Dynamic Reference Receiver Circuit for Low-Power Signal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional infrared communication receivers continue to consume power even when no meaningful data is present, leading to wasteful energy usage due to continuous operation of the signal detector and comparator.
Innovation Solution
A receiver design that includes a varying reference signal generation mechanism based on identification information in the signal header, allowing the voltage level of the reference signal to adjust dynamically according to the presence of data, thereby reducing power consumption by only activating signal processing when meaningful data is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the receiver operates continuously to detect signals, then signal detection capability is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference signal voltage is made dynamic rather than fixed. The voltage level changes based on the logic level of the digital signal from the comparator: higher voltage when no signal is detected (reducing false positives) and lower voltage when signal is detected (improving sensitivity). This dynamic adjustment allows the receiver to maintain detection capability while reducing power consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter of the reference signal based on operating conditions. By varying the reference voltage level according to whether a signal is present (detected through logic level transitions and pulse counting), the system optimizes the balance between detection reliability and power consumption without requiring continuous full-power operation.
2Measurement precision
If the reference signal voltage is lowered to improve sensitivity, then detection sensitivity improves, but noise detection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference signal voltage dynamically adapts to operating conditions. When no valid signal is detected (indicated by continuous logic levels or insufficient pulse counts), the voltage increases to filter out noise. When valid signals are detected (through preamble identification via pulse counting), the voltage decreases to improve sensitivity. This resolves the contradiction by making the reference voltage context-dependent rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the comparator output and pulse counter to adjust the reference signal voltage. The logic level transitions and pulse counts provide feedback about signal presence, which feeds back to the reference signal generation to adjust voltage levels appropriately, thereby maintaining sensitivity while reducing noise detection.
3Reliability
If the receiver processes signals continuously, then no signal is missed, but energy is wasted when no meaningful data is present
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous full-power processing, the system uses periodic sampling and event-driven operation. The comparator continuously monitors logic level transitions, and the pulse counter periodically checks for preamble patterns. Full signal processing only activates when meaningful data is detected, reducing energy waste while maintaining reliability through continuous monitoring at lower power states.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of logic level transitions and pulse counting before activating full signal processing. By detecting preambles and identification information in advance, the receiver can determine whether meaningful data is present before committing full processing resources, thereby avoiding energy waste on meaningless signals while ensuring no meaningful data is missed.
Data Source
AI summary
A receiver is provided that has reduced power consumption and seldom operates erroneously. The receiver generally includes: an input circuit or photoreceptor that receives a modulated digital signal that can includes a preamble; a detector that detects the received digital signal and outputs a baseband signal; a comparator that compares baseband signal and a reference signal; an integration circuit that integrates baseband signal; hysteresis circuits that generates voltage signals based on an average value signal from integration circuit; a multiplexer that selects between the signals from the hysteresis circuits based on a digital output signal from comparator; and a pulse detection counter that counts the number of pulses of the digital signal from comparator and outputs a count signal to one of the hysteresis circuits.