DAC-Based Signal Shaping for Sonar Transmitters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sonar systems require expensive fast switching components for pulse width or pulse density modulation, leading to unwanted harmonics and degradation in sensor systems, and are often bulky and costly, limiting their use in compact and cost-effective applications.
Innovation Solution
A transmission signal shaping system using a digital to analog converter, signal shaping circuit, and power amplifier with slow switching components to generate shaped transmission signals for radar and sonar systems, reducing noise and interference, and integrating sensors and processing techniques for compact, high-quality sonar data and imagery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fast switching components are used for pulse width modulation or pulse density modulation, then transmission signal shaping capability is improved, but cost increases and unwanted harmonics are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fast mechanical/electronic switching components with a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) based signal shaping approach. The DAC converts digital signal values to analog voltages that directly shape the transmission signal envelope, eliminating the need for fast switches and thereby removing the source of harmonics and noise while maintaining signal shaping capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from switching duty cycle (PWM/PDM) to analog voltage amplitude controlled by DAC. By varying the digital input values to the DAC, the analog output voltage smoothly controls the power amplifier output, achieving signal shaping through parameter variation rather than switching, thus avoiding harmonic generation
2Manufacturing precision
If fast switching components are used for transmission signal shaping, then signal control precision is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex fast switching circuitry with a simpler digital-to-analog conversion system. The DAC and power amplifier combination provides smooth analog control of the transmission signal envelope, achieving precise signal shaping without the complexity and cost of fast switching components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a digital-to-analog converter as an intermediary between the digital signal processor and the power amplifier. This DAC mediator converts digital control values to analog voltages that smoothly control the power output, providing precise signal shaping while avoiding the need for fast switching components and reducing overall system complexity
3Device complexity
If compact sonar systems are designed without fast switching components, then cost and size are reduced, but transmission signal shaping capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the bulky and expensive fast switching components with a compact digital-to-analog converter and power amplifier system. This substitution maintains full transmission signal shaping capability through smooth analog voltage control while significantly reducing system size, cost, and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control mechanism from switching-based to analog voltage-based control via DAC. This parameter change enables compact system design because the DAC and power amplifier occupy less space and cost less than fast switching components, while maintaining the ability to shape transmission signals through continuous voltage variation
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 system provides high-quality sonar data and imagery without the need for expensive fast switching components, enabling compact and cost-effective sonar systems with reduced noise and interference, suitable for various mobile structures.
Implementation Method 1
a digital to analog converter configured to convert a digital shaping control signal to an analog shaping control signal
Implementation Method 2
a signal shaping circuit configured to convert the analog shaping control signal into a shaped voltage
Implementation Method 3
a power amplifier configured to provide a shaped transmission signal based on the shaped voltage and a digital transmission control signal
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods to provide transmission signal shaping for transmission signal-based sensor systems, such as radar and/or sonar sensor systems. A low noise signal shaping transmitter includes a digital to analog converter configured to convert a digital shaping control signal to an analog shaping control signal, a signal shaping circuit configured to convert the analog shaping control signal into a shaped voltage, and a power amplifier configured to provide a shaped transmission signal based on the shaped voltage and a digital transmission control signal. Each element of the transmitter may be formed from relatively slow switching analog and/or digital circuitry components. Resulting shaped transmission signals may be used to excite radar antennas, sonar transducers, sound cells, and/or other elements of sensor systems.