Broadcast Front-End IC with Shared Clock Source for Smaller Chips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional broadcast receiving devices require multiple front-end circuits for different broadcasting services, leading to increased size and manufacturing costs due to the need for separate circuitry to provide clock signals for each type of signal processing.
Innovation Solution
A front-end integrated circuit that shares a clock source device across multiple front-end modules in a digital television system, generating different clock signals from a single reference clock signal to process various broadcast signals, such as CVBS and SIF/CH/IF signals, thereby reducing chip size and manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate front-end circuits are used for different broadcasting services, then each circuit can be optimized for its specific signal processing requirements, but the overall chip size and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal clock source device that serves multiple front-end modules (CVBS, SIF, CH, IF modules) simultaneously. This single clock source generates different clock signals for each module through frequency division, eliminating the need for separate clock sources for each broadcasting service type. The universal design maintains adaptability for processing NTSC, PAL, and other broadcast formats while significantly reducing chip area by consolidating the clock generation function.
2Reliability
If multiple separate front-end circuits are used for different broadcasting services, then each circuit can operate independently with dedicated clock signals, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple clock source functions into a single integrated clock source device that provides clock signals to all front-end modules. This consolidation reduces the total component count and simplifies the circuit architecture, directly lowering manufacturing costs. The merged design maintains reliability by ensuring synchronized operation of all modules through a common clock reference while allowing independent signal processing paths for different broadcast formats.
3Area of stationary object
If a shared clock source is used for multiple front-end modules, then chip size and manufacturing cost are reduced, but the complexity of clock signal distribution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the clock signal distribution into hierarchical levels: the main clock source generates a reference clock signal, which is then divided into different frequency clocks for each front-end module through frequency division circuits. This segmentation approach manages complexity by organizing clock distribution in a structured manner, where each module receives its specific clock frequency through dedicated division paths from the unified clock source, reducing overall distribution complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The front-end integrated circuit includes a first clock unit receiving a reference clock signal from an oscillator and generating a first clock signal, a first analog front end module receiving and processing a first broadcast signal using the first clock signal, a second clock unit receiving the reference clock signal and generating a second clock signal, and a second analog front end module receiving and processing a second broadcast signal using the second clock signal.