Digital Frequency Detector Adaptive Processing Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frequency detection methods in wireless applications face challenges in balancing power consumption and performance, particularly in low-power handheld devices, where high-speed processing for accurate frequency determination leads to increased power usage and can result in incorrect signal validation due to averaging techniques that allow frequency variations and noisy signals.
Innovation Solution
A digital frequency detector that dynamically switches between averaging mode over multiple cycles and single-cycle detection, allowing for adaptive processing speed and reduced power consumption by selectively lowering the number of digital operations, and is tunable to adjust to signal quality, enabling efficient frequency validation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If continuous high-speed processing is used for frequency detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic frequency detection by dividing continuous signal processing into discrete time periods. The detector performs frequency verification at specific intervals rather than continuously, allowing the system to maintain detection accuracy while reducing overall power consumption. The processor alternates between active detection periods and low-power sleep periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of detection parameters based on signal conditions. The system adapts the detection threshold and processing intensity according to the received signal strength and quality, using higher processing power when signals are weak or noisy and reducing processing when signals are strong and clear, thereby optimizing the balance between accuracy and power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If averaging technique is used over several periods, then power consumption is reduced, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to frequency variations and noisy signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial averaging by selectively averaging only certain signal characteristics while maintaining precise measurement of critical frequency parameters. Instead of fully averaging the entire signal over multiple periods, the system performs partial averaging on specific components, preserving detection accuracy for important frequency variations while still reducing power consumption compared to continuous high-speed processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary filtering stage that processes the raw signal before frequency detection. This intermediary layer pre-processes the signal to reduce noise and stabilize frequency variations, allowing the main detector to operate at lower speeds with maintained accuracy. The intermediary processing acts as a buffer that protects against noisy signals without requiring full high-speed continuous detection.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit comprises a frequency detector. The frequency detector comprises a timer state machine unit operably couplable to a timer and arranged to receive an incoming carrier signal; determine whether the incoming carrier signal comprises a valid frequency; generate a valid carrier indication when the incoming carrier signal is determined as having a valid frequency; and adjust the timer between at least a first timing mode of operation and a second timing mode of operation of the frequency detector in response to the determination.