Baseband Digital Variable Gain Adjustment for Precise Signal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in accurately and flexibly controlling the gain of received signals, leading to potential signal saturation or reduced quality due to coarse automatic gain control (AGC) mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
Implementing dynamic digital variable gain adjustment (DVGA) on the baseband chip based on symbol parameters, such as the largest signal level among a block of symbols, obtained from the unpacking process. This allows for customized gain adjustments for each subsystem according to its specific needs, improving accuracy and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If coarse automatic gain control (AGC) mechanisms are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of signal level deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gain control process into two distinct stages: a first VGA module performs initial gain adjustment on received symbols, and a second VGA module performs fine-grained gain adjustment on unpacked symbols. This segmentation allows each module to operate with optimized precision for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between system complexity and control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic gain adjustment where the second VGA module continuously monitors symbol parameters (such as maximum magnitude) and adjusts gain in real-time based on actual signal conditions. This dynamic approach enables precise adaptation to varying signal levels without requiring complex pre-configured AGC mechanisms.
2Reliability
If dynamic gain adjustment at symbol block level is implemented, then signal quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an unpacking module as an intermediary between the first VGA and the second VGA. This unpacking module converts packed symbol representations into unpacked representations, enabling the second VGA to access individual symbol parameters for precise gain control. The intermediary facilitates fine-grained control without requiring the entire system to be redesigned for complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The first VGA module performs preliminary gain adjustment on received symbols before they are unpacked and processed by the second VGA. This preliminary action reduces the dynamic range of signals early in the processing chain, making subsequent fine-grained adjustment by the second VGA more effective and reducing the complexity of the overall system.
3Measurement precision
If unpacking module converts pseudo floating-point to fixed-point numbers, then processing precision is improved, but loss of time occurs during conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The unpacking from pseudo floating-point to fixed-point representation is performed as a preliminary action immediately after the first VGA adjustment and before the second VGA processing. By performing this conversion early in the processing chain, the system establishes high-precision fixed-point representations that can be efficiently processed by subsequent stages without repeated conversions, minimizing total processing time.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of apparatus and method for digital variable gain adjustment (DVGA) are disclosed. In an example, a baseband chip includes an unpacking module, a symbol recording module operatively coupled to the unpacking module, and a first variable gain adjusting (VGA) module operatively coupled to the symbol recording module. The unpacking module is configured to unpack a plurality of symbols from a first representation of pseudo floating-point numbers to a second representation of fixed-point numbers. The symbol recording module is configured to obtain a symbol parameter based on the unpacking. The first VGA module is configured to dynamically adjust gains of the plurality of symbols having the second representation based on the symbol parameter.