1-bit Comparator CDF Acquisition via Stepping Signal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for obtaining the cumulative distribution function (CDF) from signals are costly and complex, particularly when using multi-bit digitizers.
Innovation Solution
A method using a 1-bit comparator to receive a signal and apply a stepping signal with a range less than the signal range, collecting output values to obtain the cumulative distribution function, and subsequently deriving the probability distribution function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multi-bit digitizers are used to obtain the cumulative distribution function directly, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal range into multiple intervals and uses a 1-bit comparator to compare the signal against threshold values at each interval boundary. By collecting output values at these discrete points and constructing the CDF from the aggregated data, the system achieves precise measurement without requiring complex multi-bit digitizers for the entire signal range simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If multi-bit digitizers are used to obtain the cumulative distribution function directly, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive 1-bit comparators and simple threshold generation circuitry instead of expensive multi-bit digitizers. The system achieves the required measurement precision through multiple discrete comparisons and data aggregation, making the overall solution more cost-effective while maintaining analytical accuracy.
3Device complexity
If a 1-bit comparator with stepping signal is used to obtain the cumulative distribution function, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and applies multiple threshold values (stepping signal) that are distributed across the signal range before obtaining the CDF. By collecting comparator outputs at these predetermined threshold points and aggregating the results, the system achieves precise CDF construction using only simple 1-bit comparators, thereby maintaining measurement precision while reducing device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Computer-implemented method for obtaining a cumulative distribution function from a signal, the signal having a range, the method comprising receiving the signal at a first port of a 1-bit comparator and applying a stepping signal at a second port of the comparator, the stepping signal having a stepping range that is less than the range of the signal, wherein the stepping signal is applied in a first step with a first value to the second port and in subsequent steps the subsequent value is increased or decreased by the stepping range compared to the value in the immediately preceding step, collecting, for each step, an output value at the output port of the comparator, collecting the output values for each of the steps and obtaining, from the collection of output values, the cumulative distribution function.