Dielectric Resonator Oscillator Clocking for Low-Noise Shared ADCs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite communication systems face challenges in efficiently processing and routing satellite signals, particularly in reducing noise and cross-coupling interference, which affects signal quality and requires complex component configurations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an integrated circuit with a dielectric resonator oscillator and shared analog-to-digital converters, along with advanced filtering and signal processing techniques, such as cross-coupling signal cancellation and adaptive filtering, to improve signal processing and reduce noise and interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate ADCs are used for different frequency bands, then signal processing accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple ADCs into a single shared ADC that can be time-multiplexed across different frequency bands (e.g., C-band, Ku-band, Ka-band). The ADC is alternately switched between different LNBs and frequency bands under control logic, eliminating the need for separate ADCs for each band while maintaining signal processing accuracy through precise timing and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared ADC is designed to perform multiple functions by serving different frequency bands and different LNBs sequentially. A single ADC circuit handles conversions for C-band, Ku-band, and Ka-band signals, as well as multiple polarizations, making it a universal component that replaces multiple specialized ADCs.
2Productivity
If multiple separate ADCs are used for different frequency bands, then signal processing capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple ADC functions into a single physical ADC component, directly reducing the bill of materials (BOM) cost. By sharing one ADC across multiple LNBs and frequency bands through time-multiplexing, the system eliminates redundant components and reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining full signal processing capability across all bands.
3Reliability
If complex filtering and signal processing components are added, then signal quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and cancels cross-coupling interference signals by identifying and removing specific harmful components from the received signal. Cross-coupling cancellation circuits detect interfering signals from adjacent frequency bands and subtract them from the desired signal, eliminating interference without adding complex filtering hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the output of the shared ADC and processing circuits is monitored, and control signals are adjusted based on the detected signal conditions. This feedback enables dynamic optimization of the signal processing parameters and interference cancellation effectiveness, improving signal quality adaptively.
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
This solution enhances signal quality by reducing noise and interference, simplifying component configurations, and enabling more efficient signal processing and routing, thereby improving the overall performance of satellite communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
a dielectric resonator oscillator having an output; and a clock generator circuit having an input coupled to the oscillator output and configured to output one or more clocks used by the first and second analog-to-digital converters
Data Source
AI summary
A dielectric resonator oscillator includes a dielectric resonator; a transmission line disposed adjacent the dielectric resonator; an active device having an input electrically connected to the transmission line; a matching network having an input electrically connected to an output of the active device and an output configured to be connected to a load; wherein both the transmission line and the active device are positioned sufficiently close to the dielectric resonator to form part of a resonant circuit with the dielectric resonator.