Dynamic Sub-Sampling Mixer Power Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Direct conversion receivers with high performance mixers, such as those using CMOS technology, face challenges in managing power consumption due to high capacitance and current draw, which is critical for mobile and portable devices that require extended battery life and efficient noise figure management.
Innovation Solution
Dynamic sub-sampling mixer systems and methods that adjust the sub-sampling rate based on power drain and performance, using feedback loops to measure parametric values like carrier-to-noise ratio and signal-to-noise ratio to minimize power consumption while maintaining required performance levels, by dynamically adapting the sub-sampling ratio and sampling period.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high performance CMOS mixers are used in direct conversion receivers, then mixing performance is improved, but power consumption increases due to high capacitance and current draw
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing dynamic sub-sampling of the mixer output signal at a rate lower than the full mixing rate. The sub-sampling rate is adjusted dynamically based on received signal strength indicator (RSSI) measurements, allowing the system to operate at reduced power consumption during periods of adequate signal quality while maintaining high performance when needed. This periodic sub-sampling approach reduces the switching frequency and associated power draw of the CMOS mixer circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the sub-sampling rate adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The system dynamically changes the sub-sampling ratio based on real-time RSSI measurements and signal quality assessments. This dynamic adaptation allows the receiver to optimize the trade-off between mixing performance and power consumption according to current operating conditions, directly resolving the contradiction between maintaining high performance and reducing power usage.
2Use of energy by moving object
If sub-sampling rate is reduced to minimize power drain, then power consumption decreases, but noise figure performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring signal quality parameters such as carrier-to-noise ratio (CNR) and received signal strength indicator (RSSI), and using this feedback to dynamically adjust the sub-sampling rate. When feedback indicates adequate signal quality, the system reduces the sub-sampling rate to minimize power drain. When feedback shows degradation in signal quality or noise figure performance, the system increases the sub-sampling rate to restore performance. This closed-loop feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by adapting the sub-sampling rate to actual performance requirements rather than using a fixed rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the sub-sampling rate parameter based on operating conditions. The system changes this critical parameter in response to varying signal strength, noise levels, and performance requirements. By modifying the sub-sampling rate parameter adaptively, the system optimizes the balance between power consumption and noise figure performance for different operating scenarios.
3Duration of action of moving object
If dynamic sub-sampling is implemented to extend battery life, then duration of operation increases, but system complexity increases due to feedback loops and control circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by integrating multiple functions into the existing receiver architecture. The dynamic sub-sampling control circuitry leverages existing components such as the RSSI measurement capabilities, carrier detection logic, and baseband processing elements already present in the receiver. By reusing these existing multi-functional components for sub-sampling rate control, the patent extends battery life while minimizing the addition of dedicated complexity-specific circuitry.
Data Source
AI summary
A mixer, a receiver, and a method provide dynamic sub-sampling mixer which adjust a sub-sampling rate based on power drain and performance. A mixer includes mixer circuitry receiving an input of a Radio Frequency (RF) input signal and providing an output of a baseband signal of the RF input sampled at a sub-sampling rate, baseband parametric control circuitry receiving the baseband signal and measuring at least one parametric value of the baseband signal, and sampling period control circuitry receiving the at least one parametric value and adjusting the sub-sampling rate based thereon, the sub-sampling rate or ratio is adjusted minimize power drain while ensuring performance of the at least one parametric value is satisfying a predetermined level.