Comparator-Filter Envelope Detection for Precise ASK Demodulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing envelope detectors face challenges in achieving low costs, high processing precision, and high processing rates, with low-cost detectors having low precision and complex, high-cost detectors having high precision and rate.

Innovation Solution

An envelope detector is designed with a comparator circuit and a filter circuit, combined with an anti-common-mode interference circuit, to process analog signals with high precision and rate while maintaining low costs, using components like equivalent resistors and capacitors to filter common-mode interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a low-cost envelope detector is used, then the cost is reduced, but the processing precision and processing rate become low

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecostVSAvoidprocessing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The envelope detector is segmented into two independent functional modules: a comparator circuit for high-speed comparison operations and a filter circuit for precision envelope extraction. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, enabling the system to achieve high processing precision and high processing rate while maintaining low cost through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The comparator circuit serves as an intermediary component that processes the input signal before it reaches the filter circuit. By placing the comparator in this intermediate position, the system benefits from the high-speed comparison capability of the comparator while the filter circuit provides precise envelope detection, thus resolving the contradiction between cost and performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If a low-cost envelope detector is used, then the cost is reduced, but the processing rate becomes low

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecostVSAvoidprocessing rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The envelope detector is segmented into two independent functional modules: a comparator circuit for high-speed comparison operations and a filter circuit for precision envelope extraction. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, enabling the system to achieve high processing precision and high processing rate while maintaining low cost through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The comparator circuit continuously compares the input signal with a reference signal without interruption, maintaining a high processing rate. This continuous operation ensures that the system can handle high-frequency signals effectively while keeping the overall design simple and cost-effective

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If an envelope detector with high processing precision and high processing rate is used, then the processing precision and rate are improved, but the structure becomes very complex and component costs become very high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing precisionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The envelope detector is segmented into two independent functional modules: a comparator circuit for high-speed comparison operations and a filter circuit for precision envelope extraction. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, enabling the system to achieve high processing precision and high processing rate while maintaining low cost through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses simple, inexpensive comparator circuits and filter circuits instead of complex, expensive high-precision components. By accepting that these simple components have limitations, the design achieves cost-effectiveness while meeting performance requirements through proper circuit configuration and parameter selection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution enables envelope detection with high precision and high processing rate at low costs, improving signal processing reliability and flexibility without increasing hardware complexity or costs.

Implementation Method 1

a voltage value of the first reference signal is determined based on an ASK modulation parameter and the like of the first analog signal received in an actual application scenario. The first reference signal and the first analog signal are input via the comparator circuit, and a value of the first reference signal and a value of the first analog signal are compared to obtain the first direct-current signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage comparison: Ohm's Law

Implementation Method 2

the first envelope signal is obtained through filtering on the first direct-current signal, and the first envelope signal may indicate values of a plurality of bits of the first data information carried in the first analog signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal filtering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 3

when the common-mode interference signal exists, impact of the common-mode interference signal on the comparator circuit can be eliminated via the anti-common-mode interference circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCommon-mode interference filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentEP4723474A1Envelope detector, amplitude demodulator, and electronic device
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4723474A1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP4723474A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6
  • EP4723474A1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

Embodiments of this application provide an envelope detector, an amplitude demodulator, and an electronic device, and are applied to the field of electronic component signal processing technologies. The envelope detector includes a comparator circuit and a first filter circuit. An output end of the comparator circuit is coupled to an input end of the first filter circuit. A first input end of the comparator circuit is configured to be input with a first analog signal. A second input end of the comparator circuit is configured to be input with a first reference signal. The comparator circuit is configured to output a first direct-current signal based on the first analog signal and the first reference signal. A level of the first direct-current signal indicates a value relationship between the first analog signal and the first reference signal. The first filter circuit is configured to output a first envelope signal based on the first direct-current signal. A signal amplitude of the first envelope signal indicates a signal peak of the first direct-current signal. In embodiments of this application, envelope detection with low costs, high processing precision, and a high processing rate on the first analog signal is implemented.