values as I2+Q2.

The partial energy values are provided to a set of non-coherent accumulators (364), which include non-coherent RAM control module56and non-coherent RAM58. Non-coherent RAM58stores a composite value derived from the I and Q values, rather than the individual I and Q values themselves. The outputs of the non-coherent accumulators make up a set of total energy values.

FIG. 15is a block diagram illustrating an example embodiment of non-coherent RAM control module56. Non-coherent RAM control module56is only used in the IS-95 mode and is disabled in the GPS mode. In the IS-95 mode, whenever a search window completes a coherent accumulation, the coherent accumulation result is sent to non-coherent RAM control module56for non-coherent accumulation. An accumulator250, preferably implemented as a 16-bit saturation adder, receives the computed energy values from squarer module54and adds these values to data output by non-coherent RAM58, which is preferably configured as a 256×32 RAM, i.e., to store 256 words of 32-bit length. The output of accumulator250is provided to non-coherent RAM58via a multiplexer252. In this manner, accumulator250accumulates the I and Q sums.

A timing and control module254enables a peak detector interface256at the end of each non-coherent accumulation period, causing peak detector interface256to receive the non-coherent accumulation results from accumulator250. Peak detector interface256then outputs the non-coherent accumulation results to peak detector60ofFIG. 2. In addition to enabling peak detector interface256at the end of each non-coherent accumulation period, timing and control module254also clears non-coherent RAM58by passing zero values to non-coherent RAM58via multiplexer252.

Non-coherent RAM control module56periodically determines whether a non-coherent accumulation window boundary has been reached. If so, non-coherent RAM control module56passes the accumulation result of the previous non-coherent accumulation window to peak detector interface256and then to peak detector60for energy peak detection. The coherent accumulation output from squarer module54is then loaded into non-coherent RAM58to start a new round of non-coherent accumulation. If the boundary has not yet been reached, non-coherent RAM control module56reads the accumulation result of the previous non-coherent accumulation window out of non-coherent RAM58, adds this result to the current coherent window output from squarer module54, and stores the sum in non-coherent RAM58.

Non-coherent RAM58preferably has a high throughput to facilitate reading, adding, and writing data during every cycle. If non-coherent RAM58is implemented as a single port RAM and both read and write operations are performed during every cycle, two accumulation results are preferably double-packed into each word to achieve the high throughput. Alternating read and write operations every cycle achieves, on average, a single-cycle read and write throughput rate. Non-coherent RAM58and non-coherent RAM control module56may not need to be active during every cycle. For example, when coherent accumulation is still being performed for a set of hypotheses and no energy is coming from squarer module54to non-coherent RAM control module56, non-coherent RAM58is not accessed and may be placed in an idle state to conserve power.

Peak detector60then processes the total energy value set and rejects false peaks within a half-chip of local peaks (366). Peak detector60can be configured to operate in any of a variety of modes via a control register. Each time-multiplexed slice of peak detector60may be configured to operate in a different mode. In a normal mode of operation, peak detector60suppresses energy values within a half-chip of local peaks. In addition, peak detector60also suppresses energy values below a prescribed energy threshold, such that only energy values above the threshold can qualify as peaks. Accordingly, in the normal mode, peak detector60identifies as peaks only those energy values that are (1) local maximums compared to all other energy values within a half-chip and (2) above the threshold. Peak detector60may also be configured to operate in a bypass mode in which peak filtering is disabled. In the bypass mode, peak detector60does not suppress energy values within a half-chip of local peaks. In another operational mode known as a disjoint mode, peak detector60may identify as peaks the two energy values at the two ends of the search window. Peak detector60may be configured to operate in the disjoint mode, for example, when search windows are disjoint from each other.

FIG. 16illustrates an example implementation of peak detector60. Peak detector is time-multiplexed into a number of peak detection modules270corresponding to the time-multiplexed searcher slices in the IS-95 mode. Four peak detection modules270are depicted inFIG. 16. For purposes of clarity, only one peak detection module270is illustrated in detail.

Peak detection module270receives peak energy values from non-coherent RAM control module56as a data stream. Flip-flops272and274store a history of peak energy values and provide this historical information to a peak analyzer module276. In particular, peak analyzer module276receives three inputs. The energy value at the nthoffset, E(n), is denoted as the on-time energy value and is provided by flip-flop272. Flip-flop274provides an early energy value, i.e., the energy value E(n−1) at the (n−1)th offset, to peak analyzer module276. Finally, peak analyzer module276receives a late energy value E(n+1), the energy value at the (n+1)thoffset, directly from non-coherent RAM control module56without the delays imparted by flip-flops272and274.

Based on the early, on-time, and late energy values, peak analyzer module276identifies energy peaks. Specifically, peak analyzer module276detects a peak at the nthoffset if the following conditions are met:
E(n−1)<E(n)
E(n)≧E(n+1)
E(n)>T
where T denotes the threshold energy value. When these conditions are met, peak analyzer module276outputs a peak detect signal to sorting module62, indicating that a peak has been detected. A peak filter module278suppresses false peaks as described above according to a mode configured by a mode selection signal.

Peak detector60then provides the detected peaks to sorting module62, which sorts the detected peaks and produces a set of maximum peaks (368). Sorting module62incorporates four independent sorting queues, one for each time-multiplexed searcher slice.FIG. 17is a block diagram depicting an example embodiment of a sorting queue290for one searcher slice. When enabled by peak detector60, sorting queue290receives energy values and corresponding PN offsets from peak detector60and sorts a number of maximum values for each search slice. An energy value and a corresponding PN offset are received by a comparator292and a register bank294, respectively. In one embodiment, register bank294includes fifteen registers296and sorts fifteen maximum values for each search slice. Registers296are preferably implemented with a 64-chip length, but may be implemented with other lengths, e.g., 32 or 128 chips.

