Digital Front-End Processor FIFO Synchronization for Multi-Antenna Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data processing systems with multiple communication paths face challenges in achieving timing alignment between radio transmitter branches due to varying signal path delays, which affect synchronization and latency in multi-antenna wireless communication systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a global trigger pulse and strobe signal input for synchronous FIFO operations in digital front-end processors, using synchronous serial interface synchronization to align data transfers across multiple signal paths, and employing MCS signals to synchronize phase-locked loops and data interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple communication paths are used to transmit and receive data over multiple antennas, then signal throughput and reliability are improved, but timing alignment between transmitter branches deteriorates due to varying signal path delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring signal path delays between the baseband processor and each digital front-end processor before data transmission, storing these delay values in a lookup table, and using them to pre-calculate buffer delays. This allows the system to proactively compensate for timing differences rather than reacting to them during transmission, thereby maintaining timing alignment while using multiple communication paths
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of buffer memory elements (FIFO buffers) with configurable delay values. These buffers act as mediators that introduce controlled time delays to specific communication paths, equalizing the total transmission time across all paths. The baseband processor controls these buffer delays based on pre-measured path characteristics, thereby synchronizing data arrival times at the antennas despite varying physical path lengths
2Manufacturing precision
If FIFO buffers are used to compensate for timing delays, then timing alignment is improved, but device complexity and buffer size requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the delay values stored in the lookup table based on measured signal path characteristics. Instead of using fixed, conservative buffer sizes that would be required without knowledge of actual path delays, the system measures the actual delays and configures buffer parameters accordingly. This allows minimal buffer sizes to achieve the required timing alignment, reducing both device complexity and memory requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A digital front end processor is proposed that includes a transmit channel and/or a receive channel. The digital front end processor may be a part of a multi-antenna wireless communication system or any other system including multiple data channels for which data output is to be in synchronization. The digital front end processor includes a data buffer to receive input data in synchronization with a first strobe signal and generate output data based in the input data. The digital front end processor is to synchronize the output data of transmit channels or receive channels of a plurality of digital front end processors based on a data delay applied to the input data.