Single-ADC Multi-Signal Conversion Through Band-Separated Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional analog to digital converters (ADCs) require multiple units to process multiple analog signals simultaneously, leading to increased size and cost as the number of signals increases.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a single ADC to convert multiple analog signals by frequency shifting and filtering RF signals to different center frequencies, allowing simultaneous digital conversion of multiple signals using a composite digital signal processing technique.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple ADCs are used to convert multiple analog signals simultaneously, then the conversion capability is improved, but the device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple signal processing paths into a single ADC by frequency-shifting multiple analog signals to different center frequencies, multiplexing them onto a single conversion channel, and then separating them digitally. This merging approach maintains the ability to convert multiple signals simultaneously while using only one ADC, thereby improving productivity without increasing device size and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The single ADC is made multi-functional by enabling it to process multiple different signal frequencies through the frequency shifting and digital separation mechanism. The ADC serves as a universal converter that can handle any of the multiple input signals by dynamically adjusting the frequency shifting parameters, thus achieving multi-signal conversion capability with a single device.
2Productivity
If multiple ADCs are used to convert multiple analog signals simultaneously, then the conversion capability is improved, but the hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple ADCs into a single ADC by combining multiple frequency-shifted analog signals into one input channel. The frequency shifting ensures that multiple signals occupy different frequency bands, allowing them to be multiplexed onto a single converter without interference, thereby reducing the quantity of hardware from multiple ADCs to just one.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces frequency shifting as an intermediary mechanism between the multiple analog signals and the single ADC. This intermediary process transforms the signals into a form that can be simultaneously processed by one converter, acting as a mediator that enables multiple inputs to share a single conversion resource without conflict.
3Device complexity
If frequency shifting is applied to multiple signals, then single ADC conversion is enabled, but interference and noise may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different frequency characteristics to different signals through frequency shifting. Each signal is shifted to a specific center frequency band, creating distinct local frequency regions for each signal. This frequency separation ensures that signals do not interfere with each other, as each occupies its own local frequency space, thereby reducing interference and noise while enabling single ADC conversion.
Data Source
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AI summary
A multiple analog signal converter (100) simultaneously converts multiple analog signals (104,106) to digital signals (112, 114) using a single analog to digital converter (ADC) 102. A first analog signal (104) at a first center frequency and a second analog signal (106) at a second center frequency are processed by the ADC (102) to generate a composite digital signal (110) comprising a first digital signal (112) corresponding to the first analog signal (104) and a second digital signal (114) corresponding to the second analog signal (106). The composite digital signal (110) is digitally frequency shifted to recover the second digital signal (106). The first digital signal (104) is recovered by digitally filtering the composite digital signal (110). In some circumstances, a first radio frequency (RF) signal (118) and a second RF signal (122) are frequency shifted to generate the first analog signal (104) and second analog signal (106).