Adaptive ADC Sampling and Resolution for Low-Power Wireless Reception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery-operated wireless communication equipment faces high power consumption due to analog and digital processing components, especially in low signal conditions, limiting battery life and requiring efficient power management techniques.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a variable sampling rate and resolution for analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) based on signal energy levels, reducing power consumption by switching to lower rates and resolutions during interpacket gaps and increasing when signal energy or packet detection occurs, specifically for 802.11b and OFDM modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the ADC operates at full power mode continuously, then signal detection accuracy is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the ADC sampling rate adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically switches between high sampling rate (full power mode) when signals are present and low sampling rate (power save mode) during interpacket gaps, optimizing the balance between detection accuracy and power consumption based on real-time signal conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sampling rate parameter of the ADC based on signal energy detection. When the baseband processor detects signal energy above a threshold, the system switches to high sampling rate for accurate signal processing; otherwise, it reduces to low sampling rate to conserve power during idle periods
2Use of energy by moving object
If the ADC sampling rate is reduced during interpacket gaps, then power consumption decreases, but signal detection capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback through the baseband processor continuously monitoring signal energy levels. This feedback mechanism ensures that when signals are detected during low sampling rate operation, the system can immediately switch back to high sampling rate mode, maintaining reliable signal detection while minimizing power consumption during idle periods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by using the low sampling rate mode to detect signal energy presence before full signal processing begins. This preliminary detection phase allows the system to prepare for upcoming packets efficiently, ensuring detection capability is maintained while reducing power consumption during the anticipation period
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless signal processor includes an analog front end for generating at least one baseband analog signal, at least one analog to digital converter for converting the baseband signal into a digital signal, the analog to digital converter having a resolution width and a sampling rate, and a baseband processor for measuring the signal energy in the analog to digital converter output, and when the incoming signal energy level increases or a baseband processor detects a packet, at least one of the sampling rate or resolution width also increases until the end of the packet, after which the sample rate and resolution are reduced to an interpacket rate and resolution. Additionally, the sampling rate and resolution increase after packet detection at rates and resolutions which are dependent on packet type and data rate.