ADC Output Restriction for Variable Dynamic Range Receivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current signal receivers face limitations in maintaining maximum bandwidth while selectively limiting output resolution and accuracy, as existing methods like digital filtering and noise shaping artificially restrict bandwidth and do not cater to applications requiring full resolution only in specific bands.
Innovation Solution
A signal processing circuit with an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and an output restriction circuit that actively monitors the input signal spectrum, truncating least significant bits of the digital output when signal content exceeds a predetermined spectrum mask in undesirable bands, allowing for maximum dynamic range over limited bandwidth and adjustable resolution based on instantaneous bandwidth and input voltage range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If digital filtering or noise shaping is applied to limit output resolution and accuracy in undesirable bands, then the output resolution and accuracy are improved in targeted bands, but the available bandwidth is artificially limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resolution adjustment where the output resolution and accuracy are selectively modified based on instantaneous signal conditions. The system continuously monitors the input signal spectrum and dynamically adjusts the number of output bits from the ADC, applying full resolution only when signal content is within desirable bands and reducing resolution when undesirable bands are detected, thereby maintaining maximum bandwidth availability while adaptively controlling precision where needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality levels (resolution and accuracy) to different frequency bands based on signal content. By monitoring the spectrum and identifying which bands contain desirable versus undesirable signal content, the system applies full ADC resolution locally to desirable bands while reducing resolution locally to undesirable bands, rather than applying a uniform resolution limit across the entire bandwidth
2Measurement precision
If full resolution and maximum accuracy are maintained for the ADC output signal, then the signal accuracy is improved, but the bandwidth is reduced due to artificial limitations in existing methods
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the output resolution based on instantaneous signal conditions rather than applying static limitations. The ADC operates at full resolution continuously, and the patent implements real-time monitoring of the input spectrum with dynamic adjustment of output bit depth, maintaining full bandwidth availability while adaptively preserving signal accuracy only when and where it is actually needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the resolution parameter (number of output bits) based on signal content analysis. By monitoring spectral characteristics and dynamically adjusting the output resolution parameter, the system maintains full bandwidth capability while adapting the accuracy parameter to match actual signal requirements, avoiding the artificial bandwidth limitations imposed by fixed resolution reduction methods
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention may provide a signal processing circuit that may comprises an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and an output restriction circuit. The output restriction circuit may reduce the accuracy of the digital output of the ADC when signal content exceeds a pre-determined spectrum mask in an undesirable band. In one embodiment, the input signal spectrum may be actively monitored and when the input spectrum is inconsistent with an intended application, the output resolution may be restricted, for example, by truncating least significant bits (LSBs) of the digital output or adding digital noise.