Dual-Bit ADC Sampling for Low-Power Idle Listening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current 60-GHz millimeter wave communication chips face high power consumption during idle listening, which is unsustainable for handheld devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that uses an N-bit ADC for idle listening and an M-bit ADC for transceiving, where N is less than M, to reduce power consumption by adjusting the effective sampling bit width, with N typically being 1-bit and M being a higher value, and incorporating a redundant bit to facilitate ADC switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an M-bit ADC is used for idle listening, then detection precision is maintained, but power consumption becomes excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the ADC bit width adjustable based on operational mode. The system dynamically switches between N-bit ADC (for idle listening) and M-bit ADC (for active transceiving), allowing the detection precision and power consumption to be optimized according to the current operational requirements. This is achieved through a switching mechanism that changes the effective number of bits of the ADC based on whether the system is in idle or active state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of ADC bit width from fixed to variable. By adjusting the effective number of bits parameter based on operational mode (idle vs. transceiving), the system achieves significant power savings during idle listening while maintaining adequate detection precision. The parameter change is implemented through a switching circuit that selects between different ADC configurations.
2Use of energy by moving object
If an N-bit ADC is used for idle listening, then power consumption is reduced, but detection precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts ADC bit width based on operational needs. During idle listening, N-bit ADC provides sufficient detection precision for low-power operation. When transceiving activity is detected, the system switches to M-bit ADC to restore full detection precision. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by matching precision levels to operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
During idle listening, the system uses partial action by employing N-bit ADC which provides just enough precision for detecting idle signals and potential transceiving activities. Full M-bit precision is reserved for active transceiving modes where it is truly needed, avoiding excessive precision usage during low-activity periods.
3Use of energy by moving object
If ADC bit width is switched between N-bit and M-bit, then power consumption is optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ADC functionality into different bit-width configurations (N-bit and M-bit modes). This segmentation allows the system to use only the necessary precision level for each operational state, reducing overall power consumption. The segmentation is implemented through a switching mechanism that selects between different ADC operating modes or configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The ADC system is designed with multi-functionality to operate in both N-bit and M-bit modes using the same hardware infrastructure. This universality reduces device complexity compared to having separate ADCs for each mode, as the system can reconfigure the same ADC hardware to provide different precision levels based on operational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method, a device and a system for processing data during idle listening. The method includes: sampling, in an idle listening mode, a first analog signal by using an N-bit ADC, and sampling, in a transceiving mode, a second analog signal by using an M-bit ADC, where N and M are both integers, and N is less than M. Embodiments of the present invention can reduce power consumption of an ADC during idle listening.