When sorting queue290receives a new energy value and corresponding PN offset, comparator292compares the new energy value with the sorted energies stored in register bank294using a binary sort algorithm. If the new energy value is larger than the smallest energy value stored in register bank294, comparator292inserts the new energy value and corresponding PN offset into the appropriate register296. Smaller energy values already stored in register bank294are shifted down to the next register296, and the smallest energy value is shifted off register bank294. In this manner, register bank294maintains a set of sorted energy values and corresponding PN offsets.

When the searcher completes the entire search window, sorting queue290issues an interrupt to microprocessor22. Microprocessor22then reads the set of maximum peaks and corresponding PN offsets (370) from register bank294via a read interface298.

As described above in connection withFIGS. 2-17and in accordance with the flow diagram ofFIG. 18, coherent accumulation, computation of partial energy values, non-coherent accumulation, and peak detection and sorting are performed for each of the independent searchers. Timing relationships between these processes are governed by timing and configuration control module48ofFIG. 11. These timing relationships may be determined as a function of, for example, the coherent and non-coherent accumulation lengths and the window size.FIGS. 19-21depict example timing relationships between coherent accumulation timing, non-coherent accumulator timing, and peak detection timing for channel search module12operating in the IS-95 mode in a number of scenarios.

InFIG. 19, the coherent accumulation length is set at 256 chips, the non-coherent accumulation length is set at 512 chips, and the window size is set at 128 chips. PN generator46begins in an idle state (400), but after 128 chips begins to slew to an assigned PN position (402). Once at the correct PN position, PN generator46generates PN bits (404) at the rate of one bit per chip time. After generating 64 bits, i.e., 64 chips later, matched filter44and coherent RAM control module50become active (406). Coherent RAM control module50performs coherent accumulation for the coherent accumulation length of 256 chips, adding and storing for the first 192 chips and adding and outputting for the last 64 chips (408). During these last 64 chips, non-coherent RAM control module56performs non-coherent accumulation. With the non-coherent accumulation length set at twice the coherent accumulation length, non-coherent RAM control module56stores non-coherent accumulation results during the first non-coherent accumulation operation, then outputs non-coherent accumulation results during the second non-coherent accumulation operation (410). When non-coherent RAM control module outputs the non-coherent accumulation results, peak detector60and sorting module62become active and sort the energy peak values output by non-coherent RAM control module62.

InFIG. 20, the coherent accumulation length is set at 224 chips, the non-coherent accumulation length is set at 448 (2×224) chips, and the window size is set at 128 chips. In this scenario, the non-coherent accumulation length is twice the coherent accumulation length, and the timing relationship between coherent RAM control module50and non-coherent RAM control module56is similar to the relationship illustrated inFIG. 19. In the scenario illustrated inFIG. 19, however, the coherent accumulation length is twice the window size. By contrast, in the scenario illustrated inFIG. 20, the coherent accumulation length is not an integral multiple of the window size. Accordingly, matched filter44enters a gated state when non-coherent accumulation is performed (412).

InFIG. 21, the coherent accumulation length is set at 256 chips, the non-coherent accumulation length is set at 512 chips, and the window size is set at 96 chips. In this scenario, the non-coherent accumulation length is twice the coherent accumulation length, and the timing relationship between coherent RAM control module50and non-coherent RAM control module56is similar to the relationships illustrated inFIGS. 19 and 20. Unlike the scenarios illustrated inFIGS. 19 and 20, however, the window length is not an integral multiple of the shift register length of 64 chips. As a result, after the first peak detection operation (420), the gating mechanism of adder tree136periodically places matched filter44in an idle state to conserve power. Coherent RAM control module50also alternates between active (add and store) and idle states every 96 chips, outputting coherent accumulation results to non-coherent RAM control module56after every three add and store operations.

Instructions for causing a processor provided in WCD10, such as a processor within channel search module12, may be stored on processor readable media. By way of example, and not limitation, processor readable media may comprise storage media. Storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile, removable and fixed media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as processor-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Storage media may include, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), EEPROM, flash memory, fixed or removable disc media, including optical or magnetic media, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired information and that can be read by a processor within WCD10.

By multiplexing searcher hardware to perform simultaneous searches in either an IS-95 mode or a GPS mode, various embodiments of the invention facilitate high-speed signal searching. The searcher hardware can be configured dynamically to operate in either the IS-95 mode or the GPS mode. In the IS-95 mode, the searcher is time-multiplexed into a number of searcher time slices that perform independent searches. In the GPS mode, the searcher is configured as a number of distinct GPS channels, each of tracks a GPS signal from a particular GPS satellite. This configuration allows the searcher to perform multiple GPS signal searches simultaneously. With the searcher hardware multiplexed to perform simultaneous independent searches, the speed of signal searching in both IS-95 and GPS modes may be significantly improved. For example, in the IS-95 mode, searches may be performed at a rate of 256×, i.e., correlating up to 512 hypotheses in one unit time. By comparison, some conventional searchers perform searches at a rate of 8×. Search speed may also be significantly increased in the GPS mode. Moreover, because the search hardware can be dynamically configured to operate in either the IS-95 or the GPS mode, the need for dedicated circuitry for each mode of operation may be obviated.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. These and other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.