Miniaturized DSSS Transmitter Using PSoC Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and size of existing direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) radio transmitters pose challenges for low-volume applications, as they require costly custom ASICs or large commercial off-the-shelf components, limiting their use in miniature, battery-operated devices.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a programmable-system-on-a-chip (PSoC1) with minimal programmable logic and an I/Q modulator to create a DSSS transmitter, achieving a footprint smaller than 0.75 inches by 0.5 inches, enabling miniaturization and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If custom ASIC is developed to reduce device size and complexity, then device footprint and hardware complexity are reduced, but development cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter is divided into two separate components: a PSoC1 microcontroller handling baseband processing and an I/Q modulator handling RF modulation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while avoiding the need for expensive custom ASIC development.
Solution Approach 2:
The PSoC1 microcontroller is configured to perform multiple functions including pseudo-random sequence generation, data modulation, and timing control within a single chip. This multi-functionality reduces the number of discrete components needed, simplifying the transmitter architecture without requiring custom ASIC design.
2Ease of manufacture
If commercial off-the-shelf components are used to reduce development cost, then development cost is reduced, but device size and hardware complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the PSoC1 microcontroller and I/Q modulator into a compact integrated transmitter system. By merging these two components through close physical and functional integration, the system achieves miniaturization while using commercially available parts, thus reducing development cost without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitter components are arranged in a nested configuration where the PSoC1 microcontroller and I/Q modulator are positioned to share space and resources. This nesting approach maximizes space utilization and reduces the overall footprint of the transmitter while using standard commercial components.
3Reliability
If traditional DSSS transmitter design is used to ensure reliability, then communication reliability is maintained, but device size and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the architectural parameters of the transmitter by using a microcontroller-based approach instead of traditional dedicated hardware circuits. This parameter change allows the system to maintain DSSS communication reliability while significantly reducing device size and power consumption through software-based signal processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A direct sequence spread spectrum data transmitter for creating a modulated data signal comprising: a programmable-system-on-a-chip baseband modulator having only four blocks of programming logic, the four blocks of programming logic consisting of a DigBuf clock buffer block, a pseudo-random-sequence 8-bit block, an 8-bit timer block, and a serial peripheral interface slave block. A remote telemetry unit comprising the foregoing transmitter. A method for manufacturing the foregoing transmitter. A method for controlling the foregoing transmitter.