ADC Dynamic Range Switching to Prevent Signal Clipping
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, particularly in full-duplex and dynamic time division duplex (D-TDD) communications, interference from directed self-interference, indirect self-interference, and cross-link interference can cause analog signals to exceed the input voltage range of analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), leading to signal clipping and degradation of communications.
Innovation Solution
A wrapper is added to the ADC with a range detector that dynamically adjusts the input voltage range by attenuating signals outside the ADC's range and amplifying the digital signal to maintain accurate representation of the analog signal, preventing clipping and enhancing ADC resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the ADC input voltage range is fixed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to signal clipping when interference is present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the signal processing path into multiple segments: a first path for signals within the ADC voltage range and a second path for signals exceeding the voltage range. A range detector segments the input signal flow based on voltage level, routing appropriate signals through appropriate paths to prevent clipping while maintaining ADC resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic range adjustment by making the ADC input range adaptable rather than fixed. The system dynamically selects between different signal paths based on the detected voltage range of the input signal, allowing the effective input range to change according to signal conditions while preventing clipping.
2Measurement precision
If a fixed gain amplifier is used before the ADC, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates because strong signals cause clipping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fixed gain amplifier with a dynamic gain control system that adjusts the amplification factor based on the detected signal voltage range. This dynamic adjustment ensures that signals are amplified appropriately for weak signals while preventing over-amplification that would cause clipping for strong signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a range detector as an intermediary component between the input signal and the ADC. This mediator detects the voltage range of incoming signals and controls the gain adjustment accordingly, acting as an intelligent intermediary that prevents clipping while maintaining signal fidelity.
3Reliability
If the ADC input voltage range is extended to handle strong signals, then the measurement precision for weak signals deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic range adjustment mechanism that adapts the ADC input range based on the detected signal strength. For weak signals, the system uses a higher gain setting to maximize ADC resolution. For strong signals, the system automatically adjusts to a lower gain setting to prevent clipping, thereby maintaining optimal performance across varying signal conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects are directed to an apparatus configured for wireless communication. The apparatus may include a memory comprising instructions, and one or more processors configured to execute the instructions. In some examples, the one or more processors are configured to cause the apparatus to obtain a sample of an analog signal. In some examples, the one or more processors are configured to cause the apparatus to output the sample to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) via one of at least a first path or a second path based at least in part on whether the sample satisfies a first threshold condition or a second threshold condition.