Multi-Section ADC Dynamic Range Switching for Lower Receiver Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication receivers face high current consumption due to the use of multiple analogue to digital converters (ADCs) for converting quadrature signals, which is inefficient, especially in systems requiring dynamic range adjustments for varying signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) in sub-carriers.
Innovation Solution
A multi-section ADC dynamically selects its dynamic range based on the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of sub-carriers, enabling or disabling sections to optimize power consumption by processing information from digital modems, allowing for adaptive quantization noise management and reducing power usage during data payload processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple ADCs are used to convert quadrature signals, then signal conversion capability is improved, but current consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic selection of ADC dynamic range based on received signal strength. The system switches between different ADC configurations (full range and reduced range) depending on signal conditions, allowing the converter to operate with lower resolution when signal strength permits, thereby reducing current consumption while maintaining adequate signal conversion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the dynamic range parameter of the ADC based on signal-to-noise ratio measurements. By adjusting the ADC's operational parameters (dynamic range selection) according to received signal strength, the system optimizes the balance between conversion capability and power consumption, using reduced dynamic range modes when high precision is not required.
2Use of energy by moving object
If ADC dynamic range is reduced to save power, then current consumption decreases, but quantization error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts ADC dynamic range based on real-time signal strength assessment. When signal-to-noise ratio is high, the system switches to reduced dynamic range mode to save power. When signal quality degrades, the system transitions to full dynamic range mode to maintain measurement precision, thus adaptively managing the trade-off between power consumption and quantization error.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from signal-to-noise ratio measurements to control ADC dynamic range selection. The receiver measures SNR of received signals and uses this information to determine the appropriate ADC configuration, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes the balance between power consumption and quantization precision based on actual signal conditions.
3Reliability
If full ADC dynamic range is used continuously, then signal quality is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic switching between full dynamic range and reduced dynamic range modes based on signal conditions. During periods of good signal quality, the system operates in reduced range mode to conserve power. When signal quality deteriorates or during critical signal portions, the system switches to full range mode to ensure signal quality, thereby optimizing the trade-off between continuous full-range operation and power savings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system periodically assesses signal-to-noise ratio and adjusts ADC dynamic range accordingly. Rather than operating at fixed dynamic range, the system uses periodic SNR measurements to determine when to switch between full and reduced dynamic range modes, enabling power savings during good signal periods while maintaining signal quality when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication unit receiver comprising: a multi-section analog to digital converter, ADC, configured to receive an analog signal and convert at least a first portion of the analog signal into a digital signal using a first ADC dynamic range. A modem, coupled to the multi-section ADC, is configured to: process the digital signal; determine a signal-to-noise ratio, SNR, for sub-carriers of the analog signal; and output an ADC selection signal to the multi-section ADC that selects a subset of sections of the multi-section ADC, where the selection signal is based at least partly on the determined SNR. Only the subset of sections of the multi-section analog to digital converter, ADC is configured to convert a second portion of the analog signal into a digital signal using a second ADC dynamic range that is less than the first dynamic range.