Adaptive ADC Resolution for Interference-Aware Wireless Receivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless transceivers, the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) consumes a significant amount of power, and the presence of interfering signals increases the linearity and baseband filtering requirements, leading to higher power consumption and costs.
Innovation Solution
Adaptive adjustment of the effective number of bits (ENOB) of the ADC based on operating conditions, using an interference scanner to determine the presence and frequency of interfering signals, and adjusting the ENOB to reduce power consumption by downconverting the RF spectrum to baseband and analyzing run-lengths to estimate interferer frequency, thereby optimizing ADC power dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ADC operates at high ENOB to handle interfering signals, then signal integrity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the ADC resolution dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The system continuously monitors the RF environment for interfering signals and adapts the ADC's effective number of bits in real-time. When interferers are detected, the ADC switches to higher resolution modes to maintain signal integrity; when the environment is clean, it operates at lower resolution to conserve power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the ADC based on environmental conditions. Specifically, it modifies the effective number of bits (ENOB) parameter according to the presence and strength of interfering signals. This parameter adaptation allows the system to optimize the trade-off between signal processing capability and power consumption dynamically.
2Reliability
If linearity requirements are increased to handle large interferers, then reception capability is improved, but cost and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting interfering signals before they severely degrade reception. The interference scanner continuously monitors the RF environment and identifies potential interferers in advance. This early detection allows the system to proactively adjust ADC resolution and apply appropriate signal processing techniques before the interferer causes significant damage to reception quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through the interference scanner that continuously monitors the RF environment and provides information about interfering signals. This feedback loop enables the receiver to adapt its processing parameters dynamically, adjusting ADC resolution and signal processing strategies based on real-time interference conditions, thereby optimizing both reception capability and power consumption.
3Measurement precision
If ADC resolution is increased to maintain signal integrity in presence of interferers, then reception quality is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using only the necessary ADC resolution required for current operating conditions. Instead of always operating at maximum resolution, the system adjusts the effective number of bits to match the actual signal quality requirements. When interferers are absent or weak, lower resolution suffices; when strong interferers are present, higher resolution is temporarily activated to maintain reception quality.
Data Source
AI summary
An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) of a radio receiver can consume a relatively large amount of power. It is typically desirable to minimize power consumption, particularly with battery-powered devices, such as in wireless receivers. In certain conditions, the effective number of bits (ENOB) required from an ADC of a receiver can vary. The power consumption of certain ADC topologies, such as pipelined converter topologies, can vary with the number of bits. One embodiment dynamically varies the ENOB of an ADC to more optimally consume power. This can extend battery life.