US 2026/0291531 A1 · DYNAMIC RADIO FREQUENCY RANGING

Abstract

A dynamic gain ranging device and associated systems and methods are disclosed for adaptively processing radio frequency signals over a wide dynamic range of signal conditions. The device includes an RF receiving architecture that selectively applies attenuation and amplification based on measured signal characteristics, such as received signal strength, channel power, or signal-to-noise ratio, to maintain signal integrity and protect downstream components. By dynamically adjusting gain states in response to varying signal strengths and inferred proximity to a signal emitter, the device prevents saturation from strong signals while preserving sensitivity to weak signals. The disclosed techniques are applicable to airborne, uncrewed, and other platforms for detecting, tracking, and navigating relative to signal emitters, including operational signals and interference sources, and enable robust RF signal processing across large distances and interference-prone environments.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A dynamic gain ranging device comprising:

an antenna configured to receive a radio frequency signal as an analog input signal;
a circuit protection component including a first attenuator, the circuit protection component being configured to pass the analog input signal through the first attenuator when a signal strength of the analog input signal exceeds a first predetermined threshold, thereby generating a first interim signal;
an amplification component configured to amplify the first interim signal by a gain value when the signal strength of the first interim signal is below a second predetermined threshold, thereby generating a second interim signal;
and
an attenuator component configured to:
attenuate the second interim signal by a first attenuation value when the signal strength of the second interim signal is above a third predetermined threshold and a second attenuation value when the signal strength of the second interim signal is below the third predetermined threshold, thereby generating an output signal;
and
transmit the output signal to at least one downstream electronic component.

5 more elements

An uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) comprising:

a flight control system configured to control navigation of the UAV;
and
a dynamic gain ranging device comprising:
an antenna configured to receive a radio frequency signal as an analog input signal;
a circuit protection component comprising a first attenuator, the circuit protection component being configured to pass the analog input signal through the first attenuator when a signal strength of the analog input signal exceeds a first predetermined threshold, thereby generating a first interim signal;
an amplification component configured to amplify the first interim signal by a gain value when the signal strength of the first interim signal is below a second predetermined threshold, thereby generating a second interim signal;
and
an attenuator component configured to:
attenuate the second interim signal by a first attenuation value when the signal strength of the second interim signal is above a third predetermined threshold and a second attenuation value when the signal strength of the second interim signal is below the third predetermined threshold, thereby generating an output signal;
and
transmit the output signal to the flight control system for navigation.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Dynamic radio frequency ranging

Life of this patent

Dynamic radio frequency ranging

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20