DAC-Mixer Signal Generation for Low-Spike UWB Radar Power Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Radar and communication systems for ultra-wideband (UWB) face challenges in reducing spike peaks in frequency spectra and requiring ultra-low power control, particularly in frequency modulation continuous waveform (FMCW) and impulse radio radar systems.
Innovation Solution
A signal generation circuit incorporating a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and mixer that converts input digital signals into two signals with different coding contents, generating output signals with varying power levels based on the voltage difference between these signals, allowing for multi-level power control and reducing spike peaks through controlled voltage differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional FMCW or impulse radio radar systems are used, then basic radar functionality is achieved, but spike peaks appear in the frequency spectrum and power control precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the digital signal into multiple bits (first bit, second bit, third bit, etc.) that are processed independently through separate switching circuits. Each bit controls a specific switching element that connects to different voltage levels, allowing granular control of the output signal amplitude. This segmentation enables precise power control while avoiding the spike peaks that occur in conventional systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching of voltage levels based on the digital signal bits. The switching circuits dynamically connect different voltage sources (VDD, VDD/2, VDD/4, VDD/8, ground) to the output based on the state of each bit, creating a dynamically adjustable output amplitude that precisely follows the desired power control profile without generating spectral spikes.
2Use of energy by moving object
If ultra-low power control is implemented in UWB radar systems, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to control signal amplitude precisely is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different voltage levels (VDD, VDD/2, VDD/4, VDD/8, ground) to different switching circuits based on the significance of each bit. The most significant bit controls the largest voltage step (VDD/2), while less significant bits control progressively smaller steps (VDD/4, VDD/8). This local differentiation of voltage qualities enables precise amplitude control with ultra-low power consumption by only activating the necessary switching elements for the required precision level.
Data Source
AI summary
A signal generation circuit, a radar apparatus, and a signal control method are provided. The signal generation circuit includes a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and a mixer. The DAC is configured to convert an input digital signal into two signals in a first mode. A coding content of the input digital signal includes multiple bits. The mixer is coupled to the DAC to respectively input the two signals converted from the input digital signal to two input ports of the mixer in the first mode, to generate an output signal. An output power of the output signal corresponding to the input digital signal having a first coding content is different from an output power of the output signal corresponding to the input digital signal having a second coding content. An intensity of the output signal is related to a voltage difference between the two signals converted from the input digital signal.